Experimental Research on Ceramsite Concrete Beams

Abstract

Six specimens, including 4 ceramsite concrete beams(one of beams mixed into the polypropylene fiber ) and 2 normal concrete beams, were tested to investigate the flexural behavior. The test results show that cracking load of ceramsite concrete beams is slightly smaller than the ordinary concrete beam and cracking load of ceramsite concrete beams has significantly improved after mixing into the polypropylene fibers. The ultimate load of ceramsite concrete beams are no less than ordinary concrete beam,and fibers have not effects on the increase of ultimate load. Load-deflection curves were compared,and the results show that stiffness of ceramsite concrete beam is less than ordinary concrete beam. Ductility of ceramsite concrete beam is poorer than ordinary concrete beam. Fibers improve the stiffness of ceramsite concrete beam. Cover thickness of concrete beam has little effect on the performance of ceramsite concrete beam.