Finite element simulation on the effect of steel bars in concrete beams with & without web openings

Abstract

Usage of service ducts in high rise buildings proves to be most reliable and these require an opening through the beams to manage the floor height of a structure. In the present study, a comparison is done between the beams with and without web openings. As web reinforcement and shear reinforcement are the major parameters influencing the shear strength of beams, these were analyzed using finite element modelling with the help of Abaqus software. The web openings provided at the center between the application of load and supports caused approximately about 40 % reduction in the beams capacity and so it can be avoided by provided additional wrapping with CFRP like materials around the openings. The capacity of beam is retained same at the places of beams without openings in both the cases. As the percentage of web reinforcement is increased, the ability to take load also increased along with the vertical displacement.