Initial strength of graded concrete beams on varying concrete strength

Abstract

The combination of concrete and steel in reinforced concrete beam structures creates new composite material, reinforced concrete, with distinct properties. When compared to standard concrete beams, the incorporation of graded concrete in structures is projected to minimize cement, which in turn could boost beam structure capacity, serviceability, and cost savings. The goal of this experiment is to look at the load-deflection relationship on RC graded concrete beams of various concrete strengths. The tensile regions of graded concrete beam specimens received a lower strength concrete mix, whereas the compression parts received a higher strength concrete mix. In a structural laboratory, the specimens were tested utilizing a four-point bending method with hinge-roller support. At rupture, the greatest significant beam load capacity was seen in specimens with a quality differential of 20 MPa, which experienced a 14.3% increase in load capacity and a 9.4% reduction in deflection, according to this experimental investigation. Therefore, the bigger the difference in concrete quality between compressive and tensile fibres, the greater the resistance response of the beam in distributing the load into compressive and tensile stress on the cross-section. The most significant deflection reduction pattern was seen in specimens with a higher difference in concrete strength. Finally, the graded concrete can improve the structure’s serviceability, particularly the flexural sections, allowing for greater performance constructions.