Reinforced Concrete Beams under Combined Axial and Lateral Loading.

Abstract

Abstract : Nine hinge-supported reinforced concrete beams were tested under displacement control with a proportional axial and symmetrical two-point lateral loading system. The nine beams were divided into three test series of three beams each. The beams in Series 1 contained shear reinforcement and were loaded monotonically to failure. Those in Series 2 contained no shear reinforcement and were loaded similarly to the first series. The Series 3 beams were shear reinforced and were loaded to failure under cyclic loading. Each beam had a 3.82-m span, a 229- by 381-mm cross section, and an effective depth of 317 mm. Reinforcement consisted of three No. 6 bars in tension and two No. 2 bars in compression. Shear reinforcement consisted of No. 2 stirrups at a spacing of 152 mm. Measurements consisted of steel and concrete strain, axial and lateral loads, pressure, displacement, and rotation. The Series 1 and 3 beams failed in flexural tension, and the Series 2 beams failed in shear compression. Also reported are the results of two companion plain concrete testing programs: (1) multiaxial testing of cubes, and (2) displacement-controlled cylinder tests. (Author)