Research in Redistribution of Bending Moments in the Beams of Reinforced Concrete Early Loaded

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study of a reinforced concrete beam, simulating a double-span beam, early loaded. The beam was designed with limited redistribution of bending moments from the support to the span. The tested element was loaded at the operational load level, after the concrete had reached 80% of its predicted compressive strength. In a two-month test it was observed that the distribution of bending moments changed in the direction opposite to what was expected, i.e. from the span to the support. Moment redistribution in the tested beam leads to a reduction of security level in the middle support section of the beam.