Reinforced Concrete Research Articles

Thermal behavior of adhesively bonded timber‐concrete composite slabs subjected to standard fire exposure

AbstractFire tests were performed for the first time on adhesively bonded timber‐concrete composite slabs. The two medium‐scale (1.8 × 1.25 m) slabs were produced by gluing an 80‐mm thick three‐layer cross‐laminated timber (CLT) board to a 50 mm thick prefabricated reinforced concrete (RC) slab with epoxy and polyurethane (PUR) adhesives, respectively. The behavior of the composite slabs under elevated temperature was monitored by (1) observing the burning behavior of the used CLT, for example, charring and delamination and (2) measuring the temperature development at different locations of the CLT slabs, in the adhesive bond between concrete and timber boards, and in RC slabs. It was found that employing a one‐dimensional charring model for pure softwood, as prescribed by Eurocode 5‐1‐2, underestimated the charring depth of CLT due to the delamination effects. Measurements revealed that the average charring rates in the middle layer of CLT panels were approximately 0.65 mm/min, suggesting that the presence of concrete does not significantly affect the thermal behavior of the CLT panel. Delamination within the CLT was observed when its adhesive temperature was around 230°C. It was followed by the free‐fall of delaminated wood plies, which progressed slowly and lasted until the end of the test. At 90 min into the test, the temperatures of epoxy at the nine locations ranged between 55°C and 130°, while that of PUR between 60°C and 100°. The adhesive between concrete and CLT could lose stiffness significantly along the rising of temperature after surpassing of glass transition temperature (58°C for epoxy and 23°C for PUR in this study). The results indicated a high risk of weakening the composite action between the concrete slab and timber board. The measured temperatures of steel rebar were lower than 50°C. However, the concrete temperature reached about 120°C and the concrete cracked due to the distinct thermal expansions between concrete and timber and the rigid constraint of adhesive bond.

Blast Resistance of Retrofitted Unreinforced Masonry Arch Bridge with Reinforced Concrete Pavement and Infill Replacement

Blast Resistance of Retrofitted Unreinforced Masonry Arch Bridge with Reinforced Concrete Pavement and Infill Replacement

Machine-learning assisted analysis on the seismic performance of steel reinforced concrete composite columns

This paper presents the data-driven analysis on the seismic performance of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) composite columns by using machine learning (ML) algorithms. A total of 248 test data of SRC columns subjected to the combined axial compressive force and low reversed cyclic horizontal force was collected from the published literatures to form the database. Since the seismic action triggers the SRC columns to suffer from different failure mode and hence exhibit quite different load bearing mechanism, six ML algorithms were employed to facilitate the failure mode classification and bearing capacity prediction. It was found that the Random Forest (RF) model predicts the failure mode most accurately, while XGBoost model delivers the best estimation of bearing capacity. To further evaluate the feasibility of ML models and unveil the interaction between different variables, interpretability analysis of ML models was carried out. In comparison with the conventional empirical judgement and theoretical derivation, ML model delivers enhanced accuracy and robustness to predict the seismic performance of SRC columns, and hence it could be used as a promising alternative for the preliminary design and analysis of SRC columns.

Experimental and numerical study on behavior of demountable shear connectors in sustainable reinforced concrete beam-slab

Developed herein is a novel fully demountable shear connector, P-DBSCs (Demountable Bolted Shear Connectors with End Plate), aimed at enhancing the economic and environmental advantages of traditional buildings undergoing disassembly and reconstruction. This work numerically and experimentally assessed the shear performance of P-DBSCs via seven push-out tests and finite element simulations. Results revealed a uniform failure mode across seven specimens characterized by bolt fractures, absent of significant beam or slab cracking, evidencing remarkable post-failure demountability. According to the assessments of the specimens' force state, encompassing Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and anti-lifting capacity analyses, established that specimens fitted with larger bolts maintained better integrity and the concrete beam is under compression state, with lifting displacements remaining below 1.2 mm. Further, a verified finite element model's parameter study explored the influences of factors such as slab concrete strength, channel spacing, steel box thickness, channel thickness, steel box strength, and the diameter and strength of bolts on the shear performance of these connectors, finding these attributes to significantly affect shear performance within specific ranges, except for the slab concrete strength, to which shear performance displayed lesser sensitivity. Regression analysis facilitated the proposition of a mechanical constitutive model and stiffness degradation model for this connector type, validated through correlation with experimental results. These models provide a solid theoretical foundation for implementing demountable reinforced concrete (RC) beam-slab systems.

Numerical model for time-dependent cracking and deflection of large-span concrete bridge structures

A new computational framework is proposed to analyse the simultaneous occurrence of multiple physical processes affecting the long-term behavior of large-scale concrete structures. Relying on the additivity of small strain, the framework comprehensively takes the nonlinearity of concrete creep, cyclic creep induced by traffic load, concrete shrinkage, concrete cracking, normal-strength steel rebars and prestressing strands relaxation into account, and other physical processes are further imagined. The algorithm is implemented with Abaqus/Standard with the aid of several user-supplied subroutines. The implicit time integration scheme is deemed appropriate for large-scale structures. The framework is systematically validated by several classical experimental results. Finally, a three-dimensional study of a three-span continuous rigid frame bridge with 270 m main span is performed. Comparison between the experimental and numerical results further reveals the contributions of various potential influencing factors. The proposed model shows promise for predicting the time-dependent performance of large-scale reinforcement concrete (RC) structures.

Quasi-static cyclic tests of FRP-confined steel-reinforced HPFRCC circular columns

This study presents a novel composite component comprising of steel-reinforced high-performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) circular columns confined by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), with the goal of improving the mechanical behavior of conventional reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Quasi-static cyclic loading tests were conducted to investigate various aspects of the column specimens, including failure phenomena, load-displacement response, sectional compression-bending performance, plastic hinge length, and lateral strain distributions in the FRP jacket, etc. A self-designed frictional force measurement device was employed to accurately measure the actual force borne by the specimen. The experiment results revealed that FRP confinement effectively improved the load-bearing capacity and deformation capacity of the specimens and delayed the deterioration of the sectional compression-bending performance. The superior tensile ductility of HPFRCC led to increased yielding displacement and peak load compared to FRP-confined concrete specimen, although this enhancement was limited. Furthermore, the peak load of the FRP-confined HPFRCC specimen increased with axial load, while the sectional compression-bending performance after the peak load remained relatively stable until approaching the collapse prevention (CP) limit state.

Hygrothermal effect of bio-inspired helicoid laminate plate for strengthening damaged RC beam

This study investigates the influence of moisture and Thermo-hygroscopic influence on bio-inspired helicoidally laminated composite plates (BHLC) for strengthening damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Borrowing inspiration from nature’s design principles, BHLC plates represent a novel approach to rehabilitation. An analytical approach based on deformation compatibility is employed, assuming constant shear and normal stresses across the adhesive layer within the framework of linear elasticity. BHLC plates are implemented to restrict crack propagation within the RC beam. The analytical methodology considers equilibrium and deformation compatibility across all components: the concrete beam, BHLC plate, and adhesive layer. A parametric study explores the sensitivity of interfacial stresses to parameters such as laminate and adhesive stiffness, plate thickness, and helicoidal layup configuration. The results reveal a significant influence of these factors on the magnitude of maximum interfacial shear and normal stresses. This study establishes a foundation for future analyses of damaged RC beams strengthened with BHLC plates, potentially leading to advancements in rehabilitation methodologies and improved crack propagation modeling in RC beams.

Seismic flexural rehabilitation of RC coupling beams with FRP sheets: Evaluation of EBROG technique

Coupled shear walls (CSW) in reinforced concrete (RC) structures must be connected with stiff and strong coupling beams (CBs) to perform effectively during an earthquake. However, many RC buildings with CSW resisting systems have been designed and constructed with insufficient seismic requirements based on old codes and standards. During major earthquakes, these systems respond unsatisfactorily and may prematurely collapse. Strengthening of different RC members including CBs with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets attached through externally-bonded reinforcement (EBR), though attractive, has always suffered from premature debonding of FRP from concrete substrate. The alternative externally-bonded reinforcement on grooves (EBROG) technique has been shown to overcome premature debonding when used instead of the EBR method. Therefore, this experimental study investigated the efficiency of rehabilitation with carbon FRP (CFRP) through the EBROG technique on the seismic behavior of flexural-deficient RC coupling beams. Furthermore, different patterns of flexural retrofit, as well as the effectiveness of FRP fans, have been studied to prevent undesirable debonding of CFRP strips. Four large-scale RC coupling beams have been identically constructed. The CB specimens were reinforced in such a way as to be flexural deficient, i.e., their loading capacities in shear were much more than that in bending. The CB specimens were then retrofitted with CFRP sheets in different patterns. The maximum peak loads of specimens CBF-1 L, CBF-1 L.F, and CBF-2 L.F increased by 37.0 %, 44.3 %, and 46.0 % over the control, respectively. Upon comparing the loading capacities of specimens CBF-1 L and CBF-1 L.F, it was found that FRP sheets installed through the EBROG method could delay premature debonding and utilize approximately 80 % of the CFRP's capacity. It was observed that using the EBROG technique and FRP fans at the termination point of FRP sheets, fully eliminated the debonding, and the full capacity of the CFRP sheets was utilized accompanied by their rupture, with improved ductility and increased load-carrying capacity of up to 46 %. It was also found that CFRP composites attached to concrete through the EBROG method significantly increased the strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation of CB specimens in terms of seismic rehabilitation.

Flexural strengthening of RC beams using external unbonded rebar: an experimental investigation

ABSTRACT Flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams is an important research topic due to its huge practical demand. In the present study, a new flexural strengthening method for RC beams, called the Shear-key Mounted Unbonded Rebar (SMUR) technique, is proposed and its effectiveness is examined through an experimental investigation. A total of 12 RC beams were cast and tested under four-point loading. Ten were strengthened and the remaining two the original or control beams. Before casting the RC beams, their constituent materials, such as cement, aggregate and rebar, were tested to ensure the quality of casting. The beams were strengthened with unbonded rebars attached to their tension faces through shear keys. One of the main advantages of the proposed technique was its speed and ease of application. As well as its effectiveness, the effects of other important aspects, such as the size and location of the rebar, were also examined. It was found that the proposed method noticeably enhanced the flexural capacity of a control beam. The ultimate load capacity of a strengthened beam was 60% higher than that of a control one. The flexural performances of the beams could be further improved by increasing the bar size and its location. The welding and conventional flexure were the dominant modes of failure in the strengthened beams.

An activation guideline for the resistive heating process of iron-based shape memory alloy embedded in concrete

In new and existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures, extensive research has proven that iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA) can be used as prestressing materials. As for the Fe-SMA embedded in concrete, the resistive heating method is usually adopted to activate its shape memory effect to develop prestress in the concrete. The prestressing process of the Fe-SMA involves multiple physical fields such as electric currents, temperatures, and mechanics. An accurate and standardized implementation of the activation process is essential for the Fe-SMA to effectively generate the expected prestress in the structure. However, data drift can occur when thermocouples measure the temperature of the Fe-SMA through which current flows and non-contact heat sensors can not measure the temperature of the Fe-SMA embedded in the concrete. It is also difficult to theoretically estimate the activation time and temperature of the Fe-SMA in concrete. The pre-test or empirical values are usually required to estimate the activation current and time for reaching the target temperature, compromising the construction efficiency. Additionally, the selection of activation parameters varies wildly for Fe-SMA with different specifications and sizes. There are currently no standardized guidelines for the electrical resistive activation of the Fe-SMA. Therefore, a multi-physical finite element model was developed to study the self-prestressing process of the Fe-SMA embedded in concrete and predict the temperature distribution and prestress of the Fe-SMA and concrete. The effects of the current density, the Fe-SMA shape and size, and the concrete cover depth were analyzed. In the end, an activation guideline for the electrical resistive heating of the Fe-SMA was offered to facilitate the construction and activation process in field engineering.

Experimental investigations on the flexural behavior of compression-cast seawater sea-sand concrete beams reinforced with CFRP bars

To address the corrosion problems, environmental concerns, and achieve green and sustainable civil engineering practices, this study designed several compression-cast seawater sea-sand concrete (SSC) beams reinforced with corrosion-resistant carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars (i.e., FRP-SSC beams) and their flexural behavior was experimentally investigated through four-point bending tests. Twelve FRP-SSC beams were designed, including three normal-cast and nine compression-cast ones. The critical parameters included the concrete casting forms, water-to-cement (w/c) ratios, and reinforcement ratios of CFRP bars (ρf). Effects of the concrete casting methods, w/c ratios, and ρf on the flexural responses of FRP-SSC beams were comprehensively studied. In addition, the flexural theorems were used to derive the prediction models of the equivalent stress block parameters (i.e., εcm, α1, and β1) and flexural strength (Mu) of compression-cast FRP-SSC beams. Moreover, based on the experimental results, effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed flexural strength design models were verified by using the existing design specifications. Finally, the results indicate that, (1) compression-cast FRP-SSC beams with the larger ρf (1.78 %) exhibited bending failure featured by compression concrete crushing, whereas that with the smaller ρf (0.75 %) shown splitting failure; (2) The cracking moments of compression-cast FRP-SSC beams increased significantly owing to the higher compressive strength and elastic modulus of compression-cast concrete (CCC); (3) Because of the pronounced brittleness of CCC, the improvement of the ultimate flexural capacity of compression-cast FRP-SSC beams was limited; (4) Under the same moment level, the maximum crack widths of compression-cast FRP-SSC beams were smaller than their normal-cast counterparts; and (5) the proposed flexural strength design models could yield more accurate, safer, and conservative predictions of flexural strength for both normal- and compression-cast FRP-SSC beams.

Probabilistic evaluation of failure time of reinforced concrete frame in post‐earthquake fire scenario

AbstractThis paper aims at assessing the failure time of a 7‐story reinforced concrete (RC) frame in a post‐earthquake fire (PEF) event probabilistically. Cumulative distribution functions (CDF) of the studied frame's failure time in various seismic load intensities have been calculated and presented with the aid of Monte Carlo analysis. Seismic load intensity, failure time, and failure probability are three parameters that are correlated through probabilistic analysis. The effects of cracking, spalling, and residual deformations resulted from the seismic load are considered in the strength of structure against the fire load. Seismic load intensity, materials properties, gravity load, and geometry are considered as random variables and one probabilistic analysis has been carried out for each seismic load intensity. The results have illustrated that in low seismic load intensities, probabilistic values of failure time in a structure subjected to pure fire load are equal to the one exposed to PEF. With the increase of seismic load intensity, the effects of cracking, spalling, and residual deformations would lead to a decline in the strength of structural elements against PEF scenario. The failure time in 50% failure probability for Sa = 0.2 g, Sa = 1 g, and Sa = 2 g intensities has been calculated as 14,300, 12,200, and 5100 s, respectively. The analysis results have shown that in an unspecified seismic load intensity, the failure time of the 7‐story RC frame for the 50% occurrence probability is equal to 9750 s.

Bayesian inference of the spatial distribution of steel corrosion in reinforced concrete structures using corrosion-induced crack width

Observations of corrosion-induced crack widths offer crucial information about the corrosion states of steel reinforcements in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, enabling a cost-effective method for inferring corrosion states through inverse analysis. However, the uncertainty associated with the relationship between corrosion-induced cracking and steel weight loss necessitates a probabilistic inference method, especially when considering the spatial distributions of steel weight loss, which provides important information to estimate the load-bearing capacity loss of corroded RC structures. This paper proposes a Bayesian framework to infer the steel weight loss distribution in RC structures based on the observed corrosion-induced crack width. To reduce the dimensions of the Bayesian inference, a Karhunen-Loève transform is applied to extract the principal distribution features of the steel weight loss. The forward model of the Bayesian inference adopts a data-driven sequence-to-sequence transduction approach to predict corrosion-induced crack width from steel weight loss. This model incorporates a novel nonlinear convolution kernel for input encoding and a sparse polynomial chaos expansion for decoding, which proves more accurate and efficient than finite element simulations. The Hamiltonian Markov chain Monte Carlo (HMCMC) sampler is used to efficiently sample from the posterior distribution of the Bayesian inference. The case study of the proposed method demonstrated that Bayesian inference provides robust range estimation for the steel weight loss distribution, with its 95% confidence interval encompassing most observations. Additionally, the method efficiently inferred high-dimensional steel weight loss sequences up to 61 dimensions, taking advantage of the dimension reduction technique and the gradient-informed HMCMC sampler.

Prediction and analysis of damage to RC columns under close-in blast loads based on machine learning and Monte Carlo method

Rapid prediction and quantitative assessment of the damage of reinforced concrete (RC) columns under blast loads are challenging and crucial issues. The key parameters affecting the anti-blast capacity of RC columns are coupled with failure modes. In this study, machine learning (ML) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are employed to investigate the damage of RC columns subjected to blast loads. 257 data collected from existing experimental and numerical studies are utilized to establish a database for model training and testing. The damage indexes of columns are predicted using eight ML models with eight input features. The predictive capacity of each model is characterized by eight evaluation indexes through MC simulations. The CatBoost model is identified as the optimal model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Additionally, the CatBoost model is explained using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method, and the influence of axial compression ratio on column damage is determined to be intricate. The coupling relationship between the axial compression ratio and the scale distance of the column is analyzed. Finally, a zonal diagram is developed. This diagram can be utilized to assess the damage of the RC column quickly and efficiently.

Prediction of parameters in the Ibarra–Medina–Krawinkler model for reinforced concrete columns using random forest and active learning

The lumped plasticity model is widely used in the practical modeling of reinforced concrete (RC) columns because of its computational efficiency. However, existing formulations for estimating the backbone curve and cyclic deterioration parameters often fail to accurately predict new data with high variability and necessitate laborious calibrations. To address it, a machine-learning (ML) approach utilizing the random forest (RF) algorithm to predict seven parameters in the Ibarra–Medina–Krawinkler lumped plasticity model for depicting hysteretic response is proposed in this study, where a comprehensive data of 475 RC columns, encompassing diverse material properties, geometric features, and failure modes, is used. In addition, an active-learning framework is integrated to address the limited availability of labeled data in supervised ML tasks, which reduces the exhausted labeling process. The proposed RF surpasses existing research and commonly used ML models regarding coefficient of determination. Additionally, the predicted parameters more accurately simulate the behavior of strength and stiffness degradation in the hysteretic loop of columns than empirical regression formulas. These results will benefit the high-fidelity seismic risk assessments of RC buildings.

Enhancing concrete’s ballistic impact resistance using Alfa fiber

Natural fibers are gaining interest in recent years due to the increasing calls for eco-friendly materials production. Concrete reinforcement with Alfa fiber is attracting attention to take benefit of natural fiber advantages in the construction sector. The mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete reinforced with Alfa fibers have been primarily investigated. The current study seeks to analyse the ballistic protection performance of Alfa-reinforced concrete in response to the emerging need to withstand bullet impacts and protect occupants in light of the increasing armed hostilities. Eight formulations were selected for the concrete preparation by varying the Alfa fiber content from 0 to 100 kg/m³. After determining the mechanical characteristics of the concrete such as compressive, flexural and tensile strength, ballistic resistance to bullet impacts is determined by measuring the penetration depth, the crater area and the lost mass after impact in concrete slab 10 and 15 cm thick. The formulations of Alfa-reinforced concrete exhibited lower penetration depth, crater area, and lost mass compared to the reference concrete. Optimal values were achieved with 15 kg/m³ of fibers. A dependency between the ballistic response on the fibrous concrete and flexural strength of concrete is also remarked. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that incorporating Alfa fibers into concrete significantly enhances its ballistic resistance, with optimum performance observed at 15 kg/m³ of fiber inclusion. These findings underscore the potential of Alfa-reinforced concrete for use in military constructions and structures vulnerable to impact risks, paving the way for further research and practical applications in enhancing structural and occupant safety.

Impact of balcony geometry on the performance of rubberized concrete structures against progressive collapse

PurposeEvaluate the performance of progressive collapse of full-scale three-dimensional structure (3D) beam-slab substructures with and without the presence of reinforced concrete (RC) balconies using two concrete mixes [normal concrete (NC) and rubberized concrete (RuC)].Design/methodology/approachThis study examines two concrete mixes to evaluate the progressive collapse performance of full-scale 3D beam-slab substructures with and without the presence of RC balconies using the finite element (FE) method.FindingsThe results showed that the vertical loads that affect the structures of the specimens after including the balconies in the modeling increased by an average of 29.3% compared with those of the specimens without balconies. The specimens with balconies exhibited higher resistance to progressive collapse in comparison with the specimens without balconies. Moreover, the RuC specimens performed very efficiently during the catenary stage, which significantly enhanced robustness to substantial deformation to delay or mitigate the progressive collapse risk.Originality/valueAll the experimental and numerical studies of the RC beam-slab substructures under progressive collapse scenarios are limited and do not consider the balcony’s presence in the building. Although balconies represent a common feature of multistory residential buildings, their presence in the building has more likely caused the failure of this building compared with a building without balconies. However, balconies are an external extension of RC slabs, which can provide extra resistance through tensile membrane action (TMA) or compressive membrane action (CMA). All those gaps have not been investigated yet.

Shear performance of FRP panel-reinforced rc columns attached using corner angles and bolts without epoxy resin

As the frequency of earthquakes has risen globally, the importance of seismic design in building construction has intensified. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) are increasingly utilized as seismic reinforcement materials for reinforced concrete (RC) columns because of their lighter weight and superior strength compared to concrete and steel. However, the epoxy resin commonly used for FRP reinforcement is susceptible to fire, as it exhibits a glass transition temperature below 100 °C, and its performance can vary depending on the skill of the applicator. A method was therefore proposed to involve the non-adhesive application of FRP panels using corner angles and angle connections, eliminating the need for epoxy resin. Experimental and analytical studies were conducted to assess the shear performance of FRP-reinforced RC columns without adhesive attachment. The findings revealed that the maximum shear force capacity increased by more than 1.5 times compared to traditional RC columns. By securing the corner angle and FRP panel with angle connection materials, the attachment effect can be maximized to the extent of the corner angle area, suggesting its potential for enhancing shear performance.

Cyclic moment-rotation model for bolted double-angle connections with composite floor systems

This paper presents a simplified moment-rotation model for cyclic response of bolted double-angle beam-to-column connections in composite steel frames with concrete on metal decking floors. The proposed model employs mechanics-based equations to determine model parameters, along with empirical observations from previous studies and data from recent large-scale multi-bay frame experiments. Several design variables and construction details, such as orientation of the metal decking, concrete reinforcement layout, and deck splicing details around the connection, were considered in the proposed model. Comparisons between the connection model and experimental results showed reasonable agreement in moment-resisting capacity up to 8% interstory drift. Notably, the proposed model adequately simulated varying responses based on connection details not captured by existing moment-rotation models. Analyses of 2- and 4-story frames using the proposed model showed up to 1.3 times higher ductility and 47% lower initial rotational stiffness compared to those using the existing ASCE 41 connection models with strengths of 20% and 35% of the plastic moment capacity of the girder. These results indicate the potential overestimation of stiffness and moment-resisting capacity, and the underestimation of ductility when using existing moment-rotation models due to insufficient modeling parameters to represent actual behavior. Therefore, the proposed model demonstrates its applicability in incorporating various design variables and construction details of bolted double-angle connections with composite concrete on metal deck floors. This model can be used to account for the non-negligible strength and stiffness of bolted double-angle connections in steel gravity framing under seismic loads.

Study on the meso-damage characteristics of RC beam under shear failure based on acoustic emission and numerical analysis

Material meso-scopic damage is the fundamental cause of the degradation of the macroscopic mechanical properties of structures, so it is vital to appraise the meso-damage process of various material components. Acoustic emission (AE) technology as a nondestructive testing method can cover the shortage of traditional test to detect the meso-damage. Therefore, in this study, four-point shear tests were conducted on reinforced concrete (RC) beams and AE signals were collected during tests. Results indicated that the shear failure process of RC beam could be divided into three stages based on the correlation between the cumulative AE energy and load-time. Meanwhile, the finite element model (FEM) was established to intuitively obtain the meso-damage evolution process of RC beam in different failure stages. It was observed that the mortar damage, the ITZ damage, the aggregate damage and the reinforcement plasticity damage occurred inside the RC beam and the meso-damage all showed stage characteristics. Besides, the correlation between AE signals and different meso-damage were established by combining the wavelet packet and the cluster analysis. Based on these analysis, the method of assessing the damage severity of RC beam under shear failure was proposed eventually.