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Flexural Investigation of a/d Ratio for High-Strength PVA-FRC Beams Based on Experimental and Finite Element Analysis

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Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Ordinary concrete beams (shear span–depth (a/d) ratio > 2) often used in mega and small structures, while deep beams (a/d ratio < 2) are designed for some architectural purposes. Limited researches on the behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) using only steel fibers are available to assess the effect of a/d  ratio. This study investigates the flexural capacity and load–displacement behavior of polyvinyl alcohol FRC (PVA-FRC) ordinary and deep beams by varying a/d ratio. In 02 mix types, plain and containing metakaolin as 10% cement replacement, up to 3% volume fraction of PVA fibers added by volume of concrete. Using each mix, 03 beams of each of the size as 100 × 200 × 1500 mm, 100 × 200 × 700 mm, and 100 × 200 × 500 mm cast and tested to failure under third-point loading using a/d ratio as 3.5, 1.5, and 1.0, respectively. The test results showed a significant effect of a/d ratio on the flexural capacity; however, the deflection-hardening response is independent. Besides, an analytical expression to predict the flexural strength based on a/d ratio proposed, which is validated through finite element analysis (FEA). The experimental flexural strengths confirmed the results obtained from the analytical model and FEA, whereas the FEA results also endorsed load–displacement behaviors of PVA-FRC.

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Funding

This study is conducted in support of NED University of Engineering and Technology and its staff. There was no funding available for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan

    Tehmina Ayub

  2. Department of Urban and Infrastructure Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan

    Sadaqat Ullah Khan

Authors
  1. Tehmina Ayub
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  2. Sadaqat Ullah Khan
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Correspondence to Tehmina Ayub.

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The authors had not received any research grants whatsoever for this study. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Ayub, T., Khan, S.U. Flexural Investigation of a/d Ratio for High-Strength PVA-FRC Beams Based on Experimental and Finite Element Analysis. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng 46, 717–732 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-020-00544-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-020-00544-0

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