Flexural Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Beams With a Layer of SHCC In The Tension Zone

Abstract

Strain hardening cementitious composite is a new generation material with increased ductility and improved cracking behaviour as compared to traditionally used Normal Strength Concrete (NSC). An important charactersitic of SHCC is the ability of the fibers (2% PVA) in the composite mixture to bridge the cracks and there by preventing localization of cracks, resulting in a narrow network of cracks with width less than 100 micron (Micro cracking). The aim of this research is to investigate the possible benefits of having a layer of SHCC in the tension zone of a reinforced concrete beam under four point bending test. A numerical simulation of the four point bending test is performed using a finite element software called ATENA. Comparison is made between traditionally reinforced concrete beams and beams with steel reinforcement embedded in an SHCC layer. The load capacities and crack patterns might present us with opportunity to understand the influence of an SHCC layer in tension zone of a beam under bending.