EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF VERTICAL RECTANGULAR OPENINGS ON FLEXURAL STRENGTH IN REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS.
Abstract: This study investigates the effect of vertical rectangular openings on the flexural strength of reinforced concrete beams. A total of twelve reinforced concrete beams measuring 200m x 230mm x 700mm were cast, each featuring different sizes of rectangular openings positioned at 150 mm from the supports. The opening sizes examined were 25mm x 35mm, 50mm x 60mm, and 75mm x 85mm. Subsequently, the beams underwent center-point loading tests using a universal testing machine to determine their flexural strength.
The findings reveal that the flexural strength of the beams gradually decreases with the enlargement of the rectangular openings. Among the various opening sizes investigated, the optimal flexural strength of 13.47 N/mm2 was achieved with an opening size of 25mm x 35mm. Moreover, the maximum deflection observed was 14.19 mm, which remains below the 20 mm allowable deflection specified by BS 8110.
Based on these results, it is recommended that when incorporating vertical rectangular openings in reinforced concrete beams, caution should be exercised. Openings larger than 75mm x 85mm should be avoided, and their placement should be limited to sections within 150 mm from the supports to maintain structural integrity and prevent excessive deflection.
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF VERTICAL RECTANGULAR OPENINGS ON FLEXURAL STRENGTH IN REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS