Management of the Special Processes – An Experimental Study of Bent Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the results obtained from the testing of simply supported reinforced concrete beams subjected to four-point bending. The beams, with two levels of steel reinforcement ( ρ s1 = 1.26%, ρ s 2 = 0.71%), and dimensions of 0.12×0.30×3.30 m, were subjected to loading involving a sudden increase in force with multiple unloading cycles to zero. The study included comparative analysis of deflection results obtained from experimental tests (calculated based on the curvature of the element and readings from measurement devices) with deflection values obtained through calculations based on two selected standards. Real values of ultimate bending moments were also compared with theoretical values. Additionally, compressive strength tests were conducted on eight cubic concrete specimens with a side length of b = 150 mm, obtained for each concrete batch. They con - stitute accompanying studies. Using standard procedures, strength and statistical parameters were estimated and evaluated, taking into account the assessment of the quality of the concrete production used to make the reinforced concrete beams. Ensuring compliance with the process of producing full-sized reinforced concrete beams with existing standard procedures, as well as attention to the quality of concrete production, contributed to achieving satisfactory results in the experimental tests. Knowledge about the impact of loading on mechanical properties enables effective management of factors shaping quality to obtain a construction material with optimal parameters.