Title: Reinforced Concrete T-Beams with Large Web Openings in Positive and Negative Moment Regions

Author(s): Kiang-Hwee Tan, Mohammad A. Mansur, and Loon-Meng Huang

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 93

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 277-289

Keywords: continuous beams; cracking (fracturing); deflection; openings; reinforced concrete; serviceability; strength; structural design; tests.

DOI: 10.14359/9687

Date: 5/1/1996

Abstract:
Fifteen test specimens, each simulating either the negative or the positive moment regions of a reinforced concrete continuous T-beam, were fabri-cated with large openings through the web and tested to failure. Test results indicated that the presence of web openings leads to a decrease in both cracking and ultimate strength as well as postcracking stifiess similar to earlier observations on simply-supported rectangular beams. For the same passageway, beams with multiple openings were found to perform better in terms of strength and serviceability than those with a single opening. Test results confirmed Vierendeel panel behavior at the opening segment of the beam. It has been found that apportioning of the applied shear between the chord members in accordance with theirflex-Ural stifJjtesses gives a good reflection of actual distribution. An analytical procedure for both the ultimate strength and service load analysis incorporating the use of equivalent stiffnesses for the opening segment was found to predict the test results well.