Structural Response of Reinforced Concrete Wide Beams Reinforced With Lattice Girders

Abstract

This paper summarizes the test data obtained from an experimental investigation of reinforced concrete (RC) wide beams reinforced with lattice girders, which can also be described as one-way slabs, under low-rate (static) concentrated loading applied at their mid-span. Tests were conducted on lattice girder reinforced and traditionally reinforced beam-type specimens to investigate the effect of lattice girder on load carrying capacity. Key aspects of structural response such as the load deflection behavior, crack patterns, strength and failure modes of the tested beams were recorded and given in this paper. A total of 6 beams with two different reinforcement arrangements were tested. Tested beams were simply supported at a span of 2250 mm. All specimens were tested under static loading and midspan deflections were recorded using a displacement transducer. Similar stiffness was displayed by the lattice girder reinforced and traditionally reinforced beams, but higher resistant capacity was shown by the lattice girder reinforced beams.