Towards efficient structural and serviceability design of high-strength concrete t-beams

A total of 10 HSC T-beams having a total length of 1700 mm, web breadth of 100 mm, height of 250 mm, and different flange dimensions, were experimentally tested until failure. The studied parameters were; flange dimensions, transverse reinforcement ratio, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio of the beam. A numerical model was developed to predict the flexural behaviour of the tested beams. The results indicated that increasing breadth, depth, and flange reinforcement ratio led to reduction in the overall deflection, and enhancment of the ultimate load capacity. An empirical equation, developed earlier by the authors for predicting effective moment of inertia for HSC T beams, was used successfully to predict load-deflection relationships for the studied beams. Comparisons were carried out between the load-deflecion curves predicted by the numerical model, those predicted by this equation, and those predicted by Branson equation which is currently used in the design codes. It was found that there was a close agreement between the experimental results, numerical results and those obtained by the authors’ equation. This research highlights the need for updating the Branson equation used in the design codes for deflection design of HSC T beams by adopting the equation proposed by the authors