Identifying the effects of excessive deflection in reinforced concrete beam

In framed reinforced concrete structure, the beams transfers the dead and live loads to the column and then to the foundation. When there are observed structural failure in the systems supported by the beam, especially where the beam has a large unsupported clear span at a lower level, before any further detailed investigations are initiated, the functional state of the beams should be ascertained. The correct diagnosis of the source of problem is essential for the design of effective rehabilitation scheme. Simple visual inspection corroborated with field test for true horizontality of the beam can provide the lead information that will guide the client on the scope of further investigations. The case study method of qualitative research was adopted to address the research questions, while the research data was collected by reviewing previous investigation reports on a three-storey building, physical inspection and conducting simple site experiment to identify the lead information. The research outcome reveals that the multiple cracks observed in the partition walls especially in the second floors were as a result of excessive deflections in the beams supporting the first and second floors. Based on recommendation, subsequent investigation confirmed this lead information and appropriate rehabilitation scheme was adopted