Bending behavior, deformability and strength analysis of Prefabricated Cage Reinforced Composite beams

The principal aim of this paper is to examine, both experimentally and analytically, the bending behavior of Prefabricated Cage Reinforced Composite (PCRC) beams. This paper presents comprehensive data and their interpretation on strength, deformation characteristics, ductility and mode of failure of beams in terms of effects of thickness of sheet, concrete strength and amount of tension reinforcement. A total of 18 PCRC beam specimens and 3 Rebar Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beam specimens were considered in this study: Nine were made from cold formed steel sheet with average yield strength of 260N/mm2 and the rest of the beams with average yield strength of 400N/mm2. Theoretical model was developed for flexural strength and its accuracy was verified against experimental data. A three dimensional finite element model using ANSYS was also proposed to simulate the overall flexural behavior of PCRC beams. The experimental results infer that the confinement offered by prefabricated cage prolonged the initiation and propagation of cracks when compared to RCC beam specimens and the beams exhibited well defined post peak behavior. In PCRC beams, the flexural strength was not significantly influenced by yield strength of steel. This type of beam system exhibits an improved ductility and energy absorption capacity making it suitable for seismic resistant structures. Reduced construction time of these beams can play a vital role in fast track construction.