Abstract: |
The objective of the research is to improve the structural behavior of reinforced concrete
(RC) T–beams by applying various techniques of external pre-stressing tendons, thus enhancing the
load-carrying capacities and raising the resistance to applied forces. Seven identical RC T–beams were
subjected to four-point loading to study the influence of the deviator number, tension mechanism,
and tendon profile on flexural behavior. Of these, one beam was an original specimen without any
tendons. The other six beams were strengthened with external tendons: two identical specimens
with straight–line tendons but with a different number of inner deviators; two identical specimens
with V–shaped tendons but with a different tension direction; and finally, two identical specimens
with U–shaped tendons but with a different tension direction. The results and discussion were
achieved using finite element (FE) software, ANSYS WORKBENCH. The results from all specimens
were listed and analyzed for the failure mechanism, load-carrying capacity, deflection, and ductility.
According to the FE results, external tendons greatly enhance the load-carrying and stiffness of RC
beams. In addition, strengthening beams with external pre-stressing techniques can delay the early
cracking load, yield load, and ultimate load by approximately 250%, 570%, and 30%, respectively,
when compared to an unstrengthened beam. Moreover, the straight-line tendon with inner deviators
was obtained to be the most effective technique for simple beams.
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