Behaviour of functionally graded reinforced-concrete beams under cyclic loading

Abstract

Over the past decade, the functional grading has been applied as a new method for the manufacturing of reinforced-concrete elements. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate performance of the functionally graded reinforced-concrete beams exposed to cyclic loading. The steel and polypropylene fibres are used for the preparation of samples. Concrete beams with full composite action are strengthened with 0.5 to 2 % of steel fibres, and functionally graded RC beams contain 1.3 % of steel fibres. The use of the functionally graded method to reinforce concrete increases the dissipated energy due to the applied cyclic loading.