Effect of the Number of Horizontal Construction Joints In Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

In this paper some results from previous experimental test are adoptedand analyzed using a nonlinear three-dimensional finite element ANSYScomputer program (v.11) to investigate the effect of the presence ofhorizontal construction joints (H.C.J.) on the behavior of reinforcedconcrete (RC) beams.Three beams having one, two and three (H.C.J.) that divide the beam into equalparts, as well as one reference beam without a joint were analyzed. The resultsobtained from the finite element analysis show very good agreement with theresults obtained from the previous experimental test. The maximum differences inultimate loads were about (8.2-10.4)% for all types of tested beams. The presenceof one, two and three (H.C.J.) in RC beams under flexure gave a decrease in thevalue of the cracking load such that Pcr was (97%), (85%) and (80%) of (Bref).The respective ultimate load capacity Pu was (96%), (89%) and (84%) comparedto (Bref).

Keywords

• rc beams
• horizontal construction joints
• dowels
• reinforcing steels
• ansys
• finite element method