Fracture toughness of RC beams with different shear span

Abstract

This article presents the results of experimental investigation of reinforced concrete beams without transverse reinforcement on the shear. In researching, the variable parameter was relative span to effective depth ratio, which acquired the values a/d=2, 1.5, 1. The testing program involves testing of each beams samples twice. Beams were tested by the static loading of applied force at two points. Experimental results have shown the difference between the experiments of twin beams above 5 - 9%. The obtained results indicate an increase of the bearing capacity with a decrease of relative span to the effective depth ratio. The first inclined crack disclosed in mid-height cross section, at the load 50 kN at an angle equal to 45°. With increasing loading, the width of crack increased and the crack propagation occurred to the top surface of the testing sample. On occurrence of limit width of crack wmax=0.4 mm, another crack was opened in the direction from the loading point to the edge of beam support. The limit values of the crack opening width are fixed at 71 - 84% of the load carrying capacity of the samples. The effect of increasing the shear strength, according to the serviceability, is similar to the increasing of the bearing capacity and close by the value.