CONCEPTS OF LOCALIZED COMPRESSIVE FAILURE OF CONCRETE IN RC DEEP BEAMS

Abstract

RC deep beams with the effective depth of 200, 400 and 600 mm and with the transverse reinforcement ratio varied from 0. 0, 0. 4 to 0. 8 percent are tested. The measurement on the distribution of the local strains inside specimens for both concrete and reinforcements is performed by embedded strain gages inside the deep beams. The localized compressive failure zone of concrete in RC deep beams, which failed in shear compressive mode, is identified. Thus, the localized failure volume, Vp, and the fracture energy, GF, are quantitatively evaluated. It is proved that concepts of GF from the uniaxial compression tests are also applicable to concrete in RC deep beams which locally fail in compression.