Using 2D digital image correlation to investigate the flexural behavior of continuous composite beams

Abstract

This paper aims at studying the flexural behavior of continuous composite beams casting from normal concrete and Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON) by using DIC (Digital Image Correlation) technique. The DIC results are compared with the standard methods measurement. DIC is a new non-contacting and non-destructive optical technique based on digital photographs for the tested area to compare them at different stages of loading. Tests were performed on three full-scale T-section continuous beam specimens subjected to two-point loads. In this paper, the effect of using SIFCON at compression or tension parts of plastic hinge locations on the flexural capacity, moment redistribution and crack width are investigated experimentally. The results indicate that the DIC technique gives very good correspondence comparing with the results recorded by standard methods measurement. In addition, it was found that the enhancement in moment redistribution ratio for the beam with SIFCON at compression parts of plastic hinge zones was significantly higher by about 38% comparing with the beam with SIFCON at tension parts of plastic hinge zones.