Behaviour of One-Way Reinforcement Concrete Cantilever Slabs with Openings

Abstract

In some concrete structures, openings are placed because of the need for several utility requirements. These openings could affect the strength of the structural members. So the behavior of reinforcement concrete (RC) cantilever slab containing openings and its effect is the subject of the study. Opening shapes, numbers and sizes are the main variables that have been studied in this research. Five RC cantilever slabs were cast and tested; one is without openings and the other four slabs are with openings. It is found that there is a significant effect of openings on the behavior of these slabs. Where, the decrease in the ultimate load (from 39kN to 24.7kN), while the decrease in the deflection at ultimate load (from 67 mm to 35 mm).