Minimum flexural reinforcement for T-beams made of higher strength concrete

Abstract

Design codes specify minimum flexural reinforcement for reinforced concrete beams. With the extensive use of higher strength concrete, the empirical expressions of the past for minimum flexural reinforcement, in which the concrete strength is not considered, had to be revised. Six reinforced concrete T-beams, having small ratios of flexural reinforcement, were tested to study the behaviour at the positive moment region and to evaluate the code requirements on minimum flexural reinforcement. A criterion was set and evaluations of different minimum reinforcement requirements were made using this criterion and the test data.Key words: beams, crack control, ductility, flexural strength, high strength concrete, minimum flexural reinforcement, reserve strength.