Experimental Study on Flexural Bearing Characteristics of Ceramsite Concrete Beams after Creep at Different Curing Ages

Abstract

Ceramsite concrete is increasingly used for structural applications due to its lightweight, high-strength, and high-temperature resistance advantages. However, research into the postcreep properties of ceramsite concrete has yet to keep pace with other areas. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the flexural bearing properties of ceramsite concrete beams after creep and make recommendations for future research. To study the flexural load-bearing performance of ceramsite concrete beams after creep, a comparison test was carried out on four ceramsite concrete beams subjected to 200 d creep loading and four beams subjected to static load without creep loading for four curing ages. The results showed that, at first, the deformation capacity of the ceramsite concrete beams would increase after creep and the toughness and energy absorption capacity would also strengthen. Secondly, the creep could improve the ultimate bearing capacity of the ceramsite concrete beams. It was an approximate 10% increase after 200 d creep. Then, the stiffness, toughness, and ultimate bearing capacity of the ceramsite concrete beams would increase gradually with the increase of the curing age after the creep. In addition, the ultimate bearing capacity of the ceramsite concrete beams increased gradually with the increase of the curing age. The growth rate was faster in the early stage, slower after 120 d, and slower and more stable after 228 d. Finally, creep could cause the maximum crack width and depth of the ceramsite concrete beams decreased and the number of cracks would grow with the curing age. The conclusions obtained in the study provide a theoretical basis for the design of light aggregate structures for creep.