Flexural Strength Estimation for Hollow Cross-Section Simply Supported UHPC Beams

Abstract

Abstract The hollow structural elements occupy a great deal of researchers’ interest due to the possibility of losing their weights and maintaining or developing their resistances especially when increasing both compressive and tensile strength of modern materials. The flexural strength based on the forces balance and stain compatibility was derived. Nine beams of Ultra High Performance concrete (UHPC) and conventional reinforced steel bars were casted. Several parameters were taken which are the thickness of the concrete top flange, thickness of the concrete bottom flange, depth of the longitudinal hollow and the ratio of the longitudinal reinforcing steel. By comp aring the practical and theoretical results, the proposed flexural strength provided a safety factor of one-fifth against the experimental collected data. The ultimate flexural force developed up 260 % when increasing the reinforced steel area 4.6 times and 230 % comparing with the solid beam. Many aspect ratios were also mentioned that keep the strength in developing.