Torsional Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Hollow Core Beams

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the behavior of reinforced concrete hollow beams under torsion load. The experimental work includes investigation of eight reinforced concrete rectangular beams of dimension (length 2000 x height 240 x width170 mm) with the same reinforcing ratios, tested under pure torsion. Two beam sections are provided: solid and hollow section with varied shape and percentage (circular 18%, rectangular 18% & 27% of total cross section area of beam). Variables considered in the test program include; effect of hollow shape & area and concrete type (normal and high strength). Test results were discussed based on torque - twist behavior, beam elongations, behavior and influence of hollow core on cracking torque, ultimate torque and failure modes. Test results indicate that the ultimate torque for hollow sections is about 89% for Circular ( hollow ratio 18%) and 83% and 60% for rectangular, of hollow ratio 18% & 27% respectively of solid beam. The high strength concrete type in solid beam gave an increase in the cracking and ultimate torque by about 100% and 66% respectively and an increase in the ultimate torque was observed by about (63%, 60%, 62%) for circular (18% ratio), rectangular (18% ratio) and rectangular (27% ratio) respectively.