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Title: Behavior of Foamed Concrete Slabs Using Various Reinforcement Schemes

Author(s): Rabab Allouzi

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 117

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 147-159

Keywords: finite element modeling; flexural capacity; foamed concrete; glass fiber grids

DOI: 10.14359/51724680

Date: 9/1/2020

Abstract:
Foamed concrete exhibits enhanced mechanical, thermal and acoustic characteristics. Such properties seem to be a suitable alternative to fit evolving properties required in the housing industry. The main challenge is to select a proper reinforcement scheme of foamed concrete to overcome its low strength to concentrated stresses. Accordingly, the main goal of this research is to judge the possibility of reinforcing foamed concrete with steel bars and to suggest a replacement of steel with glass fiber grids (GFG). The flexural capacity is investigated experimentally, analytically, and numerically. First, six one-way foamed concrete slabs are tested experimentally for flexural capacity. These slabs are categorized into two groups; each group has three slabs with the same thickness but reinforced differently—namely, reinforced with GFG in tension, reinforced with steel bars in tension, and reinforced with steel bars in tension and GFG in compression. Then, the flexural capacity is investigated analytically of all tested slabs and obtained results compare well with experimental results. Lastly, three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models of tested specimens are developed. The finite element results of load-deflection response and crack pattern agree well with the measured response of all tested slabs. It can be concluded that foamed concrete slabs with steel can be used structurally for houses and they give the highest flexural strength compared to the other reinforcement schemes.