Title: Shear Strength of Lightweight Reinforced Concrete Beams

Author(s): J. A. Ramirez, J. Olek, and B. J. Malone

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 218

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 69-90

Keywords: beams (supports); Haydite aggregate; lightweight aggregate; reinforced concrete; shear strength; stirrups

DOI: 10.14359/13055

Date: 2/1/2004

Abstract:
An experimental investigation was conducted to compare the shear strength of lightweight reinforced concrete beams with that of normal-weight concrete companion specimens. The experimental variables were type of coarse aggregate, concrete compressive strength, and distribution of transverse and longitudinal reinforcement. A total of twelve specimens with shear reinforcement were tested. Seven specimens were made with normal-weight aggregate concrete and five specimens were made with lightweight aggregate concrete. The target concrete strengths were 41 MPa and 69 MPa. Measured shear capacities were compared with calculated values according to the 1998 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications (Interim 2001) and ACI 318-02 Building Code. The experimental findings have shown that both code-based methods produce conservative estimates of shear strength within the range of variables considered in the study.