Investigating the Flexural Behavior of a Two-Span High-Performance Concrete Beam Using Experimentally Derived Stress Block Parameters

Abstract

High-performance concrete (HPC) is increasingly used in construction due to its superior strength and durability. However, current stress block parameters used for designing normal-strength concrete cannot be safely applied to HPC. To address this issue, new stress block parameters have been proposed through experimental works, which are used for designing HPC members. In this study, the behavior of HPC was investigated using these stress block parameters. Two-span beams made of HPC were tested under five-point bending, and an idealized stress block curve was derived from the experimental stress–strain curve for grades 60, 80, and 100 MPa. Based on the stress block curve, equations for the ultimate moment of resistance, depth of the neutral axis, limiting moment of resistance, and maximum depth of the neutral axis were proposed. An idealized load–deformation curve was also developed, which identified four significant events: first cracking, yielding of reinforced steel, crushing of concrete with spalling of cover, and ultimate failure. The predicted values were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values, and the average location of the first crack was identified to be 0.270 L, measured from the central support on either side of the span. These findings provide important insights for the design of HPC structures, contributing to the development of more resilient and durable infrastructure.