![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Openings in structural elements may be needed to accommodate basic services such as air conditioning, electricity, telephone, or computer networks. But the effects of openings on the behavior of structural elements may not be taken into account, which subsequently leads to further structural issues. This research aims to study the structural behavior of ferrocement concrete T-beam with web openings. For this purpose a 3D finite element model using ABAQUS 6.14 software is presented. The work was established in two stages: The first step was to execute an experimental program which was mainly designed to investigate the openings effect. 12 beams were tested under four-point loads until failure. The beams are divided into three groups according to the type of mesh used for reinforcement. Each group contains a control T-beams with no openings and three beams having one, two or three openings. To keep a constant reinforcement ratio, the three groups are, respectively, reinforced with one layer Expanded steel mesh, three layers of Welded steel mesh, and four layers of tensar mesh. In the second stage, the generated FE model was verified using ABAQUS 6.14 software is presented. The measured results obtained from experimental investigations were verified with the results of generated FE models and an excellent agreement was achieved. It was concluded that using tensar mesh when compared to all other tested beams, tensar mesh produced the best results. |