Open AccessPerformance of Reinforced Concrete Beam with Polystyrene Blocks at Various Regions
Author(s) -
Lim Yong Tat
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of science and applied engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2621-3753
pISSN - 2621-3745
DOI - 10.31328/jsae.v3i2.1655
Subject(s) - polystyrene , materials science , beam (structure) , composite material , ultimate tensile strength , expanded polystyrene , reinforced concrete , position (finance) , structural engineering , polymer , engineering , finance , economics
Lightweight materials, such as polystyrene, can be embedded in reinforced concrete (RC) beams to reduce its weight. However, this may, to some extent, affect the performance of the structure. This research investigates the behaviour of the lightweight beams under load and determines the best position of polystyrene blocks in beams. Nine specimens with a size of 175 mm x 300 mm x 1600 mm were tested under four-point load test. The number and position of polystyrene blocks in the beams were varied. The specimens were evaluated for effectiveness in terms of effective strength to weight ratio (s-w ratio). The lightweight beam was effective when the polystyrene blocks were placed at the neutral and tensile region, offering an s-w ratio of greater than 1. The beam lost 3.8% strength with 8.4% reduction of weight.