ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PARAMETERS ON THE CRACKED AND EFFECTIVE FLEXURAL STIFFNESS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS

Abstract

In this paper, the authors summarize the results of a parametric study
devoted to assess the influence of different parameters that may affect the
assessment of cracked moments of inertia of reinforced concrete sections
subjected to flexure. Among the assessed variables are: the shape of the cross
sections (rectangular, inverted L and T), the width (b), the aspect ratio (h/b), the
compressive strength (f'c), the tensile reinforcement ratio (ρ), the relationship
between the tensile and compression reinforcement ratio (ρ/ρ'), different section
detailing (ductile and non-ductile) and the transverse steel confinement
(considered through the specified separation of stirrups, s). Based on the
obtained results, it is possible to identify the main variables that influence the
definition of the cracked moments of inertia of reinforced concrete beam sections,
which could be taken into account during the seismic design process. Also,
equations are presented for the assessment of the cracked moments of inertia of
reinforced concrete sections. Finally, these equations are used as input
information to assess the effective flexural stiffness of beam members.