AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURE WITH EDGE BEAMS
Abstract
In this dissertation an experimental study of a reinforced concrete folded plate structure with edge beams is documented. The principal objective of the research was to provide further information on the physical behavior of reinforced concrete folded plates structures in both the service load and overload ranges. The influence of edge beams on the structural response is given specific attention. Two reinforced microconcrete models of a simply supported, prismatic folded plate structures with inverted-U cross section stiffened by edge beams along free longitudinal edges were constructed and tested. These models, one-quarter scale direct models of a prototype, were alike in every respect except for quantity and arrangement of the steel reinforcement. The two reinforcement systems were: a system designed utilizing the results of an "exact" linear-elastic analysis, and a slightly modified system based on the same analytical results augmented by limited allowances for traction redistribution at incipient failure. The models were loaded by a simulated uniformly distributed load which was applied monotonically in increments. Deflections, strains and crack development were documented for the entire range of loading through collapse. The results of the exact linear-elastic method of analysis provided the basis for a safe, but conservative, design and accurate predictions of structural response for loads in the service load range. Both models failed at load levels well in excess of that required by contemporary strength design criteria. The experimental results indicate that edge beams significantly increased the stiffness of the structure and its load load-carrying capacity.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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