Validation of a Shear Model for RC and Hybrid Beams with Two Different Inclinations of Transversal Reinforcement

The validation of an analytical model recently proposed for evaluation of the shear capacity in Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams containing multiple inclination of transverse stirrups is presented. The model is a suitable extension of that currently proposed in Eurocode 2 for the evaluation of the shear resistance, and it is derived by means of the the variable-inclination stress-field theory based on Nielsen’s plastic approach. Experimental and numerical data available in the literature on Hybrid Steel-Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) are used for model validation and result discussion. Finally, also the comparison with a different analytical approach for the assessment of the shear resistanc…

Flexural Test on a Full-Scale 60-kW Wind Turbine-Tower Telescopic Steel Pipe

A full-scale static test to failure was conducted on 6-m (236.22 in.)-long steel pipes constituting a segment of a telescopic wind tower with a 60-kW wind turbine. The diameter of the circular cross section of the steel pipes was 900 mm (35.43 in.), and the nominal thickness was 10 mm (0.39 in.). The steel grade was 355 MPa (51,488 psi). The tests were conducted in a force-controlled mode in a four-point bending test with a shear-to-span ratio of 2.05. The flexural limit states developed in the form of ovalization of the cross section and of local buckling. The buckling occurred in the plastic range because of the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the section. Although local buckling caused sl…

Flexural behaviour of calcarenite masonry walls reinforced with FRP sheets

The use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) for structural strengthening has become increasingly popular in recent years. Several applications of FRP have been proposed and applied, depending on the target of the technique, kind and/or material of the structural member. In particular, because of their great tensile strength, FRP materials are commonly used to enhance the out-of-plane behaviour of masonry walls, allowing to increase their strength, ductility and improving safety against overturning. For these reasons, FRP laminates are often applied in vulnerable ancient buildings in seismic areas to reinforce façades and walls with poor structural features. However, some issues arise when ad…

Modelli per l'interpretazione dei risultati di prove di push-out su travi reticolari miste

Il comportamento sotto carico delle travi prefabbricate reticolari miste prima della pubblicazione delle nuove norme tecniche sulle costruzioni, veniva solitamente interpretato in analogia a quello di travi in c.a o a quello di travi miste acciao-calcestruzzo classicamente intese. L’esplicito riferimento nelle attuali norme a questa tipologia che viene trattata in un capitolo a parte, ha fatto scaturire l’esigenza di chiarezza e come conseguenza la pubblicazione di Linee Guida emanate dal C.S.LL.PP. che classificano le diverse tipologie in tre categorie: a) strutture composte acciaio-calcestruzzo; b) strutture in c.a. o in c.a.p.; c) strutture non riconducibili alle due categorie precedenti…

Analytical evaluation of steel–concrete composite trussed beam shear capacity

A calculation method for the prediction of the shear resistance of precast composite beams, named Hybrid Steel Trussed-Concrete Beams (HSTCBs), is herein proposed. HSTCBs are constituted by a prefabricated steel truss embedded within a concrete matrix cast in situ so that, after curing, the two materials work together in the mechanical response of the composite structural element, the steel truss behaving as reinforcement of the beam. The proposed analytical model is developed on the basis of the results of a reference experimental campaign of three-point bending tests available in the literature, carried out on specimens of HSTCB designed in order to attain a shear failure. Furthermore, th…

Numerical prediction of the shear response of semi-prefabricated steel-concrete trussed beams

Abstract In this study, the shear behavior of hybrid steel-trussed-concrete beams (HSTCBs) realized with prefabricated steel trusses embedded into a concrete core cast in situ, is investigated by means of Finite Element (FE) numerical simulations. HSTCBs do not behave as classical RC elements nor composite beams. Up to now, there are not specific design criteria in the building codes and the calculation of this type of beams is conducted by means of design-by-testing procedures. The knowledge of the material behavior as well as the understanding of the interaction between materials in contact is the first requirement for the definition of proper design procedures and calculation methods for…

Compressive behaviour of eccentrically loaded slender masonry columns confined by FRP

Abstract Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) confinement represents an effective tool for retrofitting masonry piers or columns enhancing their structural performance. This technique has been widely studied in the literature mainly with reference to short columns, while no extensive information is available on the influence of second order effects on its efficacy in case of slender members. Within this framework, the presented study concerns a simplified method able to assess the effects of FRP confinement on the compressive behaviour of slender masonry columns. A proper constitutive law of FRP confined masonry in compression is adopted for performing a sectional analysis, in which also consider…

Computational Study of Failure of Hybrid Steel Trussed Concrete Beams

This study investigates the failure behavior of hybrid steel trussed concrete beams (HSTCBs) under three-point bending through a series of finite-element (FE) simulations. The FE model employs well-established constitutive relations of concrete and steel with a simplified contact condition between the concrete and steel truss. The numerical model is compared with existing experimental data as well as a FE model that uses a more sophisticated concrete-steel interfacial model. The comparison shows that the present model is able to capture various failure mechanisms of the beam and its peak load capacity. The model is applied to investigate the behavior of a set of HSTCBs of different sizes, w…

FEM analysis of push-out test response of Hybrid Steel Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCBs)

Abstract Aiming to investigate the steel truss–concrete stress transfer mechanism in Hybrid Steel Trussed–Concrete Beams (HSTCBs), a three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear Finite Element (FE) model is developed. The constitutive relationship of the steel composing the plates and the rebars is modeled by means of a quadri-linear law, while the concrete behavior is defined by means of a Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model, suitable for modeling concrete and brittle materials. Two main failure mechanisms are considered, namely the tensile cracking and the compressive crushing. In order to accurately grasp the complicate dowel and bond phenomena arising at the steel–concrete interface, a 3D solid…

Stress transfer and failure mechanisms in steel-concrete trussed beams: Experimental investigation on slab-thick and full-thick beams

Abstract This study presents the results of an experimental investigation on semi-precast Hybrid Steel Trussed-Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) for analyzing the failure modes and the stress transfer mechanism between concrete and embedded steel elements (plate and truss). The available literature presents previous studies carried out by the authors mainly focused on the understanding of the local transfer mechanism by means of push-out tests. Conversely, in this paper original the results of laboratory tests conducted on six specimens of full-size HSTCBs subjected to four-point bending, with variation in the shear span, are reported on. From these results, the authors are able to assess the failure…

Numerical modelling of the tensile behaviour of BFRCM strips

This paper aims at investigating the tensile behaviour of basalt fibres on cementitious matrix for the strengthening of masonry structures. The use of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (BFRCM) is favourably considered by the scientific community because it represents a natural composite material with high compatibility with stone and masonry substrate. The study is developed through the generation of Finite Element (FE) models capable of reproducing the tensile behaviour of BFRCM strips with different number of layers of grid. For the scope, the micro-modelling approach is adopted assuming different levels of detail for the simulation of the interface constitutive behaviour. Fibre…

Review of push-out and shear response of hybrid steel-trussed concrete beams

The hybrid steel trussed concrete beams examined in the present study are comprised of two principal components, i.e., a steel joist with inclined rebars, realized in industry, which is welded to a smooth steel plate and then embedded within the concrete cast in situ. The paper presents first the state of the art on laboratory tests and analytical modeling of the steel-to-concrete stress transfer mechanism investigated by push-out tests. Next, the most relevant scientific contributions currently available in the technical literature regarding experimental investigation on actual shear behavior are summarized and discussed. Lastly codes and analytical models are reviewed.

Performance of two innovative stress sensors imbedded in mortar joints of new masonry elements

Abstract Many historical cities enjoy the presence of masonry buildings with inestimable historical, artistic and cultural value. Old masonry buildings often suffer structural deficiencies, design faults and materials aging process. In recent years, many researchers focused their attention on the opportunities that structural health monitoring (SHM) can ensure for the health state of existing masonry structures, where damage can be difficult to be promptly predicted, pontentially causing abrupt collapses, with high risks for the community. This paper presents an experimental study on the effectiveness of two types of stress sensor for SHM of new masonry elements. Ceramic piezoelectric senso…

Shear design of high strength concrete beams in MRFs

This paper presents the criteria for the shear design of high strength concrete (HSC) beams in moment resisting frames (MRFs). The formulation of an analytical model is provided for the case of beams with longitudinal reinforcement in the presence of transverse stirrups. The model is of additive type, in the meaning that the shear resistance of the beam is evaluated as the sum of several contributions. In particular, the contribution of concrete, longitudinal rebars, and transversal reinforcement are taken into account. Furthermore, for assessing the concrete contribution, a classical approach is followed, according to which two effects arise in the shear mechanism: the arc and the beam eff…

Simplified analytical model for moment–axial force domain in the presence of shear in R.C. members externally strengthened with steel cages

Equations for a hand calculation of moment–axial force domain in the presence of shear for R.C. beam/column externally strengthened with steel angles and strips are developed. The analytical derivation is made assuming, for axial load and flexure, the equivalent stress-block parameters for internal forces, considering the confinement effects induced in the concrete core by external cages both in the cases of strips or angles yielding. Limit states due to bond failure, concrete crushing and yielding of steel angles and strips in flexure and in shear, including moment-to-shear interaction, are considered. The proposed model gives results in a good agreement with available experimental data an…

Effect of FRP strengthening on the flexural behaviour of calcarenite masonry walls

The use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) for structural strengthening has become increasingly popular in recent years. Several applications of FRP have been proposed and applied, depending on the target of the technique, kind and/or material of the structural member. In particular, because of their great tensile strength, FRP materials are commonly used to enhance the out-of-plane behaviour of masonry walls, allowing to increase their strength, ductility and improving safety against overturning. For these reasons, FRP laminates are often applied in vulnerable ancient buildings in seismic areas to reinforce façades and walls with poor structural features. However, some issues arise when a…

Finite element analysis of the out-of-plane behavior of FRP strengthened masonry panels

Abstract In the present study a numerical model is proposed for the response of out-of-plane loaded calcarenite masonry walls strengthened with vertical CFRP strips applied on the substrate by means of epoxy resin. A simplified structural scheme is considered consisting in a beam fixed at one end, subjected to constant axial load and out-of-plane lateral force monotonically increasing. Two different constraint conditions are taken into account: in the first one, the panel is assumed free to rotate at the top end while, in the second one, the rotation is restrained. Three-dimensional finite elements are used for the calcarenite parts and an equivalent constitutive law available in the litera…

Assessment of push-out test response of hybrid steel trussed-concrete beams by FE model

Aiming to investigate the truss-concrete stress transfer mechanism in Hybrid Steel Trussed-Concrete Beams (HSTCBs), a three-dimensional nonlinear FE model is developed. The constitutive laws of the steel composing the plates and the bars is modeled by means of a quadri-linear law, while the concrete behavior is defined by means of a Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model, suitable for modeling concrete and brittle materials. The CDP model uses the concept of isotropic damaged elasticity in combination with isotropic tensile and compressive plasticity and is able to properly account for the concrete confinement effect. Two main failure mechanisms are considered, namely the tensile cracking …

Effect of FRP Wraps on the Compressive Behaviour of Slender Masonry Columns

In the last decade, Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping technique has become a common method to retrofit masonry piers or columns with poor structural performances. The passive confinement effect induced by the external wrap allows increasing the compressive strength and ductility of the member. Several studies highlighted as the efficacy of this technique is affected by several key parameters, including the shape of the transverse cross section, stress intensification at the strength corner of sharp sections, amount and mechanical properties of adopted composite. Despite this technique has been widely studied from both theoretical and experimental point of view, most of studies focused…

Analytical prediction of the shear connection capacity in composite steel–concrete trussed beams

Steel–concrete trussed composite beams are a particular types of composite girders constituted by a steel truss embedded in a concrete core. The truss is typically composed by a steel plate or a precast concrete slab working as bottom chord while coupled rebars are generally used to form the upper chord. Moreover, a system of ribbed or smooth steel rebars welded to the plate and forming the diagonals of the truss, works as web reinforcement. In the present study, the attention is focused on the evaluation of the shear resistance of the connection between bottom steel plate (the bottom chord) and concrete core through the diagonal bars of the truss developing a mechanical model able to accou…

Experimental analysis, numerical and analytical modeling of shear strength mechanisms in Hybrid Steel Trussed Concrete Beams

Behavior in compression of concrete cylinders externally wrapped with basalt fibers

Abstract This paper gives additional information on the use of new class of composites constituted by Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) bonded with epoxy resin to concrete specimens as an alternative confinement material for compressed concrete members with respect to carbon or glass fibers. From the experimental point of view, concrete cylinders are wrapped with continuous fibers, in the form of sheets, applying both full and partial discrete wrapping with BFRP straps, and then tested in compression. For comparison, few other concrete cylinders are wrapped with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets and tested in compression. The number and type of plies (full or partial wrappi…

Simplified analytical model for flexural response of external R.C. frames with smooth rebars

In this paper an analytical model in a closed form able to reproduce the monotonic flexural response of external RC beam-column joints with smooth rebars is presented. The column is subjected to a constant vertical load and the beam to a monotonically increasing lateral force applied at the tip. The model is based on the flexural behavior of the beam and the column determined adopting a concentrated plasticity hinge model including slippage of the main reinforcing bars of the beam. A simplified bilinear moment-axial force domain is assumed to derive the ultimate moment associated with the design axial force. For the joint, a simple truss model is adopted to predict shear strength and panel …

Shear strength of High-strength concrete beams: modeling and design recommendations

Abstract In the present paper, the flexural and the shear resistance of high strength reinforced concrete (HSC) beams with longitudinal bars, in the presence of transverse stirrups is analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. The experimental researches here presented are parts of previous researches carried out by the author. Researches refer to HSC beams with high percentages of steel bars failing in shear and in flexure. From the analytical point of view, a model based on the evaluation of the resistance contribution due to beam and arch actions including bond splitting and concrete crushing failure modes is developed and presented. The model was verified against available experime…

Experimental Investigation of the Shear Response of Precast Steel-Concrete Trussed Beams

The results of an experimental campaign of three-point bending tests on precast composite beams, named hybrid steel-trussed concrete beams (HSTCBs), are provided. HSTCBs are typically constituted by a precast steel truss embedded in a block of concrete cast in place. Two series of specimens were manufactured, designed such that shear failure would occur, and tested under positive and negative bending moment. The experimental results obtained showed that fragile shear failure occurred in almost all cases, evidencing the crisis of the compressed concrete strut involved in the collapse mechanism. Yielding of the steel members provided ductility to the system, especially in those cases in which…

Stiffness and strength of composite truss beam to R.C. column connection in MRFs

Abstract The results of experimental and numerical investigations on the cyclic behavior of composite truss beam to reinforced concrete column connection of moment resisting frames are reported. The beams are constituted by a steel truss and end zone added rebar embedded within a concrete block cast in place, so that, after curing, the steel truss and the added rebar work together with the concrete matrix as reinforcement of the composite beam. Particularly, three specimens of two-span continuous beams were tested under monotonic and cyclic actions as three point bending test. With the goal to investigate about the behavior of the end zone of the beam integrated into a moment resisting fram…

Constitutive Numerical Model of FRCM Strips Under Traction

In this paper, the tensile behavior of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) strips is investigated through Finite Element (FE) models. The most adopted numerical modeling approaches for the simulation of the fiber-matrix interface law are described. Among them, the cohesive model is then used for the generation of FE models which are able to simulate the response under traction of FRCM strips tested in laboratory whose results are available in the technical literature. Tests on basalt, PBO and carbon coated FRCM specimens are taken into account also considering different mechanical ratios of the textile reinforcement. The comparison between FE results and experimental data allows val…

EFFICACY OF PBO-FRCM STRENGTHENING OF RC COLUMNS IN MRFS

Innovative materials and techniques are widespread used for the strengthening and rehabilita-tion of existing structures. Recent researches have been developed on new fiber reinforced composites in which epoxy resin is replaced by inorganic cementitious material. These kind of cement-based composite material is known as Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrices (FRCM) recently used also in combination with synthetic polymeric fibers named PBO. The efficiency of this new confining system has been demonstrated by a large number of com-pression tests on concrete specimens while there are only few experimental researches on the behaviour of large scale specimens under external action able to simul…

Flexural and Shear Resistance of High Strength Concrete Beams

In the present paper, an analytical model is proposed that is able to determine the shear resistance of high strength reinforced concrete beams with longitudinal bars, in the presence of transverse stirrups. The model is based on the evaluation of the resistance contribution due to beam and arch actions. For the resistance contribution of the main bars in tension the residual bond adherence of steel bars and the crack spacing of R.C. beams are considered. The compressive strength of the compressed arch is also verified by taking into account of the biaxial state of stresses. The model was verified on the basis of experimental data available in the literature and it is able to include the fo…

Validation of a Shear Model for RC and Hybrid Beams with Two Different Inclinations of Transversal Reinforcement

The validation of an analytical model recently proposed for evaluation of the shear capacity in Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams containing multiple inclination of transverse stirrups is presented. The model is a suitable extension of that currently proposed in Eurocode 2 for the evaluation of the shear resistance, and it is derived by means of the the variable-inclination stressfield theory based on Nielsen’s plastic approach. Experimental and numerical data available in the literature on Hybrid Steel-Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) are used for model validation and result discussion. Finally, also the comparison with a different analytical approach for the assessment of the shear resistance…

Modeling of the Shear Connection Capacity of Hybrid Steel Trussed Composite Beams

Hybrid Steel Trussed Composite Beams represent a technical solution in use in numerous countries since many years. They are able to join the advantages of prefabrication with those of cast in place structures: they are easy to manufacture, fast to realize, monolithic and with no need of formwork. The behavior of these beams has been recently topic of discussion in the scientific community because the knowledge both related to the reinforced concrete structures and that of composite constructions cannot be straightforwardly extended to this typology, which is intermediate between one and another technology. This paper provides a contribution towards a better understanding of the mechanism of…

Design of RC joints equipped with hybrid trussed beams and friction dampers

Abstract The challenge of this research consists in the first attempt to apply a dissipative friction connection to beam-to-column joints with semi-prefabricated Hybrid Steel-Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCB) and RC pillars cast in-situ. Nowadays, HSTCBs are widely adopted in civil and industrial buildings and, therefore, it is required to evaluate their compliance with the capacity design criteria and their seismic energy dissipation capability. However, the design of the reinforcement of such beams usually lead to the adoption of large amount of steel within the panel zone which becomes potentially vulnerable to the effects of seismic cyclic actions and dramatically reduce the dissipation ca…

Seismic Performance of Earthquake-Resilient RC Frames Made with HSTC Beams and Friction Damper Devices

Seismic behavior of RC frames with hybrid steel-trussed concrete beams is affected by panel zone damage due to a large amount of longitudinal reinforcement. Here the seismic efficiency of innovative frames characterized by friction damper devices (FDDs) at beam-to-column connections is compared against traditional frame. Three configurations are investigated: FDDs alone; FDDs with column-to-foundation connections having preloaded threaded bars and disk springs; FDDs with self-centering friction devices. Non-linear analyses show that FDDs alone prevent plastic hinge formation at beam ends and beam–column joint damage. FDDs with self-centering friction devices effectively limit both peak and …

Stress transfer mechanism investigation in hybrid steel trussed-concrete beams by push-out tests

Abstract Results of push-out tests carried out on Hybrid Steel Trussed–Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) before and after the concrete casting are presented and interpreted. Firstly, in order to check the ability of weldings before casting, tensile tests were performed on specimens reproducing different types of welded joints. Simplified design formulae were used to predict their ultimate strength. Secondly, results obtained by push-out tests on specimen representative of the beam before and after the concrete casting are presented and discussed. Finally, simplified analytical models proposed by the current European building code were adapted to the specific typology to roughly predict the ultimate s…

Analytical stress-strain law of FRP confined masonry in compression: Literature review and design provisions

Abstract The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wraps has become common in practical applications to retrofit existing columns with poor structural features. Wrapping the member with one or more FRP sheets makes it possible to induce confinement action and enhance strength and ductility. This application has been widely studied and adopted in reinforced concrete members for about twenty years, while its suitability to masonry columns and piers has been investigated during the last decade. The results of several studies were summarized in different design expressions for calculating effective confinement pressure, ultimate compressive stress and strain, and the overall trend of the stress…

Numerical analysis of the effects of PBO-FRCM confinement on RC columns

This paper presents a finite element (FE) analysis on the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) squared and rectangular columns strengthened by PBO-FRCM, under axial force and bending moment. The modeling technique adopted for the compressive behavior of confined concrete is previously validated developing FE models for specimens of plain concrete wrapped by PBO-FRCM and comparing the numerical results with those obtained by experimental tests on squared and rectangular confined columns. Then, the model of the RC element is developed reproducing the load condition of columns in a MRF loaded by horizontal forces with constant axial load applied to the pillar during the analysis. The numerical…

Analytical Prediction of the Flexural Response of External RC Joints with Smooth Rebars

Nel presente lavoro viene presentato un modello analitico in forma chiusa in grado di riprodurre la risposta flessionale monotonica di nodi esterni trave-colonna in c.a. con armature lisce. La colonna viene sottoposta a carico verti-cale costante e la trave ad una forza laterale crescente monotonicamente applicata all’estremità. Il modello si basa sul comportamen-to flessionale di trave e colonna adottando un modello di cerniera plasticità concentrata che include lo scorrimento delle armature della trave. Si assume un dominio sforzo normale-momento bilineare semplificato da cui viene derivato il momento ultimo associato alla forza assiale di progetto. Per il nodo viene adottato un modello c…

Cyclic behavior of composite truss beam-to-RC column joints in MRFS

In the present paper, the cyclic behavior of beam-to-column joints made up of Hybrid Steel Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) connected to Reinforced Concrete (RC) piers is investigated. HSTCBs are a typology of composite beam generally constituted by a steel truss with end zone added rebars embedded within a block of concrete cast in place. HSTCBs represent a structural solution for light industrialization in the civil constructions; the main advantages in their use are the higher construction speed with the minimum site labor, the possibility of covering wide spans with low depths and a final economical convenience. For these reasons, they are also increasingly adopted within seismic framed …