A comparative study of the load-deflection behaviour of plain and reinforced blended concrete beams Experimentally and Analytically using Abaqus

Abstract

Load-deflection behaviour is a key indicator of structural performance in reinforced concrete (RC) and plain concrete beams. This study is carried out both by experimental and analytical method to compare the load-deflection response of RC and plain blended concrete beams. The literature survey discusses previous findings on load deflection behaviour, stiffness, ductility, and failure mechanisms, highlighting the role of reinforcement in enhancing load-bearing capacity. Experimental studies involving three-point bending tests, as well as analytical study through numerical simulations in Abaqus by models, are examined. The comparison of results demonstrates significant differences in structural response due to reinforcement, varying a/d ratio and dimensions of the beams. Beams with deeper notches showed a drastic reduction in strength and FEM simulations closely matched experimental data validating it.