Structural Behavior of High Strength Arched Reinforced Concrete Slabs

Abstract

In the past, the arch represented one of the few structural systems which provide a possibility to cover large spans. Nowadays, the same importance is presented as the need increased with the increase of construction with large spans and with arched structures which are constructed in different shapes and from various materials such as brick, steel and reinforced concrete. The main aim of this study was to investigate the behavior and ultimate strength of concrete arched slab under flexural load. The main parameters considered in the present investigation are, concrete mix compressive strength, thickness of slab, area of steel, curvature and support conditions. A total of fourteen samples of the arched slab are constructed and tested under two-point load. The behavior of the samples is observed by reading the deflection at mid-span and observing the crack patterns and strains at top and bottom fibers. The behavior of arched slab samples is linear up to first cracking load and still linear up to (35% - 55%) from the ultimate load. The load-deflection curve at mid span of the arched slab may be idealized by bilinear curve. The increasing of compressive strength by 116% leads to increase the ultimate load by (15% - 25%). Increasing the slab thickness by 43% leads to increase the ultimate load by (6% -17%). Increasing the area of steel by 45% leads to increase the ultimate load by (29% - 34%). Increasing the curvature by 200% leads to increase the ultimate load by (6% - 28%). Changing the support from simply support to pin-pin leads to increase the ultimate load by (200% - 245%).