Experimental and numerical study on the performance of externally prestressed reinforced high strength concrete beams with openings

Abstract This study investigates experimentally and numerically the performance of externally prestressed reinforced high strength concrete (HSC) beams with central openings. Seven rectangular HSC (six openings a reference solid beam) are loaded incrementally to failure. All have same dimensions, reinforcement ratio variable size. Experimentally, results show that, appearance first flexural crack stiffness reduction largely governed by opening height. In contrast, length greatly affects presence shear obtained values strains in stirrups. Additionally, height when combined can affect top- bottom-bars failure load teste beams. Numerically, three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis using ANSYS has been carried-out analyze seventy (70) Based on numerical results, general formula predict ultimate moment is generated verified. It be used carrying capacity aging elements retrofitted external prestressing techniques.