Journal of Applied Sciences

Year: 2002 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 320-323
DOI: 10.3923/jas.2002.320.323

Flexural strength of Composite Beams Partially Encased in Lightweight Concrete

Issam M. Assi, Serein M. Abed and Yasser M. Hunaiti

Abstract: The ultimate moment capacity of partially encased composite beams had been studied theoretically and experimentally. Tests were carried out on a total number of twelve beams of four different sizes with a constant length of about 2.0 m loaded by two points loading. Three groups, four beams each, were tested to investigate the contribution of different types of concrete to the ultimate moment capacity of partially encased sections. Eight of the simply supported beams were partially encased in lightweight concrete and normal concrete, four specimens each. The beams were tested under major axis bending to evaluate the experimental results were compared with the partially encased beams. Theoretical values of the ultimate moment capacity of the tested sections were also included. The results of this study showed that the concrete contribution to the ultimate capacity of steel sections was significant. However, the use of normal concrete showed insignificant enhancement to the flexural strength of the tested composite sections when compared to lightweight concrete. The tested beams were capable of reaching moments in excess of the thoretical predictions and thus lightweight concrete may be considered as a reliable component to be used in composite construction.

Keywords: Composite, beams, lightweight concrete, steel and partially encased beams flexural strength

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