Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Under Cyclic Loading - Research Proposal Example

Title: Behavior of Reinforced Concrete beams under cyclic Loading Name Institution Instructor Date TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Summary 3 2.Objectives 3 3.Beneficiaries 4 4. Proposed Research and its Context 4 4.1. Background 4 4.2. Program and Methodology 5 4.3. Dissemination and exploitation 6 4.4. References 7 5.Risk assessment and risk Mitigation 8 6.Case for support 9 7.Work Plan 9 i.Work Package 1:Selection of reinforcements 9 ii.Work Package 2: Selection of epoxy resins and Fibers 9 iii.Work Package 3:Construction of reinforced concrete Beams 9 iv.Work Package 4:Testing of reinforced Concrete Beams 10 8.Summary of Resources required for the project 10 9.Justification of Resources 12 10. Economic Impact 12 11.Entrepreneurship 13 12.Sustainability 13 13. Work Plan: Gantt chart 13 1. Summary This Study elucidates the behavior of reinforced concrete beams. The bean is subjected to cyclic loading and also experiences fatigue loading. The study will be concerned with two concrete beams, where one will be corroded and the other not corroded. In this study, the two beams will be subjected to cyclic loads to determine their behaviors. Observations will be made on the behavior of the beams and the results will be compared for the two cases. The effects of temperature on behavior of beams will also be investigated by loadings under different temperature conditions. Cyclic loading will be done at a frequency of 0.85 Hertz. A load range of between 20 to 40 percent capacity of the concrete beams will be used. An ultimate load will be used to load the concrete beams to failure. It will then be determined whether they are able to survive the 3 million cycles or not. 2. Objectives This study tries to achieve certain objectives that ensure the goals of the study are attained. Some of the aspects of the behaviors of reinforced concrete beams by the use of experiments will be known only when the following objectives are achieved: I. To establish the total role of cyclic loading and temperature on the basis of the maximum load as well as the corresponding strains. II. To determine the effect of cyclic load and temperature on the resistance of beams to failure. III. To determine collapse behavior of concrete beams under cyclic loads. 3. Beneficiaries This research will be very beneficial in various areas of use of concrete materials and steel materials. For instance, it will lead to an understanding of causes of billions of losses that are incurred in replacement of steel reinforcements in steel structures. This is useful by providing solutions to overcome the problem of corrosion by assisting in coming up with the use of the right fiber-reinforced structures which prevent corrosion. This research introduces users of reinforced concrete structures on the behaviors of concrete structures when exposed to cyclic loading. It provides a guide to the significance of using less corroded steel, and the conditions that need to be considered in the use of concrete structures. This study will be useful in understanding the effects of cyclic loading on reinforced steel concretes and understanding loading cycle’s fatigues. The use of cyclic loads is also useful in determining the exact behaviors of structures such as bridges exposed to repeated traffic movements that are cyclic in their behaviors. This study will be useful in application by bridge designers by providing them with information regarding behaviors of such structures under cyclic loading conditions. 4. Proposed Research and its Context 4.1. Background A number of studies have been done in the use of high strength composites and their role in repair and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. These include fatigue tests that have been done on reinforced concrete beams strengthened with a steel frames. Reports have also been made on fatigue tests of the used two reinforced concrete beams. Additionally, the three reinforced concrete beams which have been strengthened by steel plates fall in this category (Coronelli, D. and Gambarova, P., 2004). These tests indicated that there was failure of the beams when subjected to static loadings of a certain value that exceeded the ultimate tensile strength of reinforcements. Essentially, the maximum stress that is exhibited in a straight and deformed beam is obtained by the equation. Whereby,  represents he stress at the minimum section as noted by Patnaik and Hopkins (2004). In addition, no tests have been done to compare the behavior of corroded concrete beams and non-corroded concrete beams under cyclic loading conditions. This paper presents an analytical model that is used to determine the behaviors of corroded reinforced concrete beams and non-corroded concrete beams under cyclic loads. 4.2. Program and Methodology This study will involve an experimental study of two concrete beams. One of the beams will be strengthened with the use of corroded concrete steel rods while the other will be strengthened with the use of non-corroded steel rods. After the concrete is placed, it is cured with the use of moisture for seven days. Cyclic loads is applied on the beams to determine how they behave and their behaviors compared (Castel, Francois, and Arliguie, 2000). This process will involve the participation of various members of the project management team. For instance, the project sponsor will ensure enough financial allocations are made to assist in purchasing materials for use in constructing the beams. The steering committee will be responsible for determining the skilled workers that are required to participate in project activities such as the purchase of materials and skilled workers in construction of concrete structures. 4.3. Dissemination and exploitation This research can be exploited by making use of the findings regarding fatigue of steel reinforcement. Construction workers who use concrete will be able to know the effect of fatigue on the performance of steel reinforcements (Connor, 2012). This will be useful in ensuring that steels of the right fatigue strength are used during construction. This study is also useful in understanding the role of concrete materials in increasing strength and stiffness of beams. This will be useful for engineers at construction sites determine the right concrete to use to reduce the stress in steel. The findings of this research will also be useful in determining the effects of corrosion on fatigue strength of steel bars that are used in construction of concrete beams. 4.4. References Castel, A., Francois, R., and Arliguie, G., 2000. “Mechanical behaviour of corroded reinforced concrete beams. II: Bond and notch effects” Materials and Structures, RILEM, Vol. 33, pp: 545-551. Connor, R. J., 2012. Fatigue loading and design methodology for high-mast lighting towers. Washington, D.C: Transportation Research Board. Coronelli, D. and Gambarova, P., 2004. “Structural assessment of corroded reinforced concrete beams: Modeling guidelines”, Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 130, No. 8, pp: 1214 1224. Mckeighan, P. C., and Ranganathan, N.,2005. Fatigue testing and analysis under variable amplitude loading conditions [symposium conducted by ASTM international committee E08 on fatigue and fracture and the Fatigue commission of French metallurgical and materials society, held from 29-31 May 2002, in Tours, France]. West Conshohocken, PA:ASTM International. Oyado, M., Hasegawa, M. and Sato, T. 2003. “Characteristics of fatigue and evaluation of RC beam damaged by accelerated corrosion”. Quarterly Report of RTRI, Vol. 44, No. 4 Patnaik, S. N., and Hopkins, D. A., 2004. Strength of materials a unified theory. Amsterdam, Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann. cations.pp: 72-77. Rattan, S., 2008. Strength of materials. New Delhi, Tata McGraw Hill Education. Srivastava, A. K.,and Gope, P. C., 2007. Strength of materials. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India. 5. Risk assessment and risk Mitigation There are certain risks that are related to this study that if not properly examined, can result in negative consequences to the knowledge of behaviors of corroded concrete beams under the influence of fatigue loads. For instance, if this research results into a rough calculation method or low safety factor for use by constructors, there high chances of risks of fatigue. This can be mitigated by using refined methods of calculation such as separate evaluation of safety for fatigue for steel structures. In addition, there is the possibility of use of high strength materials it is likely to be accompanied by high brittleness and this may result into low fatigue strength. This risk can be mitigated by using a combination of materials that improve both strength and reduces brittleness. 6. Case for support This research is significant in meeting EPSRC missions by promoting quality basic and strategic applied research that is significant in the practice of engineering and physical sciences by placing more emphasis on the study of behaviors of concrete beams under fatigue conditions. This is significant in training people working in construction of structures such as bridges by assisting in coming up with training skills that assist in enhancing industrial competitiveness in the UK and improvement if quality of life. This research is also significant in generating public awareness on the need to ensure that non corroded steel materials are used during construction of concrete beams since they result into more resistant structures. 7. Work Plan i. Work Package 1:Selection of reinforcements This will involve a process of selecting steel materials of the right strength and tensile strength and determining embedding materials such as cement and clay. ii. Work Package 2: Selection of epoxy resins and Fibers This involves the process of selecting adhesives that are used to hold steel bars in the structures and hold them on the concrete to form a strong bond. iii. Work Package 3:Construction of reinforced concrete Beams This stage of concrete building will involve prestressing the concrete structure by combining the concrete materials with adhesives and forming a complete concrete structure that is used or the testing process. These materials will then be used to construct concrete bars, one with corroded steel rods and the other with non-corroded steel rods. iv. Work Package 4:Testing of reinforced Concrete Beams This is a stage which will involve testing the strength of the two concrete beams by subjecting them to cyclic loadings of the same amount and determining which one breaks down first. These conditions will include extreme loads such as cyclic loading and static loads. 8. Summary of Resources required for the project Financial resources Summary of Funds Headings Funds Heading Full Economic costs EPSRC contribution % EPSRC contribution Directly Incurred Staff 10000.00 5000.00 50 Travel and Subsistence 5000.00 4000.00 80 Materials 30000.00 24000.00 80 Others 4000.00 4000.00 100 Sub-Total 49000.00 37000.00 75.51 Directly Allocated Researchers 4000.00 3200.00 80 Estates Costs 50000.00 40000.00 80 Other Costs 5000.00 5000.00 100 Sub-Total 59000.00 48200.00 81.7 Indirect Costs Overall Indirect Costs 50000.00 50000.00 100 Travel and Subsistence Description Destination and purpose Total £ Away from UK 2011 An EU conference on the behaviors of concrete beams 3 people 3000 Within UK 2011 UK conference on the use of concrete reinforcements 4000 Away from UK 2011 Use of reinforcements conference in Australia 2 people 5000 Within UK Travel 2000 Total - 14000 Equipment Description Country of origin Date of Delivery Basic price £ Import Duty £ VAT £ TOTAL £ Slab mixing facilities India 30/10/2012 4000 500 500 45500 Resin mixing equipment Germany 23/10/2012 3000 400 300 3700 TOTAL - - - - - 49200 Other Indirectly incurred Costs Description Total £ Development of data storage facilities and information processing equipment 2000 Publication tools and materials 500 Total 2500 9. Justification of Resources The costs above will be significant in achieving the goals of the research. Staff costs will be important in paying researchers and project management team. Materials costs will be significant in purchasing materials required for the study. Researches costs will cater for payment of researchers and research expenses, while other costs that are not included in the project will also be accounted for. Equipment costs will ensure equipment required for the study are obtained so that the processes requiring the use of these equipment are accomplished. 10. Economic Impact This research will be beneficial to road builders and building constructors who will be able to refer to the findings of this research to improve these structures. This will result into reduced cases of collapsing of buildings or bridges thus reducing losses in investments in construction industry. It will also be useful for researchers in the field of construction by providing a background for analytical research in the study of behavior of beams. This results into enhancement of quality of life, improvement of health and creativity in outputs. 11. Entrepreneurship This project will be commercialized by setting up a small enterprise that offers technical advice on the use of beams and their behaviors under extreme stresses and loading. This business can be financed by applying for grants from the government. The expertise for this agency will be based on research in this project. The potential of this project will be used as the foundation for provision of these technical advices. 12. Sustainability There are many impacts of this research on sustainability concepts that can be enhanced. These dimensions include its effects on economic improvement, social coherence and ensuring ecological integrity. The project can be used to assist in improvement of economic conditions by construction of concrete structures that do not result into losses such as collapsing of buildings and bridges. Social coherence will be enhanced by using the principles of this research in attaining social needs such as construction of conference facilities that apply the use of concrete materials. 13. Work Plan: Gantt chart The following table provides an overview of program of work and time that each activity will take. Activity in order of precedence Start time Time taken (weeks) End time Selection of reinforcements 5th January 2013 1 5th January,2013 Selection of epoxy resins and glass fibers 6th January, 2013 2 8th January 2013 Construction of reinforced concrete beams 9th January 2013 3 12th January 2013 Construction of non-reinforced concrete beams 13thJanuary 2013 3 16th January 2013 Testing of the beams 17th January 2013 2 19th January, 2013 The following Gantt Chart represents the sequence in which those activities will be done. Read More

Essentially, the maximum stress that is exhibited in a straight and deformed beam is obtained by the equation. Whereby,  represents he stress at the minimum section as noted by Patnaik and Hopkins (2004). In addition, no tests have been done to compare the behavior of corroded concrete beams and non-corroded concrete beams under cyclic loading conditions. This paper presents an analytical model that is used to determine the behaviors of corroded reinforced concrete beams and non-corroded concrete beams under cyclic loads. 4.2.

Program and Methodology This study will involve an experimental study of two concrete beams. One of the beams will be strengthened with the use of corroded concrete steel rods while the other will be strengthened with the use of non-corroded steel rods. After the concrete is placed, it is cured with the use of moisture for seven days. Cyclic loads is applied on the beams to determine how they behave and their behaviors compared (Castel, Francois, and Arliguie, 2000). This process will involve the participation of various members of the project management team.

For instance, the project sponsor will ensure enough financial allocations are made to assist in purchasing materials for use in constructing the beams. The steering committee will be responsible for determining the skilled workers that are required to participate in project activities such as the purchase of materials and skilled workers in construction of concrete structures. 4.3. Dissemination and exploitation This research can be exploited by making use of the findings regarding fatigue of steel reinforcement.

Construction workers who use concrete will be able to know the effect of fatigue on the performance of steel reinforcements (Connor, 2012). This will be useful in ensuring that steels of the right fatigue strength are used during construction. This study is also useful in understanding the role of concrete materials in increasing strength and stiffness of beams. This will be useful for engineers at construction sites determine the right concrete to use to reduce the stress in steel. The findings of this research will also be useful in determining the effects of corrosion on fatigue strength of steel bars that are used in construction of concrete beams. 4.4.

References Castel, A., Francois, R., and Arliguie, G., 2000. “Mechanical behaviour of corroded reinforced concrete beams. II: Bond and notch effects” Materials and Structures, RILEM, Vol. 33, pp: 545-551. Connor, R. J., 2012. Fatigue loading and design methodology for high-mast lighting towers. Washington, D.C: Transportation Research Board. Coronelli, D. and Gambarova, P., 2004. “Structural assessment of corroded reinforced concrete beams: Modeling guidelines”, Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 130, No. 8, pp: 1214 1224.

Mckeighan, P. C., and Ranganathan, N.,2005. Fatigue testing and analysis under variable amplitude loading conditions [symposium conducted by ASTM international committee E08 on fatigue and fracture and the Fatigue commission of French metallurgical and materials society, held from 29-31 May 2002, in Tours, France]. West Conshohocken, PA:ASTM International. Oyado, M., Hasegawa, M. and Sato, T. 2003. “Characteristics of fatigue and evaluation of RC beam damaged by accelerated corrosion”. Quarterly Report of RTRI, Vol. 44, No. 4 Patnaik, S. N., and Hopkins, D. A., 2004.

Strength of materials a unified theory. Amsterdam, Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann. cations.pp: 72-77. Rattan, S., 2008. Strength of materials. New Delhi, Tata McGraw Hill Education. Srivastava, A. K.,and Gope, P. C., 2007. Strength of materials. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India. 5. Risk assessment and risk Mitigation There are certain risks that are related to this study that if not properly examined, can result in negative consequences to the knowledge of behaviors of corroded concrete beams under the influence of fatigue loads.

For instance, if this research results into a rough calculation method or low safety factor for use by constructors, there high chances of risks of fatigue.

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