Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Varying Carbon Content in Steel

Abstract

This study examines the influence of carbon content in reinforcing steel on the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams subjected to two-point loading. Three categories of reinforcing steel were investigated: low-carbon (0.302%), medium-carbon (0.318%), and high-carbon (0.411%), with three beam specimens tested for each type. The average ultimate loads (Pu) were 48.78 kN for Low-Carbon Bars (LCB), 57.39 kN for Medium-Carbon Bars (MCB), and 62.28 kN for High-Carbon Bars (HCB). The corresponding average mid-span deflections at ultimate load were 85.14 mm, 51.09 mm, and 47.72 mm, respectively. An increase in carbon content resulted in an approximately 28% increase in ultimate strength from LCB to HCB, accompanied by a 54% reduction in ductility (μ). In terms of structural response, LCB beams exhibited significant plastic deformation and gradual flexural crack development, indicating high energy dissipation capacity. MCB beams demonstrated a balanced combination of strength and ductility. In contrast, HCB beams achieved the highest strength but exhbited limited post-yield deformation and more pronounced crack localization.

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