Effect of small transverse service holes on shear strength of reinforced concrete slender beams

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to investigate the effect of small transverse hole on the shear capacity of slender beams. A total number of ten beams were cast, with concrete grade of C13.02. The cross -sectional dimensions of the beams were 100mm x 150mm, with an effective span of 560mm. The tested beams consisted of two control beams. The experimental beams consisted of eight beams, four of the beams were with 20mm service hole (two beams with holes at the centre and two beams with holes at 220mm from both ends), while the other four had 25mm service holes, with two of beams had holes at the centre, while the other two beams had holes at 220mm from both ends. The beams were subjected to both point load and load at third points. The study shows that the ultimate load of beams with service holes depends on the size of holes, position of holes, and of type loading.

Keywords: Slender beam, Concrete, Compressive strength, Control beam, Service hole