Experimental Study on RC Beams Using High Volume Fly Ash

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the flexural behaviour of structural beams made of high volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete with confined stirrups introduced in compression regions.Generally concrete is low tensile strength and poor ductile property. By confining compression regions introduced with closed stirrups which improves the ductility and load carrying capacity of beams. The introduction of stirrups to these regions would suppress the development of tensile stresses.Fly ash (FA) has been used in concrete and identified such a product as Eco smart or green concrete. In earth quake regions it becomes essential to construct the structures as a ductile one. Sudden failures due to poor workability of RC structures can be avoided, if critical sections are able to undergo large plastic deformations and to absorb large amount of strain energy.The results indicated that the confinement in the form of stirrups improves the ultimate strength and ductile behaviour of the concrete. It has been suggested that, the effective use of fly ash minimizes the disposal of fly ash , this HVFA concrete is easy to pump, consolidate and finish the surface, free from cracks, reduces carbon-dioxide emissions, superior environmental friendliness, reduction in stone mining since consumes less volume of Portland cement. The methodology adopted above which improves ductility, thus improving the ultimate load carrying capacity.