Behaviour and Design of Small Square Openings in Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

In this study, the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams containing small square openings is studied under increasing loads by a nonlinear finite element method, and the effects of the loss of section due to the openings on the load-carrying capacity of the beams and the necessary conditions for design are investigated. The basic assumptions and operating techniques of the computer software developed for this purpose are also explained. Numerical solutions are given for various opening locations on two groups of beams, with web reinforcement and without. The effect of the web openings and web reinforcement on the load-carrying capacity of the beams is dissussed.