What is reinforced concrete beam?

Reinforced concrete beams are structural elements that designed to carry transverse external loads. The loads cause bending moment, shear forces and in some cases torsion across their length. Moreover, concrete is strong in compression and very weak in tension. Beams can be singly reinforced or doubly reinforced.

Why are concrete beams reinforced with steel?

Concrete is only strong against forces of compression and has low tensile strength and ductility. Reinforcement materials are needed to withstand shear and tensile forces on the concrete. Steel is used because it bonds well with concrete and expands and contracts due to temperature at similar rates.

What is the maximum span of a concrete beam?

150mm – ‘Standard concrete Beam’ The clear span at maximum spacing in a standard domestic application is 4671mm. These hit the scales at 35kg per linear metre. Suited to longer spans and/or heavier loading conditions such as: larger houses, offices and care homes.

Are concrete beams cheaper than steel?

Structural steelwork represents only 20% of overall steelwork used in construction, and this is the main reason why steelwork is much cheaper compared to reinforced concrete. The price of construction material has grown overall but the impact of this growth is more on concrete (by mass) than steel.

How can a beam be reinforced?

Another way to reinforce a beam is with a flitch plate. In this method, a steel plate is sandwiched between two identical wooden beams and the beam-and-steel sandwich is bolted together. The steel plate should be as long as the beam, with bolt holes punched or drilled through the steel.

What is the design life of reinforced concrete structures?

The possibility for design of reinforced concrete structures for a very long lifespan of several years exist without a proven method (by calculation or experiments). The improved microstructure of concrete by judicious use of mineral admixtures, such as flyash, silica fume, and other pozzolans, as well as new generation of chemical admixtures, have given hope for the RC structures for life span of more than 100 years .

Which types of rebar are used in concrete?

Carbon Steel. Carbon Steel is the classic type of rebar found in all manner of construction projects across the country.

What can concrete beams be used for?

Reinforced concrete beams are the important structural element of building which are designed to carry transverse external loads. This loadable to cause bending moment, shear forces, and in some cases torsion across their length.