Effect of longitudinal opening on the structural behavior of reinforced high-strength self-compacted concrete deep beams

Deep beams are loaded as a simple beam in which the load is taken to the supports by a compressive force. Beam is classified as a deep beam if the beam has a depth larger than quarter of the clear span. Openings are very important in deep beams in order to allow the passage of conduits and other mechanical purposes. Bridge beams with a longitudinal opening are suitable for all services (electrical or mechanical). The present study carried out an investigation on the behavior of nine reinforced high-strength self-compacted concrete (RHSSCC) deep beams with longitudinal opening with different openings shape, size, and location. Two shapes (square and circular), two opening positions (compression and tension zone) were chosen and one-sixth of depth and one-quarter of depth side length or circular diameter dimension are used. The load capacity, deflection, absorbed energy and cracks pattern were recorded and discussed. The experimental program shows that longitudinal openings makes a reduction in the loading capacity of RHSSCC deep beams, increase in opening size decreases capacity load of deep beams, the change in longitudinal opening shape slightly affected and the longitudinal opening located in compression zone gave more reduction than openings located in the tension zone.