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Flexural Behavior of Functionally Graded RC Beams Constructed Using Layers of Normal and Ultra-High-Performance Concretes.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Flexural Behavior of Functionally Graded RC Beams Constructed Using Layers of Normal and Ultra-High-Performance Concretes.
Authors: Alharbi, Yousef R.1 (AUTHOR) yrharbi@ksu.edu.sa, Abadel, Aref2 (AUTHOR), Alharbi, Waleed2 (AUTHOR), Almusallam, Tarek2 (AUTHOR), Al-Salloum, Yousef2 (AUTHOR), Abbas, Husain2 (AUTHOR)
Source: Arabian Journal for Science & Engineering (Springer Science & Business Media B.V. ). May2026, Vol. 51 Issue 10, p12943-12960. 18p.
Subject Terms: *Concrete beams, *Flexure, *High strength concrete, *Flexural strength testing, *Structural engineering, *Reinforced concrete
Abstract: Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, particularly in flexure, but its high cost restricts its large-scale use. This study explores a cost-effective alternative through Functionally Graded Reinforced Concrete (FGRC) beams, in which Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) is strategically layered with UHPC. The objective is to achieve flexural behavior comparable to that of monolithic UHPC beams while significantly reducing material cost. Twelve half-scale beams (150 mm × 240 mm × 1800 mm) were cast using a fresh-on-fresh layering technique to develop FGRC beams with varying thicknesses and configurations of UHPC and NSC. The UHPC layer thicknesses ranged from 60 to 120 mm, enabling the evaluation of gradation effects. The control beams of single layers of NSC and UHPC were also prepared for comparisons. Two rebars of Φ16 mm were provided in tension. A four-point bending test was performed to assess the flexural performance of the FGRC beams. Results indicated that strategically incorporating UHPC in the tension zone significantly enhanced the flexural behavior of the beams without the need for a bonding agent to bond the UHPC and NSC layers. Additionally, a methodology was developed for predicting the load capacity of FGRC beams based on section analysis, which was in close agreement with experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Database: Energy & Power Source
Description
Abstract:Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, particularly in flexure, but its high cost restricts its large-scale use. This study explores a cost-effective alternative through Functionally Graded Reinforced Concrete (FGRC) beams, in which Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) is strategically layered with UHPC. The objective is to achieve flexural behavior comparable to that of monolithic UHPC beams while significantly reducing material cost. Twelve half-scale beams (150 mm × 240 mm × 1800 mm) were cast using a fresh-on-fresh layering technique to develop FGRC beams with varying thicknesses and configurations of UHPC and NSC. The UHPC layer thicknesses ranged from 60 to 120 mm, enabling the evaluation of gradation effects. The control beams of single layers of NSC and UHPC were also prepared for comparisons. Two rebars of Φ16 mm were provided in tension. A four-point bending test was performed to assess the flexural performance of the FGRC beams. Results indicated that strategically incorporating UHPC in the tension zone significantly enhanced the flexural behavior of the beams without the need for a bonding agent to bond the UHPC and NSC layers. Additionally, a methodology was developed for predicting the load capacity of FGRC beams based on section analysis, which was in close agreement with experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:2193567X
DOI:10.1007/s13369-025-10832-4