@article{(Open Science Index):https://publications.waset.org/pdf/2933, title = {Flexural Strength and Ductility Improvement of NSC beams}, author = {Jun Peng and Johnny Ching Ming Ho}, country = {}, institution = {}, abstract = {In order to calculate the flexural strength of normal-strength concrete (NSC) beams, the nonlinear actual concrete stress distribution within the compression zone is normally replaced by an equivalent rectangular stress block, with two coefficients of α and β to regulate the intensity and depth of the equivalent stress respectively. For NSC beams design, α and β are usually assumed constant as 0.85 and 0.80 in reinforced concrete (RC) codes. From an earlier investigation of the authors, α is not a constant but significantly affected by flexural strain gradient, and increases with the increasing of strain gradient till a maximum value. It indicates that larger concrete stress can be developed in flexure than that stipulated by design codes. As an extension and application of the authors- previous study, the modified equivalent concrete stress block is used here to produce a series of design charts showing the maximum design limits of flexural strength and ductility of singly- and doubly- NSC beams, through which both strength and ductility design limits are improved by taking into account strain gradient effect.}, journal = {International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering}, volume = {5}, number = {11}, year = {2011}, pages = {575 - 581}, ee = {https://publications.waset.org/pdf/2933}, url = {https://publications.waset.org/vol/59}, bibsource = {https://publications.waset.org/}, issn = {eISSN: 1307-6892}, publisher = {World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology}, index = {Open Science Index 59, 2011}, }