Experimental investigation and analysis on flexural performance of functionally graded composite beam crack-controlled by ultrahigh toughness cementitious composites

Based on the concept of functionally graded concrete, UHTCC (ultrahigh toughness cementitious composites) material with excellent crack-controlling ability is strategically substituted for part of the concrete, which surrounds the main longitudinal reinforcement in a reinforced concrete member. Investigations on bending behavior of such a functionally graded composite beam crack-controlled by UHTCC (abbreviated as UHTCC-FGC beam) have been carried out. After establishing a theoretical calculation model, the paper discusses the results of four-point bending experiment on long composite beams without web reinforcement, and validates the theoretical formulae through experimental results of UHTCC-FGC beams with different thicknesses of UHTCC layer. Besides improving bearing capacity and saving steel reinforcements, the results indicate that UHTCC-FGC beams can also effectively control the deformation and enhance the ductility of members. At last, the optimal thickness of UHTCC layer in UHTCC-FGC beams has been confirmed, which can not only save materials and improve mechanical performance of members, but also be very effective in preventing corrosion-induced damage and enhancing the durability of members by controlling crack width below 0.05 mm under service conditions.