Flexural ductility of high-strength concrete beams

L. F. A. Bernardo, Lecturer, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
S. M. R. Lopes, Assistant Professor, FCTUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal

This paper describes an experimental study on the flexural ductility of high-strength concrete beams. Nineteen isostatic beams, simply supported, were tested in the course of this work. Two symmetrical concentrated loads were applied to the beams at intervals of approximately one-third of the span. Ductility was studied by defining certain parameters, which have been termed ductility indexes. The main variables in this study are the compressive strength of the concrete and the longitudinal tensile reinforcement ratio. The results of the tests are examined and discussed, and some conclusions are drawn. The test results were compared with recommendations suggested by codes of practice and again conclusions are drawn.