Hope College Engineering Department Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer 2009 Project Summary

A goal of this research is to contribute to the development of a generalized means to describe technical systems using functional analysis methods. A key characteristic is identification of components providing critical functions described in verb-noun form. One such component in civil engineering applications is the reinforced concrete beam. This work developed a design for concrete beams that are suitable for use as an introductory undergraduate laboratory exercise. Major design requirements include low material cost, simple construction, total mass under 50 kilograms, and maximum dimension less than 75 centimeters. Ultimate beam strength must not exceed the 50 kN axial load capabilities of the Instron 4204 mechanical testing machine. Beam reinforcement should reflect methods used in design of full-sized beams. Nineteen different beam designs were tested. Parameters included: concrete mixture, size and placement of reinforcements, and shear reinforcement. A problem encountered was a tendency of beams to fail in shear and insufficient ductility of reinforcing rods. Four-point bending was required. The current optimal reinforced beam design uses a single 10 mm (0.375 inch) rebar in the bottom of the beam and two 6 mm (0.25 inch) rods for in the top of the beam with 9-gauge wire shear reinforcement.

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