Crack spacing calculation in reinforced concrete beam using recycled lightweight aggregates under flexure

Abstract

Advanced technologies have been developed to produce lightweight aggregate from construction and demolition wastes, which allow to reduce the use of the limited natural resources. In this paper, the authors present experimental research on lightweight concrete beams using this type of recycled lightweight aggregate. Pull-out tests were carried out to determine the bonding between lightweight concrete and steel. Then the beam specimens were tested, crack spacings were measured and compared with the calculation from different codes using bonding and tensile strength. Through the comparison, the appropriate code was proposed for calculating the crack spacing of lightweight concrete beam with recycled lightweight aggregate.

Keyword: Lightweight concrete; recycled lightweight aggregates; bonding; crack spacing