EFFECT OF MESH REINFORCEMENT ON FLEXURAL CRACKS IN R.C. BEAMS

Abstract

Plain concrete is relatively weak in tension and with greater use of high strength steel and the general acceptance of ultimate load theory and limit state design control of cracking becomes as important as control of deflection in reinforced concrete structures. The cracking in flexural member is undesirable from aesthetic point of view and also it is responsible for the corrosion of reinforcement. In--the past studies have been carried out to identify the parameters which affect the cracking of reinforced concrete and ferrocement. Emprical formula have been derived for crack widths and crack spacing. This dissertation presents the effect of Mesh Reinforcement on Flexural Cracks in Concrete J3eam. For this reinforced concrete beam specimens without mesh, with single layer mesh and with double layer mesh were cast and tested. Observation for first crack load ultimate load, crack widths and deflection were taken and compared to each other. The crack widths were also compared with theoretical values for three cases. It was found that first crack load increases and crack widths decreases with increase in quantity of mesh reinforcement thus it can be concluded that mesh reinforcement is effective in reducing crack widths.