This research presents an experimental, analytical, and numerical study to predict the fexural behavior of reinforced
concrete hidden and wide beams embedded in slabs. The experimentally studied parameters of testing eight
specimens include beam depth, beam width, and beam eccentricity from the column. The obtained test results
were compared to the predictions of fnite element analysis using the ANSYS program. A numerical parametric study
was conducted by the ANSYS program to explore other parameters afecting the ultimate fexural strength of beams.
The studied parameters encompass concrete compressive strength, steel reinforcement strength, bottom reinforcement ratio, top-to-bottom reinforcement ratio, and web reinforcement ratio. The results revealed that an increase
in beam depth led to higher ultimate load and secant stifness, along with a decrease in defection. The increase
in beam width signifcantly afected beam depth, resulting in increased ultimate load and secant stifness and a slight
decrease in defection. The increase in beam eccentricity from the column resulted in a decrease in ultimate load
and secant stifness while increasing the defection. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results were
made against calculations based on the ECP 203-2017 and ACI 318-19 codes, and the comparison yielded satisfactory
results |
