Concrete Stress Distribution Factors for High-Performance Concrete

Abstract

Most of the existing codes are using stress-block parameters which were derived for normal strength concrete. Several researchers in the past have reported that use of ACI 318 stress-block parameters results in un-conservative design of reinforced concrete members for high-performance concrete (HPC). Recent revision of Indian Standard Code IS 456 for design of reinforced members does not include the provisions for strength of concrete beyond 55 MPa. Present research aims at developing the stress-block parameters for wide range of concrete strength between 40–120 MPa. The experimental program includes testing of plain concrete columns, reinforced concrete members such as eccentrically loaded columns, and beams in pure flexure. Moment interaction curves are developed for the column data of the present and previous research. An error analysis is incorporated to prove the consistent conservativeness obtained by the use of the proposed stress-block parameters.