Experimental Study and Comparison of the Behavior of Normal and Lightweight Concrete Beams Under Bending with Equivalent Strength with Emphasis on Construction Management

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the flexural and shear behavior of normal weight concrete (NWC) and lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) beams under static loading and analyze the results to improve construction management. In this research, 24 concrete beams, including 12 NWC and 12 LWAC beams, were constructed. The beams were divided into two categories: beams with weak flexural strength and strong shear strength, and beams with strong flexural strength and weak shear strength. Three-point loading tests and simulations were performed using ANSYS 2023 software. Data obtained from the experiments and simulations were compared with valid standards. The results showed that LWAC beams have a higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to NWC beams. Additionally, beams reinforced with more steel exhibited higher flexural stiffness. The presence of transverse reinforcements positively affected the ductility of the beams. The ACI stress block was found to be acceptable for LWAC beams with a single layer of reinforcing steel. LWAC can be considered a suitable and sustainable option for structural applications, especially in high-rise buildings. This type of concrete helps reduce the weight of structures, increase economic efficiency, and improve environmental compatibility. Furthermore, effective resource management and reduced construction costs are additional benefits of using LWAC.