Experimental Investigation Of Hybrid Deep Beams Using Self-Compacting And Geopolymer Concrete Under Various Placement Configurations

Abstract

An experimental investigation was carried out for deep beams constructed from the hybrid concrete system, where self-compacting concrete (SCC) and geopolymer concrete (GPC) are prepared. Two-point loading was carried out on eighteen deep beam cases involving 1 control beam featuring SCC, as well as 3 hybrid configurations having different GPC locations. Group G1 used 70 mm GPC layers in the top, bottom, or top-bottom zones; Group G2 utilized 140 mm layers found in similar geometries. Group G3 had 200 mm and 300 mm of shear zones (GPC) from support. The mechanical response varied according to GPC location and thickness. In Group G1, the lower layer was better performing, and the top-bottom configuration is bad. Optimal capacity was found in Group G2 at top-and-bottom configurations, and the top-only configuration was the least effective. A 200 mm hybrid beam outperformed 300 mm in shear performance but exhibited a decreased structural efficiency and better deformability compared to 300 mm. After crack analysis, the failure was mainly due to diagonal shear compression and flexural action. In addition, the results showed that SCC-GPC hybrid deep beams exhibited satisfactory structural performance and sustainability after elimination of GPC from critical load paths