Cost analysis of graded concrete beam on maximum reinforcement ratio

In terms of designing beam elements, the designer must consider the structural performance and construction cost. Structural design on maximum reinforcement conditions is avoided because of the relatively high implementation cost, the structure also tends to experience brittle failure. In graded concrete (GC) beams, the use of lower strength concrete in the tensile fibres of the beam is expected to lead the reinforcing steel to achieve its yield. Meanwhile, the higher concrete strength in the compression fibre of the beam maintains the performance of the beam when it enters the post-yield phase to the ultimate. This condition supports the beam to control the stiffness not to decrease suddenly and improve the mechanical properties of conventional RC beams. In this study, the authors intend to further analyse the cost analysis of GC beams using maximum reinforcement. The specimens tested in this study were divided into 2 types, namely, control specimens and graded beam specimens. All beam specimens were tested using the four-point bending method in the laboratory at 28 days. The results show that: A proportional increase of construction cost and structural performance is obtained on GC beams designed with the reinforcing area is calculated to concrete strength in tensile fibre; In terms of cost-saving, the application of GC can reduce costs and performance proportionally if the reinforcing area is calculated to concrete strength in compressive fibre.