International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Comparative Study on Flexural Performance of Blended concrete Beams Using Experimental And Analytical Methods. Umesha C1, Dr. N Jayaramappa 2 1Student of Master in Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Major: Prestressed concrete, University of
Visveswaraya college of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India,
2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Visveswaraya college of Engineering, Bangalore,
Karnataka, India, ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract-The
incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial replacements for cement, has emerged as a sustainable and technically viable alternative. The structural performance of such blended concretes, especially in flexurecritical elements like reinforced concrete beams, has therefore become an important area of research.
increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has encouraged the use of blended concrete incorporating supplementary cementations materials (SCMs) as partial replacements for ordinary Portland cement. Blended concretes not only reduce environmental impact but also influence the mechanical and structural performance of reinforced concrete elements. Among these, flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams is of primary importance, as it governs serviceability, safety, and durability of structural systems. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the flexural strength behaviour of reinforced concrete beams cast using blended concrete, through both experimental testing and analytical evaluation, with the aim of comparing observed performance with theoretical predictions.
Reinforced concrete beams are fundamental structural components designed primarily to resist bending moments. The flexural behaviour of a beam governs its load-carrying capacity, stiffness, ductility, and crack control characteristics. Under flexural loading, concrete resists compressive stresses while tensile stresses are carried by reinforcement. The initiation and propagation of cracks, development of steel yielding, and ultimate failure modes are strongly influenced by the material properties of concrete. Any modification in the concrete matrix, such as the introduction of blended materials, directly affects the flexural response of beams. Hence, understanding the flexural performance of blended concrete beams is essential to ensure structural safety and serviceability.
In the experimental program, a series of reinforced concrete beam specimens were cast using blended concrete mixes incorporating supplementary materials such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), or other pozzolanic additives, partially replacing cement by predetermined percentages. Conventional concrete beams were also prepared as control specimens for comparison. All beams were designed following relevant codal provisions, maintaining identical geometric dimensions, reinforcement detailing, curing conditions, and testing procedures to ensure consistency. The specimens were tested under two-point loading in a flexural testing frame until failure, and key parameters such as first crack load, ultimate load, load–deflection behaviour, crack pattern, and mode of failure were carefully observed and recorded.
1. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, research attention has also expanded towards advanced concrete technologies such as self-healing concrete, which aims to enhance the durability and lifespan of concrete structures by autonomously repairing micro cracks. Self-healing mechanisms may be achieved through the use of mineral admixtures, bacteria-based systems, encapsulated healing agents, or intrinsic autogenous healing facilitated by unhydrated cement particles and supplementary cementitious materials. Blended concretes rich in pozzolanic content have shown improved self-healing potential due to continued hydration and calcium carbonate precipitation, which can partially or fully seal cracks under favourable environmental conditions. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for flexural members, where cracking is unavoidable under service loads.
Concrete remains the most widely used construction material in the world due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the extensive use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete production has raised serious environmental concerns, particularly due to high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In response to these challenges, blended concrete,
The integration of blended materials and self-healing characteristics in reinforced concrete beams presents an opportunity to develop more durable, sustainable, and resilient structures. However, despite the growing body of research on blended and self-healing concretes, limited studies have focused on their combined influence on the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams.
Keywords; supplementary cementations materials (SCMs ; Flexural behaviour; Reinforced concrete beams; Fourpoint bending; Conventional concrete (CC);Blended concrete (BC);Bacterial Blended Concrete (BBC):
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