Prediction of the behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams with web openings using the finite element method

The exact analysis of reinforced concrete deep beams is a complex problem and the presence of web openings aggravates the situation. However, no code provision exists for the analysis of deep beams with web opening. The code implemented strut and tie models are debatable and no unique solution using these models is available. In this study, the finite element method is utilized to study the behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams with and without web openings. Furthermore, the effect of the reinforcement distribution on the beam overall capacity has been studied and compared to the Egyptian code guidelines. The damaged plasticity model has been used for the analysis. Models of simply supported deep beams under 3 and 4-point bending and continuous deep beams with and without web openings have been analyzed. Model verification has shown good agreement to literature experimental work. Results of the parametric analysis have shown that web openings crossing the expected compression struts should be avoided, and the depth of the opening should not exceed 20% of the beam overall depth. The reinforcement distribution should be in the range of 0.1–0.2 beam depth for simply supported deep beams.