Concrete Strength Class and its Impact on Beam Section Modulus: A Dual Experimental–Theoretical Approach
Session
Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Environment
Description
This study investigates the influence of concrete strength class on the section modulus of concrete beams using a dual experimental–theoretical approach. Twenty-seven beam specimens, all with a constant cross-sectional area (A = 1000 cm²) and length (L = 40 cm) but varying width-to-height ratios, were produced using concrete classes C25/30, C30/37, and C35/45. Standard flexural tests were conducted, and results were compared with theoretical calculations based on mechanics of materials and numerical simulations using DIANA FEA. The results confirm that higher concrete strength, particularly in beams with larger section modulus, leads to increased flexural capacity due to greater stiffness and compressive strength. Minor discrepancies observed are attributed to concrete heterogeneity and model simplifications. The strong correlation between experimental and theoretical data underscores the importance of both material properties and cross-sectional geometry in structural performance, offering valuable insights for the optimization of concrete beam design under flexural loading.
Keywords:
Concrete, Beams Section Modulus, Flexural Strength, FEA
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.55
Recommended Citation
Kryeziu, Butrint; Selmani, Feti; and Kryeziu, Driton R., "Concrete Strength Class and its Impact on Beam Section Modulus: A Dual Experimental–Theoretical Approach" (2025). UBT International Conference. 17.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/CEIE/17
Concrete Strength Class and its Impact on Beam Section Modulus: A Dual Experimental–Theoretical Approach
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
This study investigates the influence of concrete strength class on the section modulus of concrete beams using a dual experimental–theoretical approach. Twenty-seven beam specimens, all with a constant cross-sectional area (A = 1000 cm²) and length (L = 40 cm) but varying width-to-height ratios, were produced using concrete classes C25/30, C30/37, and C35/45. Standard flexural tests were conducted, and results were compared with theoretical calculations based on mechanics of materials and numerical simulations using DIANA FEA. The results confirm that higher concrete strength, particularly in beams with larger section modulus, leads to increased flexural capacity due to greater stiffness and compressive strength. Minor discrepancies observed are attributed to concrete heterogeneity and model simplifications. The strong correlation between experimental and theoretical data underscores the importance of both material properties and cross-sectional geometry in structural performance, offering valuable insights for the optimization of concrete beam design under flexural loading.