Response of spiral-reinforced lightweight concrete to short-term compression

Abstract

This study explores the response of spiral-reinforced lightweight concrete to short-term compression by conducting an experimental program. The response includes deformation capacity, compressive strength, concrete strain at compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and failure mode. The response is explored by varying the pitch of spiral reinforcement, diameter of spiral wire, compressive strength of plain concrete, and specimen size. Test results show that deformation capacity of spiral-reinforced lightweight concrete decreases with an increase in compressive strength of plain lightweight concrete. Nevertheless, deformation capacity can be increased by reducing the pitch of spiral reinforcement and by increasing the diameter of spiral wire. This study also suggests the mathematical expressions to estimate the compressive strength of spiral-reinforced lightweight concrete, concrete strain at compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity of plain lightweight concrete. Understanding of the concrete response gained from the present study would be beneficial in analysis and design of lightweight concrete structural members. © 2010 ASCE.