Efficiency of corner reinforcement detailing near small openings in RC deep beams

This study deals with mitigation of concentration effects due to small opening corners in RC deep beams with different reinforcement detailing.Six different reinforcement details in six RC deep beams with small utility openings were tested under three-point loading.The deformations at peak load, strains in rebars at critical locations, load-carrying capacity, load vs. deflection response, crack pattern, strut deformations and energy dissipation have been described.The test results show that the design and detailing of reinforcement influence on deformations, strain concentrations, and strain distributions in rebars.Higher quantity of horizontal reinforcement near the openings performed better with reduced deformations and enhanced load-carrying capacity, while vertical-web reinforcement near openings enhances stiffness and reduces deflections, with significant structural stability under loading.The reinforced concrete deep beams with small openings underlines the role of reinforcement detailing for better performance with ductility up to the brink of ultimate failure.