Experimental and FEM Analysis of Slab Structures Reinforced with Tubular Reinforcement

This study investigates the structural behavior of reinforced concrete slabs and culverts using newly developed tubular rebars as a replacement for conventional deformed rebars. Tubular rebars, which are approximately 50% lighter and exhibit twice the tensile strength of standard deformed rebars, were evaluated through experimental tests and finite element analysis (FEA). Results showed that tubular rebars achieved up to 44.46% higher yield strength and up to 25.31% higher ultimate strength in statically determinate slabs compared to conventional rebars, though with reduced ductility. In statically indeterminate configurations such as fixed slabs and box culverts, the ductility performance improved significantly, with ductility index differences reduced to less than 3%. Hybrid reinforcement combining tubular and deformed rebars also enhanced performance, especially in compression zones. These findings demonstrate that tubular rebars can be a sustainable and structurally efficient alternative to conventional reinforcement when deflection control is ensured.