Verification of experimental study for reinforced concrete short cantilever using the pre-stressing technique by using ANSYS modeling

This study investigates a method to enhance reinforced concrete corbels by employing post-tensioning cables or directly inserting prestressing strands through newly formed ducts. The approach offers a highly effective solution with several benefits beyond the basic performance of normal reinforcement concrete. Notably, it maintains the structural soundness of the concrete columns with corbels, shields the prestressing elements from mechanical harm and high temperatures due to the surrounding concrete, and features a straightforward application process. The research includes a comparison between a nonlinear analytical model using the ANSYS program and experimental results from eight prestressed corbels, which differed in their ratios of shear span to depth and the arrangement of pre-stressing tension tendons. The corbels (brackets) were post-tensioned with 15.24 mm diameter strands. The findings were evaluated against the cracking patterns and capacities to support loads (bearing capacity) of corbels (brackets) strengthened with conventional reinforcement that is passive, emphasizing the significant impact of the ratios of shear span to depth (a/d) on both cracking behavior and overall load capacity.