Abstract
Flexural behaviors of two typical architectural precast beam sections ; inverted tee and rectangular - were compared and investigated. The heights of web in inverted tee beams are generally less than half of beam depth in building structures to accomodate the nib of double-tee where the total building height limited considerably. The inverted-tee beams are designed for parking live load - 500kgf/$\m^2$ and market - 1,200kgf/$\m^2$ according to the currently used typical shape in the domestic market building site in Korea. The bottom dimension and area of rectangular beams are same to those of inverted tee beams to compare the flexural behaviors of two beams. These two beams are also reinforced for similar strength. Four flexural tests are performed on two beams. Following results are obtained from the tests; 1) The rectangular beam is simpler in production, transportation, and election, and more economic than the inverted tee beam for these two beams with same dimension and similar strength. 1) The estimations of flexural strength of two beams by Strength Design Method and Strain Compatibility Method is fully complied with the result of tests. However, Strain Compatibility Method is slightly ore accurate than Strength Design Method. 2) Overall deflections of two type beam under the service loads are less than those of the allowable limit in ACI Code provision. 3) The rectangular beam is failed in large deflection (average 12.56mm large) than those of inverted tee beams. 4) The rectangular and inverted tee beams with 6m span develop initial flexural crackings under the 88% of full service loading even though they designed to satisfy the ACI tensile stress limit provisions.
