Requested research

Literature review: Investigate key material properties, applications, and detailing of steel reinforcement in concrete beams and bands, for seismic modeling of rubble stone masonry walls.

Material testing: Determine appropriate protocols to test mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars and stirrups, including actual lab testing.

Reinforcement optimization: Analyze and optimize diameters, dimensions, positions, and spacing of bars and stirrups, across varying beam spans and dimensions, in different seismic hazard conditions.

Background: steel reinforcements in concrete bands

Concrete beams and bands play an important role in the seismic behavior of masonry buildings. Their performance depends on good quality of materials, and proper execution, including mixing, application, and detailing of reinforcements. The focus of this assignment is mainly on steel bars and stirrups, although concrete and masonry quality must also be considered.

Steel reinforcement bars are available in many diameters and steel grades, but the literature reveals:

• Different minimum mechanical requirements
  
  

• Wide variations in application, positioning, spacing, alternating, and overlapping of bars and stirrups

These parameters need to be systematically examined and validated, a central aim of this project.

To support this, suitable (and possibly experimental) lab tests must be developed to determine the mechanical properties of the steel bars and their behavior within horizontal concrete elements. Various detailing options, such as applying, positioning, tying, and detailing of the reinforcements will also be analyzed.

Further action

This project is part of a broader research effort on testing material properties for seismic modeling of stone masonry, which also includes studies of low-strength mortars and low-strength concretes, reflecting real-world conditions often found in developing regions.

Interested? For more information or to set up a meeting, possibly as a final-year thesis opportunity, send us an email. We’d be happy to discuss how you can contribute meaningfully and gain valuable lab and research experience.