The behaviour of reinforced concrete-blockwork lintels

Abstract

This study presents a description of experimental work undertaken to research the behaviour of 'reinforced concrete blockwork lintels' spanning 3m and constructed from locally produced standard concrete block units, with slight modifications. Possible applications of reinforced concrete blockwork beams are discussed together with the typical loading situations which can occur on such elements in practice. Physical tests on twelve specimen beams and five block prisms are reported and a comparison is made between the test results and predictions according to BS : 5628 : Part 2 : 1995; (Structural use of reinforced and prestressed masonry). Finally a study of their cost effectiveness when compared to a reinforced concrete solution was also performed.