Testing of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Wood and Steel Bars Under Flexural Loads

Document Type : Research articles

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Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Cairo11629, Egypt

Abstract

Incorporating wood into concrete construction offers significant structural and environmental benefits. Its tensile strength, combined with its workability, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability, makes it a versatile material that complements the compressive properties of concrete. Composite wood-concrete beams are generally lightweight, which reduces construction costs, improves on-site handling, and simplifies installation. This research explores the structural behavior of reinforced concrete beams that incorporate wood as tensile reinforcement alongside conventional steel. The primary objective is to analyze and compare the flexural performance of composite (concrete + steel + wood) beams with that of standard steel-reinforced beams under similar loading conditions. The research investigates the feasibility of using wood as a sustainable, lightweight alternative in low- to medium-load reinforced concrete applications. Previous studies using Musky wood with 10 mm diameter steel bars showed significant performance improvements, increasing load capacity by 117% to 133.5%, and energy absorption by 115% to 269%. In addition, wood-cement composites can enhance flexural strength, improve bonding, and contribute to energy efficiency through reduced thermal conductivity. These benefits highlight the structural and environmental value of incorporating wood into modern concrete construction.

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