PolySDL-STRUCTURAL DESIGN LAB
at Florida Polytechnic University
Active learning in Civil Engineering through structural design, modeling, testing, and experimentation
Reinforced Concrete beams in action
A design-build-test activity on flexural behavior, shear behavior, and reinforcement detailing
Overview
This activity introduces reinforced concrete beam behavior through a comparative design-build-test experience. Student teams produce reinforced concrete beams with assigned reinforcement layouts and study how differences in longitudinal reinforcement and stirrup spacing influence structural response under 4-point bending.
Why This Activity Matters
Reinforced concrete design is often taught through equations, section analysis, and code provisions. This activity helps students move beyond calculation and observe how real beams crack, deform, and fail. It highlights the importance of detailing, ductility, and the relationship between reinforcement layout and structural behavior.
Activity Status
In Development
Main focus
Flexural Behavior, Shear Behavior, Reinforcement Detailing, Failure Modes
Course Connection
Strength of Materials, Reinforced Concrete Structures
Tools / Platforms
Rebar Detailing, Formwork, Concrete Casting, 4-Point Bending Test, Observation, Comparison
Activity Type
Design-Build-Test
Team Format
Groups of 4-5
Mode
Physical
Key Deliverables
RC Beam Fabrication, Reinforcement Detailing, Test Participation, Comparison of Behavior, Reflection Report
Technical Snapshot
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4-point bending test on 6 ft RC beams
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Cross - section: 6 in × 10 in
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Six beam configurations compared
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Variables: longitudinal reinforcement and stirrup spacing
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Response of interest: cracking, ductility, and failure mode
The Design Challenge
Student teams are asked to produce reinforced concrete beams with assigned reinforcement configurations and prepare them for 4-point bending testing. Working in groups of 4–5, students participate in the fabrication process and then compare how differences in longitudinal reinforcement and stirrup spacing affect cracking, stiffness, ductility, and failure mode.
Using a common beam size and test setup, the activity allows students to study how reinforcement detailing changes structural behavior. The goal is to connect reinforced concrete design concepts with actual experimental response by observing how different beam configurations perform under the same loading conditions.
Full details regarding reinforcement layouts, fabrication requirements, testing procedure, observations, and final deliverables are provided in the PolySDL Activities Handbook.
This activity is inspired by reinforced concrete beam failure demonstrations presented by Dr. Brock Hedegaard of the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Related Photos and Project Examples
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Selected images from related fabrication, testing, or previous project examples.