Misan Journal of Engineering Sciences ISSN-E: 2957-4250

Vol. 2, No. 2, December 2023 ISSN: 2957-4242

Experimental and Numerical Study of Torsional Solid

and Hollow Section of Polyolefin Fiber-Reinforced
Concrete Beams
Iman H. Majeed1*, Mazian A. Ahmad1, Haleem K. Hussain 1
1 Civil Engineering Department, Basrah University, Basrah, Iraq

*Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]

(Received 9 Nov 2023, Revised 30 Nov 2023, Accepted 30 Nov 2023)

Abstract: An experimental and theoretical program was undertaken to enhance comprehension

regarding how variations in fiber ratio impact the structural performance of both solid and hollow
reinforced concrete beams when subjected to pure torsion. Polyolefin fiber was utilized in this study. To
achieve this objective, a total of sixteen specimens of fiber-reinforced concrete beams were
manufactured. Among these, eight were solid beams, while the remaining eight were hollow beams, all
featuring rectangular cross-sections. These specimens were constructed employing polyolefin fiber. The
findings indicated that incorporating polyolefin fiber into the concrete mixture led to improved
mechanical properties in the cured concrete. The most significant enhancements were observed in the
splitting tensile strength and flexural strength tests conducted on the specimens. Both solid and hollow
beams exhibited notable enhancements in their torsional performance. These enhancements occurred as
the polyolefin fiber percentage increased from zero to 1.5%, while the transverse and longitudinal
reinforcement ratios remained constant. Furthermore, the reduction ratio of torsional strength becomes
more noticeable when comparing solid and hollow sections in high-strength beams, as opposed to
normal-strength beams.

Keywords: ultimate torsion, polyolefin fiber, solid beam, hollow beam, high strength, normal
strength.

Introduction

Torsion can occur when external loads cause the beam to deviate significantly from its vertical bending
plane, resulting in the twisting of the beam along its longitudinal axis. This twisting action, combined
with bending moment and shear force. Torsion can be classified into two types: statistically determinate
and statistically indeterminate. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a beam subjected to torsion. Torsion
can occur through different means, such as reinforcing only one side of a slab or beam. Another way is
by applying loads that cause significant rotation away from the diagonal axis to the longitudinal axis of
the beam. In some cases, shear stresses can result in diagonal tensions, leading to the formation of
diagonal cracks. Insufficient support for torsion can lead to sudden failure of the member [1].
Allawi [2] conducted that the strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams under torsion was
experimentally investigated using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The results of the study
demonstrated that the ultimate torque
increased by approximately 90% to 84%, depending on the specific strengthening pattern employed.
When applying non-stop wrapping as a reinforcement technique, the cracking torque showed a
substantial increase of 130% for hollow sections and 81% for solid sections in RC beams. These findings
highlight the significant benefits of employing CFRP reinforcement for enhancing the torsional capacity
of RC beams, particularly when utilizing non-stop wrapping. Al-Mahaidi [3], investigated the torsional
strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with box and solid sections using both numerical and
experimental approaches. The study focused on the application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer

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(CFRP) laminates. The results of the study demonstrated a significant increase in both the ultimate
strength and cracking strength of the beams. The ultimate strength saw an improvement of up to 78%,
while the cracking strength increased by approximately 40%. These findings highlight the effectiveness
of using CFRP laminates to enhance the torsional capacity of RC beams, offering substantial
improvements in their overall structural performance. Mazin et.al [4], studied the Influence of fiber-type
reinforcement on the torsional performance of solid and hollow reinforced concrete beams, an
experimental approach was employed to investigate the impact of various fiber shapes and types on the
behavior of solid and hollow reinforced concrete beams under torsion. Four fiber types, hooked end,
straight, corrugated steel, and polyolefin were examined. Ten specimens were created, comprising five
solid and five hollow beams with square cross-sections, each utilizing these different fibers. The findings
revealed that the torsional behavior of both solid and hollow beams experienced notable improvement,
particularly in cases where corrugated steel fiber was used for reinforcement. Although straight and
polyolefin fibers slightly enhanced concrete properties and exhibited minor improvements in torsional
capacity, beams reinforced with polyolefin fiber demonstrated enhanced ductility under torsion
compared to the other fiber types.
This study involved the testing of 16 rectangular reinforced concrete beam specimens, which included
both solid and hollow sections, under pure torsion. The investigation began by analyzing the mechanical
properties of the concrete. The primary focus was then placed on studying the impact of beam types
(hollow or solid sections) and various volume fractions of fibers on the torsional capacity of the beams.
During the casting process, the beams were prepared with three different values of fiber volume fraction
(VF): 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%.

Fig. 1. Reinforced concrete members subjected to torsion.

1. Experimental Work
2.1. Material Properties
The physical and chemical properties of the cement used, as well as the mechanical properties of the
fine and coarse aggregates, are presented in Tables 1 to 3, confirm with the ASTM standards [5-6]. Figure
2 shows the particle size distributions of the gravel (coarse aggregate) and sand (fine aggregate), obtained
from local sources, Figure 3 shows the polyolefin fibers (PF) used in this study.
Table 4 provides details on the mechanical properties and geometric specifications of the polyolefin
fiber used in the research. In this study, the concrete mix included PF at various ratios (0.5%, 1%, and
1.5%) by volume for all tested specimens. The chosen ratios were determined based on previous studies
to ensure the desired workability and consistency of the fresh concrete [7-8].

Table 1 Physical properties of cement (ASTM C150-08)

Properties Result limits
2
Fineness (m /Kg) 305 ≥ 280
Setting time (min.)
Initial 132 ≥ 45
Final 263 ≤ 375
Compressive strength (N/mm2)
3 days 15.8 ≥ 12
7 days 24.3 ≥ 19

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Table 2 Chemical composition of cement (ASTM C150-08)

Composition Result Weight (%) Limits (%)

Lime (CaO) 62.21 -
Silica (SiO2) 20.20 -
Alumina (Al2O3) 5.13 -
Iron oxide (Fe2O3) 3.21 -
Magnesia (MgO) 1.74 ≤ 2.8
Sulfur trioxide (SO3) 2.92 ≤5
Loss on Ignition 2.92 ≤3

Table 3. Physical properties of aggregates (ASTM C33-18)

Property Gravel Sand
Bulk specific gravity 2.42 2.63
Apparent specific gravity 2.40 2.72
Dense dry density (kg/m3) 1632 1870
Loose dry density (kg/m3) 1452 1720
Sulphate content (%) 0.02 0.23
Absorption (%) 0.85 1.61

Fig. 2 Particle size distribution of fine and coarse Fig. 3. Polyolefin fiber.
aggregates.

Table 4. properties of polyolefin fiber

Shape L(mm) D (mm) A.R. 𝑓𝑡 (MPa)
—— 60 0.84 71 465

To conduct the testing, two types of concrete mixes were prepared: normal (NC) and high strength
concrete (HC). PF was added to both mixes at three different ratios. The mix proportion of the control
concrete mix utilized in the experiment is presented in Table 5. Sika visco-crete (5930) was used as a
superplasticizer, with a ratio of approximately 1% of the total weight of cement . assess the mechanical
properties of the different concrete mixes, such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and
flexural.

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Table 5. Proportion of control concrete mix

Material Material
Parameter quantity quantity
(25MPa) (55MPa)
Water/Cement ratio 0.48 0.30
Water (kg/m3) 172 150
3
Cement (kg/m ) 358 460
3
Sand (kg/m ) 782 657
Gravel (kg/m3) 1081 1138
Sika Visco Crete (kg/m3) 3.4 4.6

2.2. Tested Beam Specimens

A comprehensive testing was conducted on a total of 16 reinforced concrete beams, focusing on pure
torsion conditions. Table 6 outlines the distribution, indicating that eight beams were designed with a
hollow cross section, while the remaining beams had solid cross sections. To facilitate comparison, a
single reference beam specimen was prepared for each cross-sectional type, excluding any fiber-
reinforced concrete. All beams shared identical dimensions, measuring 1400 mm in effected length, 150
mm in overall width, and 300 mm in overall depth. For the hollow beams, a specific wall thickness of
60 mm was implemented. Figure 4 visually presents the beam specimens, showcasing their geometry
and reinforcement details.

Table 6. Details of tested beam specimens.

Normal Strength High Strength Reinforcement
PFR % Beam Sec.
Specimens Specimens Long. Stirrup
NS 00 HS 00 0.0 Solid
NH 00 HH 00 0.0 Hollow
NS 0.5 HS 0.5 0.5 Solid
NH 0.5 HH 0.5 0.5 Hollow
NS 1.0 HS 1.0 1.0 Solid
NH 1.0 HH 1.0 1.0 Hollow
NS 1.5 HS 1.5 1.5 Solid
NH 1.5 HH 1.5 1.5 Hollow

Figure 4. Beam specimen’s geometry.

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2.3. Test Procedure
The beam specimens underwent testing using a universal testing machine with a maximum capacity
of 500 kN. Each beam was supported by two roller supports, and the load was transmitted through a
load-spreader beam, which was an I-section steel girder. The support arms were securely fastened
together with bolts and welded to the end roller supports, allowing the beam specimens to twist and
elongate/shorten freely, as shown in Figure 5. To measure the twist angle, two LVDTs (linear variable
differential transformers) were attached to the steel arm. A progressive increase in torque was applied in
a continuous manner until the beams failed. Throughout the testing process, the applied torque and the
corresponding angle of twist were recorded for each increment of load. The cracking torque, ultimate
torque, and their respective angle of twist values were also documented.

Figure 5. Test setup of beam specimens under pure torsion.

3. Finite Element Modeling

In this study, nonlinear finite element analysis was employed to model reinforced concrete beams
using ABAQUS software (2022). The concrete, steel supports, steel plates (which surround the beam
ends), and steel bolts (connecting the top and bottom of the plates) were defined as 3D solid stress
element types. The steel reinforcement, both longitudinal and transverse, was defined as a 3D truss
element type. The steel beams (I-section), used to apply the load, were defined as a 3D shell element
type.
The loading and boundary conditions were applied in a manner similar to the experimental work. The
ends of the beams were connected by clamped steel plates fastened with bolts, and the bottom plate was
connected to steel supports with a free surface sliding capability to allow for twisting according to the
applied load. The load was applied to the center of the top steel beam as a displacement, which transferred
the displacement to the steel beams at the ends of the beam, resulting in twisting loads at the ends of the
beam. The assembly of parts and boundary conditions is depicted in Figure 5.
3.1. Modeling Description
For the concrete, steel supports, plates, and bolt elements, we utilized 8-node hexahedral elements
(C3D8R) with a mesh size of 25 mm. Additionally, employed 2-node elements (T3D2) to model the
reinforcement bars, using the same 25 mm mesh size as that of the concrete elements. The steel beams
were represented by 4-node elements (S4R) with the same mesh size.
The bond between the steel bars and concrete was simulated as an embedded perfect bond, while the
interaction between the support and bottom end plate surfaces was defined as frictionless with hard
contact. In contrast, the interaction between the concrete surface and the surrounding plates was defined
as a friction penalty with hard contact. The mesh configuration of these elements can be observed in
Figure 6.

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Figure 6. Mesh configuration of elements.

3.2. Material Modeling

3.2.1 Concrete Material
Concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model was used to modeling concrete material to consider the
failure mechanisms of the concrete material for tensile cracking and compressive crushing. The Lubliner
et al. introduced CDP [9] and Lee and Fenves developed it [10]. In this study, by using formal of BS EN
1992-1-1 2004 [11] to introduce the compression behavior of concrete which suitable for normal and
high strength concrete and expressed as:
𝑘𝑛 − 𝑛2
𝜎𝑐 = 𝑓𝑐 (1)
1 + (𝑘 − 2)𝑛

𝜀𝑐
𝑛= (2)
𝜀𝑐𝑜
𝜀𝑐𝑜 = 0.0007 × 𝑓𝑐0.31 < 0.0028 (3)
|𝜀𝑐𝑜 |
𝑘 = 1.05 × 𝐸𝑐 × (4)
𝑓𝑐
𝐸𝑐 = 22 × 103 (0.1𝑓𝑐 )0.3 (5)

where, 𝑓c is the concrete cylinder compressive strength; 𝜀𝑐 is the concrete compressive strain at any
point, 𝜀𝑐o is the strain at peak stress, σc is the compressive stress of concrete and Ec is the young's
modulus of concrete.
The compressive damage parameter can be represented by Eq.(6) [12].
𝜎𝑐
𝑑𝑐 = 1 − ′ (6)
𝑓𝑐
where, dc is the compression damage parameter.
The tensile stress–strain curve of concrete can be represented by Eq. (7) and Eq. (8) according to
[13,14].

𝜎𝑡 = 𝐸𝑐 𝜀𝑡 𝜀𝑡 ≤ 𝜀𝑐𝑟 (7)

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𝜀𝑐𝑟 0.4
𝜎𝑡 = 𝑓𝑐𝑟 ( ) 𝜀𝑡 > 𝜀𝑐𝑟 (8)
𝜀𝑡

The tensile damage parameter can be represented by Eq.(9) [15].

𝜎𝑡
𝑑𝑡 = 1 − (9)
𝑓𝑡
where, dt is the tension damage parameter.

Table 7 presents the experimental dataset used for modeling concrete material, providing insights into
how PFR affects the specimens as shown in Figures 7 and 8 for stress-strain curves and Figures 9 and 10
for tensile stress- displacement curves, for NC and HC respectively.

Table 7. Data used for modeling concrete with PFR

𝑓𝑐 ft F cr Ec
Concrete Strength PFR % MPa
MPa MPa MPa
0.0 26.3 3.45 4.13 24830
0.5 25.1 4.11 6.15 21160
Normal 1.0 26.8 5.82 6.41 19370
1.5 25.3 6.15 7.78 17640
0.0 56.3 6.30 6.88 38545
0.5 57.1 6.91 9.34 35360
High
1.0 56.9 8.53 10.51 32175
1.5 55.8 8.92 11.34 30720

Figure 7. Stress-strain curves for NC with PFR Figure 8. stress-strain curves for HC with PFR

Figure 9. ft stress-displacement curves for NC Figure 10 ft stress-displacement curves for HC

with PFR. with PFR.

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Table 8 displays the values of various parameters employed in the CDP model, derived from a
synthesis of findings from multiple research studies [16,17].

Table 8 CDP parameters.

ψ e fbo/fco K V
35 0.1 1.16 0.667 0

where, ψ = Dilation angle, e= Eccentricity, fbo/fco= Proportion between biaxial and uniaxial
compressive strength, K= Shape parameter, and V= Viscosity Parameter.

3.2.2. Steel Reinforcement Material

The reinforcement was defined depend on the experimental results of the tensile tests. The behavior
of stress -strain curve was defined according to British Standards
𝜎𝑠=𝜎𝑛(1+𝜀𝑛) (10) Institution [11] by Eq.[10] and Eq.[11].

𝜀𝑠𝑝𝑙=𝜀𝑠−𝜀𝑠𝑒𝑙 (11)

where, 𝜀𝑠=ln (1+𝜀𝑛), 𝜀𝑒𝑙 = 𝜎s /Es , 𝜎𝑛 is the nominal stress, 𝜀𝑛 is the nominal strain, and Es is the steel
modulus of elasticity (200 GPa).

3.2.3. Steel Plate, Bolt and Support Materials

These steel materials were defined as elastic behavior because it used for applying load and support
specimens. The elastic behavior can be represented in program by Poisson ratio value (v= 0.3) and steel
modulus of elasticity (Es = 200 GPa).

4.Results and Discussion

4.1. Properties of Hardened Concrete
As illustrated in Table 7, adding PF to concrete does not have a significant impact on compressive
strength. Meanwhile, the tensile strength exhibits a proportional increase with the addition of PFR. This
effect is observed consistently for both NC and HC.

4.2. Experimental Results

The study found that employing a hollow cross-section has an impact on the torsional strength of
reinforced concrete specimens as shown in Tables 9 and 10 . At the first crack, the torque load 𝑻cr
increased with increased PFR when the twist angle θcr showed a notable increase with 1.0% and 1.5%
of PFR for both type sections and both concrete strengths. Also, The ultimate torque 𝑻u and twist angle
θu increase with an increase in PFR. This behavior may be due to the addition of PF, which increases the
torsional stiffness of the reinforced concrete beam, leading to an increase in the maximum resisting
torque. The study also found that the addition of PF increases the energy absorption capacity of the RC
beam, leading to an increase in the maximum angle of twist as shown in Figures 11 to 14. Additionally,
PF helps to delay the onset of cracking and improve the ductility of the RC beam.

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Table 9. Torque and twist angle at first crack.

Solid Sec. Hollow Sec.
Spe. 𝑻cr θcr 𝑻cr θcr
kN.m rad. kN.m rad.
N0.0 4.46 0.0025 3.23 0.0016
N0.5 5.04 0.0025 4.20 0.0011
N1.0 5.97 0.0045 5.75 0.0043
N1.5 6.82 0.0059 5.72 0.0047
H0.0 7.87 0.0012 6.57 0.0009
H0.5 8.17 0.0012 6.71 0.0005
H1.0 8.48 0.0018 7.65 0.0011
H1.5 10.08 0.0025 9.13 0.0023

Table 10. Torque and twist angle at ultimate torque

Solid Sec. Hollow Sec.
Spe. 𝑻u θu 𝑻u θu
kN.m rad. kN.m rad.
N0.0 6.97 0.0400 5.33 0.0450
N0.5 9.19 0.0580 8.22 0.0440
N1.0 11.03 0.0740 10.06 0.0730
N1.5 12.15 0.0849 11.51 0.0839
H0.0 10.66 0.0087 9.36 0.0144
H0.5 12.07 0.0157 9.88 0.0142
H1.0 15.03 0.0370 12.38 0.0312
H1.5 15.53 0.0340 12.87 0.0331

Figure 11 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0% Figure 12 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0.5%

Figure 13 Torque-twist curve for PFR 1.0% Figure 14 Torque-twist curve for PFR 1.5%

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4.3. FEM Results
Table 11 shows the comparison between experimental and theoretical results for ultimate torsional
loads. Figures 15 to 22 show the comparison between experimental and FEA for solid and hollow
sections for PFR of reinforced concrete specimens of normal and high compressive strengths. The results
and FEA specimens’ behavior showed good agreement with experimental results for the selected model.
Table 11 Experimental and theoretical comparison

EXP. FEM FEA/EXP

Spe. 𝑻u θu 𝑻u θu
𝑻u θu
kN.m rad. kN.m rad.
NS00 6.97 0.04 6.80 0.043 0.98 1.08
NH00 5.33 0.045 5.53 0.052 1.04 1.16
NS0.5 9.19 0.058 9.51 0.057 1.03 0.98
NH0.5 8.22 0.044 7.96 0.052 0.97 1.18
NS1.0 11.03 0.074 10.17 0.078 0.92 1.05
NH1.0 10.06 0.073 9.23 0.088 0.92 1.21
NS1.5 12.15 0.085 12.60 0.085 1.04 1.00
NH1.5 11.51 0.084 10.42 0.087 0.91 1.04
HS00 10.66 0.009 10.05 0.01 0.94 1.15
HH00 9.36 0.014 9.81 0.013 1.05 0.90
HS0.5 12.07 0.016 11.27 0.018 0.93 1.15
0.014
HH0.5 9.88 10.04 0.013 1.02 0.92
2
HS1.0 15.03 0.037 13.87 0.026 0.92 0.70
HH1.0 12.38 0.025 11.38 0.021 0.92 0.84
HS1.5 15.53 0.034 14.32 0.04 0.92 1.18
HH1.5 12.87 0.029 11.83 0.032 0.92 1.10

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Figure 15 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0.0% (NC- Solid Figure 16 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0.0%
Sec.) (NC-Hollow Sec.)

Figure 17 Torque-twist curve for PFR 1.0% (NC- Solid Figure 18 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0.0%
Sec.) (NC-Hollow Sec.)

Figure 19 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0.0% (HC- Solid Figure 20 Torque-twist curve for PFR 0.0%
Sec.) (HC-Hollow Sec.)

Figure 21 Torque-twist curve for PFR 1.0% (HC- Figure 22 Torque-twist curve for PFR 1.0%
Solid Sec.) (HC-Hollow Sec.)

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4.4 Failure Mods

Figure 23 illustrates the observed failure modes during the experimental testing of the specimens
subjected to torsional loads. When these members were subjected to torsion, the shearing stresses,
resulting in inclined ring-shaped stress patterns. It is clearly observe that the reference beams with 0.0%
PFR for both strength levels of concrete, normal and high, exhibited failure characterized by the
formation of significant cracks.
Initially, these cracks initiated at the bottom surface facing upward, then propagated to the top surface,
and eventually extended towards the upper rear surface before reaching the lower surface. As the applied
torque increased, these cracks grew in both length and width, with most of them exhibiting an inclination
of approximately 43 degrees. It is worth noting that this failure mode has been consistently documented
in numerous prior studies [4,18].
In contrast, the specimens constructed with PF concrete displayed distinct behavior as the applied
torque increased. Several smeared inclined cracks began to appear along the sides of the beams. Unlike
the reference beams, the presence of PF played a crucial role in resisting post-cracking torque and
reducing the width of the primary cracks by redirecting them into smaller, higher-density cracks. Notably,
it was observed that the crack density in the beams exhibited a direct correlation with the increase in PFR
content.
Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the density of cracks in normal strength specimens
exceeded that in high-strength specimens. This difference may be attributed to the increased ductility
capacity of the PFR specimens. It is pertinent to mention that all tested beams ultimately failed in shear,
which is a typical mode of failure for beams subjected to pure torsion.

Figure 23 Failure modes of experimental testing under torsional loads

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5. Conclusions
This study investigates the impact of beam type sections (hollow or solid sections) and varying fiber
volume fractions on the torsional capacity of concrete specimens with normal and high strength. To sum
up the key findings concisely:

The introduction of PF had a negligible effect on the concrete's compressive strength. However, it
significantly enhanced the splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of PF-reinforced concrete.

1. Considerable improvements in torsional performance were observed in both solid and hollow
beams, with the enhancements becoming more pronounced as the PF content gradually increased
from zero to 1.5%.

2. When PFs were incorporated into high-strength concrete beams, the reduction in torsional
strength between hollow and solid sections became more prominent. In contrast, in normal-
strength concrete beams, the reduction ratio decreased.

3. As the fiber content increased, a relatively consistent reduction in the decrement ratio was
observed in high-strength concrete. In contrast, the decrement ratio decreased in normal-strength
concrete, reaching a value of 5.4% at a fiber content of 1.5%.

4. In the absence of fibers, the reduction in torsional strength was more significant in normal-
strength concrete beams compared to high-strength ones. However, the presence of polyolefin
fibers altered this pattern, making the reduction ratio in torsional strength more pronounced in
high-strength beams compared to normal-strength beams.

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