Shear Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Varying Recycled Coarse and Fine Aggregate Contents Under Fire Exposure
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The depletion of natural aggregates and the rapid increase in construction and demolition waste have intensified the need for sustainable structural materials. Recycled aggregates (RAs) represent a promising alternative; however, their performance under elevated temperatures remains insufficiently investigated. This study examines the combined influence of recycled coarse and fine aggregates (RCFA) replacement ratios and fire exposure on the shear behavior of RC beams. Five replacement levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were considered. A total of forty-five beams (1500 × 150 × 200 mm) were tested at 23 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. In addition, a finite element model was developed to validate the experimental findings. The results showed at 23 °C, increasing the RA content led to a moderate reduction in the ultimate shear capacity of approximately 6–10%. Fire exposure significantly aggravated strength degradation, with additional reductions of up to 11% at 400 °C and total losses reaching about 22% at 600 °C compared to the control beam at room temperature. Stiffness deterioration and crack propagation became more pronounced with higher temperatures and replacement ratios due to thermal damage to the cement matrix and interfacial transition zones. Nevertheless, moderate replacement levels (25–50%) maintained acceptable residual shear capacity and improved ductility and energy absorption. Numerical predictions closely matched experimental results, with load differences within 1–5%, confirming the model’s reliability.
Source: Construction Materials
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
Funder: Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7147111036