Enhancing the Shear Capacity of RC Beams with Web Openings in Shear Zones Using Pre-Stressed Fe-SMA Bars: Numerical Study

Openings in the shear span can significantly affect structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, particularly terms capacity and crack propagation. This paper aims to investigate feasibility strengthening web opening zone RC beams by using iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) bars, providing valuable insights for engineers researchers. Numerical analysis with ABAQUS/CAE 2020 software was employed current study. The research divided into six groups openings different lengths (150, 300, 450 mm), prestressing levels (0%, 30%, 60%), reinforcement diameters (14, 18, 22 mm) Fe-SMA bars. results show that presence cause a significant reduction cracking ultimate loads reductions ranging from 11% 50% 36% 48%, respectively. However, adding pre-stressed bars around small (100 × 150 beam is restored, exhibits similar solid beams. Additionally, activating 30% 60% resulted almost but improved load-carrying 12% 9%, respectively, compared beam. technique proposed enhancing strength most effective medium 300 as it restore both beam’s stiffness. larger use activated recover 90% capacity. Furthermore, reinforcing enhances stiffness, while openings, higher ratios could potentially full study emphasizes importance zones, provides how strengthen thereby contributing developing safer structures. further laboratory experiments are recommended validate, complement extend findings this numerical