Behavior of T-shaped reinforced concrete beams partially confined by structural steel

External confinement of reinforced concrete (R/C) members with structural steel sections or fiber reinforcing wraps is commonly used to improve the flexural behavior of structural members. Flexural strengthening of R/C beams by external steel members is among the most effective and convenient techniques. A study is presented in this paper investigating the flexural behavior of R/C beams having T cross-sections partially confined (P/C) by a combination of various steel members connected together by intermittent batten plates. Four R/C specimens, representing dropped beams in solid slabs, were tested. One control beam had no confinement whereas the three other beams had four steel angles simply wrapped and tied around the stem by batten plates, two angles at the bottom corners of the stem and the other two angles at the stem-flange junctions. Two plates were placed on the top surface of the flange and connected by studs to the two angles at the bottom of the flange. The resulting P/C beams are categorized as partial composite beams because no shear connectors were used between the R/C beam and the jacketing bottom-tension steel angles as in the case of conventional composite beams. All specimens were tested in positive bending under two points loading. Test results revealed an enhancement in the flexural behavior, particularly in the post-yield range of loading, and ductility due to the proposed strengthening and partial composite effect. The number and spacing of the intermittent battens played a significant role in the behavior of the strengthened specimens. Analytical values of loads and deformations at yield and ultimate loading showed good agreement with the measured values.