Incidencia del recubrimiento en la capacidad a flexión de una viga simplemente apoyada

Abstract

This research examines the effect of cover thickness on the flexural capacity of simply supported reinforced concrete beams. The study is based on the importance of the cover as a protective element for steel against corrosion and as a factor influencing the bond between concrete and reinforcement. Fifteen reinforced concrete beams were manufactured, divided into three groups with cover thicknesses of 1 cm, 1.5 cm, and 2 cm, while keeping all other geometric and mechanical characteristics constant. The specimens were tested under three-point loading to evaluate their structural behavior, ultimate strength, flexural moment, and deflections. The results showed that the cover depth directly influences the flexural response of the beams. Beams with a 1.5 cm cover depth achieved the highest average load (2353.33 kgf), the highest average flexural capacity (588.33 kgf*m), and the highest unit strain (0.070), demonstrating a favorable combination of strength and ductility. In contrast, beams with a 1 cm cover showed the lowest load-bearing capacity, whereas those with a 2 cm cover exhibited stiffer behavior due to the reduced effective depth. It is concluded that an intermediate cover of 1.5 cm provides the best structural performance under flexural conditions.