Abstract: “This paper presents a nonlinear analysis of simply supported hybrid R/C T-beams with rectangular openings. The results from a nonlinear analysis using the finite element method, were substantiated by test results from three hybrid T-beams, partially conctructed of light weight concrete. An opening was provided in the web of the beams, the pure bending region, the high shear region, and the high flexural-shear region, respectively. The available experimental results were compared to the theoretical analysis. Good agreement is shown between analytical and the experimental results. An extensive parametric study was conducted to predict the effect of the openings on the behaviour of such beams. Increasing the opening width decreases ultimate load for beam with high bending opening. However, beam with pure bending and high shear opening show no significant difference with the presence of opening. Variation in opening width has significantly affected the deflection of beam with bending openi”

Keywords: web opening, hybrid R/C, normal weight concrete, light weight concrete, pure bending, high shear, flexural-shear