In this research, an experimental study was carried out to investigate the influence of web openings on the responses of hybrid reinforced concrete T-beams. The effect of openings under cyclic loads of such beams at different stages of loading – working stage, yield stage, and ultimate stage, is presented in this paper.

The experimental work involved testing and investigating the structural responses of five hybrid reinforced concrete T-beams, partially constructed using light weight concrete for its flanges, under cyclic loading. All beam specimens were designed to have the same dimensions and reinforcements layout. An opening was provided in the web of each beam - in the pure bending region; the high shear region; and the high flexural-shear region, respectively. The beams were subjected to cyclic loads, under pure bending and combined bending and shear. The main variables investigated were the size of openings and their horizontal location along the length of the beam. The behavior of the specimens are described in terms of their performance with respect to ultimate load, crack pattern, mode of failure, ductility, strength and stiffness degradation, and the capacity of its energy dissipation.