In the past few years, new techniques have emerged using steel plates instead of traditional reinforcement in the reinforced concrete beams. This study deals with using a new method for reinforced concrete beams using steel plates instead of traditional steel bars with different thicknesses of (4, 5, and 6 mm) placed vertically inside the lower part of the beam. Four reinforced concrete beams were cast and tested under a two-point load. All beams had the same cross-sectional area of reinforcement and dimensions of 2100 mm in length, 350 mm in height, and 250 in width. The results showed that as the thickness of the steel plate increases, the samples would have greater resistance until more deflection is produced. In addition, there is a reduction in the crack load, ultimate load, and yield load when replacing reinforcing bars with steel plates. In which, a reduction in crack load by about 11.1, 15.5, and 22.2% plate thicknesses of 4,5,6 mm respectively, compared to reference beam that had a deformed steel bar (Dia. 16 mm). In addition, a reduction in yielding load was observed about 42, 53, and 60% for steel plate thickness of 4, 5, and 6 mm respectively, compared to the reference model. Finally, the cracks for all the steel plate specimens compared to reference specimens were wider and smaller.
Numerical assessment of bond-slip relationships for naturally corroded plain reinforcement bars in concrete beams