Stress-strain state of damaged reinforced concrete bended elements at operational load level

Each structure is exposed to different influences during operation. As a result, there are various defects and damages of these elements that affect their safe operation. The article presents the results of experimental studies of reinforced concrete beams with damages to stretched reinforcement made with and without initial load application. As the damages were accepted one or five Ø5.6 mm holes. In one case, the damage was made until the beam destruction (up to the 8.4 mm opening) Control samples of both series were destroyed due to crushing of the compressed zone of concrete. Samples that were damaged without initial loading collapsed due to rupture of the stretched reinforcement. The same type of failure was identified for damages at the operational load level.