This paper presents and discuses some properties of self-compacting concrete SCC containing optimum contents of different types of cement replacement materials CRMs like fly ah, silica fume and limestone powder. The purpose is to evaluate the performance of SCC mixtures to choose the best one for strengthening purposes of corroded reinforcement concrete beams. In a preliminary work, the theoretical optimum contents of the above materials were specified using statistical program (Minitab) and they were verified experimentally. This verification based on checking fresh properties such as slump flow, T500, L-box and segregation resistance as well as compressive strength. The optimum contents of CRMs: 14% fly ash, 19% limestone, 18% silica fume plus fly ash and 11% silica fume were selected and studied. Compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths were examined, as well as the modulus of elasticity, water absorption and porosity (which reflect the related durability properties) were examined. Test results show that the optimum verified theoretical percentage of a combination of fly ash and silica fume, at 18% by weight of cement with a fixed water-binder ratio of 0.33 showed the best overall performance. It was deduced that this SCC mix gave the highest mechanical properties and the lowest porosity and water absorption. For example, the compressive strength increased by 36.25% as compared to SCC mix containing limestone powder. Further, the porosity and water absorption decreased by 120.8% and 164% respectively as compared to the above same SCC mix. Thus, it could be used for strengthening purpose of corroded RC beams.
Composite beams, made up of a concrete slab and steel in the IPE steel section, are commonly used in bridges and buildings. Their main function is to enhance structural efficiency by merging the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile resistance of steel, thereby improving overall stiffness, ductility, and load-bearing capacity. This study offers an extensive review of the flexural behavior of steel-concrete composite beams, focusing on the interplay of concrete strength, shear connector types, and interaction levels in determining structural performance. It integrates experimental and numerical research to analyze critical parameters, including load-deflection behavior, shear transfer efficiency, and crack propagation at the steel-concrete interface. The study emphasizes the effect of concrete compressive strength, particularly in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and lightweight concrete, on stiffness, ductility, and load-bearing capacity while reducing self-weight and enhancing sustainability. The study revealed that fully bonded shear connectors, using CFRP sheets and welded plates, enhance flexural capacity and stiffness. In contrast, partial bonding or pre-debonding reduces performance due to crack propagation. Indented and hot-rolled U-section connectors enhance interaction and minimize slip, while uniform distribution of shear connectors optimizes load capacity and stiffness. Lightweight concrete decreases slab weight without compromising performance, and high-performance materials such as ECC, SFRC, and UHPFRC improve strength and ductility. Numerical modeling, particularly finite element methods, and higher-order beam theories validate experimental results, providing accurate tools for predicting structural behavior under various loading and environmental conditions.