Title: Safe Shear Design of Large Wide Beams

Author(s): Adam Lubell, Ted Sherwood, Evan Bentz, and Michael Collins

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 26

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 66-78

Keywords: Shear strength; size effect; transfer girder; beams; wide beams; ductility.

DOI:

Date: 1/1/2004

Abstract:
The trend to optimize structures to achieve the lowest possible construction costs, however, often means that only items specifically required by the governing building code will be provided. In this regard, there is concern that the shear design provisions for large, wide beams in the current ACI standard (ACI 318-02) can be unsafe and hence should not be used for such members. We will describe a recent laboratory experiment in which this type of member was loaded to failure and highlight situations where the current ACI 318 shear provisions can be unsafe. Finally, we will give recommendations for the safe shear design of large, wide beams.