Title: Shear Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Beams--A Fracture Mechanics Approach

Author(s): Y. S. Jenq and S. P. Shah

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 118

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 237-258

Keywords: beams (supports); dimensional analysis; failure mechanisms; fracture properties; reinforced concrete; shear strength; Structural Research

Date: 1/1/1990

Abstract:
The shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams without shear stirrups has been shown to be dependent on the size of beams. It was reported that as the beam depth increases, the shear resistance of the reinforced concrete beams decreases. Furthermore, the final failure mode of the reinforced concrete beams were found to be dependent on the strength as well as beam size. All other factors (i.e., maximum aggregate size, steel ratio, and proportion of specimen dimensions) being equal, large beams and early age beams (which have relatively low strength) were observed to fail in diagonal shear while small beams and matured beams failed in flexure. To explain the size effect on the shear resistance and final failure mode of reinforced concrete beams, a fracture mechanics approach was used in the present study. It was concluded that the effect of size on the final failure mode and shear resistance of reinforced concrete beams can be reasonably explained using the fracture mechanics concept.