Title: Distribution of Stirrups across Web of Deep Beams

Author(s): Robin Tuchscherer, David Birrcher, Matthew Huizinga, and Oguzhan Bayrak

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 108

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 108-115

Keywords: deep beam; stirrup detailing; strut-and-tie model; web reinforcement

DOI: 10.14359/51664208

Date: 1/1/2011

Abstract:
The purpose of the experimental program presented in this paper was to evaluate the benefit of distributing stirrups across the web of beams subjected to deep-beam shear. To accomplish this goal, three full-scale beams were fabricated and tested at the Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory in Austin, TX. Two ends of each beam were tested, resulting in a total of six tests. All specimens were tested with a span-depth ratio (a/d) of 1.84. Four tests were conducted on specimens with a 21 x 44 in. (530 x 1120 mm) cross section and two tests were conducted on beams with a 36 x 48 in. (910 x 1220 mm) cross section. The primary experimental variables were the number of stirrup legs distributed across the web and the amount of web reinforcement. Based on the results of the testing program, it was observed that the addition of closely spaced stirrups did not significantly improve the shear capacity or serviceability performance.