Title: Stresses in Deep Beams

Author(s): Elihu Geer

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 56

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 651-662

Keywords: none

DOI: 10.14359/8116

Date: 1/1/1960

Abstract:
Prestressed concrete l-beams with bearing blocks at their ends, when loaded to destruction failed in tension in the end block at its junction with the l-section. As this manner of failure is contrary to what known theories indicate, it was thought advantageous to investigate this matter more thoroughly. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the design method of these end blocks by investigating stresses in deep beams, which are thought to be analogous to bearing blocks turned on their side. The deep beam theory is in contrast with the flexural theory in that it is mainly one of distributing a localized force. One unusual feature of deep beams discovered in the course of the investigation is that the greatest tensile stress occurs not at the midspan but near the face of the support. Another interesting feat is that maximum stresses are a function of the magnitude of the load and not its location, e.g., the stresses caused by a load at the center of the beam are almost of the same magnitude as when the load is placed near the support. This study was limited to deep beams whose height was at least 0.5 of its clear span.