Shear response of members without shear reinforcement- experiments and analysis using shear crack propagation theory (SCPT)

Abstract

The determination of the ultimate shear capacity and the identification of the corresponding load-carrying mechanisms of concrete members without shear reinforcement has been an ongoing research topic for over 100 years. Based on a full mechanical model, the Shear Crack Propagation Theory (SCPT) enables to analyze and understand the ever-changing interplay of crack propagation, evolution of stresses at the crack tip and in uncracked concrete parts, as well as the activation of shear transfer actions within the growing shear crack during the entire loading process. In this paper, selected experimental investigations for further validation of the SCPT are presented. These beam shear test results are then compared to the theoretical results emerging from the SCPT algorithm. Finally, the evolution of different shear transfer actions (e.g., aggregate interlock and dowel action) during the entire loading process is evaluated and discussed.