Effect of loading and supporting area on shear strength and size effect of concrete deep beams

• Main Authors: G. Hussein, Sayed H. Sayed, Nasr E. Nasr, Ahmed M. Mostafa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2018-12-01
• Series: Ain Shams Engineering Journal
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090447917301296

A theoretical and an experimental program consisting of nine concrete deep beams specimens were carried out to investigate the effect of loading and supporting area on shear strength and size effect phenomenon of concrete deep beams. As shear strength rather than flexural usually dominates the strength of deep beams, and size effect phenomenon typically represented by reduction in shear strength as beam depth increases, it’s of a great importance to understand the shear behavior of such elements. It is generally agreed that whatever controls the strength of the diagonal strut governs the strength of the deep beam. As one of the main factors affecting the strut strength, loading and supporting area will be the focus of this research. Thought the research evidence will be provided that by proper configuration of loading and supporting areas, shear strength of concrete deep beams can be increased, and size effect phenomenon can be mitigated. Keywords: Deep beams, Loading and supporting area, Reinforced concrete, Shear failure, Shear strength, Size effect