The shear strength of high performance, fibre reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

The shear strength of high strength reinforced concrete beams with and without shear reinforcement is experimentally investigated. Compressive strength, shear span-depth ratio and incorporation of steel fibers were adopted as major factors. For the range of variables tested, the results indicate that for beams having fibers, the load moment response and strength were comparable to the response of beams having fibers and stirrups. Fibers altered also the failure modes that were characterized by an enhanced ductility. The experimental evidence showed that, without compromising the overall structural behavior, stirrups may be replaced by an equivalent amount of fibers.