Development of a rational procedure for shear design in structural concrete

Abstract

Shear design equations for reinforced concrete beams are mostly empirical and are based on test results. But some mathematical models have also been developed over the years. The pursuit for a better model which gives a clearer representation of shear carrying mechanism in beams is still on. This paper explains a method based on Cohesive Cracking as a new approach to this ongoing search. The proposed model is giving promising results when compared with key codes of practice.