Shear design and evaluation of concrete structures

Professor Michael P. Collins, University of Toronto

Abstract

Deficiencies in the shear design of concrete structure are inherently more dangerous than deficiencies in flexural design because shear failures can occur with no prior warning and with no possibility for redistribution of internal forces. While accurate assessment of the shear capacity of a reinforced concrete structure is critically important for public safety, the traditional techniques available for this task are open to dispute. For determining flexural capacity engineers can use the simple, accurate, general and internationally accepted “plane sections theory”. However, for finding shear strength engineers typically rely on restricted empirical equations whose applicability and accuracy are sometimes very questionable. In this presentation research aimed at understanding the basic mechanisms of shear transfer is summarised and simple, rational and general shear design and evaluation procedures are introduced.

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