Shear strength of lightweight and normal-weight concrete slender beams and slabs: An appraisal of design codes

Abstract

Lightweight concrete (LC) is a viable alternative for conventional normal weight concrete (NC). It has a reduced weight and similar properties. However, shear provisions design codes are way behind for the case of the LC compared to the NC. This study evaluates the shear design of NC and LC specimens. First, an extensive experimental database of these specimens under shear was compiled. Then, selected shear provisions of design codes were outlined and applied for strength calculations. The calculated strengths were evaluated considering the experimentally measured ones to assess these design codes' overall accuracy and consistency. In addition, the effect of selected parameters (depth, concrete strength, flexure reinforcement ratio, shear span to depth ratio, and nominal maximum aggregate size) on the safety of the design was assessed. The third draft of the Eurocode was the most accurate and consistent for the shear design of LC and NC specimens. Finally, the Eurocode shear provisions draft was adapted, refined, verified, and proposed for the shear design of LC beams and slabs.