Mechanisms of ‘shear’ failure

Abstract

Synopsis It is postulated that the various modes of diagonal failure exhibited byreinforced concrete beams under increasing load are associated with the multiaxial stress conditions that exist in the region of the path along which the compressive force is transmitted from support to support. This concept leads to a comprehensive description of the causes and mechanisms of diagonal failure which, in contrast with currently accepted concepts, is compatible with published experimental information. It is shown that, although current ‘shear’ design procedures may guard against diagonal failure within the shear span, they may lead to a ‘brittle’ type of failure outside this span which does not give adequate warning of impending structural collapse.