Synopsis The exact analysis of reinforced concrete deep beams with web openings presents formidable problems. However, the ultimate shear strengths of such beams can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by using a simple structural idealization. The idealization was based on pilot tests on 24 beams, but has now been checked against a further 32 tests covering a much wider range of web openings and web-reinforcement patterns. An improved shear strength equation is presented and design hints are given.
Synopsis Further experimental evidence is produced to support a simple structural idealization for predicting the shear strength of reinforced concrete deep beams with web openings. The further tests were carried out on 17 normal-weight concrete beams, including a large beam of 3040 kN ultimate load. The exact analysis of deep beams with web openings presents formidable problems. However, the experiments have confirmed that the strength and serviceability of such beams are governed mainly by a small number of identifiable variables, and that for design purposes the proposed structural idealization could prove a useful new tool. A worked example is given in Appendix 1.
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