Abstract:
The aim of the research is to determine whether current limits on allowable shear stresses, as specified in NZS 3101, are appropriate when high strength concrete is used. A study of current international design standards is presented, comparing the shear stress limit provisions set out in each standard and their relative effect on the design of typical bridge beam sections. The details of a series of large scale laboratory tests, planned as the next stage of this research, are also presented. The results obtained from the experimental investigation will be presented at the conference, and will be used to assess the validity of the 8 MPa shear stress limit, with findings to be presented to the standards committee for recommendations of future amendments of the design standards.
