Abstract:
A general review of the shear strength of partially prestressed concrete beams is presented - based on the beam and arch action concept - and illustrated with test results from the literature. Shear strength analysis and design procedures are summarized. The study concentrates on the behaviour of flexure-shear zones, compares experimental results with current Codes of Practice, and reports on the effectiveness of the various modes of shear resistance. Computer simulations and beam tests were carried out to determine the effects of strand debonding, and to a lesser extent bar curtailment, on the shear strength. Arch action was found to depend on section shape and level of prestress, and there was evidence that the ACI Code over-estimated the shear resisted by the concrete. The deleterious effect of strand debonding was confirmed and tentative web reinforcement design rules suggested.