Investigating the Effectiveness of Different Shear Reinforcement Configurations on the Shear and Flexural Behaviour of RCC Beams

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of varying the orientation of shear reinforcement in reinforced cement concrete (RCC) beams. The primary objective of the study was to assess the impact of different shear reinforcement configurations on the shear strength and flexural behavior of the beams. The ultimate goal was to reduce the quantity of reinforcement bars used in the concrete beams while maintaining or improving their strength and shear-resisting capacity. In the experimental study, RCC beams were fabricated and subjected to controlled loading conditions to analyze their behavior under shear and flexure. The different shear reinforcement configurations were implemented, and their effects on the shear capacity, flexural capacity, and crack behavior were closely observed and recorded. The study aimed to determine which configuration provided the most efficient shear resistance, particularly in terms of reducing the quantity of steel reinforcement while still meeting the structural requirements of the beam. In addition to the shear behavior, the flexural behavior and crack patterns of the beams were also observed. The study concluded that the configuration of shear reinforcement has a substantial effect on the flexural capacity and crack development in the beams. Beams with inclined shear reinforcement patterns exhibited higher flexural strength and a more controlled cracking behavior compared to beams with single-legged stirrups. The maximum load carrying of 125 kN which is very closed to the load carrying of control beam attained for inclined stirrup beam specimen. Hence, the study suggests that alternative shear reinforcement configurations, particularly inclined systems, could be used to optimize material usage without compromising the strength and performance of RCC beams.