Development of shear capacity equations for RC beams strengthened with UHPFRC

Abstract

The review of the literature and design guidelines indicates a lack of design codes governing the shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). This study uses the results of a 3D finite element model constructed previously by the authors and verified against an experimental programme to gain a clear understanding of the shear strength of RC beams strengthened with UHPFRC by using different schemes. Experimental results found in the literature along with the numerical results for shear capacities of normal-strength RC and UHPFRC beams without stirrups are compared with available code design guidelines and empirical models found in the literature. The results show variance between the empirical models and the experimental results. Accordingly, proposed equations derived based on empirical models found in the literature were set to estimate the shear capacity of normal-strength RC beams without stirrups. In addition, the term 'shear span-to-depth ratio' is not considered in the equations for design guidelines found in the literature regarding the shear capacity of UHPFRC beams without stirrups. Consequently, a formula estimating the shear strength of UHPFRC and RC beams strengthened with UHPFRC plates and considering the effect of shear span-to-depth ratio is proposed and validated against an experimental programme previously conducted by the authors.