69

reinforcement which yields first in addition to large crack

openings.
2.4.3 Dimensioning of the Transverse Reinforcement. In
Secs. 3.6.1 and 3.6.2 of Report 248-2, the dimensioning of the
transverse reinforcement for the cases of bend ing-shear and combined
torsion-bending-shear was illustrated using the equilibrium conditions
in the truss model (LF
v
= 0).
However, dimensioning of the transverse reinforcement based
entirely on the equilibrium conditions of the truss model may unduly
penalize members subjected to low levels of shear stress.
As explained in Sec. 2.3, many times because of the design
process followed, load ing cond itions, clear span length or even
architectural constraints, flexure will control the design of a given
member. In such case the shear stress on the cross section, defined as
Vu = Vu/bwz for shear, and Vu = Tu/2Aobe for torsion, might be of such
low magnitude that as far as shear stresses are concerned the member at
failure would be in an uncracked state or in a transition state between
its uncracked condition and the behavioral state where the truss action
would provide the entire resistance of the member. Moreover, sometimes
the lower limit of 25 degrees on the inclination of the diagonal strut,
which is established to prevent extensive web cracking under service
load conditions, might force a member into this transition state.
For members in the uncracked and transition states, components
of the shear failure mechanism such as aggregate interlock, and the
concrete tensile strength become of importance. The contribution of
these mechanisms to the ultimate strength of the member is reflected by
70
recognition of an additional concrete contribution to the shear and/or
torsional capacity of the member. For economy, such additional
contribution by the concrete should be considered in the design process.
For members in the uncracked or transition state the design
shear stress should be adjusted in accordance with the proposed values
shown in Fig. 2.14a for reinforced concrete and 2.14b for prestressed
concrete. There is an additional limitation that K can only be taken
larger than 1.0 in those regions of the prestressed member where the
stress in the extreme tension fiber due to the calculated ultimate load
and applied prestressing does not exceed 6 Jif.. Thus, the design shear
stress used to compute the required amount of web reinforcement vTR
shall be taken as [v
u
/- v(], where is a capacity reduction factor,
equal to 0.85, similar to the one required in the current ACI and AASHTO
Specifications (2,1).
In the case of combined shear and torsion the computed concrete
contribution must be distributed part to shear and part to torsion as a
function of the relative s h ~ r and torsion acting on the member. This
procedure is similar to the one suggested in the Swiss Recommendations
(10).
Finally, recognizing the sudden nature of shear failure, it is
suggested that a minimum amount of transverse reinforcement be provided
for ductility whenever the value of the applied shearing stress exceeds
1/2 of the cracking shearing stress of the concrete section. This is in
order to avoid sudden type failures, since in an unreinforced web the
sudden formation of inclined cracking might lead directly to failure
71
without warning. The minimum amount of web reinforcement then serves as
a back up to the concrete contribution. Since the minimum amount is
required as soon as the value of the shearing stress exceeds 1/2 of the
cracking shearing stress (1.0 ~ , then it is reasonable to suggest
that an amount equal 1.0 .Jf[, which would allow the member to at least
reach its cracking shear stress (2 ./fi), should be provided. In Fig.
2.15 the proposed value for the minimum amount 1.0 ~ is compared with
the ACI Code and AASHTO Speci fications (2,1) recommended minimum of 50 psi.
100
50
Available strength
(psi)
3000
20 psi
5000
Proposed (./it)
50psi
(ACI )AASHTO)
fc (psi)
10000
Fig. 2.15 Minimum amounts of web reinforcement
72
As can be seen from Fig. 2.15 both amounts are approximately the
same plus or minus 20 psi in the 3000 to 5000 psi concrete compressive
strength range. Ho'wever, the suggested value of 1.0.ffJ. reflects an
increase of about 25 to 50 psi for the upper range of concrete
compressive strength greater than 5000 psi). This seems highly
desirable to reflect the intent of the requirement for minimum web
reinforcement. Although in high strength concretes the shear stress
required to produce diagonal cracking increases, the mechanisms of
aggregate interlock diminish. The crack surfaces become smoother, thus
reducing the aggregate interlock which counts heavily on bearing between
the jagged surfaces of the crack in order to transmit shear stresses
between those cracks. Consequently, the concrete contribution does not
increase directly with compressive strength. Since more shear is
allowed to be carried by the concrete contribution in high strength
concrete members, more minimum reinforcement should be provided.
2.4.4 Di mensioning of the Longitudinal Reinforcement. Due to
the presence of an inclined compression field formed by the diagonal
compression struts of the truss model, an area of longitudinal steel in
addition to that required for flexure is necessary to resist the
horizontal component of the diagonal compression struts.
The additional area of longitudinal reinforcement can be
determined from the equilibrium conditions of the truss model (LF
H
= 0).
If a uniform compression field is assumed and the stirrup spacing is
constant wi thin the design zone equal to the hori zontal proj ection of
the inclined crack then the total horizontal component of the