Effect of web reinforcement on shear strength of R/C deep beams

Abstract

This study is aimed at clarifying the current controversy on the role of web reinforcement in concrete deep beams and exploring the prospect of strengthening such beams with an externally bonded FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) system. Tests on twenty-six beams revealed that an increase in web steel leads to a substantial strength enhancement. This led to the subsequent test program on fourteen structurally deficient beams, which confirmed that FRP strengthening is feasible and practical. An analytical model capable of predicting the effects of both internal and external reinforcement on beam strength has been developed and substantiated by a large pool of test data.