Chapter

DESIGN FOR

5 SHEAR

Introduction to Shear Stresses

Shear forces accompany a change in bending moment in beams that give rise to diagonal
tension in the concrete and bond stresses between the reinforcement and the concrete.

dx L

B.M.D M1
M2

V1
S.F.D V2

The general formula for the shear stress in a homogenous beam according to elastic theory
is:

𝑉𝑄
𝑣=
𝐼𝑏
Where:
V : Total shear at the section considered
Q : Statically moment about the neutral axis.
I : moment of inertia of the cross section.
b : width of beam at the given point.

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

ft

v
N.A Vmax
h

fb
b Bending shear
stress stress

Shear in a reinforced concrete beam without shear reinforcement causes cracks on inclined
planes near the support. The cracks are caused by the diagonal tensile stress as shown in the
figure below. The shear failure mechanism is complex and depends on the shear span ratio.

diagonal tention crack

f
v v
ft max
diagonal
1 crack v
45 45
v v v
f

Behavior of Beams without Shear Reinforcement

Flexural-shear cracks are the most common type found in reinforced concrete beams. A
flexural crack extends vertically into the beam; then the inclined crack forms, starting from
the top of the beam when shear stresses develop in the region. In regions of high shear
stresses, beams must be reinforced by stirrups or by bent bars to produce ductile beam that

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

do not rupture at a failure. To avoid a shear failure before a bending failure, a greater factor
of safety must be provided against a shear failure. The ACI Code specifies a capacity
reduction factor, ϕ, of 0.75 for shear.

first stage of loading failure due to diagonal tention

vz C
arm
va
T
vd
s
Z

The following three actions form the mechanism resisting shear in the beam:

1. Shear resistance of uncracked concrete in the compression zone with a parabolic

distribution as set out above (V z ).
2. Interface shear due to aggregate interlock along the cracks (V a ).
3. Dowel action in the bars due to the resistance of longitudinal bars where the
concrete between the cracks transmits shear forces to the bars (V d ).

Concrete Shear Capacity, 𝑽𝒄

• The nominal shear force, V cr , at which diagonal tension cracks developed is varied
according to the value of moments. For small moments; V cr = 0.29�𝑓𝑐′ b w d and
for high moments; V cr =0.16�𝑓𝑐′ b w d .

• The ACI Code formula for nominal ultimate shear force to be resisted by concrete
for members subjected to shear and flexure is:

𝜆 �𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
Vc = = 0.17𝜆�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 (𝑓𝑐′ in MPa)
6

• For members subject to axial compression (N u );

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

𝑁𝑢
𝑉𝑐 = 0.17 �1 + � �𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
14𝐴𝑔
Quantity N u /A g shall be expressed in MPa.

• For members subject to significant axial tension, V c shall be taken as zero unless a
more detailed analysis is made.

Beams with Shear Reinforcement

For high shear stress, shear reinforcement should be added. Different types of shear
reinforcement may be used:
1- Stirrups.
2- Bent bars.
3- Continues of stirrups and bent bars.
4- Welded wire.
5- Spiral circular ties.

comp

tention

comp

The total nominal shear strength of beams with shear reinforcement, V n , is partly due to the
shear strength attributed to the concrete, V c , and partly to the shear strength contributed by
the shear reinforcement, Vs:

Vn = Vc + Vs

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

ϕV n = ϕ (V c + V s )
ϕV n ≥ V u
V s = V u /φ - V c

Where: V u = 1.2 V D + 1.6 V L and

ϕ= 0.75

Spacing of Stirrups

The shear capacity of the reinforcement, Vs, which is assumed to be uniformly spaced
across the diagonal crack can be expressed as:

V s = A v f yt n

Where;
n : number of stirrups crossing the diagonal crack .
A v : total area of the stirrup- legs crossing the crack.
f yt : yielding stress of transverse steel.
A v f yt : the force in each stirrup crossing the crack.

If the horizontal projection of the diagonal crack

is assumed to be equal to the effective depth d of
the cross section:

𝑑
𝑛=
𝑠

Where S represent the spacing of the stirrups and;

𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑑
𝑉𝑠 =
𝑆

Or;
𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑑
𝑆=
𝑉𝑠

For inclined shear reinforcement:

𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑑
Vs = (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼)
𝑆

For a single bent bar or group of bars (parallel and bent in one position):

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

V s = A v f yt sin α

P1 P2 P3 Pn-1 Pn

P1 P2 P3
vz C
s s s

d
Av fy T
ns =d

R
vu

C
d
s T
ns =d
R

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

ACI Code Shear Design Requirements

1) Critical section for nominal shear strength calculation will be at a distance d from the
face of the support.

If the reaction tends to produce tension in the support zone, the critical shear force should
be taken at the face of the support. In addition, if there is a concentrated load between the
face of support and the end of the “d” distance, the critical section will be considered
according to the maximum shear force.

2) The minimum amount of shear reinforcement, A vmin , is required whenever V u exceeds

ϕV c /2 (or in other words; it should be that A v ≥ A vmin ).

3) To ensure ductile behavior; minimum area of shear reinforcement should be provided:

𝑏𝑤 𝑠
𝐴𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.062�𝑓𝑐 ′ , but not less than:
𝑓𝑦𝑡
𝑏𝑤 𝑆 0.35𝑏𝑤 𝑆
𝐴𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 = =
3𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑓𝑦𝑡

And the maximum spacing can be obtained from 𝐴𝑣𝑚𝑖𝑛 equation as follows:

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

3𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡

𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑥 = =
𝑏𝑤 0.35𝑏𝑤

4) Maximum shear carried by web reinforcement (V s ) should be less or equal to:

0.66�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 = 2⁄3 �𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑

This is to prevent a shear compression failure. In this case, dimensions of the beam can
be increased

5) Maximum spacing of stirrups:

𝑑
𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ≤ 600 𝑚𝑚 𝑖𝑓 𝑉𝑠 ≤ 0.33�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
2

𝑑
𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ≤ 300 𝑚𝑚 𝑖𝑓 𝑉𝑠 > 0.33�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
4
In all cases S max should not exceed 3A v f yt / b w .

6) Design yield strength of shear reinforcement (f y ) shall not exceed 420 Mpa. This is to
limit the crack width to improve the shear interface V a .

7) Anchorage of stirrups:
-Each bend shall enclose a longitudinal bar.
-Standard hooks of 90o, 135 o, or 180 o are allowed.
- Close stirrups are required for beams subjected to torsion or stress reversal.

The figure below shows the type and arrangement of stirrups in beams.

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

Shear Design Steps

1- Calculate V u at distance d from the face of support (the critical section should be
checked as stated before).

�𝑓𝑐′
2- Calculate ϕVc = ϕ b w d.
6

3- If V u > ϕ V c / 2; shear reinforcements are needed.

4- Calculate the shear resisted by shear reinforcement , V s ,as follows:

𝑉𝑢 − ∅𝑉𝑐
𝑉𝑠 =
∅

5- Check V s which shall not be greater than 2⁄3 �𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 .

if Vs > 2⁄3 �𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑; increase the section dimensions.

6- Calculate stirrups spacing, S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 as follows:

𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑑
𝑆1 =
𝑉𝑠
𝑑
𝑆2 = ≤ 600 𝑚𝑚 𝑖𝑓 𝑉𝑠 ≤ 0.33�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
2
𝑑
𝑆2 = ≤ 300 𝑚𝑚 𝑖𝑓 𝑉𝑠 > 0.33�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤 𝑑
4

𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡
𝑆3 = ≤
0.35𝑏𝑤
0.062�𝑓𝑐 / 𝑏𝑤
The spacing between stirrups that used in the design should be the smallest of S 1 ,
S 2 , or S 3 . The selected spacing should be rounded off to a practical spacing
(within 1 centimeter).

7- Minimum practical spacing varies between 3" and 4" (7.5 cm and 10.0 cm).

8- According ACI Code, minimum bar size for stirrups is # 3, which is about 10mm
in diameter. According to BS, 8mm is permitted.

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

Example

Design the beam shown in the figure below for shear stresses if:
𝑓𝑐′ = 21 MPa and 𝑓𝑦 = 350 MPa. Use stirrup ϕ s 10 mm.

Wu= 83.8 kN/m

650
8 25

300
6.3 m 0.1

Solution

Calculation of shear at the critical section:

At face of support;
V u = 83.8 * 6.3 = 264 kN
2

At a distance d from face of support:

d= 650 – (12.5 + 25 + 10 + 40) = 650 – 87.5 = 562.5 mm

V ud = 264 – 83.8 * 0.5625 = 216.9 KN
�𝑓𝑐′
ϕV c = ϕ b wd
6

ϕV c = 0.75 * 0.17 * 21 * 300 * 562.5 *10-3 = 98.6 KN

V u = ϕ (Vc + Vs)
ϕ Vs = V u - ϕ V c = 216.9 – 98.6 = 118. 3 KN

Check the section if it is adequate for shear

2 21 * 300 * 562.5 *10-3= 515.54 KN

f c1 b w d = 0.67 *
3
V s = φVs = 118.3 = 157.73 KN
φ 0.75

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

∴ Vs < 2 f c1 b w d The Section is OK.

3

From the figure;

d=0.5625 m
264 264 − 98.6
Vu=264 KN = ⇒ x = 1.97 m
3.15 x
Vud=216.9 KN
Vs=118.3 KN CL

Vc=98.6 KN

1.97 m

3.15 m CL

Design of stirrups:

𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑡 𝑑
𝑆1 =
𝑉𝑠
For two legs stirrups φ10mm; A v = 2*79=157 mm2

S 1 = 157 * 350 * 562.5 = 195.96 mm Say 190 mm

157.73 *103

Calculation of S 2 :
�𝑓c′

3
bwd = 0.33 * 21 * 300 * 562.5 * 10-3= 257.77 KN > Vs = 157.73 KN
d 562.5
∴ S2 = = = 281mm (< 600mm)
2 2

Calculation of S 3 from A vmin equation:

3 Av f yt 3 *157 * 350
S3 = = = 549.5mm > 280mm Ok
bw 300
The used stirrup spacing is the smallest one; S 1 < S 2 < S 3 Ok

The value of V s when S max (S max = S 2 = 280mm) can be used is:

Av f yt d 157 * 350 * 562.5 *10 −3
Vs = = = 110.4 KN
S2 280
ϕVs = 0.75 * 110.4 = 93.8 KN

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Reinforced Concrete Design Design For Shear

ϕ Vs + ϕ V c = 93.8 + 98.6 = 192.4 KN

0.85 m Smax

Vu=264 KN From the figure;

Vud=216.9 KN
192.4 KN 264 264 − 192.4
Vs=118.3 KN CL =
3.15 x
Vc=98.6 KN
∴ x = 0.85 m

3.15 m CL

Arrangement of stirrups

Use φ 10 mm @ 190 mm for a distance = 190/2+ 4*190 = 855 mm

Use φ 10 mm @ 280 mm for a distance = 7*280 = 1960 mm
Last spacing = = 335 mm
total = 3150 mm

CL

190190190190
7 x 280 =1960 mm 335
95

3150 mm
CL
Placement of stirrups in the longitudinal direction of the beam

90