An experimental investigation of the influence of the formation of a plastic hinge on the shear strength of a singly reinforced concrete beam

A series of rectangular reinforced concrete beams was tested in such a way as to simulate the conditions at a plastic hinge over a support of a continuous beam approaching failure. With the plastic hinge moment constant, the shear force on the section was increased until failure occurred in shear. Similar sections were tested in shear in an uncracked state.

The results indicate that the presence of a plastic hinge does not reduce the ultimate shear strength of a reinforced concrete section.