Synopsis
The mechanism of shear failure in reinforced concrete beams was studied. Crackwidths at critical locations in the shear span were monitored continuously by means of a high speed tape recorder in conjunction with electrical demountable strain transducers and related to the load history approaching failure. It is shown that beam failure is preceded by splitting at the level of the steel; this is identijied to be the primary cause ofshear failure for slender beams. Further tests are described on beams where this splitting is prevented by the presence of links. In these tests, a diflerent failure mechanism isobserved with SignlJcant increase in shear capacity. The implications of theseJindings ondesign methods in codes of practice are discussed.
