Shear strength of fibre-reinforced reactive powder concrete I-shaped beam without stirrups

Due to the high compressive strength of steel fibre-reinforced reactive powder concrete (SFR-RPC), a higher degree of prestressing is available for SFR-RPC beams. Hence, a more slender structural component can be designed, which can reduce self-weight, usable area and, potentially, costs. However, in comparison with conventional reinforced-concrete beams, there are fewer studies on post-tensioning SFR-RPC beams subjected to shear failure. In this study, a series of shear tests for four large-scale beams (one SFR-RPC beam and three post-tensioning SFR-RPC beams) were performed to quantify the effects of levels of prestressing on the shear load capacity of SFR-RPC beams. Finally, the test results, together with data published in the existing literature, were compared to the design strength calculated in accordance with various standards, and it was found that the current code provisions underestimate the shear load capacity significantly. In addition, an analytical model has been proposed to predict the shear load capacity of the test specimens. A good correlation was observed, with a mean analytical model to experimental strength ratio of 1·02 and a coefficient of variation of 0·12.