MINIMUM SHEAR REINFORCEMENT IN NORMAL, MEDIUM, AND HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE BEAMS

This paper presents the evaluation of minimum shear reinforcement requ irements in normal, medium, and high-strength reinforced concrete beam s. Twelve shear tests were conducted on full-scale beam specimens havi ng concrete compressive strengths of 36, 67, and 87 MPa. Different amo unts of minimum shear reinforcement were investigated, including the t raditional amounts required by older codes and the amounts required by the 1989 ACI Code (revised 1992) and the 1994 CSA Standard. The perfo rmance of the different amounts of shear reinforcement are discussed i n terms of shear capacity, ductility, and crack control at service loa d levels. An assessment of the 1989 ACI and 1994 CSA provisions for mi nimum shear reinforcement is also presented.