SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF FERROCEMENT THIN WEBBED SECTIONS

The shear behavior of ferrocement channel beams have been studied by c onducting tests under transverse loads for 15 beam specimens. Influenc e of variations of the dominant parameters were studied through system atic tests. Test results indicate that cracking and ultimate shear str ength increases with the increase in the volume of wire mesh and morta r strength, and decreases with the increase of shear span to depth rat io. A computational model based on cracking criteria related to combin ed stresses and ferrocement tensile strength profile distribution acro ss beam depth has been proposed to predict the cracking strength. Also an empirical expression has been developed for the same for ease in d irect design application.