Shear Crack Propagation Theory (SCPT) – The mechanical solution to the riddle of shear in RC members without shear reinforcement

Abstract This paper intends to provide a deeper understanding of shear in beams and slabs without shear reinforcement. To this end, the paper proposes a new theory – called Shear Crack Propagation Theory (SCPT), that interconnects all relevant effects of shear behavior, namely crack localization, crack propagation, cantilever action, shear transfer in the uncracked concrete (compression zone), aggregate interlock, dowel action and crack bridging action in one all-encompassing algorithm. The SCPT represents an artificial reproduction (mechanical twin) of the physical shear problem and allows us to predict the shear crack geometry, the transferred shear force including contributions of all shear transfer actions as well as the corresponding strains and deformations over the entire shear loading process, from crack initiation up to the state of shear failure. The paper illustrates the analytical development of the SCPT, exemplifies its ability to reflect the shear response of selected benchmark problems and eventually delivers a physical explanation for shear failures in members without shear reinforcement.

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