Reinforced concrete two-span continuous deep beams

This paper describes the structural behaviour of two equal span continuous reinforced concrete deep beams with clear shear span/depth of web ratios less than 1.3 and loaded symmetrically from the top. The main mode of failure of such beams is characterized by the formation of two symmetrical inclined cracks emanating from the edges of the central support bearing plate to the edges of the loading plates. The crushing of the concrete near the edges of the plates completes the failure mechanism. Four beams were tested to failure and five others tested by previous researchers are discussed. A simple method of analysis for the prediction of the ultimate load of such beams is put forward. The comparison of results between the analysis and test shows good agreement.