Tangential shear tests of reinforced concrete containment elements

Abstract An experimental program to investigate the behavior of large scale reinforced concrete elements subjected to biaxial tension and shear forces is described. Six tests are being conducted on specimens 5 ft(1.52 m) square and 2 ft(0.61 m) thick, with no. 14 and no. 18 reinforcement. Program variables are level of biaxial tension, and monotonic vs. reversing shear load. Two monotonic tests have been completed to date. Behavior, strength, and deformations observed in these two monotonic tests are discussed.