Assessment of Effective and Minimal Slab Widths for Evaluating the Shear Capacity of RC Overhang Slabs

Abstract The effective width is a relevant parameter for the design of bridge overhang slabs under concentrated loads. Experimental tests have been used to assess expressions its calculation. However, load capacity increases with until transition area reached. Test specimens may lacked enough reach full shear capacity, affecting thus evaluation results. On other hand, within area, threshold value has hypothesized match width. This paper aims provide recommendations minimal widths that guarantee and calculation by means formulations. effect edge beam also considered. A campaign validated non-linear FE-simulations based on experiments range width-span ratios was performed. results suggest using ratio at least 4.0 without an 5.3 experimental practice. efficiency formulation diffuse use leads unsafe predictions. Instead, linear-elastic FE-analyses are recommended