Dowel behaviour of rebars under combined axial and shear actions

Abstract The resource of shear resistance provided by the dowel mechanism rebar in reinforced concrete (RC) structures can significantly affected simultaneous presence axial loading. This occurs for example plastic hinges seismic resistant structures. In fact, at load reversals cycles large deformation demand, rebars are subjected to combined and loading, particularly those section where transfer via aggregate interlocking is jeopardized opening crack throughout entire depth. Thus, a reliable assessment capacity dowels under required check element resistance. paper describes results specific experimental campaign on loading different levels load. Both smooth ribbed were investigated. A marked reduction strength stiffness increasing was experimentally observed, only partially compensated kinking effect. latter found characterize when close yielding strength. proposes an analytical model, adapted from others available literature, predict shear-displacement response accounting applied model helps understanding response, suitable hand calculation easily assist design. quite well captured dowels, while prediction less accurate ones. Future refinements may address local damage induce pull-out, typical rebars, which neglected present form model.