Shear enhancement in RC beams with stirrups simultaneously loaded within 2d and at 3d from supports

Shear enhancement occurs in reinforced concrete (RC) beams when loads are applied within around 2d of supports where d is the beam effective depth. This paper examines shear RC beams, with stirrups, which loaded both and at 3d from minimal. Simultaneously loading inside outside commonly practice but has not previously been systematically studied. A total eight were tested two groups four having different reinforcement arrangements. The tests suggest that resistance depends on angle failure plane related to arrangement. strut tie model (STM) developed for analysing simultaneously supports. accuracy STM predictions shown be improved by relating strength strain flexural reinforcement. proposed nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) 3D solid elements used investigate parametrically influence arrangement resistance. compare well those NLFEA. Comparisons also made strengths calculated using fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010) draft new generation Eurocode 2 (prEN1992-1:21). differing philosophies these methods discussed.