Title: Size Effects in Short Beams Loaded in Shear

Author(s): Joost Walravena and Norbert Lehwalter

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 91

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 585-593

Keywords: beams (supports); corbels; crack propagation; failure; shear properties; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/4177

Date: 9/1/1994

Abstract:
Since Kani's investigations in the 1960s, it has been known that the shear-carrying capacity of beams with plain webs failing in shear-flexure is strongly size-dependent. Up to now, however, no information on the size dependency of short beams (slenderness ratio a/d < 2.5) was available. In this paper, an investigation is described, focusing on this open question. Tests are described on members with constant dimensions and varying aggregate size, and on members with varying size, keeping all other parameters constant. The influence of shear reinforcement on the occurrence of size effects is investigated. Comparisons between short and slender members, with respect to size effect, are made.