1

CIVE 414
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE DESIGN

SHEAR

in REINFORCED

CONCRETE MEMBERS

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SHEAR IN REINFORCED CONCRETE

 Brittle failure mode  very undesirable
 Shear in reinforced concrete is complex:
 non-linear material
 non-homogeneous material
 cracking
 presence of reinforcement
wf

R
Vf

Vf Mf N.A.

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MECHANICS OF SHEAR IN BEAMS

In beams, the external load is resisted by moment and shear, i.e.:

From moment equilibrium of a differential element around point O

𝑉𝑑𝑥 = 𝑑𝑀
𝑑𝑀
𝑉=
𝑑𝑥
Shear exists where moment is changing
For uncracked beams in shear we have homogenous, linear elastic
material:
Vf Q
vc 
Ib
For Rectangular Section:

For T-Section: N.A.

vmax

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After cracking:
N.A.
non-homogeneous
V vmax
(nominal ) vc  f concrete member
bwd

Flexural and shear

stresses:

Principal Stresses:

Principal stress
trajectories:
Note: (principal stresses)

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CivE 414 - Topic 3:Shear University of Waterloo

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SHEAR REINFORCEMENT
CSA A23.3 Clause 11.2.4
1. Stirrups

2. Stirrups with   45 deg.



3. Bent Bars with   30 deg.



4. Welded-wire Fabric 5. Spirals and Ties

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In the design of reinforced concrete structures, so-called ‘B’ and

‘D’ regions are distinguished [CSA A23.3 §11.1.1-2]:

Plane sections remain plane, Nonlinear axial strain distribution

Linear axial strain distribution through the thickness

Slender beams, Bernoulli beams Deep Beams

B Regions D Regions

“sectional analysis”
Strut and Tie Analysis
Based on truss model

Shear reinforcement in beams The purpose of shear reinforce-

ment is to restrain diagonal cracks and ensure that full flexural ca-
pacity can be developed.
─ Note: Shear reinforcement does not prevent diagonal shear
cracks from occurring altogether.

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Analysis for Shear

Truss Models
Given a reinforced concrete beam with shear cracks:

MacGregor, J.G., Bartlett, M. "Reinforced Concrete Mechanics and Design", Prentice Hall,2000

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VARIABLE ANGLE TRUSS MODEL

Assumes:
 tensile strength of concrete is ignored
 θ° crack angle
s jd×cosθ
2V

Avfvy
𝑉
jd
V V D=
sin 𝜃
θ
B

jd/tan θ

Equilibrium in vertical direction (vertical tie)

𝒋𝒅

× 𝐴 𝑓 =𝑉 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽
𝒔
𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 jd/tan θ

used to calculate required cross-sectional area of a stirrup (knowing

the spacing):
×
𝐴 = )
×( /

or spacing if stirrups (knowing the cross-sectional area):

𝐴 × 𝑓 × (𝑗𝑑/ tan 𝜃)
𝑠=
𝑉
Or the stirrup contribution:
𝐴 × 𝑓 × (𝑗𝑑/ tan 𝜃)
𝑉=
𝑠

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Equilibrium along the inclined strut

Used to dimension the overall dimensions of the beam to avoid
concrete crushing
𝑉
𝑓 = ≤ 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒
𝑏 × 𝑗𝑑 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃cos 𝜃

Note: The truss models predict that a beam with no stirrups will
have no shear capacity:
→ conservative!
→ basis for traditional “Vc + Vs” approach
Effect of Shear on tensile forces in flexural reinforcement
Equilibrium of Joint B
𝑉
D=
sin 𝜃
V

θ
N = M/jd –V cotθ N = M/jd

Equilibrium at support of simply supported beam:

𝑉
V D=
sin 𝜃
θ
N = V cotθ

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45° Truss Model by Ritter and Mörsch

0
[Ritter 1899, Mörsch 1902]: angle θ = 45

sin 45o = cos 45o= 𝟏/√𝟐

𝑗𝑑
× 𝐴 𝑓 =𝑉
𝑠
×
𝐴 =
×

𝐴 × 𝑓 × 𝑗𝑑
𝑠=
𝑉
Traditional “Vc + Vs” Approach
This approach was the basis for the “simplified method” in the old
Canadian Concrete Design Code [CSA A23.3 1994].
It can be summarized as follows:
─ Vr ≥ Vf
─ Vr = Vc + Vs
─ Vc = 0.2∙λ∙c∙ f 'c  bw  d
(for beams with > min. shear reinf. or d < 300 mm)
 260 
=
1000  d     c  f 'c  bw  d but ≥ 0.1∙λ∙c∙ f 'c  bw  d
 
(all other cases)
s  Av  fy  d
─ Vs =
s

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CSA A23.3 -2014 DESIGN FOR SHEAR

 Required Shear Resistance Cl 11.3.1

V r  Vf

METHOD 1: SIMPLIFIED DESIGN METHOD –

CLAUSE 11.3.6.3

FACTORED SHEAR RESISTANCE

CSA A23.3-14 Clause 11.3.3

Vr  Vc  Vs
Vc = shear resistance provided by concrete
Vs = shear resistance provided by steel
(provide stirrups if necessary!)
Maximum Factored Shear Resistance (Clause 11.3.3)
 Upper limit to prevent web crushing failure
CSA A23.3-14 Clause 11.3.3

Vr,max  0.25 c fc b w d v

where,
c = 0.65
dv = effective shear depth
= 0.9d or 0.72h, whichever is greater
bw = web width

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CONCRETE RESISTANCE IN SHEAR, VC

CSA A23.3-14 Clause 11.3.4

vcz C

va
vd T

Three contributions:
vcz shear in compression zone va

va aggregate interlock
vd dowel action (longitudinal bar)
 va is the largest contribution to va
concrete shear strength

Vc  c  fc b w d v

Where,
c = 0.65
 = factor to account for low-density concrete
= 1 for normal density concrete
 = factor accounting for shear resistance of cracked concrete,
determined in Clause 11.3.6

Note that fc  8 MPa when computing Vc.

 For f’c > 64 MPa, use fc  8 MPa

 Accounts for reduced aggregate interlock in high strength con-

crete

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STEEL RESISTANCE IN SHEAR, VS

CSA A23.3-14 Clause 11.3.5

C
dv d
 
T

Force in one stirrup:  s A v fy

number of stirrups dv cot 
n
crossing a crack: s

s Av fydv cot 
Vs 
s
Where,
Av = area of shear reinforcement within distance “s”
= Ab x no. of legs in stirrup
s = stirrup spacing
 = angle of inclination of compression stresses, determined in
Clause 11.3.6
 angle of inclined cracks due to shear

For design:

s Avfydv cot 
 Vs req'd  Vf  Vc 
s

sAvfydv cot 
Thus: sreq'd 
Vf  Vc

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DETERMINATION OF  AND 
CSA A23.3-14 Clause 11.3.6

Clause 11.3.6.2 - Special Member Types

 = 0.21
 = 42 deg.
For
 slabs with thickness  350 mm
 beams with overall thickness  250 mm
 concrete joist construction (Clause 10.4)
 beams cast integrally with slabs where the depth of the
beam below the slab is not greater than one-half of the web
width or 350 mm

Clause 11.3.6.3 – Simplified Method

 Applicable to cases other than Clause 11.3.6.2 and members not
subject to significant axial tension
 Limitations: f’c  60 MPa
fy  400 MPa

 = 35 deg.

 = 0.18 for sections containing at least the mini-

mum transverse reinforcement (Clause
11.2.8.2)

230
 =  for sections containing no transverse re-
1000  dv inforcement and having maximum aggre-
gate size  20 mm
230
 =  for sections containing no transverse re-
1000  sze inforcement and all aggregate sizes
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 sze = equivalent crack spacing parameter

35 sz
=  0.85 sz
15  ag

Additional requirements:

1) Must provide strirrups if: Vf ≥ Vc or h > 750 mm

f 'c  bw  s
2) Av,min  0.06 
fy
3) smax = 600 mm or 0.7∙dv
= 300 mm or 0.35∙dv if 𝑉 > 0.125𝜆𝜙 𝑓 𝑏 𝑑
4) Vr,max = 0.25∙c∙𝑓 𝑏 𝑑
5) Extend tension reinforcement dv cot θ past location it is re-
quired for flexure alone (cl 11.3.9.1) or
5a) provide tension reinforcement such as: (cl 11.3.9.2)
𝑀
𝐹 = + 0.5𝑁 + 𝑉 − 0.5𝑉 − 𝑉 cot 𝜃
𝑑

𝐹 × 𝑑 = 𝑉 (𝑥 + 𝑑 cot 𝜃) + 𝑁 0.5𝑑
− 𝑉 0.5𝑑 cot 𝜃 − 𝑉 𝑑 cot 𝜃
𝑀
𝐹 = + 𝑉 cot 𝜃 + 𝑁 0.5 − 𝑉 0.5 cot 𝜃 − 𝑉 cot 𝜃
𝑑

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6) At exterior direct bearing supports, the longitudinal reinforce-

ment on the flexural tension side of the member shall be capa-
ble of resisting a tensile force of (Vf – 0.5∙Vs) cot θ

7) Sections near supports (clause 11.3.2)

 Sections located less than a distance dv from the face of

the support may be designed for the same shear, V f ,as
that computed at a distance dv, provided that
a) there action force in the direction of applied shear introduces
compression into the member;
b) no concentrated load that causes a shear force greater than is
applied within the distance dv from the face of the support; and
c) loads applied within distance dv from the face of the support do
not increase the absolute magnitude of the shear at the face by
more than 20%.

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Example 1: The factored shear force envelope for a continuous

interior beam is shown below. Design the shear reinforcement
for the beam.
f’c = 25 MPa

d = 654 mm

h = 720 mm
fy = 400 MPa

d = 631 mm
Max. C.A.
size = 20 mm
bw = 450 bw = 450
Midspan Section Support Section

554 − 56.3
𝑉 (𝑥) = 554 − 𝑥 = 554 − 0.104𝑥
4750

𝜶𝑳 = 𝟏. 𝟓, 𝜶𝑫 = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟓

𝒘𝒇 = 𝟏𝟏𝟔. 𝟔 𝐤𝐍/𝐦

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Determine 𝒅𝒗 :
0.9𝑑 = 0.9(631𝑚𝑚) = 568𝑚𝑚 → 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑠
𝑑 ≥
0.72ℎ = 0.72(720𝑚𝑚) = 518𝑚𝑚
Since the maximum shear occurs at the support, use 𝑑=631mm
when determining 𝑑 for the critical section (at support). Although
we could consider increasing 𝑑 based on 𝑑=654mm in the positive
moment region, it is conservative to use the smaller value through-
out

1) Determine if section is adequate

Check 𝑉 , ≤ 𝑉,
𝑉, → calculate at critical section (at 𝑑 from support, CL 11.3.2)
𝑉, → Clause 11.3.3
𝑉, occurs at 𝑑 = 568𝑚𝑚
𝑉 (568) = 554 − 0.104(568𝑚𝑚) = 494𝑘𝑁
𝑉, = 0.25𝜙 𝑓 𝑏 𝑑
= 0.25(0.65)(25𝑀𝑃𝑎)(450𝑚𝑚)(568𝑚𝑚) ÷ 10 = 1038𝑘𝑁 > 𝑉 ,
∴ section is adequate
*If 𝑉 , > 𝑉, →must increase 𝑏 , 𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑓 to make section ad-
equate

2) 𝜽 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝜷, Clause 11.3.6

Simplified method, 𝜃 = 35°
With stirrups, 𝛽 = 0.18
Without stirrups, 𝛽 = = = 0.14

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3) Compute 𝑽𝒄 → 𝟐 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔
𝑉 = 𝜙 𝜆𝛽 𝑓 𝑏 𝑑 𝜆 = 1, normal density concrete
With stirrups: 𝑉 = (0.65)(𝟎. 𝟏𝟖) √25 (450)(568) ÷ 10 = 150𝑘𝑁
Without stirrups: 𝑉 = (0.65)(𝟎. 𝟏𝟒) √25 (450)(568) ÷ 10 =
122𝑘𝑁

4) Design Stirrups Near Support (𝑽𝒇,𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟒𝟗𝟒𝒌𝑵)

Check whether stirrups are needed
𝑉 =𝑉, = 494𝑘𝑁 > 𝑉 = 122𝑘𝑁 (𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠)
→ 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑
Thus 𝑉 , =𝑉, − 𝑉 [𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠] = 494 − 150 = 344𝑘𝑁
Use: 10M stirrup, double-legged

𝐴 = 2(100𝑚𝑚 ) = 200𝑚𝑚
Area of single leg of 10M stirrup = 100𝑚𝑚

𝜙 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
𝑉 =
𝑠
𝜙 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
𝑠 =
𝑉 −𝑉
(0.85)(200𝑚𝑚 )(400𝑀𝑃𝑎)(568𝑚𝑚)cot (35°)
= = 160𝑚𝑚
344 × 10 𝑁
∴ 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑠 = 150𝑚𝑚
0.06 𝑓 𝑏 𝑠 0.06√25(450)(150)
𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘: 𝐴 , = = , 𝑠 = 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑓 400
= 51𝑚𝑚 < 𝐴 = 200𝑚𝑚 → 𝑂𝐾

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Check max spacing (Clause 11.3.8)

Two limits based on 𝑉 at section of interest
check if 𝑉 > 𝑜𝑟 ≤ 𝑉 ,
1 1
𝑉, = (1038𝑘𝑁) = 519𝑘𝑁
2 2
Since 𝑉 = 𝑉 , = 494𝑘𝑁 < 519𝑘𝑁
0.7𝑑 = 0.7(568) = 398𝑚𝑚 → 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑠
Then 𝑠 ≤
600𝑚𝑚
∵ 𝑠 = 150𝑚𝑚 < 𝑠 = 398𝑚𝑚 → 𝑂𝐾
For 𝑠 = 150𝑚𝑚: 𝑉 = 𝑉 + 𝑉 = 150𝑘𝑁 + [s=150mm]
= 150𝑘𝑁 + 368𝑘𝑁 = 518𝑘𝑁
Use 𝒔=150mm near support, 𝑽𝒓 = 𝟓𝟏𝟖𝒌𝑵

5) Design Stirrups for Other Regions of Beam

Since 𝑉 < 𝑉 , along length of beam, 𝑉 , will decrease as we
move away from support
 s increases
 Fewer stirrups are required
Balance computational effort, construction considerations and ma-
terial/labour savings

Consider:
A) Regions where no stirrups are required or where minimum stir-
rups are required → 𝑉 ,
If ℎ ≤ 750𝑚𝑚, look for regions where 𝑉 ≤ 𝑉 [𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝛽 =
0.14] (applies to this example since h=720mm)
If ℎ > 750𝑚𝑚, look for regions where 𝑠 governs
𝑉 ≤ 𝑉 = 𝑉 [𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠, 𝛽 = 0.18] + 𝑉 [𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑠 ]
s based on Clause 11.3.8 or 11.2.8.2

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B) One or two other regions

𝑉, >𝑉 >𝑉, [𝑉 , 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴]
→ choose an intermediate spacing and solve for corresponding
𝑉

A) Region where no stirrups are required since 𝒉 = 𝟕𝟐𝟎𝒎𝒎 <

𝟕𝟓𝟎𝒎𝒎
𝑉, = 𝑉 = 122𝑘𝑁 (𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠)
Where 𝑉 ≤ 122𝑘𝑁 → 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑

Vf = 494 kN (s = 150 mm for this Vf and lower)

Vf
554
Vf = 333 kN (s = 300 mm for this V f and lower)

Vf = 122 kN (no stirrups req’d for

this Vf and lower)
56.3
568
2110
4123

B) Intermediate Region (spacing)

Consider:
1) maximum spacing allowed in regions of low shear (Clause
11.3.8)
For 𝑉 < 519𝑘𝑁 [𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝 4] → 𝑠 = 398𝑚𝑚
398mm is largest spacing we can use for this beam
2) For 𝑉 = 𝑉 , = 494𝑘𝑁 → 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑠 = 150𝑚𝑚
150mm is smallest spacing we can use in this problem
→choose spacing between these values
→choose s=300mm → now calculate 𝑽𝒓 for s=300mm
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𝜙 𝐴 𝑓 𝑑 cot 𝜃
𝑉 = 𝑉 + 𝑉 = 150𝑘𝑁 +
𝑠
(0.85)(200)(400)(568) cot(35°)
= 150𝑘𝑁 + ÷ 10
300𝑚𝑚
𝑉 = 333𝑘𝑁 for s=300mm
For 𝟏𝟐𝟕𝒌𝑵 ≤ 𝑽𝒇 ≤ 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝒌𝑵 use 𝒔 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎 → 𝑽𝒓 = 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝒌𝑵

6) Determine Stirrup Layout and 𝑽𝒓 Diagram

* Determine the location, x, where 𝑉 = 𝑉 for the various design
spacings and for 𝑉 = 𝑉 , =𝑉, (see next page)
Start stirrups at 50mm from face of column (must not exceed 𝑠/2)
Region 1: s=150mm
X=50mm to at least x=2110mm
Use 14 spaces @ s=150mm, x = 50+14(150) = 2150mm

Region 2: s=300mm
X=2150mm to at least x=4123mm
Use 7 spaces @ s=300mm, x = 2150+7(300)=4250mm

Region 3: no stirrups
X=4250mm to beam centerline (CL)

Draw 𝑉 Diagram, Plot 𝑉 for 3 regions

Clause 11.3.7 – where spacing, s, changes, 𝑉 is assumed to vary
linearly over a length of “h” centered on the location of the spacing
change

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 24

Develop stirrup layout and shear resistance envelope:

Vf = 494 kN (s = 150 mm for this Vf and lower)

Vf
554
Vf = 333 kN (s = 300 mm for this V f and lower)

Vf = 122 kN (no stirrups req’d for

this Vf and lower)
56.3
568
2110
4123

4750

15 - 10M stirrups 7 - 10M stirrups

@ 150 mm o/c @ 300 mm o/c

50 2100 300 1800 500

554

V
(kN)

568
4750

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 25

CSA A23.3-2014 General Method: clause 11. 3.6.4

 Use for:
 f’c > 60 MPa
 Members subject to significant tension
 Prestressed concrete elements
 Situations where designer wants a more rigorous approach
 non-typical members/structures

 The general method is essentially the same as the simpli-

fied method (in fact it is the basis for the simplified method) in
all respects except in the calculation of β and θ.

 The general method can be summarized as follows:

 0.40   1300 
o β=   
 1  1500   x   1000  sze 

o “strain effect” → less aggregate interlock as cracks get wider

o “size effect” → increase in beam size w.r.t. aggregate size

o sze = 300 mm if Av ≥ Av,min

o otherwise, sze can be determined using the same formula given

for the simplified method

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 26

x 
 Mf dv  Vf  0.5  Nf 
o = estimate of long. strain at mid-
2  Es  As
height
o θ = 29 + 7000∙εx

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EXAMPLE 2 Design the beam below using General Method-

– from Macgregor and Bartlett (example 6.5)

𝑘𝑁
𝐷 = 60 ,
𝑚
𝐿 = 75 , -> 𝑤 = 135

𝑓 = 25𝑀𝑃𝑎, 𝑓 = 300𝑀𝑃𝑎,

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Solution

1) Calculate the factored Shear force diagram and Bending

Moment Diagram
- From fig N9.3.3 (approximate Frame analysis, CSA A
23.3-04
At the support
𝑤 ×𝑙 135 × 9
𝑉 = = = 607𝑘𝑁
2 2
To consider pattern loading loading, MacGregor and Bartlett
suggest the following at midspan:
𝐿 ×𝑙 75 × 9
𝑉 = = = 84.4𝑘𝑁
8 8

𝑑 = 𝑀𝐴𝑋(0.9𝑑, 0.72ℎ) = 𝑀𝐴𝑋(711,634) = 711𝑚𝑚

607 − 84.4
𝑉 = 84.4 + (4500 − 711) = 525 𝑘𝑁
4500
At the support
−𝑤 ∙ 𝑙
𝑀 = = −994 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
11
From MacGregor and Bartlett Figure A1:
711
𝑥= = 0.079 → 𝑀 = 0.6 ∙ 𝑀 = −596𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
9000

Note: The major difference between the simplified method and the
general method is that the shear resistance depends on the applied
moment.

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Is the section large enough?

𝑉 = 0.25 ∙ 𝜙 ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑑

𝑉 = 0.25 × 0.65 × 25 × 400 × 711 = 1155 𝑘𝑁 > 525𝑘𝑁

2) Are stirrups required?

𝑉 = 𝜆∙𝜙 ∙𝛽∙ 𝑓 ∙𝑏 ∙𝑑
0.40 1300
β=
1 + 1500 ∙ 𝜀 1000 + 𝑠
𝑀
+𝑉
𝑑
𝜀 = = 0.000758
2∙𝐸 ∙𝐴
35 ∙ 𝑠
𝑠 = = 𝑠 = 𝑑 , 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 20𝑚𝑚 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒
15 + 𝑎
𝛽 = 0.142

𝑉 = 1 ∙ 0.65 ∙ 0.142 ∙ √25 ∙ 400 ∙ 711 = 131 𝑘𝑁 < 525𝑘𝑁

Stirrups required

3) Determine the max stirrup spacing

0.125 ∙ 𝜆 ∙ 𝜙 ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑑 = 577 𝑘𝑁

525 < 577

therefore
𝑠 ≤ 𝑀𝐼𝑁(600, 0.7 ∙ 𝑑 ) = (600, 498)

Based on Av min
0.06 ∙ 𝑓 ′ ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑠
𝐴 =
𝑓
𝑓 ∙𝐴
𝑠≤
0.06 ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝑏
Assuming 10M stirrups

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300 ∙ 200
𝑠≤ ≤ 500𝑚𝑚
0.06 ∙ √25 ∙ 400

Maximum spacing is 500 mm

4) Determine s to resist Vf’

𝜙 ∙ 𝐴 ∙ 𝑓 ∙ 𝑑 ∙ cot(𝜃)
𝑆 =
𝑉 −𝑉
𝑉 =𝜆∙𝜙 ∙𝛽∙ 𝑓′∙𝑏 ∙𝑑

If Av > Av min then sze = 300

0.40 1300
β=
1 + 1500 ∙ 𝜀 1000 + 300
𝜀 = 0.000758
𝛽 = 0.187
𝑉 = 173.1 𝑘𝑁
𝜃 = 29 + 7000 ∙ 0.000758 = 34.3°
0.85 ∙ 200 ∙ 300 ∙ 711 ∙ cot(34.3)
𝑆 = = 151𝑚𝑚
525 − 173.1

5) Repeat steps 1-4 @ several other locations

X 711 1350 2250 3600 mm

Vf’ 525 451 346 189 kN
Mf’ -596 -298 342 615 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
As 4500 4500 3000 3000 mm2
Sreq’d 151 242 330 1747 mm

One possible stirrup layout

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Note:
- Further check of spacing at 2500 should be done to ensure it is
500 mm
- no stirrups required when Vf drops below Vc (if h < 750mm),
however some engineers would provide minimum stirrups
regardless.

Final Comments and Review:

o

o Aggregate interlock depends on the concrete strength, aggre-

gate size, and crack width.

o w = ε∙s, where ε = average strain perpendicular to crack, and

s = crack spacing

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o Anything that increases w will decrease shear capacity, i.e.:

larger member →larger s
axial tension → larger ε
o sze = effective crack spacing parameter
= a function of the stirrup spacing and ag

o For high strength concrete (f’c ≥ 60 MPa), the aggregate is as-

sumed to fracture (i.e. the crack runs through the aggregate),
and therefore the roughness parameter, ag, is reduced:
ag = 0 for f’c ≥ 70 MPa
 The calculation of ε is complicated. The longitudinal strain
at the mid-depth of the beam, εx, is used as a measure of ε.
o The equation for θ ensures that the member fails in a ductile
manner, by yielding of the stirrups.
o The simplified method is just the same as the general method
with εx = 0.85∙10-3 assumed, i.e.:
─ If fy = 400 MPa, the tension steel will yield at a strain of:
fy / Es = 400 / 200000 = 2∙10-3 → flexure failure
─ At this point, the longitudinal strain at midheight,
1
 
εx =  2  10 3  1  10 3
2

─ The assumed εx = 0.85∙10-3 limit ensures that shear failure

does not occur prior to flexural failure.
─ εx = 0.85∙10-3 → θ = 35°,
→ β = 0.18 (with stirrups)
230
= (without stirrups)
1000  dv (or sze )
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─ Other requirements of shear design:

f 'c  bw  s
Av,min = 0.06∙
fy
- To ensure that the capacity of the member after
cracking
exceeds the load at which cracking occurs
o s ≤ MIN(600 mm, 0.7∙dv) if Vf ≤ 0.125∙λ∙φc∙f’c∙bw∙dv
s ≤ MIN(300 mm, 0.35∙dv) if Vf >0.125∙λ∙φc∙f’c∙bw∙dv

o The cross-section near a support may be designed for Vf at a

distance, dv, from support, provided there are no concentrated
forces within the distance dv and the reaction force introduces
compression (i.e. not the case for hanger supports).

o Minimum shear reinforcement is required if:

─ Vf ≥ Vc (1)
─ h ≥ 750 mm (2), or
─ torsion is significant (3).

o Longitudinal reinforcement can be designed for shear by ex-

tending it dv∙cot(θ) beyond the location required for flexure (in
the absence of significant tension and/or torsion).
o Or provide tension reinforcement such as: Clause 11.3.9.2
o 𝐹 = + 0.5𝑁 + 𝑉 − 0.5𝑉 − 𝑉 cot 𝜃

o At exterior direct bearing supports, design the longitudinal rein-

forcement for a tension force equal to:
Vf  0.5  Vs   COT    0.5  Nf

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SHEAR DESIGN IN D- REGIONS

USING STRUT-AND-TIE METHOD
 Simple truss models and the modified compression field theory
were developed for B-regions, which are characterized by a line-
ar strain distribution (i.e. “plane sections remain plane”).
 In D-regions, these approaches are not directly applicable.
 In D-regions, a significant portion of the shear is carried by in-
plane forces (i.e. “arch action”).
 examples of D-regions:

[CSA A23.3 2004]

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 D-regions are characterized by abrupt changes in geometry

and/or concentrated loads.

 Historically, D-regions designed using rules of thumb. These led

to inconsistent performance and failures in some cases.

 Work to replace rules of thumb with a rational design procedure

has resulted in the strut-and-tie modelling approach.

 Landmark article: [Schlaich et al. 1987] first formalized the idea of

modelling D-regions using strut-and-tie models.

─ [ACI Special Publication SP-208]:

o “D-regions can be modelled using hypothetical trusses consist-

ing of concrete struts in compression and rebar ties in tension,
joined together with joints or nodes”.

─ definition of D-regions:

o based on St. Venant’s principal: “Stresses caused by a self-

equilibrating stress system tend to die out over a distance
equal to the extent of the self-equilibrating system.”

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 Prior to cracking, elastic (i.e. finite element) analysis can be a

useful tool for predicting the behaviour of D-regions.

 After cracking, D-region can be modeled with strut-and-tie

model consisting of: 1) concrete compression struts, 2) steel
tension ties, and 3) joints or nodal zones.

i.e. deep beam:

 D-region can fail by:

1. compression failure of strut
2. yielding of tie
3. pullout of tie reinforcement
4. crushing of concrete in nodal region

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 Essentially, a strut-and-tie model is a truss-like representation of

the D-region. The main purpose of the model is to provide a con-
sistent and rational approach for: 1) verifying the four failure
modes listed above, and 2) determining where to place the rein-
forcing steel and how much to provide.

 Note: Strut-and-tie models can also be used in B-regions!

 Why does strut-and-tie modelling work?

o Lower bound plasticity theory:

“A load system based on a statically allowable stress field

(i.e. a stress field satisfying equilibrium and static boundary
conditions) that does not violate the yield condition provides
a lower bound of the ultimate load.”

o Strut-and-tie models provide a lower bound solution and

thus a safe estimate of the true D-region capacity, provided
that: 1) the structure is sufficiently ductile to accommodate
any redistribution of forces needed to carry the load, and 2)
the model is in equilibrium with the applied loads and the
strut-and-tie forces satisfy the rules of statics.

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Model Components:

1) Compression strut:

𝒇𝒄 = 𝝓𝒄 𝒇𝒄𝒖

𝑓 = factored compressive strength of strut

𝑓 = effective compressive strength of strut

𝒇𝒄𝒖 = 𝜶 × 𝒇𝒄
𝜶 = efficiency factor
accounts for tensile strain ┴ strut direction
𝒇𝒄
𝒇𝒄𝒖 = ≤ 𝟎. 𝟖𝟓𝒇𝒄
𝟎.𝟖 𝟏𝟕𝟎𝜺𝟏
𝟏
𝜶=
𝟎.𝟖 𝟏𝟕𝟎𝜺𝟏

𝜀 = 𝜀 + (𝜀 + 0.002) ∙ 𝑐𝑜𝑡 (𝜃 )
(compatibility condition)

𝜀 = or

𝜀 = 𝜀 = 0.002

θ 60° 45° 30°

Assuming εs = 0.002 → fcu / f’c 0.73 0.55 0.31

(θ ≥ 40o recommended, min 25o)

fcu = f’c / (1.14 +0.68 cot2(θ)) but ≤ 0.85∙f’c if εs=0.002
cl.11.4.2.3

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2. Tension tie:

Tf ≤ Tr where: Tr = s∙As∙fy

Note: Anchorage of tension ties is also important.

2) Nodal Zones:
 Although not required, it is sometime useful to consider the
nodal zones as “hydrostatic elements” (i.e. assume the
same stress level on each face of the node).
 must be in equilibrium
 types of nodes:
1) CCC

2) CCT

3) CTT or TTT

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─ stress limits for nodes:

CCC nodes → 0.85∙c∙f’c
CCT nodes → 0.75∙c∙f’c
CTT or TTT nodes → 0.65∙c∙f’c
─

─ anchorage
of tie reinforce-
ment at nodes:

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Solution Method:
1) Isolate the D-region.
2) Compute boundary stresses (these are obtained from structural
analysis and often from B-region design).
3) Subdivide the boundary and compute the resultant forces.
4) Draw a truss to transmit the forces between the boundaries.
5) Check the stresses in the truss elements.
6) Draw model to scale!!!

Guidelines:

 Elastic analysis is useful for predicting 1st crack location and for
guiding the engineer as to where to place the reinforcement.

 Accuracy of strut-and-tie model depends on closeness of approx-

imation to reality. If excessive deformation is required to reach
the plastic state, the D-region may fail prematurely.

 Compressive struts should follow comp. stress trajectories ±15°.

 Model with the fewest and shortest ties will usually be the “best”.

 if Statically indeterminate- assume steel yields

 Anchorage of the bars very important

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Example 3 : Wall :, Design D2 Region

Wall: 350mm thick

Columns 350 x 350 mm
f c'  35MPa

1850 kN
1850 kN

2400

7 No 10 bars
on each face
925 925
2400
1040 1040

2400

350 x 350 1040 kN 1040 kN

columns

2400

MacGregor, J.G., Bartlett, M. "Reinforced Concrete Mechanics and Design", Prentice Hall,2000

1. Assume 2:1 slope for the struts (if geometry of the wall allows
it)
could also assume less, e.g. 1:1

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2. Calculate Member forces (kN)

1850

-1035
-1035

463 925
925

3. Check strength of the struts and the ties

STRUT AB

  63.4 o
350mm
b  196mm
2  sin 63.4

C AB 1035
f cAB    15.1 MPa
b  t 196  350

Using CSA limiting stresses

𝜀 = 𝜀 + (𝜀 + 0.002) ∙ 𝑐𝑜𝑡 (𝜃 )
assume  s   y  0.002
𝜃 = 63.4 𝜀 = 0.003

𝜙 𝑓 0.65 × 35
𝑓 = = = 17.3 𝑀𝑃𝑎 > 15.1 𝑀𝑃𝑎
0.8 + 170𝜖 0.8 + 170 × 0.003

𝑓 >𝑓 OK

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TIE B-C

Ts  463kN
Ts 463  10 3
As    1362 mm 2
 s f y 0.85  400MPa

Provide 14 No. 10 bars  As = 1400 mm 2

- The centroid of the bars must be where we assumed the tie in

the ST model.

- Bars must be properly anchored (development length, hooks,

or mechanical ancorage)

- Bars should be uniformly distributed: 0.3 x d from each side of

the tie.

Node A: C-C-C- type

1850
f1   15.1 MPa - hydrostatic node
350  350

f 2  f 3  15.1MPa
𝑓 = 0.85 𝜙 𝑓 = 0.85 × 0.65 × 35 = 19.0 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑓 > 𝑓 OK

In the vast majority of cases, the strut forces govern , not nodal
forces.

Crack Control Reinforcement

0.2% reinforcement must be provided in each orthogonal direction,
near each face of the wall. Maximum spacing 300 mm cl. 11.4.5

CivE 414 - Topic 3:Shear University of Waterloo