Title:
Shear Resistance of Concrete Beams under a Decade Sustained Loading (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Reza Sarkhosh and Joost Walraven
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
beam; long-term loading; reinforced concrete; shear; sustained
DOI:
10.14359/51743303
Date:
10/9/2024
Abstract:
Either subjected to tensile or compressive loads, concrete is susceptible to the effect of sustained loading. To address this, common practice in building guidelines typically involves applying a sustained loading factor ranging from 0.6 to 0.85. Given that the shear capacity of structural members without shear reinforcement is linked to the concrete strength, one might question whether there is a comparable sustained loading impact on shear. To address this inquiry, a total of 18 reinforced concrete beams without shear reinforcement were subjected to prolonged sustained loading, with a load intensity factor (ratio of ‘applied sustained shear load’ to ‘short-term shear resistance’) ranging from 0.88 to 0.98. Several beams endured the sustained loading test for an extended period, close to a decade before the test was terminated. Interestingly, in contrast to concrete subjected to direct compression or tension, it was observed that sustained loading did not affect the shear capacity. Some early results of this experimental study, where concrete beams were subjected to up to 4 years of sustained loading, have been previously published. This paper concludes the results of the testing campaign up to a decade of sustained loading with additional results and findings.