EK299

In general, the contribution of shear reinforcement to the shear strength of a reinforced concrete beam can be described as follows:

1. It resists part of the shear.
2. It increases the magnitude of the interface shear by resisting the growth of the inclined crack.
3. It increases the dowel force in the longitudinal bars.
4. The confining action of the stirrups on the compression concrete may increase its strength.
5. The confining action of stirrups on the concrete increases the rotation capacity of plastic hinges that develop in indeterminate structures at ultimate load and increases the length over which yielding takes place.