Abstract
M.Ing. (Civil Engineering)
The shear strength of a concrete structure is usually determined
in practice in accordance with the applicable national concrete
design code. Calculation methods prescribed in national design
codes differ from code to code and yield widely divergent
results. The methods given for different cases in specific codes
are often based on different approaches. Further, some of the
methods do not agree with the observed behaviour during failure.
This shows that there is a need for more accurate methods of
determining shear strength, as well as approaches leading to
universally applicable methods. A literature study was
undertaken to establish whether such methods or approaches have
already been developed. Special attention was given to the
underlying mechanisms involved in shear resistance, to the shear
resistance of concrete elements without shear reinforcement, of
elements with varying depth, and of areas near points of
contraflexure, and to punching resistance of flat slabs.
A review of the latest research on the subject is given, and
areas where further research is required, are identified.