CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS AND DESIGN FOR SHEAR

5
5.1 SHEAR REINFORCEMENT DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

The design assumption for shear is that the concrete resistance to shear, 𝑉𝑐 , will resist a part of the shear, and any
excess over and above what the concrete is capable of resisting has to be resisted by shear reinforcements (stirrups)
or web reinforcement. The basic concept for the design of shear reinforcements is to provide steel to cross the diagonal
tension cracks and keep them from opening. Failure of such beams will be caused by a bond failure, a splitting failure,
or a dowel failure along the tension reinforcement, as shown in Figure 5.1(a), or by crushing of the compression zone
over the top of the crack, as shown in Figure 5.1(b).

Figure 5.1 Modes of failure of short shear spans

Shear failure for beams is very dangerous especially if it happens before flexural failure since it can occur suddenly near
the supports. The placement of stirrups will prevent this occurrence when they are placed closely where shear is critical.

411.2.1 Except for members designed in accordance with Section 427, design of cross sections subject to shear shall
be based on
𝑽𝒖 ≤ 𝝓𝑽𝒏

where 𝑉𝑢 is factored shear force at section considered and 𝑉𝑛 is the nominal shear strength computed by
𝑽𝒏 = 𝑽𝒄 + 𝑽𝒔

where 𝑉𝑐 is the nominal shear strength provided by concrete in accordance with Section 411.4 or Section 411.5, and 𝑉𝑠
is nominal shear strength provided by shear reinforcement in accordance with Section 411.6.6.

411.2.2 The values of √𝑓′𝑐 used in Section 411 shall not exceed 8.0 MPa, except as allowed in Section 411.2.2.1.

411.2.3 Computations of maximum factored shear force 𝑉𝑢 at supports in accordance with Section 411.2.3.1 or 411.2.3.2
shall be permitted if all of the following three conditions are satisfied:
1. Support reaction, in direction of applied shear, introduces compression into the end regions of member;
2. Loads are applied at or near the top of the member;
3. No concentrated load occurs between face of support and location of critical section defined in Sections 411.2.3.1
and 411.2.3.2.

411.2.3.1 For nonprestressed members, sections located less than a distance 𝑑 from face of support shall be permitted
to be designed for the same shear 𝑉𝑢 as that computed at a distance 𝑑.

5.2 SHEAR STRENGTH PROVIDED BY CONCRETE

411.4.1 Simplified Calculation for 𝑉𝑐

Shear strength 𝑉𝑐 shall be computed by provisions of Sections 411.4.1.1 through 411.4.1.3 unless a more detailed
calculation is made in accordance with Section 411.4.2. Throughout this Section, except in Section 411.8, 𝜆, shall be
defined in Section 408.7.1.

411.4.1.1 For members subject to shear and flexure only:

(Equation 411-3)
𝑽𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝒅

411.4.1.2 For members subject to axial compression:

(Equation 411-4)
𝑵𝒖
𝑽𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕 (𝟏 + ) 𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝒅
𝟏𝟒𝑨𝒈
Quantity 𝑁𝑢 ⁄𝐴𝑔 shall be expressed in MPa.
𝑁𝑢 = factored axial load normal to cross-section occurring simultaneously with 𝑉𝑢 , to be taken as positive for
compression, negative for tension, in N
411.4.1.3 For members subject to significant axial tension, 𝑉𝑐 shall be taken as zero, unless a more detailed analysis is
made using Section 411.4.2.3.

411.4.2 Detailed Calculation for 𝑉𝑐

Shear strength 𝑉𝑐 shall be permitted to be computed by the more detailed calculation of Sections 411.4.2.1 through
411.4.2.3.

411.4.2.1 For members subject to shear and flexure only

(Equation 411-5)
𝑽𝒖 𝒅
𝑽𝒄 = (𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 + 𝟏𝟕𝝆𝒘 ) 𝒃𝒘 𝒅
𝑴𝒖
but not greater than 0.29𝜆√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑. When computing 𝑉𝑐 by Eq. 411-5, 𝑉𝑢 𝑑 ⁄𝑀𝑢 shall not be taken greater than 1.0 where
𝑀𝑢 occurs simultaneously with 𝑉𝑢 at section considered.

411.4.2.2 For members subject to axial compression, it shall be permitted to compute 𝑉𝑐 using Eq. 411-5 with 𝑀𝑚
substituted for 𝑀𝑢 and 𝑉𝑢 𝑑 ⁄𝑀𝑢 not then limited to 1.0.
(Equation 411-6)
𝟒𝒉 − 𝒅
𝑴𝒎 = 𝑴𝒖 − 𝑵𝒖
𝟖
However, 𝑉𝑐 shall not be taken greater than:
(Equation 411-7)
𝟎. 𝟐𝟗𝑵𝒖
𝑽𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟗 (√𝟏 + ) 𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝒅
𝑨𝒈
𝑁𝑢 ⁄𝐴𝑔 shall be expressed in MPa. When 𝑀𝑚 as computed by Equation 411-6 is negative, 𝑉𝑐 shall be computed by
Equation 411-7.

411.4.2.3 For members subject to significant axial tension

(Equation 411-8)
𝟎. 𝟐𝟗𝑵𝒖
𝑽𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕 (𝟏 + ) 𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝒅
𝑨𝒈
but not less than zero, where 𝑁𝑢 is negative for tension 𝑁𝑢 ⁄𝐴𝑔 shall be expressed in MPa.

Example 1: A rectangular concrete beam has a width of 260 mm and overall depth of 470 mm. Concrete cover is 60
mm from the center of bars. Use 𝑓′𝑐 = 21 MPa, 𝑓𝑦 = 415 MPa and 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 275 MPa. The beam is reinforced with 3 – 25
mm ϕ bars. The section being considered is subjected to the following loads: 𝑉𝐷 = 30 kN, 𝑉𝐿 = 40 kN, 𝑀𝐷 = 30 kN-m, 𝑀𝐿
= 50 kN-m. Determine:
(a) the shear strength provided by concrete using the simplified formula;
(b) the shear strength provided by concrete using the detailed formula;
(c) the shear strength provided by concrete using the simplified formula if it is subjected to axial compressive force of
80 kN;
(d) the shear strength provided by concrete using the detailed formula if it is subjected to axial compressive force of 80
kN.

5.3 DESIGN OF SHEAR REINFORCEMENT

411.6.7.1 Where factored force 𝑉𝑢 exceeds shear strength 𝜙𝑉𝑐 , shear reinforcement shall be provided to satisfy
Equations (411-1) and (411-2), where shear strength 𝑉𝑠 shall be computed in accordance with Sections 411.6.7.2
through 411.6.7.9.

411.6.7.2 Where shear reinforcement perpendicular to axis of member is used,

(Equation 411-15)
𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕 𝒅
𝑽𝒔 =
𝒔
where 𝐴𝑣 is the area of shear reinforcement within spacing 𝑠.

411.6.7.4 Where inclined stirrups are used as shear reinforcement,

(Equation 411-16)
𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕 (𝐬𝐢𝐧 ∝ + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 ∝)𝒅
𝑽𝒔 =
𝒔
where 𝛼 is the angle between inclined stirrups and longitudinal axis of the member, and 𝑠 is measured in direction
parallel to longitudinal reinforcement.
411.6.7.5 Where shear reinforcement consists of a single bar or a single group of parallel bars, all bent up at the same
distance from the support,
(Equation 411-17)
𝑽𝒔 = 𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕 𝐬𝐢𝐧 ∝
but not greater than 0.25√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 where 𝛼 is the angle between bent-up reinforcement and longitudinal axis of the
member.

411.6.7.6 Where shear reinforcement consists of a series of parallel bent-up bars or groups of parallel bent-up bars at
different distances from the support, shear strength 𝑉𝑠 shall be computed by Equation (411-16).

Figure 5.2 Bent-up bar web reinforcing

411.6.7.7 Only the center three fourths of the inclined portion of any longitudinal bent bar shall be considered effective
for shear reinforcement.

411.6.7.8 Where more than one type of shear reinforcement is used to reinforce the same portion of a member, shear
strength 𝑉𝑠 shall be computed as the sum of the 𝑉𝑠 values computed for the various types of shear reinforcement.

411.6.7.9 Shear strength 𝑉𝑠 shall not be taken greater than 0.66√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑.

5.4 SPACING LIMITS FOR SHEAR REINFORCEMENT AND MINIMUM SHEAR REINFORCEMENT

411.6.5.1 Spacing of shear reinforcement placed perpendicular to axis of member shall not exceed 𝑑 ⁄2 in
nonprestressed members and 0.75ℎ in prestressed members nor 600 mm.

411.6.5.3 Where 𝑉𝑠 exceeds 0.33√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑, maximum spacing given in Sections 411.6.5.1 and 411.6.5.2 shall be reduced
by one half.

411.6.6.1 A minimum area of shear reinforcement, 𝐴𝑣 𝑚𝑖𝑛 shall be provided in all reinforced concrete flexural members
(prestressed and nonprestressed) where 𝑉𝑢 exceeds 0.5𝜙𝑉𝑐 , except in members satisfying one or more of (1) through
(6):
1. Hollow-core units with total untopped depth not greater than 300 mm;
2. 𝑉𝑢 is not greater than 0.5𝜙𝑉𝑐 ;
3. Concrete joist construction defined by Section 408.14;
4. Beams with total depth, ℎ, not greater than 250 mm;
5. Beams integral with slabs with total depth, ℎ, not greater than 600 mm, and not greater than 2.5 times thickness of
flange or 0.50 the width of web;
6. Beams constructed of steel fiber-reinforced, normal weight concrete with 𝑓′𝑐 not exceeding 40 MPa, ℎ not greater
than 600 mm, and 𝑉𝑢 not greater than 𝜙0.17√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑.

411.6.6.3 Where shear reinforcement is required by Section 411.6.6.1 or for strength and where Section 411.7.1 allows
torsion to be neglected, the minimum area of shear reinforcement for prestressed (except as provided in Section
411.6.6.4) and nonprestressed members shall be computed by:
(Equation 411-13)
𝒃𝒘 𝒔
𝑨𝒗 𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟐√𝒇′𝒄
𝒇𝒚𝒕
but shall not be less than (0.35𝑏𝑤 𝑠)⁄𝑓𝑦𝑡 where 𝑏𝑤 and 𝑠 are in millimeters.

Steps in Vertical Stirrup Design

1. Calculate the factored shear force 𝑉𝑢 at critical section defined by Section 411.2.3.
2. Calculate the shear strength provided by concrete, 𝑉𝑐 , defined by Section 411.4.
3. Verify if stirrups are necessary:
 If 𝑉𝑢 > 𝜙𝑉𝑐 , stirrups are necessary (proceed to item 4)
If 𝜙𝑉𝑐 > 𝑉𝑢 > 0.5𝜙𝑉𝑐 , stirrups are necessary, use maximum spacing of stirrups
If 𝑉𝑢 < 0.5𝜙𝑉𝑐 , stirrups are not needed
4. Calculate the shear strength 𝑉𝑠 to be provided by reinforcement
𝑽𝒖
𝑽𝒔 = 𝑽𝒏 − 𝑽 𝒄 = − 𝑽𝒄
𝝓
If 𝑉𝑠 ≤ 0.66√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑, calculate the required spacing (proceed to item 5)
If 𝑉𝑠 > 0.66√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑, needs larger beam and/or larger 𝑓′𝑐
5. Spacing of stirrups
𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕 𝒅
𝒔=
𝑽𝒔
If 𝑠 ≤ 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 use 𝑠.
If 𝑠 > 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 , use 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 .
6. Maximum spacing of reinforcement
If 𝑉𝑠 ≤ 0.33√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑, 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 is the least of 𝑑 ⁄2 and 600 mm
If 𝑉𝑠 > 0.33√𝑓′𝑐 𝑏𝑤 𝑑, 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 is the least of 𝑑 ⁄4 and 300 mm
𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑥 can also be calculated based on the minimum area of shear reinforcement, 𝐴𝑣 𝑚𝑖𝑛 :
𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕 𝑨𝒗 𝒇𝒚𝒕
𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒙 = ≤
𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟐√𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒘 𝟎. 𝟑𝟓𝒃𝒘

Example 2: A rectangular beam has the following properties: 𝑏 = 300 mm, 𝑑 = 536 mm, ℎ = 600 mm, 𝑓′𝑐 = 21 MPa, U-
stirrup diameter, 𝑑𝑠 = 10 mm spaced at 120 mm o.c. at critical section, 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 275 MPa, 𝐴𝑠 = 3 – 28 mm ϕ, 𝑓𝑦 = 415 MPa.
Determine the shear capacity of the section 𝜙𝑉𝑛 .

Example 3: A rectangular beam has the following properties: 𝑏𝑤 = 320 mm, 𝑑 = 570 mm, 𝑓′𝑐 = 24 MPa, Stirrup diameter,
𝑑𝑠 = 10 mm, 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 275 MPa. Determine the required spacing of vertical U-stirrup when the required shear strength, 𝑉𝑢 ,
is (a) 50 kN; (b) 90 kN; (c) 130 kN; (d) 290 kN; (e) 360 kN; (f) 570 kN

Example 4: A simple span beam 6 m length has the following properties: 𝑏 = 375 mm, ℎ = 650 mm, 𝑓′𝑐 = 21 MPa, 𝑓𝑦𝑡
= 275 MPa, 𝑓𝑦 = 415 MPa, 𝐴𝑠 = 3 – 28 mm ϕ, 𝐴′𝑠 = 2 – 28 mm ϕ, 𝑑𝑠 = 10 mm. Design the spacing of 2-legged closed
stirrups if the entire span carries a dead load of 45 kN/m (including beam weight) and live load of 55 kN/m.

Example 5: For the beam shown, use 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 276 MPa and 𝑓’𝑐 = 21 MPa. The beam is reinforced with 8-28 mm bars. Use
10 mm diameter U-stirrups for shear reinforcements. Use U = 1.2D + 1.6L combination.

a. Construct the 𝑉𝑢 diagram of the beam shown;

b. Calculate the required spacing of stirrups at critical section;
c. Calculate the required spacing of stirrups at a section 1.5 m from the support.