Applicability analysis of STM and SMCFT of RC beams with shear span-depth ratios ≤ 3.0

The shear capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams is significantly affected by the shear span-depth ratio ( a v /d ). The strut-and-tie model (STM) and simplified modified compression field theory (simplified MCFT) that are utilized in current design codes have both proven to be effective in the shear capacity analysis and the design of RC beams. In order to compare the validity and applicability of the two approaches within the range of a v /d ≤ 3.0, 160 RC beams with transverse reinforcements were collected and their shear capacities were evaluated using the two models respectively. The results demonstrated that the ratio of a v /d = 1.8 was be the critical point that separated the ranges in which each approach was better able to predict the shear capacity. More specifically, it could be concluded that using the STM approach in the range a v /d ≤ 1.8 and the simplified MCFT approach in the range 1.8 < a v /d ≤ 3.0 respectively would result in more rational and accurate shear strength predictions.