Analytical model for flexural and shear strength of normal and high-strength concrete beams

In the present paper, an analytical model is proposed to determine the flexural and shear strength of normal and high-strength reinforced concrete beams with longitudinal bars, in the presence of transverse stirrups. The model is based on evaluation of the resistance contribution due to beam and arch actions including interaction with stirrups. For the resistance contribution of the main bars in tension the residual bond adherence of steel bars, including the effect of stirrups and the crack spacing of R.C. beams, is considered. The compressive strength of the compressed arch is also verified by taking into account the biaxial state of stresses. The model was verified on the basis of experimental data available in the literature and it is able to include the following variables in the resistance provision: - geometrical percentage of steel bars; - depth-to-shear span ratio; - resistance of materials; - crack spacing; - tensile stress in main bars; - residual bond resistance including the presence of stirrups;- size effects. Finally, some of the more recent analytical expressions able to predict shear and flexural resistance of concrete beams are mentioned and a comparison is made with experimental data.