Shear Strength of Reinforced Concrete Plates and Shells Determined by Finite Element Analysis Using Layered Elements

Abstract

Transverse shear failures of reinforced concrete plates and shells are analyzed using a layered shell element that has been modified to more accurately model shear behavior. The transverse shear stress distribution through the shell thickness is obtained by equilibrium relations, Three‐dimensional failure criteria are used to predict transverse shear failure. The element is able to predict shear failures for plates and shells with and without shear reinforcement. A new cracking model based on crack friction, shear dilatancy, and crack surface deformability is used for some of the results. The analytical results are compared with experimental results for beams, plates, and shells subjected to concentrated forces. Good agreement between analysis and experiment is obtained for plates with and without shear reinforcement and for shells without reinforcement. An improved multidirectional cracking model is needed for shells with shear reinforcement.