Experimental Evaluation of Shear Behaviour in Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Different Transverse Reinforcement Layouts

Abstract

In reinforced concrete members, inadequate resistance against shear forces often leads to sudden failure, which is structurally unsafe compared to flexural failure. The present experimental investigation focuses on the shear response of reinforced concrete beams intentionally designed to be shear‑dominant. Two beam specimens with identical geometry, concrete mix, and longitudinal reinforcement were prepared, while varying only the configuration of transverse reinforcement. One specimen employed conventional vertical stirrups, whereas the other incorporated helically arranged stirrups. Both beams were tested under monotonic loading using a two‑point loading system until failure. Observations related to load resistance, deflection development, crack formation, crack widening, and failure characteristics were carefully recorded. The experimental outcomes revealed that the beam provided with helical reinforcement exhibited delayed shear cracking, improved load capacity, and a more gradual failure process when compared to the beam reinforced with vertical stirrups. The study highlights the effectiveness of transverse reinforcement orientation in improving the shear performance of reinforced concrete beams.