Applications of shear fields in reinforced concrete slab analysis and design

Abstract

This paper investigates the mechanical behaviour and the load-carrying mechanisms of reinforced concrete slabs by means of shear fields. The suitability of various shear fields obtained from different approaches (elastic and plastic theory) is investigated with respect to the behaviour of slabs prior to and after cracking. The paper finally introduces a series of practical applications showing some possibilities of this technique in design of concrete slabs.