Shear Strengths of End Regions of Prestressed Self-Consolidating Concrete Beams

Abstract

Understanding of the shear and bond performance of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is vital to fully implement SCC usage in structures. State highway structures are a potential application for prestressed SCC systems once more knowledge is gained regarding this performance.

In order to investigate the shear and bond performance of end regions of prestressed SCC beams, several conventional and SCC prestressed T-beams were tested in flexure with unequal shear spans. Displacement and strand end slip were measured as the specimens were loaded to failure. These results are provided together with behavioral descriptions. Results were analyzed using flexural beam theory and AASHTO LRFD design provisions.

It was concluded that AASHTO LRFD shear specifications provide overly conservative provisions for high strength (SCC) beams not fully utilizing superior bond characteristics of SCC systems.