| Fracture of reinforcements due to concrete expansion has been reported on some bridge piers affected by the alkali silica reaction in Japan. This failure is found mainly at bent corners of stirrups in RC structures. However, little is known about its adverse effect on their load carrying capacity. RC beams with stirrups cut off at bent corners were tested to investigate their shear resisting mechanism. The test results indicated that the shear capacity of RC beams with damaged stirrups was reduced by approximately 20%; this reduction was induced by a decrease in the shear strength provided by not only stirrups but also concrete. In addition, the strength contribution by concrete and stirrups varied depending on the location of their damage. The loss of confinement due to stirrups cut off at tensile side made it difficult to sustain the truss action, but contributed to the development of the arch action. Meanwhile, stirrups cut off at compressive side failed to develop the arch action. |
