Strength of SFRC Corbels Subjected to Vertical Load

Tests are carried out on 32 reinforced concrete corbels subjected to vertical loading. Steel fibers are used as shear reinforcement in 26 corbels. The main parameters varied are the volumes of main bars and fibrous reinforcements, and the shear-span-to-depth ratio. The results indicated considerable improvement in ductility and strength of corbels as the fiber content was increased. In some instances, it was possible to change the mode of failure from being diagonal splitting or shear to flexure. An empirical equation is presented for estimating the shear strength of corbels based on results reported in this paper and elsewhere. Comparison between the experimental and calculated shear strengths of all corbels tested shows that the two values obtained in each case are in satisfactory agreement.