Double-Head Studs as Shear Reinforcement in Concrete I-Beams

This research explores the feasibility of using double-head studs as replacement of stirrups in beams with limited web widths. Six concrete I-beams with heights ranging from 300 to 600 mm were tested. The shear reinforcement in half the length of each beam was in the form of single-leg hooked stirrups with 90- and 135-degree bends at the ends. In the other half of the beam, double-head studs were used as shear reinforcement and fabricated from the same stock of deformed steel bars as the stirrups. The beams were tested under single point load spaced 250 mm from the mid-point of the beams' 3.2 m span. Results showed that the use of double-head studs as transverse shear reinforcement provides adequate strength and ductility.