An experimental approach to the design of network reinforcement against in-plane shear in reinforced concrete containments

This experimental study was conducted to rationalize the design of network reinforcement arrangements in reinforced concrete containments (R.C.C.V.) against combined earthquake and internal pressure loadings. Taking into consideration the stress conditions expected to be encountered in the design of R.C.C.V walls, about 20 orthogonally reinforced concrete flat plate specimens with the test area of 150 x 150 cm and the thickness of 10 cm were made and loaded up to failure by bi-axial membrane forces. Two layers of diameter 10 mm deformed bars in both directions were anchored outside the test area. Non-cracked and pre-cracked specimens were employed. The ratios of the two principal forces (k = N2/N1) ranged from -1 to +1. The angles between the larger principal forces and reinforcing bars were changed in five steps from 00 to 450. Also, several series of experiments were conducted on about 300 push-off specimens with the shear area of 15 x 30 cm and 10 x 20 cm in order to make clear the shear transfer mechanisms across cracks in reinforced concrete members. This test included the specimens subjected to combined shear and axial tensile forces. (orig.)