Shear Strength Mechanisms in Prestressed Concrete

Preliminary data analysis has indicated that many prestressed concrete elements have experimentally determined shear strengths which are substantially higher than the shear strengths predicted by the related provisions in the Canadian concrete design code. While these results represent no risk to public safety, actual strengths which are significantly higher than predicted strengths result in considerably higher construction costs, longer building completion times, and severe limitations on the types of allowable structural systems. These negative consequences can lead to undesirable carbon dioxide emissions, higher taxes, increased housing prices, longer periods with elevated noise levels, extended road or lane closures, as well as limiting potential for artistic ingenuity. In this research project, clauses, equations, and/or requirements in the Canadian concrete design code associated with inaccurate shear capacity predictions of prestressed concrete elements will be identified. Potential amendments to the current shear strength requirements in the Canadian concrete design code will also be developed which will improve the shear strength prediction accuracy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Evan Bentz

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: