Shear strength of plain concrete

Abstract Concrete shear strength is one of important parameters in structural design and analysis. Brittle failure of concrete under shear has substantial impact on performance of structure. Concrete shear strength as stipulated in standard codes of different nations is based on RC beam elements. Majority of research also focused on reinforced elements or on indirect shearing. There have been few studies performed on plain concrete subjected to pure shear. Hence, pure shear strength of plain concrete is not established. In light of foregoing, the present work attempts to build loading method that is efficient and capable of creating uniform shear force in standard specimen. The study investigates fracture behaviour of plain concrete when subjected to pure shear force. The pure shear state of specimen is verified using Mohr's circle method. FEA is performed to validate experimental data. The proposed test set‐up is effective in determining pure shear strength of plain concrete.