Shear strength of precast/prestressed hollow-core (PHC) slabs subjected to concentrated or line loads, especially near supports, may be critical and usually is the governing criteria in the design. This study presents the second phase of a research program, undergoing at the University of Manitoba, to calibrate the shear equations in the Canadian code for predicting the shear capacity of PHC slabs. This phase includes both experimental and numerical investigations using a finite element analysis (FEA) software package. The length of bearing, void shape and size, level of prestressing and shear span-to-depth ratio were investigated. The experimental results were compared to the predictions of the Canadian, American and European codes. It was concluded that the Canadian code is unduly conservative. However, the special European code for PHC slabs resulted in better and more consistent predictions. The FEA suggested that the adequate prestressing reinforcement ratio to obtain highest shear capacity ranges between 0.7% and 1.1%.

Shear strength of precast/prestressed hollow-core (PHC) slabs subjected to concentrated or line loads, especially near supports, may be critical and usually is the governing criteria in the design. This study presents the second phase of a research program, undergoing at the University of Manitoba, to calibrate the shear equations in the Canadian code for predicting the shear capacity of PHC slabs. This phase includes both experimental and numerical investigations using a finite element analysis (FEA) software package. The length of bearing, void shape and size, level of prestressing and shear span-to-depth ratio were investigated. The experimental results were compared to the predictions of the Canadian, American and European codes. It was concluded that the Canadian code is unduly conservative. However, the special European code for PHC slabs resulted in better and more consistent predictions. The FEA suggested that the adequate prestressing reinforcement ratio to obtain highest shear capacity ranges between 0.7% and 1.1%.

Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Hayder Rasheed / The importance of the analysis of circular columns to accurately predict their ultimate confined capacity under shear-flexure-axial force interaction domain is recognized in light of the extreme load event imposed by the current AASHTO LRFD specification. In this study, various procedures for computing the shear strength are reviewed. Then, the current procedure adopted by AASHTO LRFD 2014, based on the simplified modified compression field theory, is evaluated for non-presetressed circular concrete bridge piers. This evaluation is benchmarked against experimental data available in the literature and against Response 2000 freeware program that depicts interaction diagrams based on AASHTO 1999 requirements. Differences in results are discussed and future improvements are proposed. A new approach is presented to improve the accuracy of AASHTO LRFD calculations. The main parameters that control the cross section shear strength are discussed based on the experimental results and comparisons.