Ultimate load analysis of plate reinforced concrete beams

In a previous paper, the experimental work carried out on concrete–steel composite beams utilising the ‘encased plate construction’ was presented. The provision of steel plates as shear reinforcement allows very high shear stresses to be safely developed. This is a new concept in the design of reinforced concrete beams. This paper describes the structural behaviour and ultimate limit state analysis of plate reinforced beams with short shear spans. The proposed analytical method is based on the equilibrium of forces and strain-compatibility. This method predicts both the mode of failure and the ultimate limit state capacity. The proposed analysis shows good agreement with the experimental results presented in the previous paper.