The relation between shear span and sectional depth of reinforced concrete T-beams

The aim of the study is to verify whether the issue on the code-specified deep beam behavior for the ratio of shear span to sectional depth a/h=2 (or a/d=2.5) can apply to RC T-sectional beams, or not. Experimental works were made on testing five rectangular and five T-sectional RC 4-point-loading simply supported beams, where no stirrup was used. RC traditional model and strut-and-tie model were adopted to analyze the difference of a/d between rectangular and T-sectional deep beams. Results are shown, though the a/d value for T-beam is slightly larger than mat for rectangular beam, it could be regarded as the same range for both of the two sectional beams. In conclusion, the code specification on deep beam for a/d value can be applied to RC T-sectional beams as they actually existed in RC buildings.