Shear Envelope and Stirrup Zones Interactive Tool

Shear Design & Stirrup Spacing Simulator

Visualize the shear envelope $V_u$ versus the capacity $\phi V_n$ for a uniformly loaded beam.

Max Shear $V_u$ (kN)
Beam Length (m)
Width $b_w$ (mm)
Eff. Depth $d$ (mm)
Bar Dia. (mm)
Legs
Spacing $s$ (mm)
Design is Inadequate
Capacity $\phi V_n$ is less than $V_u$.
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Stirrups not required ($V_u \lt \phi V_c/2$)
Minimum stirrups ($V_u \gt \phi V_c/2$)

Solved Problems

Example 1: Shear Analysis

Problem: A beam with bw=300 mmb_w=300 \text{ mm}, d=500 mmd=500 \text{ mm} is subjected to a factored shear force Vu=250 kNV_u = 250 \text{ kN}. Concrete fc=28 MPaf'_c = 28 \text{ MPa} (normal weight). Check if the section is adequate without stirrups. If not, determine the required VsV_s.

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Example 2: Stirrup Spacing Design

Problem: Using the result from Example 1 (Vs=198.4 kNV_s = 198.4 \text{ kN}), design the spacing for 10mm diameter U-stirrups (Av=2×78.5=157 mm2A_v = 2 \times 78.5 = 157 \text{ mm}^2). fyt=275 MPaf_{yt} = 275 \text{ MPa}.

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Example 3: Torsion Threshold Check

Problem: A rectangular beam (b=400b=400, h=600h=600) is subjected to a factored torque Tu=5 kN-mT_u = 5 \text{ kN-m}. fc=28 MPaf'_c = 28 \text{ MPa}. Determine if torsion reinforcement is required.

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Example 4: Maximum Spacing Limits for Shear Stirrups

Problem: Determine the maximum allowable spacing smaxs_{max} for vertical U-stirrups in a beam with bw=300 mmb_w = 300 \text{ mm}, d=500 mmd = 500 \text{ mm}. The required shear strength from steel is Vs=150 kNV_s = 150 \text{ kN}, fc=28 MPaf'_c = 28 \text{ MPa}, and fyt=275 MPaf_{yt} = 275 \text{ MPa}.

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Example 5: Combined Shear and Torsion Check

Problem: A solid rectangular beam (b=400 mm,h=600 mmb=400 \text{ mm}, h=600 \text{ mm}) is subjected to a factored shear Vu=200 kNV_u = 200 \text{ kN} and factored torsion Tu=40 kN-mT_u = 40 \text{ kN-m}. Calculate the critical limits to verify if the section size is adequate to resist combined shear and torsion before designing reinforcement. fc=30 MPaf'_c = 30 \text{ MPa}, clear cover = 40 mm40 \text{ mm}.

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Case Study 1: Diagonal Tension Failure

Problem: A deep beam carrying heavy concentrated loads near its supports developed severe cracks propagating at a 45-degree angle from the support towards the load point. The beam failed suddenly without yielding of the flexural reinforcement. Diagnose the failure mechanism.

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Case Study 2: Torsional Failure in Spandrel Beams

Problem: An edge (spandrel) beam in a parking garage began to twist excessively, showing wide spiral cracking along its length. The main flexural rebar and stirrups were spaced closely, but the stirrups were open U-shapes. Explain why the failure occurred despite having "enough" stirrup area.

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