9410647 Russell, Bruce W. This research will evaluate simple changes to shear reinforcement details that are likely to ensure safety against shear/bond failures; specifically, longitudinal mild shear reinforcement will be placed within the end regions of a beam's web to prevent propagation of the web shear cracks. Compression field theory will demonstrate that the longitudinal reinforcement completes a "tuss" within a beam's web, increasing shear stiffness and controlling propagation of web shear cracks. Ten pretensioned I-shaped composite high strength girders will be cast and tested under static and fatigue loading. Variables will include the amount of horizontal and vertical shear reinforcement. From these data, design criteria will be established to provide practical guidelines for safe and economical detailing of end reinforcements. ***
