Assessment of Eurocode-like design equations for the shear capacity of FRP RC members

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars represent an interesting alternative to conventional steel as internal reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) members where some properties such as durability, magnetic transparency, insulation, are of primary concern. The present paper focuses on the assessment of Eurocode-like design equations for the evaluation of the shear strength of FRP RC members, as proposed by the guidelines of the Italian Research Council CNR-DT 203 [CNR-DT 203/2006. Guide for the design and construction of concrete structures reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars. National Research Council, Rome, Italy; 2006]. Both the concrete and the FRP stirrups contributions to shear are taken into account: the new equations derived with reference to Eurocode equations for shear of steel RC members are verified through comparison with the equations given by ACI, CSA and JSCE guidelines, considering a large database of members with and without shear reinforcement failed in shear.