Experimental study of the post tensioned prestressed concrete corbels

• Determine the effectiveness of application of prestressing bars in corbels.
• Determine the load which is giving rise the first and diagonal cracks of corbel.
• The measurement of strain within the concrete body of specimens.
• Verification of calculation models based on test results.
• Determine the effect of aF/d ratio and the location of prestressing bars to capacity.

The results of experimental investigation of 6 symmetrical double prestressed corbels of variable shear span to depth ratio and variable location of prestressing bars are presented in the paper. The post tensioned corbels were prestressed with Macalloy 1030 bars of 25 mm in diameter. The results of the tests were compared with the cracking and load carrying capacity of corbels reinforced with passive reinforcement. As a result of the analysis, a formula of calculation of force causing the inclined crack in the central area of the corbel was proposed. Usability of the selected computational schemes applying the truss models, as well as the shear–friction hypotheses, were assessed.