Shear Resistance of Existing Concrete Bridges

Simple comparison of models for assessment of shear capacity has shown that EC2 model provides significantly lower shear capacity than models based on the theory of allowable stresses. Therefore, some existing concrete bridges designed according to previous standards in Slovakia have lower loading capacity than is required if Eurocodes are used for their assessment. The paper deals with comparison of shear capacity of slabs without shear reinforcement determined by using several models which are currently available in EC2 format with capacity assessed by using theory of allowable stresses. The comparison is then extended to an actual bridge deck slab subjected to traffic load that is used for assessment of loading capacity as well as for design of new bridges.