Toward an Improved Understanding of Shear-Friction Behavior

Through an in-depth review of previous work complemented by an experimental study, the nature of shear-friction behavior is studied. It is shown that the AC1 318-08 and AASHTO approaches to shear friction do not capture the actual behavior and imply incorrect limit states. A simple explanatory model and modifications to the form of empirical design equations are proposed. A large number of parameters affect shear-friction performance. This study does not attempt to address them all but rather illustrates the fundamental shear-friction behavior This study does, however consider the use of high-yield-strength reinforcing steel (ASTM A1035/A1035M). In doing so, the serious limitations of the design equations are illustrated. Additionally, this study is the only known study of shear-friction behavior to include high-strength steel.