The Performance of Epoxy-Coated Shear Reinforcement

This paper examines the performance of epoxy-coated stirrups in reinforced concrete beams under bending and shear. A review of previous studies in bond and detailing of stirrups is provided. The results of an experimental program are described. From these results, several conclusions are reached, supported by ultimate failure load, deflection, stirrup strain, crack pattern, and crack width data. All beams reinforced with epoxy-coated stirrups and those with uncoated stirrups failed at higher than calculated shear capacities from those in American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318-89 and the proposed American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) 1993 Bridge Specifications.