Parametric analysis of the influence of shear on the deflection of RC beams in service

The effect of shear deformation is not negligible, in particular for reinforced concrete beams with thin webs and low span-to-depth ratios. However, this contribution to deflection is often neglected because there are no suitable models for everyday applications. On the basis of a theoretical formulation proposed by the authors for the calculation of shear strain in service conditions, the paper offers a theoretical interpretation of some beam tests, highlights the shear contribution to deflection and examines the main aspects of an extensive parametric analysis considering the main parameters involved. The results of the analysis have allowed the most common cases in which the influence of shear on deflection becomes significant to be identified. They represent an effective tool for the direct evaluation of this contribution.