Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the influence of pre-cracks on the behavior of reinforced concrete beam in shear. For real RC members under severe environments, these pre-cracks are sometimes inevitable. For this purpose, an experimental program was implemented. Experimental results demonstrated significant difference between pre-cracked and non pre-cracked beams. It is found that pre-cracked beam can reach much higher capacity. Moreover, substantial difference in failure characteristics and load-displacement relationship was also discerned. Rationale in fundamental mechanics exists, that can explain the behavior of pre-cracked beam
