Abstract
The effect of loading path on the behavior of RC members is investigated. The shear capacity of RC members under coupled axial tension-shear is discussed. Three main effects of axial tension are (1) early yielding of main bar due to initial stress; (2) axial tensile stress accelerates the formation of diagonal crack and (3) pre-cracks caused by axial tension blunt the localization of diagonal cracks. The increase or decrease in shear capacity is possible depending on the relative effect of these three factors. JSCE design code seems to recognize only the first factor without explicit coverage of the second and the third ones. Comparative study of experimental results, JSCE and FEM predictions is conducted.
