Abstract
The strengthening effect using steel plate on the structural performance of reinforced concrete beam with vertical construction joint was studied. Vertical joint was located within the shear span of the beam and steel plate was used to cover the joint so that the beam could perform structurally as normal beam without construction joint. The tensile strain of the stirrup increased noticeably at the position near the vertical joint. However, the steel plate could reduce local increase in the strain of the stirrup. In addition, it was found that the steel plate contributed to resist the part of the shear force on the beam with the stirrup resulting in the prevention from the stirrup failure.
