The 'shear span to depth ratio' (a/d) of a beam determines:
Choose the correct answer
Only the bending moment
The mode of failure (shear vs flexure) and the structural action (arch action at low a/d vs beam at high a/d)
The clear cover required
Maximum bar diameter allowed
Correct Answer
B. The mode of failure (shear vs flexure) and the structural action (arch action at low a/d vs beam at high a/d)
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a/d ratio governs failure mode: a/d < 1: deep beam (direct strut-and-tie); 1–2.5: short shear span (inclined cracking, arch action, diagonal tension); 2.5–6: normal beams (shear-flexure interaction); > 6: flexural failure dominates (ductile). High a/d = flexural-dominated; low a/d = shear-dominated. IS 456 Annex B covers deep beams.
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