Effect of single stirrups on reinforced concrete beams

This study was made to determine the location of vertical stirrups and also to determine the amount of stirrup-steel required to prevent diagonal cracking. The study is limited to rectangular, simply supported, reinforced concrete beams subjected to a concentrated point load at the center of the span. Five sets, each containing three beams were tested. Two sets were cast without stirrups and the results were used to locate the stirrups for the remaining tests. The other three sets were cast with one stirrup on either side of the central load. Stirrups were of the U type and formed form No. 9 and No. 11 steel wire and 3/16 inch diameter bar. Results indicated only a small increase in moment carrying capacity between the first two sets and the latter three. Some inconsistences [sic] between observed and theoretical behavior are noted --Abstract, page ii