Shear performance of optimized-section precast slab with tapered cross section

The optimized-section precast slab (OPS) is a half precast concrete (PC) slab that highlights structural aesthetics while reducing the quantity of materials by means of an efficient cross-sectional configuration considering the distribution of a bending moment. However, since a tapered cross section where the locations of the top and bottom flanges change is formed at the end of the member, stress concentration occurs near the tapered cross section because of the shear force and thus the surrounding region of the tapered cross section may become unintentionally vulnerable. Therefore, in this study, experimental and numerical research was carried out to examine the shear behaviour characteristics and performance of the OPS with a tapered cross section. Shear tests were conducted on a total of eight OPS specimens, with the inclination angle of the tapered cross section, the presence of topping concrete and the amount of shear reinforcement as the main test variables and a reasonable shear-design method for the OPS members was proposed by means of a detailed analysis based on design code and finite-element analysis.