Shear Reinforcement

Shear reinforcement refers to additional structural components, like steel bars or stirrups, placed within a concrete beam or slab to resist shear forces—these are the forces that try to slide parts of the structure past each other. While concrete is strong in compression, it’s weak in tension and shear. The shear reinforcement helps prevent cracking or failure caused by these forces, ensuring the structure remains safe and stable under loads. Essentially, it acts like internal braces or supports that reinforce the concrete against shear stress, maintaining the integrity of the structure.