This research investigates the mechanical shear behavior of twelve reinforced concrete beams. The type of loading (normal or reverse), the presence or absence of steel fibers (30 kgf/m³), and the concrete compressive strength (40MPa, 60 MPa, or 80 MPa) were the mains test variables studied. The beams had nominally identical cross-sections, effective depths, and longitudinal and transverse reinforcements. The loads were increased at 10 kN intervals until shear failure occurred, defined by the yielding of the first stirrup. The ultimate shear loads observed in these tests were compared to three empirical and semi-empirical formulas proposed in the literature. Based on the test results it could be concluded that concrete compressive strength has no significant influence on the reduction of ultimate shear load caused by reverse loading. Reverse-loaded beams with fibers had approximately the same ultimate shear strength as concrete beams without fibers subjected to normal loading, regardless of the compressive strength of the concrete.
steel fiber; reinforced concrete; beam; reverse loading; shear strength