The validity range of an integral averaging computation of the shear capacity that is carried by transverse reinforcement in circular RC elements is examined. A discrete computation of the shear capacity, which is based on a truss mechanism model, is presented. It is compared to the integral averaging computation proposed by Ang and his coworkers, and is based on the same model. The comparison shows that for relatively low values (less than 4) of the ratio between the circular reinforcement's diameter and its pitch, the integral computation yields results that are 10 percent to more than 50 percent nonconservative.
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