Shear tests on T-beams and continuous beams
In 1906, the company carried out extensive tests on T-beams and continuous beams in Neustadt an der Haardt, the focus of which were the acquisition of data of realistic shear forces and their calculative recording. The test results enabled Emil Mörsch to substantiate his theory on shearing stress which was summarized in „Fachwerkanalogie“ (“Analog to structure work”), which was named after him, and to publish the 3rd edition of his textbook „Der Eisenbetonbau“ (“Concrete-Steel-Construction”) in 1907. This edition, which had now grown to 376 pages, was also published in French, English and Italian for the first time.
During the Concrete Day (Betontag) in 1907, Emil Mörsch explained his theory on the basis of shear diagrams. The practical findings for continuous beams also gained in Neustadt corresponded with the theoretical assumptions. Mörsch was able to prove convincingly that shear bendings at intermediate supports were superior to stirrup reinforcement.
In the following years, with few exceptions, further tests were carried out by the „Deutscher Ausschuss für Eisenbeton“ (German committee for reinforced concrete). On recommendation of Mörsch, however, Wayss & Freytag ordered a remarkable series of tests at the material test institute MPA Stuttgart:
- 1920 regarding the effect of shear forces with beams in variable height
- 1925 regarding the calculation of retaining walls
- 1927 on beams with half shearing protection and on beams with full shearing protection, but with concretes with only half of the calculated strength