Author
J.J. ROBERTS Kingston University

Abstract
Thirty-eight reinforced concrete blockwork beams have been tested to failure using a two-point loading system. Single-course, two-courses and soldier-course beams were used to investigate the effect of the amount of tension reinforcement, block strength and shear span/effective depth ratio on the shear strength of such beams. The tests indicate that the performance of reinforced concrete blockwork is analogous to reinforced concrete in that there is an enhancement in shear strength as the shear span/effective depth ratio reduces.