Shear cracks are caused by diagonal tensile forces that typically occur in the web of a member near the supports.

Shear cracks are caused by diagonal tensile forces that typically occur in the web of a member near the supports.

• A. Not Applicable
• B. Both
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Shear cracks arise from diagonal tensile stresses created by the shear force in a beam. The web of the member carries most of that shear, while the flanges handle bending, so the most likely place for cracks to appear is in the web where the shear is maximum, which is typically near the supports. The cracks tend to propagate diagonally across the web at about a 45-degree angle, reflecting the diagonal tension across the section. Because this pattern matches the observed behavior of shear failure in concrete beams, the statement is correct.

Shear cracks arise from diagonal tensile stresses created by the shear force in a beam. The web of the member carries most of that shear, while the flanges handle bending, so the most likely place for cracks to appear is in the web where the shear is maximum, which is typically near the supports. The cracks tend to propagate diagonally across the web at about a 45-degree angle, reflecting the diagonal tension across the section. Because this pattern matches the observed behavior of shear failure in concrete beams, the statement is correct.