Bursting Shear

Summary

Bursting Shear - is a mode of failure at a joint where the shear capacity of the concrete around the joint’s load transfer mechanism is exceeded.

Technical Information

Bursting shear failure occurs when the load transfer mechanism across a joint (usually a dowel) bursts out of the concrete it is set in, meaning that it will no longer transfer loads across the joint.

When load transfer is lost, the panels can move vertically in relation to each other, leaving the higher arris exposed to damage from Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) and rendering the floor un-serviceable.

This mode of failure is not particularly common however the chance of it happening is increased by improper compaction of the concrete around the dowel.