Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Behavior of RC Beams with Different Parameters in Compliance with Compressive Force Path Method

Sixteen reinforced concrete beams were tested under symmetric concentrated loading to investigate the mechanical behavior of beams designed using the compressive force path (CFP) method, in comparison with specimens designed according to the Chinese Code for Design of Concrete Structures (GB 50010-2010). The test variables included shear-span ratios (4.0, 3.0, 2.5, and 2.0) and sectional dimensions (150 × 300 mm and 250 × 550 mm). The test process and test results were systematically analyzed. The results show that the stress transmitted along the compressive force path is the main factor governing the shear capacity. The CFP beams achieved peak loads comparable to those of the GB beams while using 5.88–39.99% fewer stirrups, with larger savings observed for smaller shear-span ratios. The CFP method predicted the shear capacity with an error of approximately 10% (ranging from 2.24% to 12.45%). The shear strength of the CFP beams decreased with increasing shear-span ratio and effective depth. Overall, the CFP-designed specimens met the expected mechanical performance requirements, verifying the accuracy and applicability of the CFP method.