The size effect factor for beams without shear reinforcement has been refined. The PCA Notes offer a side-by-side comparison of shear strength (Vc) calculations for members with and without axial load, including a new design flowchart to avoid common mistakes.
Scenario: A continuous T-beam needs to be designed for a 30-ft span, f'c = 5,000 psi, fy = 60,000 psi, with a superimposed dead load of 1.5 kip/ft and live load of 2 kip/ft. The beam is in an interior, dry environment. pca notes on aci 31819
Without PCA Notes: You would flip between ACI 318-19 Sections 6.3 (analysis), 7.6 (spacing), 9.5 (strength reduction), 22.3 (shear), and 24.2 (deflection). You might miss the λ modification for normal weight concrete or the updated minimum As rule. The size effect factor for beams without shear
With PCA Notes:
Instead of calculating the area of 3 #6 bars manually, use Table 3 (Area of Reinforcement). The beam is in an interior, dry environment