The shear behavior of six wide beams was was studied to investigate the effectiveness of various types of shear reinforcement in improving the shear capacity of wide beams. One specimen each was provided: without vertical stirrups, with vertical stirrups, independent bent-up bars, independent middepth horizontal bars, and the combination of vertical stirrups and bent-up bars. To study the effectiveness of longitudinal flexural reinforcement on the shear capacity of wide beams, an additional specimen without stirrups, but including approximately two-thirds of longitudinal flexural reinforcement that were arranged in column band, was investigated. The performances were measured in terms of deflection, crack patterns, concrete and steel strains, ultimate load, and modes of failure. The results showed that independent bent-up bars increased the shear capacity and ductility of wide beams. It was revealed that, although independent horizontal bars increased the shear capacity to some extent, the beam was less ductile through failure. The results also indicated that the beam with banded main reinforcement achieved larger failure load.
