Based on cyclic loading tests of RC beams which failed in flexural shear failure without yielding of the transverse reinforcement, the following flexural shear failure mechanism, which is associated with 'Error Catastrophe' known as a theory of aging, was observed in the hinge region. A shear-resisting system formed in the hinge region of RC beam subjected to monotonic loading. Under reversed
... [Show full abstract] cyclic loading, the shear-resisting system of monotonic loading repeated temporary disappearance and rebuilding due to opening and closing of cracks, each time the loading direction was reversed. The flexural shear failure occurred due to malfunction of the rebuilding after the temporary disappearance. What inhibited the rebuilding and caused the malfunction was errors in the rebuilding. The errors accumulated each time the shear-resisting system is rebuilt, and when the errors exceeded a certain tolerance, the failure due to the malfunction of the rebuilding occurred.
