What is the minimum overhang for stirrups?

What is the minimum overhang for stirrups?

• A. 4 inches
• B. 6 inches
• C. 8 inches
• D. 10 inches

Answer: (B)

Stirrups need to extend far enough past the edge to anchor securely and to transfer forces efficiently through the surrounding concrete. A six-inch overhang provides sufficient embedded length for the stirrup to grip and for the concrete to develop its confining action around the reinforcement. This helps keep the stirrup in place under load and reduces the risk of edge damage or slip that could weaken the shear reinforcement. If the overhang were shorter, anchorage would be inadequate and the load path could be compromised; longer overhang doesn’t add needed benefit in this context. So, six inches is the standard minimum.

Stirrups need to extend far enough past the edge to anchor securely and to transfer forces efficiently through the surrounding concrete. A six-inch overhang provides sufficient embedded length for the stirrup to grip and for the concrete to develop its confining action around the reinforcement. This helps keep the stirrup in place under load and reduces the risk of edge damage or slip that could weaken the shear reinforcement. If the overhang were shorter, anchorage would be inadequate and the load path could be compromised; longer overhang doesn’t add needed benefit in this context. So, six inches is the standard minimum.