A stirrup is a piece of steel reinforcement used in concrete beams and columns. It's usually shaped like a closed loop and wraps around the main vertical rebar.

Function of Stirrup:

Shear Support: It helps the beam or column handle shear forces, which can cause it to fail.

Keeps Rebar in Place: Stirrup holds the main reinforcement bars together, making the structure more stable.

Controls Cracking: By keeping everything snug, stirrups help prevent cracks in the concrete, especially when it bends or stretches.

Improves Ductility: They allow the concrete to flex without breaking suddenly, which is important for safety.

In short, stirrups are essential for making sure reinforced concrete structures are strong and reliable!