The methods specified by the codes of practice for the shear design of rc corbels are based either on shear-friction hypothesis or on strut-and-tie analogy, overlooking the predominant shear action in cc corbel. The shear response is significantly affected by vertical compressive stresses. Based on the modified compression field theory, a method is presented for the analysis of the shear strength of rc corbel subjected to a vertical loading. In the method, the interaction of vertical compressive stresses with the coexistent shear stresses is assumed to result in a critical two-dimensional stress field in the shear panel. The capacity of the stress field is determined using equilibrium conditions, compatibility requirements and constitutive relationships for the concrete and the reinforcing bars. The method accepts diagonal splitting, shear compression and flexural shear as possible modes of shear failure in rc corbels. The method was applied to a wide range of experimental data. The predicted shear behaviour shows good correlation with the test results.