The mechanism governing shear strength in reinforced concrete members without transverse reinforcement subjected to both bending and tensile stress is complex. Further, formulas used to estimate shear failure are inconsistent with each other and do not fit well with experimental findings. This article highlights the differences between the results of experimental tests and the shear strength values estimated with the equations of ACI 318-11, Eurocode 2 (EC2) and modified compression field theory (MCFT). The tests considered are the ones reported in the literature consulted and the tests carried out for this experimental investigation, some with high-performance concrete. The review also puts forward a proposal for improving the method and fitting procedure when estimating the shear failure in a longitudinal reinforced concrete member without transverse reinforcement due to an excessive principal tensile stress in its web.