Numerical method for the strength of two-dimensional concrete struts

For the reliable strut-and-tie model (STM) design of disturbed regions of concrete members, structural designers must accurately determine the strength of concrete struts to check the strength conditions of a selected STM el and the anchorage of reinforcing bars in nodal zones. In this study, the author proposed a consistent numerical method for strut strength, applicable to all two-dimensional STMs. The proposed method includes the effects of a biaxial stress state associated with tensile strains in reinforcing bars crossing a strut, deviation angle between strut orientation and compressive principal stress flow, and degree of confinement provided by reinforcement. The author examined the method’s validity through the STM prediction of the ultimate strengths of 517 reinforced concrete (RC) deep beams, 24 RC panels, and 258 RC corbels, all tested to failure.