Strut-Tie Model Approach Associated with 3-Dimensional Grid Elements for Design of Structural Concrete - (I) Proposal of Approach

Abstract

Although the strut-tie model approaches of current design codes are regarded as the valuable methods for designs of structural concretes with D-regions, the approaches have to be improved because of the uncertainties in terms of the concepts and provisions for designs of 3-dimensional structural concretes. To improve the uncertainties, a new strut-tie model approach is proposed in this study. In the proposed approach, the concepts of employing a 3-dimensional grid element allowing load transfers in all directions at a node to construct a strut-tie model, a numerical analysis approach to determine the effective strengths of concrete struts and nodal zones by reflecting the effects of reinforcing bars and 3-dimensional stress state, and maximum areas of struts and ties to examine their load carrying capacities are integrated into the strut-tie model approaches of current design codes.