Title:
Experimental Evaluation of Strut-and-Tie Model Applied to Deep Beam with Opening
Author(s):
Brian S. Maxwell and John E. Breen
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
97
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
142-148
Keywords:
deep beams; openings; structural concretes.
DOI:
10.14359/843
Date:
1/1/2000
Abstract:
Where geometric discontinuities exist in structural concrete members, current code documents provide little direction for design. The design of these unusual members can be better understood by using the strut-and-tie model. Combinations of two distinctly different strut-and-tie models were used to design four deep beams each with a geometric discontinuity in the form of a large opening. This paper describes the performance of four physical models that were constructed based on these varied designs. The deep beams were simply supported and tested using a point load. Each of the four beams resisted considerably more than the factored design load. This successful test series reveals the power, versatility, reliability, and predictability of the strut-and-tie modeling technique.