Title:
Historical Development of the Simplified Modified Compression Field Theory
Author(s):
Evan C. Bentz and Michael P. Collins
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
365
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
35-49
Keywords:
Code equations, shear behavior, shear design, stirrups, variable angle truss, modified compression field theory.
DOI:
10.14359/51746683
Date:
3/1/2025
Abstract:
The modified compression field theory (MCFT) is a general model for the behavior of diagonally cracked reinforced concrete. When applied to beams and columns, a number of very significant simplifications can be made to make it easier to apply in practice for day-to-day design and strength assessment. While the methods used to generate the simplified MCFT have been explained in previous papers, the actual historical and technical process that led to the work was somewhat different than the technical arguments made in the previous publications. This paper explains the procedures that actually occurred in 1999 to 2002 to generate the equations of the simplified MCFT for members with stirrups. The process shows the importance of working backwards from solutions and engineering intuition in the generation of technical theories. While the analysis method ended up being practical and technically sound, its creation was a people-based process and learning about it can hopefully be helpful to future researchers who want to know how “it really happened”.