Automatic generation of strut-and-tie schemes adjusted for constructability

Abstract

Strut-and-Tie (ST) method is very useful in the Ultimate Limit State design of reinforced concrete elements, particularly in the case of D regions where beam and plate theories cannot be applied. In spite of being included in most modern design codes, there are at least three issues that limit a more extended use of this method in practice: it doesn't provide information in service, the selection of suitable schemes is not trivial for complex cases and the solution isn't unique. In this paper a novel method to produce suitable ST schemes is proposed by combining linear elastic analyses and optimization criteria. It is based on suitable modifications of the distribution of elastic parameters in the structural model. Without requiring initial distribution of reinforcement, it is capable of considering constructability conditions, particularly the condition of orthogonal reinforcement layout is considered in this paper. A series of case-studies are presented and analyzed; finally, conclusions are drawn.