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DETERMINATION OF THE BEST MODELS FOR

REINFORCED CONCRETE TIES AND STRUTS

Ahmed M. Segayer Ali S. Zregh Inas H. Faris

ahmedsegayer@hotmail.com zregh@doctor.com ehfares2001@yahoo.com

Al Fateh University – Department of Civil Engineering

Abstract. In civil engineering projects, structural elements such as beams, columns, frames,
etc., has defined models that it makes the development of formulas for dimensionality
possible. However, there are structural elements that are not included in this category and
have to be studied, such as wall beams, portal frames corners, beams with openings, etc. Ties
and struts models are structural elements that have no defined models, but in final analyses
they are a generalization of the classic "analogy of the trusses" introduced by Ritter and
Möِrsch in the beginning of the last century, for the dimensioning of beams. This initial
solution can be based on stress results of a linear elastic finite element analysis. As the user
may be in doubt about the best model to be used he may superimpose in the initial model all
that he find satisfactory for his structure solutions. In this work a revision about strut and tie
models, with development of some formulations, which can be used by the structural
engineers as an auxiliary tool in the definition of strut and tie models of bi-dimensional
structures. The aim is to choose ties and struts models (these ones which satisfy equilibrium
and strength) with the more economical solution, which leads to the least consumption of
reinforcement. At conclusion remarks the paper will demonstrate that the ties and struts
models leads to better representation of structural elements and therefore better results. The
best model of ties and struts in reinforced concrete elements will yield to the most economical
choice of reinforcements.

1. INTRODUCTION

2.

3.

4. CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES
1. Griscoff, N. In: Timoshenko, S. P., Gere, J. M. Theory of elastic stability. New York: McGraw-Hill, p. 104,
1961.
2. Timoshenko, S. P. and Gere, J. M. Theory of elastic stability. New York: McGraw- Hill,
1981.
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3. Schlaich, J., Schafer, K., Jennewein, M., “Towards a Consistent Design of Strutuctural Concrete”. PCI
Journal, May-June 1987.