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.