Computer Aided Strut-and-Tie Model (CASTM) for the Analysis of RC Deep Beams

Abstract

Many studies and a lot of research work have been done on the analysis and structural behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams [1, 2 and 3]. In these studies different calculation methods were used. The Beam Method has been used for many years; the Strut-and-Tie Method (STM) is recently included in the Eurocode [4] and has been included in the Canadian Standard for the Design of Concrete Structures[5] since 1984 and the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications [6] since 1994, it is a new concept for many structural engineers in the U.S. but specific code requirements were not incorporated into the ACI 318 Building Code [7] until the 2002 edition, as Appendix A.. This paper aims mainly at finding the most economical way to analyze and design reinforced concrete deep beams. New computer program (CASTM), based on STM, aims to be "user friendly", presenting a complete packet not only as an analyzing tool but also as a design program.