Strut-and-tie model applications on reinforced concrete deep beam: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Strut-and-tie model (STM) is the most important advance in designing complex prestressed and reinforced concrete structures. However, selecting a proper STM for reinforced concrete deep beams is still a challenging task for engineers and designers due to the complex shear behavior of such deep members. This article provides a review on the STM and its applications that are existing in the open literature. Accordingly, a review of the STM technique is presented with a particular focus on the basic concept of STM, associated B- and D-regions, STM elements, STM historical development, and STM applications in RC deep beams. The review also covers a wide range of STM aspects including: strut strength and its effectiveness factor, node strength and its effectiveness factor, tie strength and minimum reinforcement, the effect of tie anchorage, and strain energy minimization. Hence, essential formulas and parameters of STM proposed by various design codes and researchers are reviewed and then summarized in comprehensive tables. Consequently, from the reviewed literature, several challenges are identified and some recommendations that are necessary to be considered in future works are addressed. With the provided information, this review article serves as a useful reference for structural engineers and researchers who are familiar with STM, as well as who wish to enter this research field.