Ultimate torsional behaviour of axially restrained RC beams

Abstract

This article presents a computing procedure developed to predict the torsional strength of axially restrained reinforced concrete beams. This computing procedure is based on a modification of the Variable Angle Truss Model to accont for the influence of the longitudinal compressive stress state due to the axial restraint conditions provided by the connections of the beams to other structural elements. Theoretical predictions from the proposed model are compared with some experimental results available in the literature and also with some numerical results from a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. It is shown that the proposed computing procedure gives reliable predictions for the ultimate behaviour, namely the torsional strength, of axially restrained reinforced concrete beams under torsion.