A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO STRUT-AND-TIE MODELING

摘要

Accelerated bridge construction may benefit from simplified strut-and-tie modeling (STM) procedures that can be routinely implemented in the design of the deep beam regions of precast concrete bridge components (e.g., precast pier/pile caps). Although STM provisions were introduced into the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications nearly two decades ago, uncertainty faced by engineers during implementation of STM has impeded its routine application. A guidebook has been created to aid practitioners with the use of updated STM provisions that were recently developed at The University of Texas at Austin. The proposed recommendations are simpler and more accurate than existing provisions. The STM guidebook includes an overview of the new provisions as well as detailed design examples for common bridge components.rnA brief introduction to the updated strut-and-tie modeling procedure will be presented along with a description of the STM guidebook. Implementation of the proposed provisions will be demonstrated through the design of a precast concrete bent cap representative of those commonly encountered in accelerated bridge construction.