A Review on Strut and Tie Methods

Abstract

Abstract Strut and tie method (STM) provides simplified solutions to complicated design problems. It was an evolutionary discovery which lead to an improved understanding of shear and flexural deformations of the structures. STM is applicable to the regions of the structure where beam theory is not valid. Numerous studies were conducted in this field, and various modifications are being attached to the conventional STM. Indeterminate models replaced determinate models, and nonlinear analysis replaced linear elastic analysis. New ideas like automatic generation of models based on optimisation techniques, simplified inelastic analysis using secant stiffness method and 3-dimensional analysis were also introduced. This paper summarises some of these studies and discusses their merits and limitations. Some suggestions to simplify these complicated methods are also included.