The strut-and-tie models in reinforced concrete structures analysed by a numerical technique

Resumen

The strut and tie models are widely used in certain types of structural elements in reinforced concrete and in regions of stress concentrations, called regions "D". This is a good model representation of the structural behavior and mechanism. The numerical techniques are increasing because it allows streamline the process and make more reliable the results. The present paper deals to analyze in plane elastic linear problems using strut and tie models and the performance index of the structure to monitor the meeting to the optimum region with topology optimization. The classical evolutionary structural optimization, ESO, and a new variant called SESO - Smoothing ESO are used. The method SESO is based on the procedure of gradual reduction of stiffness contribution of the inefficient elements at lower stress until it no longer has influence. Optimal topologies of strut and tie models are presented in several instances with good settings allowing the design of reinforcement on structural elements.