TY  - SER
AU  - Zhao, Tuo
AU  - Alshannaq, Ammar A.
TI  - Strut-and-Tie Models Using Multi-Material and Multi- Volume Topology Optimization: Load Path Approach
SN  - 0889-3241
KW  - Load Path
KW  - Michell Number
KW  - Multi-Material Topology Optimization
KW  - Reinforced Concrete (RC)Deep Beam
KW  - Strut and Tie
N2  - The development of strut-and-tie models (STMs) for the design of reinforced concrete (RC) deep beams considering a general multi-material and multi-volume topology optimization framework is presented. The general framework provides flexibility to control the location/inclination/length scale of the ties according to practical design requirements. Optimality conditions are applied to evaluate the performance of the optimized STM layouts. Specifically, the Michell number Z (or load path) is used as a simple and effective criterion to quantify the STMs. The experimental results confirm that the layout with the lowest load path Z achieves the highest ultimate load. Moreover, significantly reduced cracking is observed in the optimized layouts compared to the traditional layout. This observation implies that the optimized layouts may require less crack-control reinforcement, which would lower the total volume of steel required for the deep beams
UR  - https://DOI: 10.14359/51739089
ER  -