Structural Design Principles and Applications of the Strut-and-Tie Approach

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Develop strut-and-tie models for structural regions with complex load paths and discontinuities

• Design and detail deep beams, dapped beams, corbels, and pile caps in accordance with applicable code requirements

• Evaluate how openings and geometric discontinuities affect force transfer in beams, walls, and slabs

• Perform structural checks and identify potential failure modes within strut-and-tie models

• Prepare clear reinforcement details that translate design assumptions into constructible solutions

Description

Structural regions with concentrated loads, abrupt changes in geometry, openings, or other discontinuities cannot always be evaluated reliably using conventional beam theory. In these situations, an unclear understanding of load paths can lead to inappropriate design assumptions, ineffective reinforcement details, and difficulty demonstrating compliance with code requirements.

This course provides a structured approach to modelling, designing, and detailing discontinuity regions using the strut-and-tie method. You will learn how to represent internal force transfer, establish suitable strut-and-tie models, assess potential failure modes, and complete the necessary structural checks. The course connects these principles to practical design challenges involving deep beams, dapped members, end anchorages, corbels, and pile caps.

Guided examples, case studies, and workshops will help you apply the method and develop reinforcement details for representative structural members. You will leave better prepared to address complex load-transfer conditions, justify your design decisions, and produce code-compliant details that clearly communicate the intended structural behaviour.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Civil and structural engineers responsible for concrete design

• Consulting engineers and structural designers working with discontinuity regions

• Construction engineers involved in reviewing or implementing structural details

• Architects who coordinate complex structural systems

• Fabricators and manufacturers of reinforced or prestressed concrete systems

• Municipal building officials and field reviewers responsible for code compliance

• Educators and researchers working with advanced structural design methods

• Project managers overseeing complex structural projects

Day I

• Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Method

• Strut-and-tie concept and background

• Basics of building a strut-and-tie model and code requirements

• Deep beam design and reinforcing requirements

• Opening effect in deep beams and walls

• Design Example

• Analysis of the edges of a prestressed dapped beam

• Design Examples

Workshop I
Under instructor guidance, participants will work on a case study presented on Day I to practice the theory and create design details for different members. Participants are to be prepared to use their design aids.

Day II

• Analysis of end anchorage in pre-stressed members

• Design example

• Design of corbel and code requirements

• Design Example

• Design of pile caps

• Example

Workshop II
Under instructor guidance, participants work on one of the cases presented on the second day, and a final review of the total subject will be demonstrated.