Strut-and-tie design methodology for three-dimensional reinforced concrete structures

A strut-and-tie design methodology is presented for three-dimensional reinforced concrete structures. The unknown strut-and-tie model is realized through the machinery of a refined evolutionary structural optimization method. Stiffness of struts and ties is computed from an evolved topology of a finite element model to solve statically indeterminate strut-and-tie problems. In addition, compressive strength for struts and nodal zones is evaluated using Ottosen's four-parameter strength criterion. Numerical examples are studied to demonstrate that the proposed design methodology is suitable for developing and analyzing three-dimensional strut-and-tie models for reinforced concrete structures.