Strength Evaluation Result of Struts, Ties, and Nodal Zones

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1. Design Review

After performing the analysis of truss model, the strength evaluation results of strut-tie model can be checked 'Design Review'. The 'Design Review' shows the strength evaluation results of struts, ties, and nodal zones (smeared node) through table. Also, if necessary,the 'Design Review' shows the check results of minimum reinforcement required for crack control.


Tie (Main Rebar)

This tab shows the strength evaluation result of steel ties assigned with 'Main Rebar' type.



Tie (Traseverse Rebar)

This tab shows the strength evaluation result of steel ties assigned with 'Shear Rebar' type.



Tie (Supplementary Rebar)

This tab shows the strength evaluation result of steel ties assigned with 'Supplementary Rebar' type.



Compression Strut

This tab shows the strength evaluation result of concrete struts.



Nodal Zone (Smeared Node)

This tab shows the strength evaluation result of nodal zone (smeared node). The strength evaluation result of nodal zone (concentrated node) can be checked in 'Nodal Zone (Concentrated Node)'.



Minimum Rebar

This tab shows the check results of minimum reinforcement required for crack control. The check of minimum reinforcement is performed when selecting the ACI 318-14 and AASHTO LRFD specifications. However, for ACI 318-14, the check of minimum reinforcement is performed if the effective strength coefficients of bottle-shaped struts is set to 0.75.



2. Nodal Zone (Concentrated Node)

After performing the analysis of truss model, the strength evaluation results of nodal zones (concentrated node) can be checked 'Nodal Zone (Concentrated Node)'. Concentrated nodes are likely to fracture compared to smeared node, so detailed check is needed. The 'Nodal Zone (Concentrated Node)' consists of two graphic windows and one calculation window, showing the element forces at node, shape of nodal zones, and strength evaluation results, respectively.





- Technical Reference


1. Shape of Nodal Zone

The shape of a nodal zone is largely determined by two constraints. The first constraint is that all action lines of struts and ties, as well as any external forces, must coincide. The second one is that the widths and relative angles of the struts and ties determine the nodal zone geometry.


1) The shape of a nodal zone is determined by the intersection of the stress fields that are framed into the nodal zone. The boundary of a nodal zone does not necessarily need to be perpendicular to the strut, tie, or bearing plate. It is assumed, however, as shown in Fig. 1, that there is another stress field which affects only the shape of the nodal zone, by expanding the cross-sectional area of a steel tie to the opposite side of the node.


Fig. 1 General Shape of Nodal Zone


2) When more than three elements are connected to a node, the cross-sections of all elements that are framed into the node, instead of the three representative elements, as shown in Fig. 2(b), need to be considered, as shown in Fig. 2(c).

(a) Forces acting on Node


(b) Nodal Zone Shaped by Representative Elements


(c) Nodal Zone Shaped by All Elements

Fig. 2 Nodal Zone Shaped by Multiple Struts and/or Ties