Design of Deep Beam (Transfer Girder) Using Strut-and-Tie Model (ACI 318-14)
Deep beams behavior is not governed by flexure only and considerations of combined shear and flexure need to be addressed to properly analyze and design deep concrete structural members. The Finite Element Methods (FEM) and the Strut-and-Tie Model (STM) are the two primary methods defined in the ACI 318 standard for deep beam analysis.
The transfer girder shown in the following figure will be designed to resist the applied gravity and live loads. The results obtained from a Strut-and-Tie Model following ACI 318 procedure, will then be compared with numerical finite element analysis results obtained from spWall engineering software program from StructurePoint.
Figure 1 - Reinforced Concrete Transfer Girder (Deep Beam) Geometry