Research on the Reinforcement Design of Concrete Deep Beams with Openings Based on the Strut-and-Tie Model

This study investigates the issues of non-unique model configurations and insufficient guidance for reinforcement design encountered when applying the strut-and-tie model (STM) method to reinforced concrete deep beams with openings. Using concrete deep beam specimens with three openings as a case study, the topology optimization method was employed to establish the initial STM, which was subsequently refined through crack propagation simulation technology to develop the final optimized STM for guiding reinforcement design. Experimental investigations and comparative analyses with existing literature demonstrate that the proposed approach offers significant advantages in controlling initial concrete cracking, improving structural load-bearing capacity, and reducing steel reinforcement consumption for such perforated deep beams designed with this optimized STM methodology.