<p>The strut-and-tie method (STM) is a powerful tool used for
the design of D-regions (disturbed regions) of reinforced concrete structures.
Many typical bridge substructure components consist of D-regions and require
the use of the STM for design. Implementation of the STM is more complex than
typical design methods, and engineers are often unfamiliar with the design
process. As a result, designing using the STM is more time consuming than
traditional design methods. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)
identified a need for a tool that assists with the design of typical bridge
substructure components using the STM. STEP (Strut-and-Tie Evaluation Program)
is a computer program created to fulfill this role. To use the computer
program, engineers input geometric conditions, material properties, and
reinforcement information for a structural component. STEP uses this
information to develop a strut-and-tie model and perform STM design procedures.
A graphical representation of the model and a summary of the design results are
provided as program outputs for the user.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STEP, created using Excel VBA, is intended to aid in the
design of multi-column bent caps and integral and semi-integral end bent caps.
Within this thesis, an overview of the STM is provided, including the basic
procedures for designing using the STM. An introduction to Excel VBA is also
presented. The document describes the layout and formatting of the computer
program, required user inputs, and program outputs. Furthermore, limitations
and assumptions within the computer program for the substructure components are
also included. Finally, design examples focused on the use of STEP for the
design of a five-column bent cap and an integral end bent cap are
presented. This document can be used as
a resource for engineers when designing bridge substructure components using
STEP. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:purdue.edu/oai:figshare.com:article/8983997 |
| Date | 16 August 2019 |
| Creators | Andi S Vicksman (7026395) |
| Source Sets | Purdue University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis |
| Rights | CC BY 4.0 |
| Relation | https://figshare.com/articles/Strut-and-Tie_Evaluation_Program_STEP_for_the_Design_of_Bridge_Components/8983997 |
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