Experimental Testing of Concrete Struts (FIU Research)

The strut and tie method (STM) is a way to design reinforced concrete structures. In this method, a concrete member is modeled as a theoretical truss (or collection of axially loaded elements) made up of compression members (struts), tension members (ties), and the points where they intersect (nodes). This video shows the results from two experimental tests on concrete struts. The rectangular beam has tension in the strut introduced by beam bending that decreases the capacity compared to the truss-like specimen. The testing was completed at Florida International University. The PhD student on the project was Nazanin Rezaei. Thank you also to Gary Klein from WJE for advising on the research. A special thanks to my dad for the music.