Introduction of a compression load

In this example, we will study the local introduction of compressive forces on the concrete element shown in the figure below, in the middle. The approach using stress fields or struts-and-ties describes this behavior by showing that the concentrated load introduced spreads across the entire width of the element through inclined struts. This diffusion is accompanied by transverse tension, which must be resisted by reinforcement functioning as a tie.

Let’s look at the response of this element using the jconc applet.

SIMULATION	MECANICAL MODEL	FORMWORK
Stresses calculated by jconc This is an image showing the stresses because you are not connected or your browser does not allow the jconc applet to be displayed	Stress fields and strut-and-ties	Formwork

The stress field drawings are taken from Design of concrete structures with stress fields A. Muttoni, J. Schwartz and B. Thürlimann, Birkhäuser Verlag, 1997