The thesis presents the process of designing reinforced concrete structural elements by the strut and tie
method. The standard SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005 allows the implementation of this known, but rarely
used dimensioning method. It can be used for dimensioning of both deep beam construction elements
and certain sections of linear constructions where plane stress state is produced as a result of various
reasons and the beam theory can no longer accurately describe the actual situation. The thesis provides
insight into the basic idea of the method. The effectiveness of dimensioning by means of this method
strongly depends on the predefined position of ties and struts. To this end, a large portion of the thesis
deals with determining adequate alternate trusses for different construction elements and details, such
as: deep beams, junctions of two linear construction elements, corbels, dapped beams, deep beams
with openings, etc. The research was based on the existing literature containing established models,
and topology optimisation. The latter was conducted by means of two open source computer
programmes, i.e. ForcePad 2 and TopoStruct. The thesis also presents the results of topology
optimisation for different examples. Alternate trusses calculated using topology optimisation are
compared to the models suggested in the literature. The last part of the thesis presents three numerical
examples for different constructions to illustrate the method in question. The examples determine
adequate alternate trusses; individual truss elements are dimensioned (ties, struts and nodes) and all
controls implemented in line with the standard SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005.
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