| dc.description.abstract | In structural design, a rational model enables the
engineer to develop a better understanding of actual
structural behaviour and leads to simple general
methods of design. For structural members subjected
to structural actions involving shear, such a model
is absent.In this thesis, a rationalmoeel called the compression
field theory is applied to the case of structuralconcrete
subjectedto ccmb.inedflexure and shear. The ccmpression
field theory is a recently developed method of analysis which
involves a consideration of equilibrium compatibility and the
stress-strain characteristics of the concrete and
the reinforcing steel.
The thesis shows how the complete response of
a given section under flexure and shear can be
predicted using the equations developed from
the compression field theory. A program has also been
written to enable a computer aided solution.Further to the theoretical predictions, the
thesis also presents a test programme in which
experimental data is collected in order to verify the
trends established from the theoretical model.
A comparative study is then carried out between
the theoreticaf- and experimental trends to assess the capability of the model. It is established that within
the as sumpt.Lorsof the theoretical model and the I.•'
limitations of the experimental program, the trends
predicted by the compression field theory model and
those from the laboratory test data are in good
agreement. | en |
