Design of reinforced concrete ledge beams - safety and economy

Abstract EN

Safety is the key objective in structural design; however, for economy design optimization becomes an important issue.

This paper looks at these two points which may seem to contradict, and tries to draw a line in order to help designers.

The subject of this investigation is ledges in inverted-T beams.

For safety, the strut-and-tie model as a lower bound solution contributes to the development of safe design.

The nonlinear finite element as an analytical tool helps to guide designers in deciding on the optimum performance of a given design.

With two tools a designer can realize where a given design stands from safety and efficiency.