• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.5A
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• pp.443-462
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• 2010

The strut-tie model approach has proven to be effective in the ultimate analysis and design of structural concrete with disturbed regions. For the reliable analysis and design by the approach, however, the effective strength of concrete struts must be determined accurately. In this study, the validity of the effective strength of concrete struts, presented by the several design codes and many researchers including the author, was examined through the ultimate strength analysis of 24 reinforced concrete panels, 275 reinforced concrete deep beams, and 218 reinforced concrete corbels by using the conventional linear strut-tie model approach of current codes. The present study shows that the author's approach, resulting in an accurate and consistent evaluation of the ultimate strength of the panels, deep beams, and corbels, may reflect rationally the effects of primary variables including the types of strut-tie model and structural concrete, the conditions of load and geometry, and the strength of concrete in the strut-tie model analysis and design of structural concrete.