Optimal force transmission in reinforced concrete deep beams

Abstract In the literature on the theory of optimal structural design several theories have been developed and discussed in most general terms but the examples solved to illustrate them are usually very simple and with little practical significance. Solutions of many more problems of practical significance are required to exploit the available theories to the fullest extent and, thus, to narrow the gap between the theoretical development and its application. In this paper the well established theory of pin-jointed frameworks is applied to rationally design non homogeneous structures the material of which is weak in tension and rigid, ideal plastic in compression. Several optimal solutions are obtained and their validity is discussed in qualitative terms in light of the existing experimental evidence. Although the discussion in this paper is limited to the deep beams and the reinforced concrete, the method is equally well applicable to other materials such as reinforced plastics and, thus, can be used in other fields of research.