Integrated analysis and design tool for the strut-and-tie method

Although the strut-and-tie method (STM) has recently emerged as a consistent and rational method for the design of discontinuity regions in structural concrete and is just now being incorporated into codes of practice, challenges have been encountered in its implementation. An integrated analysis and design tool CAST (computer aided strut-and-tie) was developed to advance the STM for overcoming these difficulties. The design features addressing the time-consuming aspects of the analysis and design process of the STM are presented. The extended analytical features facilitating research on the STM to exhibit good performance at serviceability and ultimate load levels are also described. The graphical modeling environment, which plays an important role in dealing with the graphically extensive design process in the STM, is briefly explained. Two application examples using this tool are provided to demonstrate the capabilities this tool offers.