Abstract
Abstract. The safety and serviceability evaluation of structures demands the development of accurate and reliable methods and models for their analysis. The objective of such an analysis is the investigation of the behavior of the structure under all possible loading conditions, both, monotonic and cyclic, its time-dependent behavior, and, especially, its behavior under overloading. The quest for a more efficient procedure to estimate a reliable and quick solution for the problems subject of study and to adequately predict their behaviors, this led to investigating one of the available analysis methods. In the current study, Strut and Tie modeling (STM) has been used to determine the estimated capacities of reinforced concrete beams controlled by flexure. It mainly demonstrates a reintroduction of the Multi-Stage Strut and Tie Modeling technique (MSSTM) to determine the behaviour of R. C. beams of different span to thickness ratios and shear reinforcement as well. Because of its proven powerful features, ELS® "Extreme Loading for Structures" software marketed by ASI® "Applied Science International", has been selected to be the bench mark for this study. Additionally, ACI 318-14 building code provisions have been introduced to predict the strength capacities of the study cases. Results indicate good performance of the proposed modelling technique.