Torsion of reinforced concrete elements – behaviour and modelling

Abstract

According to the common design methods of calculation of the stress state induced by torsion of massive prismatic concrete structural elements, the structural system is reduced to a simple cage consisting of ties and struts. This model has, however, a number of principal shortcomings, the major of them is the fact that all of simultaneously acting effects like axial forces, bending moments and shear forces are not taken into account – the compressive axial forces increase very significantly the torque capacity of the structural member, while due to action of tensile forces, bending moments and shear forces the torque capacity is reduced. These phenomena, applying non-linear approaches, are analysed and assessed.