Evaluation of Masonry Beams with Openings and Validation Using a Strut-and-Tie Model

Abstract

Strut-and-tie modeling (STM) has been proven to conservatively predict the strength of specialty concrete structures such as corbels, dapped ends, and deep beams with openings. The objectives of this study were to predict the strength of masonry beams with openings using STM and evaluate the effect of transverse reinforcement in masonry beams. To this end, a suite of 23 tests was conducted on masonry beams with openings of various sizes and locations. When experimental data are compared to various strut-and-tie models, results confirm that STM provides conservative predictions for the strengths of masonry beams with openings. Furthermore, beams with transverse reinforcement at the openings did not perform significantly better than beams without transversely reinforced openings.