| The objective of this study was to investigate the Corner-Supported Element (CSE) of Hillerborg's Advanced Strip Method (ASM). The investigation includes the five basic cases of the CSE. The aims of the investigation were, first, to improve the CSE's behaviour; and, second, to establish a more accurate tool for curtailing top reinforcing bars in interior flat plate design to supplement the traditional recommendation of just the minimum (Figure 13-1, A23.3 C1. 13.12.5.1).; To achieve these aims, the Finite Element Method (FEM) was used for analyses by means of ABAQUS Software. The output were the field moments everywhere in the flat plate. The output was then post processed using Hillerborg-Wood-Armer (H-W-A) rules to convert these field moments to orthogonal moments parallel to the edges of the panel of the flat plate. Certain rationalizations were made to produce design bending moment coefficients that could be used for "column" and "middle" strips of CSE. Also, design bending moment diagrams along the "column" and "middle" strips were drawn. These graphs were used for determining the top reinforcing bars in a flat plate.; The results of this study were tested using simulation on a computer with ABAQUS software. Before testing, the researcher proved ABAQUS's capabilities to do this simulation.; This thesis concludes with the recommendation to use these design bending moment coefficients for designing an interior flat plate and to use these graphs to determine the length of top reinforcing bars in addition to the traditional code recommendations (Figure 13-1, A23.3 Cl. 13.12.5.1). |
