The review of strut and tie models suggested for exterior beam column connections

Strut and Tie Models are widely recommended today in the design of the so called "D" regions as a practicable alternative to linear and nonlinear finite element models. This paper reviews the strut and tie models suggested for monotonically loaded exterior beam column connections in the literature, in the order of the date of recommendation. The authors compare Paulay, Ortiz and Vollum models in terms of their simplicity and ease of application, as well as the theoretical consistency and reliability of the models in predicting the failure loads (and shear strengths) and modes. Many parametric studies are carried out on the models.