With the addition of the new Appendix A on strut-and-tie models in ACI 318-02, "Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete," engineers have an alternative code procedure for designing structural concrete members where the usual sectional design assumptions for flexure and shear do not apply.

ACI SP-208 contains selected papers presented at the 2002 ACI Fall Convention by members of ACI Subcommittee 445-A, Shear and Torsion: Strut-and-Tie Models. This publication shows engineers how to apply strut- and-tie modeling in accordance with Appendix A. The papers also trace the development of Appendix A of ACI 318-02 and summarize important tests that confirm strut-and-tie modeling as a rational basis for the design of structural concrete.

Most of the examples have been taken from practice. In addition to explaining the approach of determining a model, they point out where problems can occur in dimensioning or in detailing and anchoring of the reinforcement and how the design can be improved.