Title: Simulation Reveals How Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams Withstand Extreme Loads
A recent study by Mentari Septanya Sitorus and Afiah, researchers in structural engineering, demonstrates how reinforced concrete deep beams behave under heavy loads using numerical simulation. Conducted and published in 2026 in the Indonesian Journal of Banking and Financial Technology (FINTECH), the research highlights how advanced modeling tools can predict stress distribution, deformation, and structural safety—key insights for modern construction and infrastructure design. The study is important because deep beams are widely used in buildings, bridges, and load-transfer structures, where failure could lead to catastrophic consequences. Understanding how forces move inside these elements helps engineers design safer and more efficient structures.
Understanding the Problem: Why Deep Beams Matter
Unlike ordinary beams, deep beams—or high-rise beams—have a relatively short span compared to their height. This makes shear forces more dominant than bending forces, leading to complex internal stress patterns. Such beams are commonly found in:
-Short-span structures carrying heavy loads
-Transfer beams in high-rise buildings
-Shear walls resisting earthquakes or wind loads
In these elements, stress distribution is no longer linear. Instead, forces flow through the structure in curved paths known as stress trajectories, forming compression and tension zones.
Simple Approach to a Complex Structure
To analyze this behavior, the researchers combined two main approaches:
Strut-and-Tie Model (STM)
A design method that simplifies complex stress flow into a truss-like system of:
-Struts (compression elements)
-Ties (tension elements)
Finite Element Method (FEM) using SAP2000 v14
A numerical simulation tool that breaks the structure into small elements to calculate stress and deformation in detail. The simulation was based on an experimental beam model previously tested under increasing loads until failure. The beam used:
-Concrete strength: 37 MPa
-Steel reinforcement yield strength: 435 MPa
-Load stages: 300 kN, 600 kN, and 1100 kN
This combination allowed researchers to compare theoretical calculations with realistic structural behavior.
Key Findings: How the Beam Responds to Load
The study reveals several important insights about how deep beams behave:
Tensile stress dominates over compressive stress
At ultimate load conditions, tensile stress was found to be higher than compressive stress, indicating that cracking and failure are strongly influenced by tension forces.
Stress distribution is location-dependent
-Maximum compressive stress (36 MPa) occurs at the load application point
-Maximum tensile stress (100 MPa) occurs at the support region
Deflection remains relatively small
-Maximum deflection recorded: 2.0041 mm
-No deflection at supports due to fixed boundary conditions
Structural capacity exceeds applied loads
Calculations using the strut-and-tie model show that:
-Node strength, struts, and ties all have capacities greater than the applied loads
-This indicates the beam design is structurally safe under the tested conditions
Why This Matters: Real-World Impact
This research offers practical value for engineers and the construction industry:
Safer building design
Engineers can better predict where cracks and failures may occur, especially in critical load-bearing elements.
Improved efficiency
Using simulation tools reduces the need for costly physical testing while still providing accurate results.
Better infrastructure resilience
Understanding stress behavior helps design structures that can withstand extreme loads, including earthquakes and heavy traffic.
Support for design standards
The findings align with international codes such as ACI 318 and Indonesia’s SNI 2847, helping refine engineering guidelines.
As Sitorus and Afiah emphasize, combining numerical simulation with established design models provides a clearer picture of how forces move within reinforced concrete structures, improving both safety and reliability.
Limitations and Future Research
The study acknowledges several limitations:
-The model uses a 2D approach, which may not fully capture real 3D behavior
-Concrete behavior after cracking is simplified
-Crack patterns and failure modes may not be perfectly predicted
Future research is recommended to:
-Use 3D finite element modeling
-Apply more advanced material models (e.g., damage plasticity)
-Incorporate experimental validation using modern tools like digital image correlation (DIC)
Author Profile
Mentari Septanya Sitorus
A structural engineering researcher specializing in reinforced concrete behavior, numerical simulation, and finite element analysis.
Afiah
An academic collaborator in structural engineering, focusing on concrete structures and analytical modeling.
Both authors are affiliated with institutions engaged in civil engineering and structural research, contributing to advancements in safe and efficient infrastructure design.
Source
“Numerical Simulation of Reinforced Concrete Deep Beam Behavior Using SAP2000 and Strut-and-Tie Model”
Indonesian Journal of Banking and Financial Technology (FINTECH)
Vol. 4, No. 4, 2026, pp. 223–234
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