RC Corbel Strut-and-Tie Calculator
Strut-and-tie design of a reinforced concrete corbel projecting from a column. The tool checks the bearing plate and corbel depth, solves the truss geometry and member forces, sizes the four ties, and finds the strut widths at each node, with a drawing of the model.
By Arun Kishore, P.Eng. Updated
Open calculatoropens in a new tabCode references
- CSA A23.3-14, the edition named in the calculation source (minimum horizontal load of 0.2 Vf)
Inputs and outputs
| Inputs | Column width b and depth h, width above the corbel w2, cover plus bar radius for tie BD a2 (mm) |
|---|---|
| Rebar yield strength fy and concrete strength f'c (MPa) | |
| Corbel tip height h1, inclined height h2, projections w1 (top) and w4 (bottom), load position w3, cover plus bar radius for tie AB a1 (mm) | |
| Bearing plate length, width and thickness (mm) | |
| Provided tie areas, As1 for AB and As2 for CD (mm²) | |
| Factored vertical load Vf and horizontal load Nf (kN) | |
| Outputs | Bearing plate and corbel shear utilization |
| Strut-and-tie geometry, angles and member forces | |
| Required tie areas As1 to As4 | |
| Strut widths at nodes A, B and C | |
| Detailing: minimum tie area and the height of the zone to spread it over | |
| Drawing of the corbel and truss |
Worked example
Worked example coming soon.
Limitations and assumptions
- The horizontal load is taken as at least 0.2 Vf.
- φc = 0.65, ties at 0.85 fy, Es = 200 000 MPa.
- Plate thickness is an input but is not used in the checks.
These calculators are aids, not a substitute for engineering judgment. Check results independently and against the governing code edition before relying on them.