Structural concrete design by the CFP methodology

Abstract

The "compressive-force path" (CFP) design methodology is briefly presented as an alternative to some of the current design concepts as embodied in present codes of practice. The methodology is new, and yet it could be said to derive from some of the design approaches from ancient Greek and Roman times. Its physical concept can easily be visualized by structural engineers who will readily understand that a beam behaves more efficiently when designed as a tied arch and that, when such a stiffer load path is provided, nature will follow it, a fact well known in structural theory. Several examples, covering a wide variety of situations, are also presented, illustrating potentially serious shortcomings in some of the guidelines in current codes of practice.