Since the 8th edition of AASHTO there has been more detail given on the use of Strut and Tie Modeling for the design of D-Regions in Concrete structures (AASHTO 8th & 9th Editions Section 5.8.2 and subsequent sections).

In recent years there has been a larger push from our local DOTs on the use of Strut and Tie modeling on concrete bridge substructures, either through the use of the above mentioned AASHTO Sections, or through Section 8.12 of the 4th Edition PCI Bridge Design Manual.

Currently LEAP Bridge Concrete only offers the use of STM for Hammer Head Bents and Isolated Pile Footings; however, multi-column bents make up a large portion of concrete bridge substructure design for many DOTs.

Having STM modeling options built into LEAP Bridge Concrete for Multi-Column Bents would allow for the use of this software on projects where Strut and Tie modeling is needed.