The design of a single hammerhead bent cap is presented. The design is performed through the use of both the strut-and-tie models and the sectional design procedures in the AASHTO LRFD [Load and Resistance Factor Design] Bridge Design Specifications. Two truss models are used to design the bent cap. The two trusses result in identical shear reinforcement. However, the use of sectional design procedures for this bent cap requires approximately one-half the amount of shear reinforcement. The results of a strain energy analysis indicate that simple trusses with a direct strut between the load point and the support point best model the actual load-carrying mechanism in the bent caps.
