Plasticity applications in reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures

Abstract

The reinforcement computed by the plastic theory in the design and assessment of concrete structures is optimum for most practical cases wherein the serviceability criterion is not required. Where the serviceability criterion is required in terms of crack width, maximum service stress in concrete, minimum compression depths and so on, the reinforcement required will, however, be much higher than that computed using plastic theory. The ratios of steel required from serviceability limit state (SLS) to ultimate limit state (ULS) condition varies with the loading regime and could be in the order of 100 to 200% for some cases. Case studies are presented here to demonstrate such effects wherein non-linear loading regimes were present.