Structural Concrete, Vol. 4, no. 2, June 2003
Theoretical model for the determination of plastic rotation capacity in reinforced concrete beams
R. N. F. do Carmo, Department of Civil Engineering, ISEC-Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra Portugal
S. M. R. Lopes, Department of Civil Engineering, FCTUC-Polo II-University of Coimbra Portugal
L. F A. Bernardo, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Beira Interior Portugal
Evaluating the ducility of reinforced concrete beams is essential in order to avoid a fragile collapse of the structure by ensuring an adequate deformation at ultimate load. This paper presents a theoretical model for the calculation of plastic rotation. Results obtained are compared with those obtained from an experimental programme in which a set of beams were tested to failure. From the comparison, a good agreement between theoretical and experimental results was achieved. The proposed theoretical model considers the influence of certain factors: steel properties, concrete strength, section depth, and the tension stiffening effect. Concrete strength, particularly, is an interesting parameter since for high-strength concrete, the ultimate concrete strain, εcu, decreases as the concrete strength increases.
