Influence of the shear force and transverse reinforcement ratio on plastic rotation capacity

R. do Carmo, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
S. M. R. Lopes, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Ductility, particularly the plastic rotation capacity of critical regions, conditions the available degree of moment redistribution and the ability to exploit the additional resistance of hyperstatic structures. A theoretical model for calculating plastic rotation capacity, considering the influence of the main factors, is presented. Special attention has been paid to the influence of the tensile reinforcement ratio, the shear force and the confinement of compressed concrete on plastic rotation capacity. Theoretical results are compared with those obtained using an experimental programme designed to study the influence of these factors. Some extrapolations are made on the basis of the model, and conclusions are drawn.