Incremental Collapse of Reinforced Concrete Continuous Beams

Abstract

<p> A research program is presented for assessing the plastic collapse load and shake-down load of reinforced concrete continuous beams. This investigation attempts to establish a range of validity of simple plastic theory when applied to the under-reinforced concrete beams and to determine the sensitivity of such structures to variable repeated loading. In attempt for more accurate prediction of the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams when subjected to variable repeated loading, the numerical beam analysis was developed.</p> <p> An experimental program was conducted on 10 reinforced concrete continuous beams. Deflections and strains of these specimens of nearly prototype size were measured and compared with predicted values at critical cross-sections. Resulting conclusions and recommendations for further research are made.</p>