Title: Plastic Design of Slabs Using Equilibrium Methods

Author(s): R. H. Wood

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 12

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 319-346

Keywords:

DOI: 10.14359/16722

Date: 1/1/1965

Abstract:
With Discussion by D. H. Clyde, M. P. Nielsen, and R. H. Wood. Yield-line theory for slab design as pioneered by Johansen, has always presented the designer with two alternative methods. The first method is to evaluate the dissipation of energy belonging to any chosen mode of collapse, from which the corresponding collapse load is obtained, the layout of yield lines for the worst mode being found by trial and error. This is known as the "work method" and is on a firm mathematical foundation, even if sometimes slow in application. The second method is the "equilibrium" method using "nodal" forces where yield lines meet, or where they meet edges. This quick method has been popular with designers, but the foundations of the theory are in dispute, and on occasions it gives false results or else provides no results at all. The reasons for breakdown are discussed herein and new techniques are evolved for overcoming the difficulties. In this new outlook there are not, in fact, two separate methods, but merely two mathematical rearrangements of the same approach. The argument brings out the observation that there is a disturbing lack of information on the yield criterion for bending of slabs.