Peak loads and failure modes of steel-reinforced concrete beams: Predictions by limit analysis

Steel-reinforced concrete beams are analyzed by a plasticity-based approach grounded on nonstandard limit analysis theory. Peak loads and failure modes are predicted by determination of upper and lower bound limits computed with two finite element based numerical procedures. A number of real beams prototypes, belonging to a standard benchmark, are studied and the obtained results are critically discussed outlining possible future developments, strengths and weaknesses of the proposed approach.