Deformable strut and tie model for the calculation of the plastic rotation capacity

When a plastic analysis, a non-linear analysis or a linear analysis followed by redistribution of bending moments is used to predict the structural behaviour of beams, the critical sections should have the necessary plastic rotation capacity to allow the predicted behaviour at failure. When some doubts may arise, then an explicit calculation of this capacity must be carried out. This paper presents a theoretical model for the calculation of plastic rotation, considering the influence of the main factors. Some results are presented on the basis of the model, and conclusions are drawn.