Yield Line Analysis
Uploaded by
farhaad shaikYield Line Analysis
Uploaded by
farhaad shaik.
Yield Line Analysis
What It Is
A plastic analysis method for reinforced concrete slabs.
Assumes the slab reaches its plastic moment capacity at collapse, and that collapse occurs by the
formation of straight yield lines (plastic hinges) dividing the slab into rigid regions.
It’s essentially an upper-bound method from plasticity theory.
Core Assumptions
1. Concrete carries compression, reinforcement carries tension.
2. Slab behaves elastically until reinforcement yields, then forms plastic hinges (yield lines).
3. Rigid body motion between yield lines.
4. At collapse, internal work = external work (virtual work principle).
How It Works
Assume a collapse mechanism (pattern of yield lines).
Write external work (from loads).
Write internal work (from plastic rotations × moment capacity).
Equate the two → gives collapse load.
The true collapse load is the lowest load from all possible mechanisms.
Pros
Quick and powerful for ultimate load prediction.
Gives realistic collapse mechanisms.
Widely used for slabs and bridge decks.
Cons
Upper-bound → may overestimate load if mechanism is guessed incorrectly.
Needs good engineering intuition to propose realistic yield line patterns.
Only valid at collapse (no serviceability info).
Applications
RC slab bridges.
Building slabs.
Bridge deck plates.
Ultimate limit state (ULS) checks.
2. Hillerborg Strip Method
What It Is
A lower-bound method for slab design, introduced by Hillerborg (1950s).
Based on plasticity and equilibrium rather than collapse mechanisms.
Instead of yield lines, the slab is treated as a network of imaginary strips (or bands of reinforcement)
carrying bending moments.
It ensures equilibrium of applied loads and moments without violating yield conditions.
Core Assumptions
1. Slab is reinforced in two orthogonal directions (like a grillage).
2. Slab can redistribute internal forces as long as yield is not exceeded.
3. Strips represent moment fields that equilibrate loads.
How It Works
Divide slab into strips (orthogonal in simple cases, radial in circular slabs).
Assign bending moment distributions in the strips that:
o Balance applied loads.
o Do not exceed yield moment capacity.
This gives a safe load capacity (lower bound).
Pros
Always conservative (safe estimate of capacity).
Doesn’t require guessing collapse patterns.
Well-suited for design (ensures reinforcement layout works).
Cons
May underestimate true capacity (not exact collapse load).
Strip layout can be arbitrary (not unique solution).
Less intuitive for irregular geometries.
Applications
RC floor slabs (design stage).
Preliminary bridge slab design.
Situations where conservative capacity is acceptable.
3. Yield Line vs Hillerborg Strip Method
Aspect Yield Line Analysis Hillerborg Strip Method
Theoretical Upper-bound plastic theorem (collapse Lower-bound plastic theorem (safe
basis mechanism). equilibrium).
Assume strip forces/moments → check
Approach Assume yield line pattern → check collapse load.
equilibrium.
Result Collapse load (may be overestimated). Safe load (may be underestimated).
Depends on guessed mechanism (can be very
Accuracy Always safe but possibly conservative.
close to true).
Requires construction of valid strip moment
Ease of use Requires intuition about collapse patterns.
fields.
Use case Assessing ultimate collapse loads of slabs. Designing safe reinforcement layouts.
4. Where They Fit in Practice
Yield Line Analysis → best for assessment, research, and checking ULS capacity of slabs/bridge decks.
Hillerborg Strip Method → best for design, ensuring safe reinforcement arrangements without risking
unconservative results.
⚖️In short:
Yield Line = “What is the max load this slab can really take before collapse?” (upper bound).
Strip Method = “What’s a guaranteed safe reinforcement design for this slab?” (lower bound).
