Load‐Deflection Curves For Elastic‐Softening Beams

Abstract

Softening, the decrease of bending moment capacity of a section at advanced curvature, may occur in a statically indeterminate reinforced concrete structure prior to the attainment of maximum load. Critical softening is that value of negative stiffness for a first formed hinge at which a structure cannot sustain increased load. The bending-moment versus softening parameter and load-deflection relationships for uniformly loaded fixed-end beams are derived, for sub-critical, critical and super-critical softening of first and second formed hinges. Corresponding load-deflection curves are presented, for particular values of hinge length and softening parameter.