The Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Under Load

Abstract

Before considering the behaviour of reinforced concrete members under gradually increasing load, it is necessary to summarize British, American and continental practice regarding the resistance of concrete to various types of force action. This chapter is primarily concerned with bending effects and shear, torsion and bond are covered in subsequent chapters. However, it must be emphasized again that in order to take advantage of moment redistribution at ultimate conditions, sections must be proportioned to preclude the possibility of shear, torsion or bond failure, which are of brittle nature.