Example 4.

1: Rectangular slab Two edges supported

Determine the collapse load of the following slab

/c is free on two opposite edges (continuous on
two other opposite sides): if 𝑚𝑦+ = 𝑚𝑦− = 𝑚

𝛼𝐿

1
 Solution:

Then the ultimate load can be calculated as follows.

𝛥 2𝛥
𝜃1 = 𝜃2 = 𝜃 = =
𝐿 𝐿
2
External Work Done, 𝑊𝑒 :
𝐿 𝛥 𝒘𝒖 𝜶𝑳𝟐 𝜟
𝑾𝒆 = 𝑊𝑢 𝛥 = 2 𝑤𝑢 𝛼𝐿 ∗ =
2 2 𝟐
2
Internal Work Done, 𝑊𝑖 :
𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = 𝑚𝑦+ 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 + 𝑚𝑦− 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦
2𝛥 2𝛥
𝑾𝒊 = 2 𝑚 𝛼𝐿 +2 𝑚 𝛼𝐿 = 𝟖𝒎𝜶𝜟
𝐿 𝐿

Equating external work done to internal work done:

𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
𝑤𝑢 𝛼𝐿2 𝛥
= 8𝑚𝛼𝛥
2
8𝑚𝛼𝛥 16𝑚 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
𝑤𝑢 = 2 = 2 𝒐𝒓 𝑚=
𝛼𝐿2 𝛥 𝐿 16

3
Example 4.2: Rectangular slab Two edges supported
Find the intensity the uniformly distributed load “𝑤𝑢 ”
which causes collapse of the slab if L1=8m and L2= 6m.
Assume an infinite capacity for plastic hinge rotation and
moment capacities 𝑀𝑦+ = 𝑀𝑦− = 50𝑘𝑁𝑚/m. (use yield
line method).

𝐿1 = 8m
𝑦

𝐿2 = 6m
𝑥

4
 Solution:
Since the shorter direction is free all the loads are
transferred in one direction. Consider a strip in the
longer direction.
𝐿1 = 8m
𝑦

𝜃
𝐿2 = 6m
𝑥

2𝜃
𝜃
𝜃 ∆ 𝜃
2𝜃

External Work, 𝑊𝑒 :
𝑤𝑢 (𝑥)(Δ) 𝑤𝑢 (𝐿 − 𝑥)Δ
𝑊𝐸 = + 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝
2 2
𝑤𝑢 (𝐿1 /2)(Δ) 𝑤𝑢 𝐿1 /2 Δ 𝑤𝑢 (8/2)(Δ) 𝑤𝑢 8/2 Δ
𝑊𝐸 = + = + = 𝟒𝒘𝒖 𝜟
2 2 2 2
5
Internal Work, 𝑊𝑖 : 𝑚1 𝑤𝑢 𝑤𝑢 𝑚3

𝑚2 𝑚2
𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑢 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐿𝑦 = 6𝑚
𝑊𝑖 = 𝑚1 + 𝑚2 𝜃1 + 𝑚2 + 𝑚3 𝜃2 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝
𝑚1 = 𝑚2 = 𝑚3 = 50 𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚 & 𝜃1 = 𝜃2 = 𝜃
Δ 2Δ
tan 𝜃 = =
L/2 L
2Δ
For small deflection tan 𝜃 = 𝜃 ∴ 𝜃 = 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐿 = 8𝑚
L
2Δ 2Δ
𝑊𝑖 = 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 = 𝟓𝟎𝜟
8 8
Equating external work done to internal work done: 𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
4𝑤𝑢 Δ = 50Δ
50Δ 50
𝑤𝑢 = = = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐
4Δ 4
6
Example 4.3: YLA-Square Slab-Simply Supported
Determine the collapse load of an Isotropically reinforced
square slab, simply supported on all sides and uniformly
loaded.

L
7
 Solution:
Since it is a square slab the length of each
𝐿 2
yield line will be
2
a b
c

A
𝐿 2/2
L D e B
e

∆
𝐿 2/2
C
d
c a
L
8
Then the ultimate load can be calculated as follows.
The slab is isotropically reinforced, hence the moment
capacity along orthogonal reinforcement is the same and
equal to 𝒎.
Length of each diagonal yield line , 𝐿𝑦 = L 2
Total rotation of diagonal segments = 𝜃 = 𝜃1 + 𝜃2
Δ Δ 4Δ
𝜃= + =
L 2 L 2 L 2
2 2
Total internal work done by two diagonal yield lines, 𝑊𝑖 :
4Δ
𝑾𝒊 = ∑𝑚𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = 2 𝑚 L 2 = 𝟖𝒎𝜟
L 2

9
If collapse load is 𝑤𝑢 per unit area, external work done by
one triangular segment = load x deflection
Here the load on the triangular area is:
1 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
𝑊𝑢 = 𝑤𝑢 ∗ 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝑤𝑢 ∗ 0.5𝐿 𝐿 =
2 4
The average deflection of a triangular segment is Δ/3.
The resultant of the UDL will pass through the centroid the
triangular area.
Deflection at the centroid of triangular area = Δ/3
Therefore External work done by four such segments will
be;
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 Δ 𝒘𝒖 𝑳𝟐 𝜟
𝑾𝒆 = ∑𝑊𝑢 Δ = 4 =
4 3 𝟑
10
Equating external work done to internal work done:

𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 𝛥
= 8𝑚𝛥
3
As ‘Δ’ appears on both sides of the equation deflection
can also assumed as unity.
8𝑚Δ 24𝑚 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
𝑤𝑢 = 3 2 = 2 or 𝑚=
𝐿 Δ 𝐿 24

11
Example 4.4: Yield Line Analysis-Square Slab-Fixed all sides

Determine the collapse load of the Square slab below

fixed on all edges (isotropically reinforced):

L
12
Solution:
The Fixed supported on each side of the square will
give four negative yield lines having length 𝐿𝑦 = 𝐿

13
Negative yield line formed at the supports.
Length of each negative yield lines, 𝐿𝑦 = L
Rotation of negative yield line = 𝜃1 + 𝜃2 = Δ/(L/2)
Internal work done by negative yield lines, 𝑊𝑖− :
− Δ
𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = 4 𝑚 𝐿 = 8𝑚𝛥
𝐿
2
Internal work done by positive yield lines is found in the
previous problem, 𝑊𝑖+ = 8𝑚𝛥
Total internal work done, 𝑊𝑖 :
𝑾𝒊 = 𝑊𝑖+ + 𝑊𝑖− = 8𝑚𝛥 + 8𝑚𝛥 = 𝟏𝟔𝒎𝜟
14
External work done is the same as the previous
problem, 𝑊𝑒 :
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 Δ 𝒘 𝒖 𝑳𝟐 𝜟
𝑾𝒆 = ∑𝑊𝑢 Δ = 4 =
4 3 𝟑

Equating external work done to internal work done:

𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 𝛥
= 16𝑚𝛥
3
16𝑚Δ 48𝑚 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
𝑤𝑢 = 3 2
= 2 or 𝑚=
𝐿 Δ 𝐿 48

15
Example 4.5: Equilateral triangle slab isotropicaly reinforced

Determine the collapse load of the Equilateral

triangle slab below w/c is isotropicaly reinforced.

16
Solution:
Since it is Equilateral triangle angle CAB will be 60°
and angle OAB will be 30°.

l
17
Three triangular segments are formed and named 1, 2
and 3.
Distance of O from AB = L / 2 3
For segment 1:
Internal work done, 𝑊𝑖 :
Δ
𝑾𝒊 = 𝑚𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = 𝑚 1 = 𝟐 𝟑𝒎𝜟
𝐿
2 3
Internal work done, 𝑊𝑒 :
1 L Δ 𝒘 𝒖 𝑳𝟐 𝜟
𝑾𝒆 = 𝑊𝑢 Δ = (𝑤𝑢 ) L ∗ =
2 2 3 3 𝟏𝟐 𝟑

18
Equating external work done to internal work done:

𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 𝛥
= 2 3𝑚𝛥
12 3
2 3𝑚𝛥 72𝑚 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
𝑤𝑢 = 12 3 = 2 or 𝑚=
𝐿2 𝛥 𝐿 72

19
Example 4.6: Polygonal Slabs

Determine the collapse load of the Polygonal slab

below (isotropic fixed along its boundaries):

20
Solution:
Lets assume the positive yield lines will propagate from
each corner of the polygon to the center of the polygon
where maximum deflection or deformation is occurred.

21
Perpendicular distance of each side from center = r
Length od each side = L
Negative yield line will be formed along the boundaries.
From any section ABO,
+ −
𝛥
𝑾𝒊 = 𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = 𝑚𝑢 + 𝑚𝑢 𝐿
𝑟
2
𝐿 𝛥
𝑾𝒆 = 𝑊𝑢 Δ = 𝑤𝑢 0.5 𝐿 𝑟2 − ∗
2 3
2
2 𝐿
𝑤𝑢 𝐿𝛥 𝑟 −
2
𝑊𝑒 =
6
22
Equating external work done to internal work done:
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
2
𝐿
𝑤𝑢 𝐿𝛥 𝑟 2 − 𝛥
2 + −
= 𝑚𝑢 + 𝑚𝑢 𝐿
6 𝑟
1 𝑚𝑢+ + 𝑚𝑢−
𝑤𝑢 = 6 𝒐𝒓
𝑟 𝐿 2
𝑟2 −
2
2
𝐿
𝑤𝑢 𝑟2 − ∗𝑟
2
( 𝑚𝑢+ +𝑚𝑢− ) =
6

23
Example 4.7: Polar(Circular) Slabs

Determine the collapse load of the circular slab below

(isotropic fixed along its boundaries):

24
Solution:
We can divide the circular slab into any reasonable no
of segments. For this specific example lets divide the
circular slab into 10 equal segments.

A o

25
Perpendicular distance of each arc from center = r
Length od each arc = L
For a circular slab there can be innumerable numbers of
positive yield lines such that numbers of sides ‘n’ will tend
to be infinity and ‘L’ will tend to be zero. However ‘r’ will
be the radius of the circle , and for any section ABO;
Internal work done, 𝑊𝑖 :
𝜟
𝑾𝒊 = 𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = 𝒎𝒖+ + 𝒎−
𝒖 𝑳
𝒓
External work done, 𝑊𝑒 :
𝛥 𝒘𝒖 𝑳𝒓𝜟
𝑾𝒆 = 𝑊𝑢 Δ = 𝑤𝑢 0.5 𝐿 𝑟 ∗ =
3 𝟔
26
Equating external work done to internal work done:
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
𝑤𝑢 𝐿𝑟𝛥 𝛥
= 𝑚𝑢+ + 𝑚𝑢− 𝑳
6 𝑟
𝑚𝑢+ + 𝑚𝑢− + −
𝑤𝑢 𝑟 2
𝑤𝑢 = 6 𝒐𝒓 ( 𝑚𝑢 +𝑚𝑢 ) =
𝑟2 6
Note: The above calculations are for one single segment
and finally must be multiplied by total no of segments.

27
Example 4.8: Rectangular slab simply supported

Determine the collapse load of the rectangular slab

below w/c is simply supported on all sides
(orthotropically reinforced):

𝐿2

𝐿1
28
Solution:
This is a more general rectangular slab problem and its
very important to know the location of yield lines
(vales of 𝜶 and 𝜷)

29
In general, internal work done, 𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 , can be
represented as:
∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 = ∑ 𝑚𝑥 𝜃𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 𝜃𝑦 𝑦

Where 𝒎𝒙 and 𝒎𝒚 are ultimate moment per unit length

in X and Y directions.

Where;
𝑥 = projected length of the yield line on x−axis
y = projected length of the yield line on y−axis
𝜃𝑥 = rotation of the yield line about x−axis
𝜃𝑦 = rotation of the yield line about y−axis
30
Let 𝒎𝒖𝒙 = 𝒎 and 𝒎𝒖𝒚 = 𝝁𝒎
For segment AED;
𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦
𝛥
𝑊𝑖 = ∑ 𝑚𝑥 𝜃𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 𝜃𝑦 𝑦 = 0 + 𝜇𝑚 𝛼𝐿
𝛽𝐿
𝑊𝑖 = 𝝁𝒎𝛥𝛼/𝛽

For segment ABFE;

𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦
𝛥
𝑊𝑖 = ∑ 𝑚𝑥 𝜃𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 𝜃𝑦 𝑦 = 𝑚 𝐿 +0
𝛼𝐿
2
𝑊𝑖 = 𝟐𝒎𝛥/𝛼
31
For segment BCF;
𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦
𝛥
𝑊𝑖 = ∑ 𝑚𝑥 𝜃𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 𝜃𝑦 𝑦 = 0 + 𝜇𝑚 𝛼𝐿
𝛽𝐿
𝑊𝑖 = 𝝁𝒎𝛥𝛼/𝛽

For segment CDEF;

𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦
𝛥
𝑊𝑖 = ∑ 𝑚𝑥 𝜃𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 𝜃𝑦 𝑦 = 𝑚 𝐿 +0
𝛼𝐿
2
𝑊𝑖 = 𝟐𝒎𝛥/𝛼

32
Finally, summing up all 𝑚𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦 for all segments: Internal work
done, 𝑊𝑖 will be:
𝜇𝑚𝛥𝛼 2𝑚𝛥 𝝁𝒎𝜶 𝟐𝒎
𝑾𝒊 = 2 +2 = 𝟐𝜟 +
𝛽 𝛼 𝜷 𝜶
Work done by external forces:
For segments AED and BCF;
1 𝛥 𝑤𝑢 𝛼𝛽𝐿2 𝛥
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑢 𝛥 = (𝑤𝑢 ) 𝛼𝐿 𝛽𝐿 ∗ =
2 3 6
For segments ABEF and CDEF;
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑢 𝛥
1 𝛼𝐿 𝛥 𝛼𝐿 𝛥
𝑊𝑒 = 2 𝑊𝑢 𝛽𝐿 + 𝑊𝑢 1 − 2𝛽 𝐿
2 2 3 2 2
33
 𝛼𝛽𝐿2 𝛥 𝛼𝛥𝐿2 2𝛽𝛼𝛥𝐿2
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑢 + 𝑊𝑢 − 𝑊𝑢
6 4 4
𝛽 1 𝛽
2 2
3 − 4𝛽
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑢 𝛼𝛥𝐿 + − = 𝑊𝑢 𝛼𝛥𝐿
6 4 2 12

Finally, summing up all 𝑊𝑢 𝛥 for all segments:

𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑢 𝛥
𝑤𝑢 𝛼𝛽𝐿2 𝛥 2
3 − 4𝛽
𝑊𝑒 = 2 + 𝑊𝑢 𝛼𝛥𝐿
6 12
𝛽 3 − 4𝛽 𝟑 − 𝟐𝜷
𝑾𝒆 = 𝑤𝑢 𝛼𝛥𝐿2 + = 𝒘𝒖 𝜶𝜟𝑳 𝟐
3 6 𝟔

34
Equating external work done to internal work done:
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
3 − 2𝛽 𝜇𝑚𝛼 2𝑚
𝑤𝑢 𝛼𝛥𝐿2 = 2𝛥 +
6 𝛽 𝛼
𝜇𝑚𝛼 2𝑚 𝜇𝑚𝛼 2𝑚
2𝛥 + 12 +
𝛽 𝛼 𝛽 𝛼
𝑤𝑢 = = 2
2 3 − 2𝛽 𝛼𝐿 3 − 2𝛽
𝛼𝛥𝐿
6
12𝑚 𝜇𝛼 2 + 2𝛽 12𝑚 𝜇𝛼 2 + 2𝛽
𝑤𝑢 = 2 2
= 2 2 𝑜𝑟
𝛽𝛼 𝐿 3 − 2𝛽 𝛼 𝐿 3𝛽 − 2𝛽2
𝑤𝑢 𝛼 2 𝐿2 3𝛽 − 2𝛽2
𝑚= 2
… … … … … … … … . (3)
12 𝜇𝛼 + 2𝛽
35
In this equation 𝜷 is variable;
𝛽 can be determined from the maximum value of 𝒎 by
differentiation; 𝐝𝐦/𝐝𝜷 = 0
𝜷 is then found as:
1 1
𝛽= 𝜇2 𝛼 4 + 3𝜇𝛼 2 2 − 𝜇𝛼 2
2
Substituting this value in equation (3) and simplifying
we get:
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 𝛼 2 1 1 2
𝑚= 3 + 𝜇𝛼 2 2 − 𝛼 𝜇 2
24
For an isotropically reinforced rectangular slab, 𝜇 = 1
2
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 𝛼 2 1
𝑚= 3 + 𝛼2 2 − 𝛼
24
36
Example 4.9: Rectangular slab simply supported

Finding ultimate load for isotropically square slab

supported on columns at the corners and uniformly
loaded.
𝑎
𝐿 𝑏

𝑑 𝑐

37
Solution:
Remember here that the slab is directly supported on
columns which means that sides ab, ad, bc and dc will
have positive yield lines too.

38
Yield line starts from e and proceeds towards center of
the edges. AB, BC, CD, & DA are axis of rotation. Slab
element P rotates about AB.

Unit displacement is given to ‘e’ . points ‘g’, ‘h’, ‘i’ and ‘j’
deflect by ½.

Internal work done (𝑾𝒊 ) by yield lines (four yield lines);

𝑊𝑖 = ∑𝑚𝑛 𝜃𝑛 𝐿𝑦
1 1
2 𝐿 2 𝐿
𝑾𝒊 = 4 𝑚 ∗ ∗ +4 𝑚∗ ∗ = 𝟒𝒎
𝐿 2 𝐿 2
2 2

39
External work done (𝑊𝑒 ):
𝐿 𝐿 1 𝒘 𝒖 𝑳𝟐
𝑾𝒆 = 𝑊𝑢 𝛥 = 4 𝑤𝑢 ∗ =
2 2 2 𝟐

Equating external work done to internal work done:

𝑊𝑒 = 𝑊𝑖
𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
= 4𝑚
2
4𝑚 8𝑚 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2
𝑤𝑢 = 2 2 = 2 𝒐𝒓 𝑚=
𝐿 𝐿 8

40