Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M.

Aburawi

Lecture 5
Yield Line Design For Slabs
What is a yield line?
A yield line is a crack in a reinforced concrete slab across which the reinforcing
bars have yielded and along which plastic rotation occurs.
What is Yield Line Design?
Yield Line Design is a well-founded method of designing reinforced concrete
slabs, and similar types of elements. It uses Yield Line Theory to investigate
failure mechanisms at the ultimate limit state. The theory is based on the principle
that:
work done in yield lines rotating = work done in loads moving
What are the advantages of Yield Line Design?
Yield Line Design has the advantages of:
• Economy
• Simplicity and
• Versatility

What is a yield line pattern?

When a slab is loaded to failure, yield lines form in the most highly stressed areas
and these develop into continuous plastic hinges. As described above, these plastic
hinges develop into a mechanism forming a yield line pattern.
Yield lines divide the slab up into individual regions, which rotate about their axes
of rotation. Yield lines and axes of rotation conform to rules, which help with the
identification of valid patterns and the Yield Line solution
Rules for Yield Lines:
There are rules to be observed when postulating a yield line pattern:
1. Yield liens divide the slab into rigid regions which remain plane through the
collapse;
2. Yield lines are straight;
3. Axes of rotation generally lie along lines of support and pass over any columns;
4. Yield lines between adjacent rigid regions must pass through the point of
intersection of the axes of rotation of those regions;
5. Yield lines must end at a slab boundary;
6. Continuous supports resist and a simple supports attract yield lines.

Conventions
• Sagging yield lines are solid wavy lines;
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

• Hogging yield lines are dashed straight lines;

• A fixed support is indicated by double hatching;
• A simple support is given by single line hatching;
• A free edge is given by a straight line.

How do you select relevant yield line patterns?

A yield line pattern is derived mainly from the position of the axes of rotation, (i.e.
the lines of support) and by ensuring that the yield lines themselves are straight, go
through the intersection of axes of rotation and end at the slab boundary. Some
simple examples are shown in the following Figure. Considering a slab to be a
piece of pastry laid over supports may help designers to visualise appropriate yield
line patterns.
The aim of investigating yield line patterns is to find the one pattern that gives the
critical moment (the highest moment or the least load capacity). However, an
extensive search is rarely necessary and selecting a few simple and obvious
patterns is generally sufficient as their solutions are within a few percent of the
perfectly correct solution.
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

Relate the rules to the following patterns:

What is a fan mechanism?

Slabs subjected to heavy concentrated loads may fail by a so-called fan
mechanism, with positive Yield Lines radiating from the load and a negative
circular Yield Line centered under the point load. This mechanism is shown in
Figure. It is rare for this form of failure to be critical but nonetheless a check is
advised where large concentrated loads are present or for instance in flat
slabs where the slab is supported on
columns

m = positive (sagging) moment, kNm/m

m’= negative (hogging) moment, kNm/m
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

What is the Work Method?

The Work Method (or virtual Work Method) of analysis is the most popular (and
most easy) way of applying Yield Line theory from first principles. Indeed, many
experienced users of Yield Line theory of design choose to use the Work method
because it is so very easy. The fundamental principle is that work done internally
and externally must balance.

In other words, at failure, the expenditure of external energy induced by the load
on the slab must be equal to the internal energy dissipated within the yield lines. In
other words:
External energy expended by loads moving = Internal energy dissipated by
rotations about yield lines
Expended = Dissipated
E=D
Σ(Ν  δ) for all regions = Σ(m    θ) for all regions

where
N = load(s) acting within a particular region [kN]
δ = the vertical displacement of the load(s) N on each region expressed as a
fraction of unity [m]
m = the moment in or moment of resistance of the slab per meter run [kN.m/m]
 = the length of yield line or its projected length onto the axis of rotation for that
region [m]
θ = the rotation of the region about its axis of rotation [m/m]

Figure shows two-way simply supported slab that has failed due to a uniformly
distributed load.
• The triangular regions A, B, C and D have all rotated about their lines of support.
• The loads on the regions have moved vertically and rotation has taken place
about the yield lines and supports.
• The uniformly distributed load on each of these regions will have moved on
average 1/3 of the maximum deflection.
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

Yield Line analysis Procedure

1. Assume a collapse mechanism by choosing a pattern of yield lines;
2. Calculate the load factor corresponding to that yield line pattern;
3. Repeat for a range of yield line patterns;
4. Actual failure occurs at the lowest collapse load factor.
Note that it requires the slab to have the moment-rotation relationship previously
given: it must be ductile.
The principles
To illustrate the principles, two straightforward examples are presented. Consider a
one-way slab simply supported on two opposite sides, span, L and width w,
supporting a uniformly distributed load of n kN/m2.
E=D
Σ (Νδ) = Σ (mθ)
2n(L/2)w(max/2) = 2m
Here, the length of the projected
yield line, ‘’, onto the axis of
rotation is w. Also θ, equates to
δmax/(L/2).
Therefore:
(2nLw/2)(max/2) = 2mwmax(L/2)
Cancelling gives:
2nL/4 = 4m/L
Rearranging gives:
m = nL2/8
Which is rather familiar!
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

The same principles apply to two-way spanning slabs. Consider a square slab
simply supported on four sides. Increasing load will firstly induce hairline cracking
on the soffit, then large cracks will form culminating in the yield lines shown in
Figure.
Diagonal cracks are treated as stepped cracks, with the yield lines projected
onto parallel axes of rotations

Assuming the slab measures L  L and

carries a load of n kN/m2:
E=D
Σ (Νδ) = Σ (mθ)
4L(L/2)(1/2)n(max/3) = 4mLmax/(L/2)
4L2n/12 = 8m
nL2/24 = m

Rules for yield line patterns

There are rules to be observed when postulating a yield line pattern. As given in
Table 1.2, they are as follows:
1. Axes of rotation generally lie along lines of support and pass over any columns.
2. Yield lines are straight.
3. Yield lines between adjacent rigid regions must pass through the point of
intersection of the axes of rotation of those regions.
4. Yield lines must end at a slab boundary.
5. Continuous supports repel and a simple supports attract yield lines
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

The following Figures show the correct and incorrect application of Rule 3 to a
slab supported on two adjacent edges and a column.

Example 1
Using Work Method, analyses and design and find required moment capacity to
resist uniform (ULS) loading, w. Assume isotropic, i.e., moment capacity
independent of direction.
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

 = 1/(ℓ/2) =2/ℓ

Ext. work = Int. work

 1 l  1   L  1   L  1 
2  l  w    M   M 
 2 2  3   2  L   2  L 
 2  2
Area load
X-direction y-direction

Rigid regions Ave. Displacement

wL2 wL2
 2M  M 
3 6
Example 2
Using Work Method, analyses and design a 250 mm thick reinforced concrete slab
spanning 9.07.5 m. as shown in Figure. Assume isotropic reinforcement with
equal ‘m’ in each direction. Allow for a total ultimate load of 20 kN/m 2. Concrete
is fc’ = 40MPa, cover 20 mm T&B.
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

First establish the value of m.

Let all yield lines bisect the corners at 45o
Expenditure of energy by the external loads
E = Σ(N × δ)
all the triangular regions have the same displacement of 1/3 δmax. Similarly,
rectangular regions have the same displacement of ½ δmax.

[regions A and D and parts of B and C]

20kN/m27.57.51/3 = 375.0
[parts of regions B and C]
20kN/m21.57.51/2 = 112.5
Σ = 487.5
E = 487.5 kNm/m
Dissipation of internal energy in the yield lines
D = Σ(m×ℓ×θ) :
m’ = m i.e. m’/m chosen as 1.0
A: m×7.5× 1/3.75 = 2.0m
m’×7.5× 1/3.75 = 2.0m
B: m×9.0× 1/3.75 = 2.4m
C: m×9.0× 1/3.75 = 2.4m
m’×9.0× 1/3.75 = 2.4m
D: m×7.5× 1/3.75 = 2.0m
Σ = 13.2m
D = 13.2m
From the equality of energies exerted we have: D = E
i.e. 13.2m = 487.5
m = 487.5/13.2 = 36.9 kNm/m
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

m′ = 36.9 kNm/m

Add line load of 20 kN/m parallel to the longer side with crack pattern of a). The
worst case is where the line load is over the yield
line (otherwise expended energy would be less) viz:
From example 2 we add to 'E' of 487.5 :
20kN/m7.51/2 = 75
20kN/m1.51 = 30
Σ = 105
i.e. E = 487.5 + 105 = 592.5
E = 592.5
'D' is the same as before:
D = 13.2m
From D = E we get: 13.2m = 592.5
m = 592.5/13.2 = 44.89 kNm/m = m′
Thus the partition line increases
m from 36.9 to 44.89 kNm/m

Example 3
Simply-supported Rectangular two-way Slab
This slab is subject to a load of 10kN/m2. Find the collapse load factor .
External Work Done: Impose a deflection of  along the line AB. For each panel
calculate the

(load × load factor) × area × deflection at centroid. Add up for each panel. The
result will have a number ×  ×  as the load factor and deflection are not known.
Internal Work Done:
For each panel, project the yield line onto the axis of rotation and calculate this
length. Multiply this by the capacity in that direction. Determine the rotation in
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

terms of  by using the well-known S = Rθ . Add up for each panel giving a

number ×  .
Equate:
Equate and rearrange for the load factor  . Note that the deflection term vanishes.
Ans. 1.85
Repeat this example by exchanging the capacities, does  change?
Repeat this example by changing the 1 m dimension to
1.5 m – does  change?
Int. Work
Panel 1
Projected length 4
Axis of rotation = 4
Radius of rotation = R
S = R
 = 1.5 
 = /1.5

WI1  mL  20  4   53.3   WI3
1.5
Panel 2
Projected length 3
Axis of rotation = 3
Radius of rotation = R
S = R
=1
 =


WI2  mL  10  3   30   WI4
1
WI  2  53.3   2  30   166.6 
WE  WI  90  166.6     1.85
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

Example 4
Determine which is the critical failure mode for a load w and capacities as shown.

Using the calculations for this exercise as a basis, derive the general solutions for
both failure modes. Reduce to the case when m' = m and  = . Derive a table for
each mode for various values of  and H/L . Combine the tables showing the
critical mode.
Using the capacities of the masonry in the orthogonal directions found from Part
(a), determine the collapse load factor for the yield line pattern of the Figure
mx= 0.99kN.m/m
my= 0.55kN.m/m
w= 0.48kN/m2

Internal Work
2(mx×2.5×1/2.8)hog-x + 2(mx×2.5×1/2.8)sag-x =3.57mx
+ 2(my×2.8×1/2.5)sag-y =2.33my
=wi
wi = 3.57mx+2.33my
= 3.57(0.99)+2.33(0.55)=4.816
External Work
(A&D) (B&C)
2[(1/2)(2.5)(2.8)](1/3) w +2[(1/2)(2.8)(2.5)](1/3) w
(1/2)(2.5)(2.8)(1/3) w×4 triangles A,B,C,D
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

= 4.66 w
+ (2.5)(0.4)(1/2) w = 0.5 w
= we= 5.16w
Equate:
we=wi
5.16w = 4.816
 = 4.816/(5.16×0.48) = 1.94
Example 5
General Solution of Continuous Rectangular 2-way Slab with middle hole
Assume m = m’

External Work Done by Loads Internal Work Absorbed in

Panel Yield Line m/w
 
A W(2)(2/2)(1)(1/3)+w(2)(1)(1/2) 1.67w m(6)(1/1)+2[m(2)(1/1) 10m 5.99
B W(2)(1/2)(2)(1/3)+w(2)(2)(1/2) 2.67w m(4)(1/2)+2[m(1)(1/2) 3m 1.12
C W(2)(2/2)(1)(1/3)+w(2)(1)(1/2) 1.67w m(6)(1/1)+2[m(2)(1/1) 10m 5.99
D W(2)(1/2)(2)(1/3)+w(2)(2)(1/2) 2.67w m(4)(1/2)+2[m(1)(1/2)] 3m 1.12
WE 8.68w WI 26m 2.99

Panel Total Panel (m/w)

Panel Difference
(m/w) (m/w) Total (m/w)
A 5.99 2.99 2.00 100% 2√(2.99/5.99)=1.41
B 1.12 2.99 0.37 63% 1√(2.99/1.12)=1.63
C 5.99 2.99 2.00 100% 2√(2.99/5.99)=1.41
D 1.12 2.99 0.37 63% 1√(2.99/1.12)=1.63
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

Example 6
Calculate the isotropic moments of resistance that slab panel I must have the
collapse load intensity for panel I is the same as that for panel II

Work absorbed in yield line

1
Hogging A 1.4m  L 
 2.8m
L/2
1 4x
Sagging A m  2x   m
L/2 L
 L 1  1.4 L
Hogging B&C 2 1.4m     m
 2 x x
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

 L 1 L
Sagging B&C 2 m     m
 2 x x
 4 x 2.4 L 
m 2.8   
 L x 
External Work
 L 1 L x 1
n  L  2 x     4    
 2 2 2 2 3
 L2 xL xL 
n   
4 2 3
 L2 xL 
n     2
 4 16&2
equate
 L2 xL   4 x 2.4 L 
n    m 2.8    3
 4 6   L x 
L2 xL xL2 x 2 L
 
m 4 6 4 6
 
n 2.8  4 x  2.4 L 4x2
2.8 x   2.4 L
L x L
xL2 x 2 L L2 2 xL
 
4 6  4 6
2 8x
4x 
2.8x   2.4L 2.8
L L
0.7L2 x  0.47Lx 2  2Lx 2  1.33x 3
 0.71L2 x  Lx 2  0.6L2  0.93Lx 2  1.33x 3  0.8L2 x

1.53x 2  0.07 Lx 2  0.8L2 x  0.6L3

1.46 x 2  0.8Lx  0.6L2  0
x 2  0.55Lx  0.41L2  0
Yield Line Design MsC 2015 Prof. Mokhtar M. Aburawi

x

0.55L  0.552 L2  4  0.41L2 
 0.422 L
2
From equation 3
 L2 0.422 L L   40.422 L  2.4 L 
n    m 2.8   
 4 6   L 0.422 L  

 L2 0.422 L2
n 
  m2.8  1.69  5.69

 4 6 
 
n 0.179 L2  10.18m
nL2
m
56.87