Ductility requirements for redistribution of moments in reinforced concrete elements and a possible size effect

The possible demand for ductility, allowing for the redistribution of moments in linear reinforced concrete elements is examined, based on the results of two series of experiments aimed at verifying the actual stress/strain state in the reinforcing bars, with the elements designed to carry loads under the assumption of a broad spectrum of redistribution of moments. The tests included a series of beam tests and slab test with respective slenderness ratios (γ) of 11.73 and 21.12; thus one important aspect ofthe size effect was investigated. The final results tend to support the assumption that the high ductility class steel suggested in the Eurocode 2 is suitable for elements under static loading