This paper attempts to demonstrate that limit analysis provides a simple, rational and general basis for the ultimate limit state design and evaluation of plain, reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. Key features of the static and kinematic methods of limit analysis and their application to concrete beam and frame and to plate and shell structures are described. In addition, supplementary deformation considerations are presented, including two recently developed models for tension chords and cracked membranes. The signijicance of uncracked and cracked response analyses is pointed out, and it is emphasised that appropriate education and Code developments are prerequisites for a better exploitation of the potential offered by limit analysis.
Professor P. Marti