Rotation capacity of wide-flange beams and beam-columns .2. Experimental and numerical tests

In the first part of the paper, the theoretical approaches for determining the available rotation capacity of wide-flange steel beams and beam-columns are presented. Using a plastic mechanism, the computer program DUCTROT 96 is elaborated to determine this rotation capacity. The present paper is engaged with a comparison between the experimental data and theoretical results (using FEM) and remarks on the numerical tests obtained using the DUCTROT 96 computer program. A systematic study of the influence of the main factors on the rotation capacity is presented. The major conclusion of this study is the proposal to change the concept of cross-section behavioural classes, used in codes for determining the rotation capacity, with the concept of member behavioural classes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.