Plastic hinge method

This lecture covers the plastic hinge method for estimating inelastic deformation capacity in structural elements like RC walls and columns. It explains the force-displacement relationship, ultimate displacement, and plastic hinge length. The method focuses on flexural deformations, neglecting shear deformations, and provides good approximations if shear deformations are minimal. Various equations and examples are presented to illustrate the application of the plastic hinge method in seismic engineering.