Design of the Plastic Zone

This lecture covers the capacity design of reinforced concrete walls and structures, focusing on ductile design principles, reinforcement bars ductility classes, and the step-by-step process for designing the plastic and elastic zones. It also discusses the importance of stability, flexural and shear design, longitudinal reinforcement, and foundation checks. Special detailing requirements for the plastic zone and the efficiency of confinement reinforcement are highlighted, along with considerations for overstrength and shear design. The lecture emphasizes the principles of the Swiss code for seismic engineering.