On the limit analysis of a rectangular plate under combined stresses

A theory of the limit analysis of a rectangular plate with two clamped edges, under the combined action of a stretching load in the plane of the plate and a bending load, perpendicular to this plane, is developed. A first approach to the solution of the problem is the derivation of a moment-force-yield curve. Under different assumptions with respect to the distribution of the stresses across the thickness, different yield curves are found. One of the yield curves is used to derive an interaction curve, which represents relation of the bending load to the stretching force at collapse. Three different collapse modes have to be distinguished: bending collapse, stretching collapse and combined collapse.