The flexural response of a laced reinforced concrete element is illustrated by the entire resistance-deflection curve shown in Figure 4-1. The lacing permits the element toattain large deflections and fully develop the reinforcement through its strain hardeningregion. The maximum deflection of a laced element corresponds to 12 degrees supportrotation.
Single leg stirrups contribute to the integrity of a protective element in much the same way as lacing, however, the stirrups are less effective at very close explosive separationdistances. The maximum deflection of an element with single leg stirrups is limited to 6degrees support rotation under flexural action or 12 degrees under tension membraneaction.