The ductility is the structure’s ability to sustain large deformations in plastic range without
considerable loss of strength. The design concept based on the ductility properties of structures is
the principle method to assure for an appropriate structural behavior against strong ground motions.
The capacity to predict required and available ductility under severe loads is a key-point in
earthquake design. The actual progress in this problem is given by the possibility to prove the
ductility of the structure at the same level as for rigidity and strength. Unfortunately, in present
design specifications, there are only vague provisions relating to the evaluation of the structure
ductility, mainly based on cross-section classes. However, the actual ductility is affected by the
properties of full member [1]. In this regard, the knowledge of the rotation capacity and flexural
ultimate resistance of the steel member is of prime importance for an appropriate application of
hierarchy criteria in seismic design of structures [2]. In this paper, a critical review of the existing
prediction models for the rotation capacity and flexural overstrength factor for the steel members
with a wide range of cross-section typologies is presented. Moreover, the description of rotation
capacity and overstrength factor in current design codes is discussed comparatively