INELASTIC NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF STEEL SPACE FRAMES WITH FLEXIBLE JOINTS

Abstract

A numerical method for elastoplastic large deformation analysis of steel space frames incorporating the effect of semirigid joints is presented. A node zero length connection element is used to model the joint behavior. The tangent stiffness matrix for a member is obtained by introducing the connection element as the member end compliance. The reliability of the method is examined by available three examples and the influence of the rigidity of gusset plate connections of web members on the inelastic collapse of tubular trussed tower leg is studied.