Title: First-order elastic-plastic analysis of multi-story building frames by numerical modelling

Authors: Wanjala Ramadhan Salim

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering and Building, Vaal University of Technology, Andries Potgieter Boulvard, Vanderbijlpark, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, Republic of South Africa

Abstract: A numerical model for first order elasto-plastic limit analysis of structural plane frame subjected to combined bending moment and axial force actions is presented. The model takes into account the influence of axial forces on the ultimate load carrying capacity of the structure. It also allows for reversal of plastic hinge formation. The applicability of the model has been demonstrated through elastic-plastic analysis of rectangular frames. The numerical solutions of the frames are compared to those obtained in the traditional simple elasto-plastic analysis which neglects the effects of axial forces on the ultimate load carrying capacity of the structure. The numerical solutions obtained in the frame showed that when the amount of axial force in the elements of a frame exceed 15% of the respective element plastic axial force, the conventional first order elasto-plastic limit analysis method over estimates the load carrying capacity of structures. Further, the new technique increased the rate of structure stiffness degradation.

Keywords: elasto-plastic analysis; frames; ultimate loading; load carrying capacity; structural engineering; multi-story buildings; building frames; numerical modelling; bending moment; axial force; plastic hinge formation; rectangular frames; stiffness degradation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2012.045040

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2012 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.18 - 26

Published online: 20 Aug 2014 *

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