A frame finite element based on force-based formulation with shear deformations Application of linear or non-linear semi-rigid connection will not increase the degrees of freedom. Force-based consistent mass matrix with semirigidity in connections and an appropriate shear correction coefficient for I-sections Figure A. Nonlinear Behavior of Steel Structures with Semi-Rigid Connections a) 2D 6 Stories Steel Frame, b) 3D Triangular Planar Steel Frame, c) 3D 6 Stories Steel FramePurpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and implement an accurate and robust frame finite element model for nonlinear structural analysis and vibration estimation of steel framed structures with semi-rigid connections.
Theory and Methods:A frame finite element with semi-rigid connections based on force-based formulation and considering shear deformations is derived to obtain the nonlinear behavior of steel structures with high accuracy. Distributed plasticity approach is defined along each element length and over the depth of each section, and linear or nonlinear semi-rigid connection behavior can be specified anywhere along elements without the necessity to define additional nodes and to increase the degrees of freedom of the structural system. To perform vibration analyses with similar accuracy, force-based consistent mass matrix is used taking into account semi-rigidity in connections and an appropriate shear correction coefficient for I-sections.
Results:First, a fix-fix supported beam with semi-rigid connections at its ends is acted on by a distributed load in order to observe spread of plasticity along beam length and connection regions. After this example, 2D and 3D complex and irregular steel frame structures with or without semi-rigid connections are analyzed and the performance of the element is compared with benchmark solutions. Finally, results of the modal analysis of a steel framed structure with semi-rigid connections is compared with a widely used structural analysis program.
Conclusion:Proposed frame element with semi-rigid connections provides accurate, robust and practical modeling and nonlinear analysis of steel framed structures under extreme loading conditions. In the presented examples, it was possible to push the structures to higher displacement values than the existing results, and it was revealed that the non-linear behavior in the column-base connections could create much more critical results for the structural systems with P-Delta effects. In addition, high-level accuracy results were obtained when performing vibration analyses with the application of force-based consistent mass matrix.