Stability of frames with semirigid joints

Abstract

This paper presents a modified stiffness matrix method for finding the elastic buckling load of semirigid frames. The method, besides accounting for the partial rigidity of the joints, also considers the effects of flexure on axial stiffness, geometric changes and the P-Δ effect. An experimental test has been devised to check the validity of the theoretical analysis and it is found that the method gives results of reasonable accuracy. A computer program has been written to carry out the doubly iterative process of finding the buckling load and is used to make a parametric study on the effect of rigidity of various joints and also bracings on a single-bay double-storey frame. The results of the parametric studies are presented in charts. © 1986.