Computer Aids To Analysis Of Semi -Rigid Steel Space Frames

Abstract

This work describes the recent development of the semi-rigid connection technique and the application of this method to the analysis of space frame structure. To carry out the above method of analysis accurately and efficiently, a computer system is presented. The basic concept of the computer program is defined as an assemblage of well-defined subroutines as modules into a package of dealing with such analysis. The computer program takes into account the moment- rotation relationship of five of the most common types of connections. A moment- rotation relationship of a sixth connection type is created in this research work and inserted within the computer program. It is concluded that in spite of the fact that the amount of different rotation between beam and column is relatively small in the loaded frame structures, this differential rotation has a significant effect on the geometrical behavior of frame structures and consequently on the design of their elements. It has been shown that the consideration of semi-rigid connections in the analysis of frame structures is of great importance.