Analysis and Tests of Flexibly Connected Steel Frames

Abstract

This study is intended to provide experimental verification of the validity of analytical methods for the prediction of the response to loads of flexibly connected steel frames. To this end, test data are provided for the behavior of one particular connection type. These data are formulated for incorporation in a displacement matrix analysis, which is then used to predict the response to load of flexibly connected, statically indeterminate steel frames. This predicted behavior is then compared to measured moments, joint rotations, and deflections of loaded frames. It is concluded on the basis of these limited test data that the method is well able to predict frame response to load cycles, that linearly elastic analysis is sufficient to predict frame behavior under service conditions, and that these frames tend to shake down to their elastic state under high load cycles.