Inelastic Behavior of Multistory Partially Restrained Steel Frames. Part II

Abstract

The plastic-zone method of analysis described in a companion paper is used in the inelastic analysis of three multistory, multibay fully restrained (FR) and partially restrained (PR) steel frames. Full nonlinear load-deformation response, including the ultimate load and unloading path is computed. The state of connection stiffness and connection rotation at the frame ultimate load condition is discussed, and the spread of yielding within a large-scale steel frame is described in detail. The effect of loading sequence on the ultimate load capacity of FR and PR structural steel frameworks is discussed. Several of the proposed connection classification systems are evaluated within the context of the frames analyzed and designed.