Nonlinear Effects on Shakedown of Sidesway Frames

Abstract

A general nonlinear FEM computer program for analysis of frames is used to examine the shakedown load of sidesway frames. It is shown that large displacement effects and interaction between moment and axial force in the cross sections reduce the shakedown load substantially. This process is visualized in a diagram depicting load factor versus mean load factor. The curves drawn in this plane may be simplified by straight lines, reducing the effort of calculating the shakedown loads.