Geometrically nonlinear analysis of plane frames composed of flexibly connected members

Beam-to-column connections behaviour plays an important role in the analysis and design of steel and precast concrete structures. The paper presents a computer-based method for geometrically nonlinear frames with semi-rigid beam-to-column connections. The analytical procedure employs modified stability functions to model the effect of axial force on the stiffness of members. The member modified stiffness matrix, and the modified fixed end forces for various loads were found. The linear and nonlinear analyses were applied for two planar steel structures. The method is readily implemented on a computer using matrix structural analysis techniques and is applicable for the efficient nonlinear analysis of frameworks.