Computational procedures for nonlinear analysis of frames with semi-rigid connections.

Abstract

This work discusses numerical and computational strategies for nonlinear analysis of frames with semi-rigid connections. Initially, the formation of the nonlinear problem is analyzed, followed by the necessary computational approaching for its solution. After that, the matricial formulations and the mathematical modeling of flexible connections, as well as the insertion of the nonlinear process, are presented. Moreover, the necessary procedures for characterization of semi-rigid beam-column elements, the modified stiffness matrix, the internal forces vector and the updating of the connection stiffness along the incremental-iterative process are approached and illustrated through the text. In order to verify the success of the implementations and the considered algorithms, the results for some types of frames considering semi-rigid joints are compared with those supplied by literature. Some considerations and conclusions about the computational implementations and results obtained are presented at the end of this work.