DESIGNERS' GUIDE TO E N 1992- 1 - 1 AND E N 1992- 1-2

Fig. 3-3.Application of the effective geometrical imperfections: unbraced structure (number of

vertically continuous members = 3 )

Fig. 3,4. Minimum tie force for perimeter columns

forces should be taken into account in the stability calculation. This is in addition to other
design horizontal actions, such as wind.

3.3.3. Design of slender elements

In the design of slender elements, which are prone to fail by buckling (e.g. slender columns),
EN 1992-1-1 requires geometrical imperfection to be added to other eccentricities. For
example, in the design of the columns, an eccentricity of 0,1,/2 is assumed for geometrical
imperfection (where 1, is the effective length of the column).

3.3.4. Members transferring forces to bracing elements

In the design of these elements (such as a floor diagram), a force to account for the possible
imperfection should be taken into account in addition to other design actions. This
additional force is illustrated in Fig. 3.4. This force need not be taken into account in the
design of the bracing element itself.

As structures subject to lateral loads deflect, the vertical loads acting on the structure
produce additional forces and moments. These are normally referred to as second-order
effects. Consider a cantilever column shown in Fig. 3.5. The deflection caused by the
horizontal load alone is A,. In this deflected state, the vertical loadPwill contribute a further
bending moment and increase the lateral sway, and the final deflection will be A,. This
phenomenon is also commonly referred to as the 'PA effect'.
E N 1992-1-1 requires second-order effects to be considered where they may significantly
affect the stability of the structure as a whole or the attainment of the ultimate limit state at
critical sections.
Cjause 5.8.2(6) In the Application Rules, the code further states that for normal buildings, second-order
effects may be neglected if the bending moments caused by them do not increase the first-