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Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames Using The 2005 AISC Specification
Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames Using The 2005 AISC Specification
kr
Steel Structures 6 (2006) 71-91
1
Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-03551, USA
2
Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
3
RAM International, 2744 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
4
Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
5
Hermanson Egge Engineering, Rapid City, SD, USA
Abstract
The 2005 AISC Specification reflects the latest advances in the stability analysis and design of structural steel buildings. The
new Specification defines the general requirements for stability analysis and design and gives engineers the freedom to select
or devise their own methods within these constraints. It also provides several specific procedures. This paper first gives an
overview of the elastic analysis and design procedures in AISC (2005) as well as specific second-order distributed plasticity
methods upon which, in part, these procedures are based. The relationship between the AISC elastic provisions and the refined
inelastic methods is explained. Secondly, the paper highlights one interpretation of the AISC inelastic analysis and design
provisions that greatly facilitates the application of elastic-plastic hinge methods of analysis. The paper closes by presenting
four basic examples selected to illustrate key characteristics of each of the methods.
Keywords: Advanced analysis, distributed plasticity analysis, direct analysis, effective length, plastic hinge analysis
*Corresponding author
Tel: +404-894-5839, Fax: +404-894-2278 Figure 1. Second-order P-∆ and P-δ effects (from White
E-mail: dwhite@ce.gatech.edu and Kim (2006)).
72 Donald W. White et al.
American analysis and design methods have addressed all incipient elastic buckling (considering the interaction of
of the above effects in some fashion whenever they are the member with the rest of the structure). The parameter
deemed to have an important influence on the structural F e' is calculated by dividing this buckling stress by the
response. Also, there has always been implicit recognition factor of safety for column elastic buckling, 23/12 = 1.92.
that engineers can use their professional judgment to The axial stress e' is determined typically using the
F
and, with minor exceptions, have not been considered in where b b is the column effective slenderness ratio
KL /r
the analysis. In some cases, engineers have included a in the plane of bending, and is the effective length K
nominal out-of-plumbness effect in the analysis of gravity factor associated with the above buckling solution. Also,
load combinations, particularly if the geometry and loading this factor is used typically in calculating the column
K
are symmetric. Strictly speaking, this is not necessary for axial resistance a. If desired, e' = e/1.92 and a can be
F F F F
the in-plane strength assessment of beam-columns in the determined directly from the buckling analysis model.
prior AISC Specifications. However, this practice is The term m in Eqs. (1) and (2) is discussed subsequently.
C
type of analysis.
The 1961 AISC Specification, and other AISC Pu Mu Pu
Specifications up until 1986, relied strictly on the
8
≤ for ≥ (4b)
φ c Pn φ b Mn φ c Pn
---------- + -- -----------
- 1.0 ---------- 0.2
9
linear (first-order) forces and moments in the idealized where u is defined as the maximum second-order
M
geometrically-perfect, nominally-elastic (or elastic-plastic) elastic moment along the member length. AISC (1986)
structure. For elastic analysis and design, second-order states that u may be determined from a second-order
M
⎛ 1 – ------
⎝ Fe ⎠ '
was addressed solely within the calculation of the
member resistances ( a and b in ASD and n and n in
F F P M
in Eq. (1) amplifies the member flexural stresses b tof LRFD). The new provisions in AISC
direct analysis
account for the -∆ and -δ effects.P P (2005a) recognize that specific advantages can be
Generally, Eq. (2) gives only a coarse approximation of realized by moving an appropriate nominal consideration
the true second-order effects. LeMessurier (1977) and of these effects out of the resistance side and into the
others later addressed better ways to determine the structural analysis side of the design equations. By
amplified bending stresses in general rectangular frames, incorporating an appropriate nominal consideration of
all within the context of Allowable Stress Design (ASD). these effects in the analysis, the resistance side of the
However, even today (2005), engineers using the AISC design equations is greatly simplified, and the accuracy of
(1989) ASD provisions can apply Eq. (2) in ways that the design checks is generally improved. These attributes
significantly under-estimate the physical second-order are discussed further in the subsequent sections.
effects in certain cases. The accuracy hinges largely on All of the above analysis and design procedures are
the proper determination of e, the member axial stress at
F based inherently on the use of second-order analysis
Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames: The AISC (2005) Specification and Beyond 73
(first-order elastic analysis with amplifiers being one type as 0.85 in Eqs. (1) and (2) for frames subject to joint
of second-order elastic analysis). Elastic analysis does not translation. This m value typically underestimates the
C
include the consideration of the member resistances in sidesway amplification effects (Salmon and Johnson, 1996).
itself. Therefore, all of the above elastic methods must Nevertheless, the ASD moment amplifier summarized in
include member resistance equations. However, the Eq. (2) is still conservative in many practical cases. This
method of analysis and the equations for checking the is because the predominant second-order effects are often
member resistances are inextricably linked. Changes in associated solely with the structure sidesway. Equation
the analysis calculation of the required strengths (e.g., a f (1) applies a single amplifier indiscriminately to the total
and b m/(1 − a/ e') in Eq. (1) or u and u in Eqs. (4))
f C f F P M flexural stresses from both sidesway and non-sway
can lead to simplifications in the calculation of the displacements. The amplification factor procedure in
member resistances (typically a in Eq. (1) or n in Eqs.
F P AISC (1999) LRFD and AISC (2005a) is more accurate,
(4)). Specifically, if the structural analysis is configured but involves a cumbersome subdivision of the analysis
to provide an appropriate representation of the internal into separate no-translation (nt) and lateral-translation (lt)
member forces, the in-plane resistance of the structure parts. Kuchenbecker . (2004) and White
et al . (2005a
et al
can be checked entirely on a cross-section by cross- & b) outline an amplified first-order elastic analysis
section basis. approach that provides good accuracy for rectangular
AISC (2005a) adopts the equations from AISC (1999) framing. This approach avoids the above cumbersome
LRFD as a base representation of the beam-column attributes of the AISC (1999 & 2005a) amplification factor
resistances for all of its analysis and design procedures. procedure.
However, the notation is generalized such that the In many cases, Eqs. (5) provide a more liberal
equations apply to both ASD and LRFD: characterization of the beam-column resistances than the
multiple beam-column strength curves in AISC ASD
P M
-----r + 8---------r ≤ 1.0
P
for -----r ≥ 0.2 (5b, AISC H1-1a) (1989). Also, AISC (2005a) provides the following
P c 9 Mc P
1
c
alternative interaction equation to characterize the out-of-
plane flexural-torsional buckling resistance of doubly-
P M
-------r- + 8---------r ≤ 1.0 for
P
----- < 0.2
r
(5a, AISC H1-1b) symmetric I-section members subjected to axial compression
2 P c 9 Mc P c
and major-axis bending moment:
The terms in these equations are defined as follows: P M 2
-------r + ⎛--------r ⎞ ≤ 1.0 (6, AISC H1-2)
r = the required axial compressive strength, determined
P Pco ⎝Mcx⎠
in ASD by analyzing the structure under 1.6 times the
ASD load combinations and then dividing the results by where co is the out-of-plane column strength and cx
P M
1.6, or determined in LRFD by analyzing the structure is the flexural strength with respect to lateral-torsional
under the LRFD load combinations. buckling. White and Kim (2006) provide a detailed
Mr = the required flexural strength, determined in ASD discussion of the background to Eq. (6) and explain that
by analyzing the structure under 1.6 times the ASD load this equation should be applied only for doubly-symmetric
combinations and then dividing the results by 1.6, or compact I-section members.
determined in LRFD by analyzing the structure under the In the subsequent developments, it is useful to consider
LRFD load combinations. the characterization of separate in-plane and out-of-plane
c = the allowable or design axial compressive strength,
P beam-column resistances. This can be accomplished by
given by n Ωc in ASD or by φc n in LRFD, where n is
P / P P using Eqs. (5) with different definitions of c and c, or
P M
the nominal compressive resistance determined in accordance by using Eqs. (5) to characterize the in-plane strength and
with Chapter E. Eq. (6), where it is applicable, to characterize the out-of-
Mc = the allowable or design flexural strength, given by plane strength. The in-plane resistance is estimated with
n Ωb in ASD or by φb n in LRFD, where
M / M n is the M Eqs. (5) by neglecting: (1) out-of-plane flexural, torsional
corresponding nominal resistance determined in accordance or flexural-torsional buckling in the calculation of c and
P
φc and φb = resistance factors for axial compression and out-of-plane resistance is estimated with Eqs. (5) by using
bending, both equal to 0.9. P c = co and using the governing resistance from Chapter
P
Ωc and Ωb = factors of safety for axial compression and F for c (White and Kim, 2006).
M
bending, both equal to 1.67. For checking the in-plane and out-of-plane strength of
The above 1.6 factor for ASD is smaller than the general I-section members, Eqs. (5) must be used. However,
column safety factor of 1.92 in the AISC ASD (1989) for doubly-symmetric compact I-section members subjected
amplification of the flexural stresses (see Eqs. (1) through to in-plane major-axis bending and large axial loads, Eq.
(3)). However, ASD-H1 also states that m shall be taken C (6) provides a more liberal assessment of the out-of-plane
The AISC (2005a) equation numbers are denoted by “AISC” followed by the equation number.
1
74 Donald W. White et al.
where Mry and Mcy are the required moment and the
corresponding resistance in this direction. Otherwise, an
extended form of Eqs. (5) must be used that includes the
out-of-plane bending.
while in the second case it is subjected to minor-axis for highly slender columns that fail by elastic buckling.
bending. Figure 4 compares the nominal strength interaction The factoring of both E and Fy by 0.9 up front is
curves obtained from the above type of distributed preferred, since this approach facilitates the general
plasticity analysis to the corresponding AISC (2005a) inelastic analysis and design of structural systems. There
beam-column strength curve. The AISC curve is obtained is no straightforward way of applying distributed plasticity
using the AISC (2005a) effective length method with K = analysis, or any other form of inelastic analysis, in the
2, and is the same for both the minor and major-axis context of ASD. In as such, AISC (2005a) disallows the
bending examples, since their L/r values are the same in use of inelastic analysis for this approach. Most of the
Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames: The AISC (2005) Specification and Beyond 75
additional complexities that must be addressed. The applied at this level. Table 1 emphasizes the use of
above procedures fully satisfy the base requirements of notional lateral loads. However, in general cases where
the AISC (2005a) Specification. questions may arise about the appropriate calculation of
these loads, one can always use the more fundamental
2.2. Elastic analysis and design methods in AISC out-of-plumb geometry. For example, the total base shear
(2005a) due to any out-of-plumbness is always zero, and thus the
The AISC (2005a) Specification defines three specific total base shear due to the notional loads also must be
elastic analysis and design methods. These are: zero. As shown in Fig. 5, the notional loads arise from the
1. The direct analysis method, detailed in Appendix 7, sum of the P∆ shear forces above and below each level.
o
2. The effective length method, detailed in Section The P∆ shear at the base of the structure offsets the sum
o
C2.2a and of all the horizontal notional loads in the analysis model.
3. The first-order analysis method, detailed in Section Explicit modeling of the out-of-plumbness also removes
C2.2b. the need to calculate different notional loads for different
Table 1, summarizes the key attributes of each of these load combinations.
methods. Within the restrictions specified on their usage, The direct analysis method provides an improved
and provided that effects such as connection rotations or representation of the structure’s distributed plasticity
member axial and shear deformations are properly forces and moments at the strength limit of the most
considered in the analysis when these attributes are critical member or members. Due to this improvement in
important, each of the above methods is intended to the calculation of the internal forces and moments, AISC
comprehensively address all of the effects listed at the (2005a) bases its calculation of P , the column nominal
ni
beginning of Section 1. The following subsections provide strength for checking the in-plane resistance in Eqs. (5),
an overview of these AISC (2005a) procedures. The on the actual unsupported length in the plane of bending.
reader is referred to Deierlein (2004), Nair (2005a), Nair In short, the need to calculate in-plane effective length
(2005b) and White and Kim (2006) for additional (K) factors is eliminated.
discussions. Interestingly, the use of P = P for members with
ni y
forces and moments from the type of distributed plasticity actual unsupported length is only slightly smaller than P . y
analysis explained in the previous section. The reduced Therefore, AISC (2005a) uses P based on the actual
ni
elastic stiffness is taken as 0.8 of the nominal elastic unsupported length (K = 1) to capture the influence of
stiffness of the structure, except in members subjected to potential in-plane non-sway column flexural buckling.
large axial loads of αP > 0.5P , where the member
r y For certain member types, such as tapered members,
flexural rigidity is taken as 0.8 times the column inelastic there are significant advantages to using the cross-section
stiffness reduction factor τ (see Table 1). The base
b axial strength rather than the nominal buckling strength
nominal out-of-plumbness is taken as ∆ = L/500, the o P as the axial strength term in the beam-column
ni
same value as discussed previously for distributed plasticity interaction check (White and Kim, 2006). In cases where
analysis. However, the direct analysis provisions permit the member axial loads are small and the cross-section is
the use of a smaller nominal out-of-plumbness where compact, the column and beam-column resistances are
justified. For instance, when the sidesway amplification represented accurately using P = P , without the inclusion
ni y
∆2nd/∆1st is smaller than 1.5, AISC (2005a) permits the of any member out-of-straightness in the analysis. This
out-of-plumbness effect to be neglected when the simplification is appropriate whenever αP < 0.1P . For
r eL
associated notional load (see the discussion below) is members with cross-section elements that are slender
smaller than the corresponding applied lateral load. under axial compression, White and Kim (2006) show
Many engineers may prefer to model the above out-of- that P may be taken as QP when the above limit is
ni y
plumbness effects by using notional lateral loads. As satisfied, where Q is the AISC form factor accounting for
shown in Fig. 5, if the framing above and below a given local buckling effects with the web edge stress f taken as
vertical load elevation has the same ∆ /L, the out-of-
o F.
y
plumbness effect can be represented accurately by AISC (2005a) introduces a plethora of rules intended to
applying a notional lateral load of N = Y ∆ /L at the level
i i o allow (and provide limits on) the use of various idealizations
under consideration, where Y is the total vertical load
i and approximations (see Table 1). This characteristic is
Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames: The AISC (2005) Specification and Beyond 77
Table 1. Summary of specific AISC (2005a) elastic analysis-design procedures adapted from White and Kim (2006)
Direct analysis (Appendix 7) Effective length (Section C2.2a) First-order analysis (Section C2.2b)
Limitations on the None ∆2nd/∆1st ≤ 1.5 ∆2nd/∆1st ≤ 1.5, αPr ≤ 0.5Py
use of the method (See Note 5)
Type of analysis Second-order (See Note 1) Second-order (See Note 1) First-order, B1 is applied to the
member total moment
Structure geometry Nominal (See Note 2) Nominal Nominal
used in the analysis
Notional load to be ≤0.002 i Minimum if ∆2nd/∆1st
Y
buckling strength ni P
If α r < 0.15 eL, or if a member
P P
length in the plane of bending, i L
out-of-straightness of 0.001L or
the equivalent notional loading If ∆2nd/∆1st < 1.1, K may be taken
is included in the analysis, ni P equal to one in all cases.
may be taken equal to y P
(See Note 4)
P no is based on the unsupported length in the out-of-plane direction, o L
Out-of-plane flexural
buckling strength no Alternatively, no may be based on an out-of-plane buckling analysis or the corresponding effective
P
P
General Note. ∆2nd/∆1stt is the ratio of the 2nd-order drift to the 1st-order drift (for rectangular frames, ∆2nd/∆1st may be taken as B2 calculated
by Section C2.1b). ∆/L is the largest 1st-order drift from all the stories in the structure. In structures that have flexible diaphragms, the ∆/L in
each story is taken as the average drift weighted in proportion to the vertical load, or alternatively, the maximum drift. All ∆2nd/∆1st and ∆/L
ratios shall be calculated using the LRFD load combinations or using a factor of α = 1.6 applied to the gravity loads in ASD. The factor a is
1.0 for LRFD and 1.6 for ASD. The term Y is the total gravity load applied at a given level of the structure. P is the member elastic
buckling resistance based on the actual unsupported length in the plane of bending, π2EI/L2 for prismatic members.
i eL
Note 1. Any legitimate method of second-order analysis that includes both P∆ and Pδ effects is permitted, including 1st-order analysis with
amplifiers. For αP < 0.15P , a P-large delta (P-∆) analysis using one element per member generally provides an accurate solution for the
sidesway displacements and the corresponding internal second-order forces and moments. However, for members with αP > 0.05P ,
r eL
either multiple elements must be used per member to obtain accurate second-order internal moments (unconservative error less than or
r eL
equal to 5%) in general from a P-large delta analysis, or a P-small delta amplifier must be applied to the element internal moments. Accurate
general P-∆ analysis solutions may be obtained by maintaining αP < 0.05P , where P = π2EI/l2 is the Euler buckling load in the plane of
bending based on the element length l. Second-order analysis methods that directly include both P-∆ and P-δ effects at the element level
r el el
generally provide better accuracy than P-large delta analysis procedures. The target of 5% maximum unconservative error is based on the
original development of the AISC LRFD beam-column strength equations (ASCE 1997; Surovek-Maleck and White 2004a).
Note 2. A nominal initial out-of-plumbness of ∆o/L = 0.002 may be used directly in lieu of applying 0.002Y minimum or additive notional
loads.
i
Note 3. The nominal stiffness and geometry should be employed for checking serviceability limit states. The reduced effective stiffness and
the notional loads or nominal initial out-of-plumbness are required only in considering strength limit states.
Note 4. AISC (2005) does not explicitly state this provision in the context of the direct analysis method. This provision is encompassed
within the Chapter C requirements for general stability analysis and design, which allow any method of analysis and design that addresses
the effects listed at the beginning of Section 1.
Note 5. The largest unconservative error associated with the limit αP < 0.1P is approximately 5% and occurs for a simply-supported,
concentrically loaded column with zero moment and αP = 0.1P = φ P . The target of 5% maximum unconservative error is based on the
r eL
original development of the AISC LRFD beam-column strength equations (ASCE 1997; Surovek-Maleck and White 2004a).
r eL c y
Note 6. The 1st-order analysis method does not account for the influence of significant axial compression in the rafters or beams of portal
frames. Therefore, this method strictly should not be applied for the analysis and design of the primary moment frames in these types of
structures.
78 Donald W. White et al.
Ki value often is not justified. The distinction between often significantly more accurate. Therefore, the first-
these two situations requires engineering judgment. Some order analysis method is not considered further in this
of the situations requiring the greatest exercise of paper.
judgment to avoid excessively large K values include: (1)
columns in the upper stories of tall buildings, (2) columns 2.2.4. General comments
with highly flexible and/or weak connections and (3) Both the direct analysis and effective length methods
beams or rafters in portal frames, which may have require a second-order elastic analysis. However, any
significant axial compression due to the horizontal thrust second-order elastic analysis procedure is sufficient,
from the base of the frame. including first-order analysis with amplifiers, assuming
There is no simple way of quantifying the relative that the procedure is sufficiently accurate or conservative.
participation of a given member in the overall buckling The above methods differ in the way that they handle
of the structure or subassembly under consideration. geometric imperfection and distributed yielding effects in
Quantifying the participation requires an analysis of the the second-order analysis model and in the member
sensitivity of the buckling load to variations in the resistance equations.
member sizes. Even if one conducted such an analysis, The beam-column out-of-plane resistance check is the
there is no established metric for judging when Eq. (7b) same in both of the above methods, albeit with different
should or should not be used. Engineers typically base values of Pr and Mr. In AISC (2005a), the simplest out-
their effective length calculations on story-by-story models of-plane beam-column resistance check is given by Eqs.
to avoid the first of the above situations. They idealize (5) but with Pn = Pno, where Pno is the out-of-plane
columns with weak and/or flexible connections as pin- flexural, torsional or flexural-torsional buckling strength
ended leaner columns with K = 1 to avoid the second of of the member as a concentrically-loaded column. Eq. (6)
the above situations. Lastly, many engineers utilize K = 1 generally provides a more liberal estimate of the out-of-
for design of the beams or rafters in portal frames for the plane flexural-torsional resistance of doubly-symmetric
axial compression effects, although Eq. (7b) may suggest compact I-section members.
K > 1 based on the Fei from an eigenvalue buckling
analysis. 2.3. Design by direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis
The direct analysis method provides a more straightforward Since 1961, the AISC Specifications have permitted the
and accurate way of addressing frame in-plane stability use of plastic analysis and design in cases where members
considerations. By including an appropriately reduced subjected to plastic hinging satisfy requirements that
nominal elastic stiffness, an appropriate nominal out-of- ensure their ductility. However, the AISC Specifications
plumbness of the structure, and an appropriate out-of- from 1969 through 1999 have also generally required the
straightness (for members subjected to high axial loads) engineer to supplement the plastic analysis by beam-
in the analysis, the member in-plane length effects can be column strength interaction checks in which the axial
removed entirely from the resistance side of the design resistance term is based on a member effective length.
equations. The member in-plane column strength Pni may This practice adds significant complexity to the AISC
be taken simply as Py for members that satisfy the plastic analysis and design procedures. Furthermore, at
previously discussed caveats. In-plane stability is addressed best, the resulting beam-column interaction equations
by estimating the actual required internal cross-section provide only an approximate assessment of the frame
strengths Pr and Mr directly from the analysis, and by stability behavior under progressive plastic hinge formation.
comparing these required strengths against appropriate In many cases, they overly restrict the forces and moments
cross-section based resistances. Alternatively, to avoid the in sway frame columns (Ziemian et al., 1992; McGuire,
need to include out-of-straightness effects in members 1995).
with large axial loads, Pni may be calculated using the The AISC (2005a) direct analysis method can be
actual in-plane unsupported length Li (K = 1). extended to provide an attractive alternative to the above
procedures. The extension is very simple - for members
2.2.3. First-order analysis method that satisfy separate requirements to ensure sufficiently
The first-order analysis method, summarized in Table ductile response (i.e., sufficient rotation capacity), moment
1, is implicitly a simplified conservative application of redistribution is allowed based on the assumption of
the direct analysis approach, targeted at rectangular or elastic-perfectly plastic hinge behavior at the limit of the
tiered building frames. White and Kim (2006) detail the member resistance from Eqs. (5). This extension satisfies
conservative assumptions invoked in the development of the AISC (2005a) Appendix I provisions for inelastic
this procedure. Although the first-order analysis method analysis and design. The separate ductility requirements
can be useful for simplified analysis and design of some in AISC (2005a) Appendix 1 include restrictions on:
types of frames, this method is really just a direct analysis • The material yield strength Fy,
with a number of simplifying assumptions. There are • The flange and web slenderness values bf/2tf and hp/tw,
numerous other ways to apply direct analysis using an • The member out-of-plane slenderness Lb/ry,
approximate second-order analysis, many of which are • The magnitude of the axial force αPr (α = 1.0 for
80 Donald W. White et al.
used for general I-section members as long as an appropriate al. (2005a & b) and White and Kim (2006) for consideration
out-of-straightness is included in the second-order of a broader range of structure types including multi-story
analysis. Members that do not satisfy all the requirements frames, braced and combined framing systems, trussed
necessary to ensure ductile response must be designed framing, PR frames, gabled frames, and frames with slender
elastically in the manner discussed in Section 2.2.1. element section members, singly-symmetric members,
The above type of analysis and design is referred to in nonprismatic members, and/or members with non-
this paper as the direct elastic-plastic hinge method. In constant axial load along their lengths.
this method, the elastic stiffness of the structure is reduced In all the following examples, the appropriate stiffness
to account for distributed yielding effects neglected in the reduction factor in the direct analysis is 0.8. That is, yP/P
elastic-plastic hinge idealization. Also, a nominal initial is always less than 0.5, and therefore τb = 1.0. The
out-of-plumbness is included to account for geometric distributed plasticity analysis is conducted using a factor
imperfection effects. These devices eliminate the need to of 0.9 on the elastic stiffness and the strength y in all
E F
calculate and apply column effective lengths in the cases. The axial force is close to or smaller than 0.1 eL
P P
context of inelastic design, as long as the second-order in all the above problems. Therefore, the column out-of-
effects are captured in the elastic-plastic hinge analysis. straightness is neglected and, to illustrate the validity of
Furthermore, these devices allow the engineer to take this option, ni is taken equal to y in the direct analysis
P P
advantage of second-order elastic-plastic hinge analysis solutions. A nominal column out-of-straightness is included
software. This kind of software is becoming more and in the direction of the member curvature due to the applied
more available in engineering practice. loadings in all of the distributed plasticity solutions, to
Other limits are possible within which the engineer may demonstrate that the direct analysis solutions give accurate
be permitted to perform a classical rigid-plastic analysis predictions for these cases with out-of-straightness
and design, e.g., see King (2001) and Davies and Brown neglected. All of the direct and distributed plasticity
(1996). These limits are not addressed in this study. analyses are conducted using an out-of-plumbness of
∆o = 0.002 , specified in the direction of the drift under
L
3. Illustrative Examples the applied loads. For the effective length method, a
second-order elastic analysis is conducted using the nominal
This section provides a number of basic examples elastic stiffness and the initially perfect geometry.
aimed at illustrating the relative merits of the various The second-order elastic and distributed plasticity
analysis and design procedures outlined in Section 2. The solutions are conducted using the GT-Sabre software system
first example addresses the strength predictions for one of (Chang 2005). A flexibility-based element (Alemdar and
the major-axis bending cases of the Fig. 3 cantilever White 2005), which is based on an equilibrium-based
beam-columns. Since this is a statically determinate distribution of moments and a correspondingly accurate
structure, inelastic analysis and design does not provide representation of inelastic curvatures (including the influence
any advantage. This example is representative of numerous of transverse distributed loads), is used for the beams.
nonredundant stability critical benchmark problems The mixed element developed by Alemdar and White
considered in the development of the direct analysis (2005), which is capable of accurate modeling of the
method (Deierlein 2003; Surovek-Maleck and White second-order moments and inelastic curvatures, is used
2003 & 2004). The second example is a nonredundant for the beam-columns. A small modulus of 0.001 is E
portal frame previously posed by LeMessurier (1977). assumed for the yielded material. The direct elastic-
This frame exhibits significant sway under gravity loadings, plastic hinge solutions are conducted using the Mastan2
due to lack of symmetry of its geometry. Also, the beam software system (McGuire et al ., 2000). For major-axis
governs its maximum resistance rather than the columns. bending, the Mastan2 yield surface, with axial force and
Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames: The AISC (2005) Specification and Beyond 81
Figure 10. Diagrams of member moments and effective moment of inertia Ie at the distributed plasticity analysis limit
load, LeMessurier’s Example 3.
Figure 16. Diagrams of member moments M and effective moment of inertia Ie at the distributed plasticity analysis limit
load, Maleck’s frame, 1.2∆ + 1.6L . r
DP-13 load case 1 (LC1). Since LC2 includes a nonzero lateral load, there is no
additional notional lateral load requirement for this load
case in AISC (2005a). The original effective length
procedure, which does not include any notional lateral
load, suggests that only 0.78 and 0.82 of the design loads
can be applied to the DP-13 frame for LC1 and LC2
respectively. That is, the effective length method gives a
capacity of only 0.78/1.13 = 0.69 and 0.82/1.06 = 0.77 of
the in-plane capacity from the distributed plasticity
analyses for LC1 and LC2. If the AISC (2005a) minimum
lateral load is included for LC1, the predicted capacity is
reduced only a slight additional amount to 0.76 of the
design load level.
Table 3 summarizes the fractions of the design loads
giving a value of 1.0 for the in-plane strength check from
Eqs. (5) for the AISC (2005a) direct (elastic) and effective
Figure 22.Design load fraction versus the story drift for length methods, as well as the maximum capacities
DP-13 load case 2 (LC2). predicted by the direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis using
Mastan2, and the distributed plasticity analysis using GT-
Sabre. The direct (elastic) analysis method gives a slightly
distributed plasticity solution closely when the larger SRF smaller maximum strength than the direct elastic-plastic
of 0.9 is employed. However, for LC1, the direct analysis hinge analysis using Mastan2 for LC1 (1.17 versus 1.19).
over-predicts the maximum load capacity by 12% when This is due to the slightly more liberal cross-section plastic
the SRF is taken as 0.9. Use of the recommended SRF of hinge strength assumed in Mastan2 compared to Eqs. (5).
0.8 results in a predicted maximum load capacity of 1.19 For LC2, the direct (elastic) analysis force-point trace
of the design load level for LC1 (5% larger than the reaches Eqs. (5) in the right-hand exterior column at a
distributed plasticity analysis solution, which is equal to design load fraction of 0.95. This value is comparable to
the acceptable tolerance on the unconservative error the first plastic hinge formation at the top of the right-
established in the original development of the LRFD hand column at 0.96 of the design loading in Mastan2.
beam-column strength interaction equations (ASCE 1997; However, as indicated in Table 3 and illustrated by the
Table 3. Applied fraction of the design loads giving a value of 1.0 for the in-plane strength check from Eqs. (5) for the
AISC (2005a) direct (elastic) and effective length methods with and without minimum lateral loads, maximum capacities
predicted by direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis using Mastan2, and maximum capacities predicted by distributed plasticity
analysis using GT-Sabre, DP-13 LC1
LC1 LC2
Direct (elastic) analysis 1.17 0.95
AISC (2005a) effective length 0.76 0.82
Effective length with zero N
i 0.78 0.82
Direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis first-hinge strength, Mastan2 1.19 0.96
Direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis limit load, Mastan2 1.19 1.02
Distributed plasticity analysis 1.13 1.06
88 Donald W. White et al.
Figure 23. Plastic hinges and deflected shape from direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis and effective moment of inertia Ie
at the distributed plasticity analysis limit load, DP-13 LC2.
Figure 24. Plastic hinges and deflected shape from direct elastic-plastic hinge analysis and effective moment of inertia Ie
at the distributed plasticity analysis limit load, DP-13 LC1.
hinge analysis predicts the formation of a sway mechanism, column by the original effective length method, the direct
by plastic hinging at the tops of each of the exterior analysis method and the distributed plasticity analysis
method versus the effective length and direct analysis
columns, at its predicted capacity of 1.02 of LC2. strength curves, DP-13 LC1.
Figure 24 shows the corresponding predictions for
LC1. In this case, no plastic hinges have fully formed at
any location in the frame (i.e, Ie/I > 0 everywhere) at the Fig. 25. This figure compares the force-point trace at the
predicted capacity of 1.13 of the design loading in the top of the right-hand column predicted by the original
distributed plasticity analysis. The direct elastic-plastic effective length method (no notional minimum lateral
hinge solution reaches its limit load (at 1.19 of the design load) and the AISC (2005a) direct (elastic) analysis
loading) when a hinge forms at the top of the right-hand method to the corresponding force-point trace from the
column. distributed plasticity analysis for LC1. The AISC (2005a)
The key reason for the underestimation of the load strength envelopes (Eqs. (5)) are shown as dashed curves
capacities by the effective length method is illustrated in in the figure. The significant in-plane stability effects in
Stability Analysis and Design of Steel Building Frames: The AISC (2005) Specification and Beyond 89
hand column is 5.02 using a rigorous sidesway buckling subsequently factoring the abscissa and ordinate of the
analysis (comparable values are obtained using the resulting strength curves by φ and φ . The appropriate
b c
equations in the AISC (2005a) Commentary, as long as nominal residual stress, geometric imperfection, and
the leaner column effects and the effect of the simple material stress-strain idealizations for use of distributed
connections at the inside ends of the exterior girders are plasticity analysis in a design context are discussed. Also,
correctly incorporated). a simple limit on the magnitude of the axial force is
The direct analysis method gives a substantially larger provided within which member out-of-straightness may
estimate of the in-plane resistance because it focuses on be neglected in a distributed plasticity analysis.
a more realistic estimate of the internal moments and the Secondly, three specific elastic methods of analysis and
corresponding member resistances. In determining the design detailed in AISC (2005a) are discussed in the
anchor point P for its beam-column strength envelope,
n(KL) context of the above refined inelastic analysis and design
the effective length method overemphasizes the response procedure. These are the direct analysis, the effective
of the structure to idealized loads causing uniform axial length and the first-order analysis methods. The new
compression in all of the columns. The physical strength AISC (2005a) direct analysis method provides a better
of the DP-13 frame is dominated by its amplified internal approximation of the results from refined distributed
moments, a large fraction of which is not related to the plasticity analysis. By improving the accuracy of the
sidesway of the structure. The limit of the DP-13 frame analysis, the direct analysis method allows for greater
resistance is tied essentially to the flexural resistance of simplicity in the design checks by eliminating the need
the right-hand beam-column and the amplified internal for effective length factors. Also, a more accurate
moments in this member, not by a column failure under characterization of the overall strength is attained in
concentrically-applied axial loads. general.
When the effective length method is applied to the DP- Thirdly, the paper presents a basic extension of the
13 frame, the design resistance is governed by the in- direct (elastic) analysis method that satisfies the intent of
plane strength of the leeward beam-column (Eqs. (5)) for the Specification and captures the beneficial effects of
both LC1 and LC2 (rather than the out-of-plane strength inelastic redistribution from compact adequately-braced
as represented by Eq. (6)). However, the out-of-plane members after the individual member resistances are
strength based on Eq. (6) governs slightly relative to the reached. This extension, termed the direct elastic-plastic
in-plane strength in both the distributed plasticity analysis hinge analysis method, is obtained simply by approximating
as well as the direct analysis methods. Eq. (6) is intersected the response of these types of members by an elastic-
by the direct (elastic) analysis force-point trace for the perfectly plastic hinge model at the Specification limit of
right-hand column at 1.16 and 0.94 of LC1 and LC2 the member resistance.
respectively. The right-hand column does not satisfy the Lastly, four examples are provided that illustrate key
AISC (2005a) unbraced length requirements for inelastic characteristics of each of the above analysis and design
design using braces only at its ends. Additional out-of-plane methods. The direct elastic and elastic-plastic hinge analysis
bracing would be required to satisfy these requirements methods provide accurate elastic and inelastic approximations
such that the inelastic reserve strength illustrated by Fig. of the refined distributed plasticity solutions. The effective
22 can be utilized based on the AISC requirements. length analysis and design method is shown to give
accurate to conservative solutions for the in-plane beam-
4. Conclusions column resistances in all of the example cases. However,
the effective length method significantly underestimates
This paper explains the AISC (2005a) stability analysis the internal moments that the beam, connection, and out-
and design provisions with an emphasis on their relationship of-plane beam-column resistances must accommodate in
to refined second-order inelastic analysis methods and on certain cases. Furthermore, the effective length method is
how they can facilitate the use of second-order inelastic shown to give conservative solutions for beam-columns
analysis in practical design. in sway frames where a large percentage of the moments
First, an appropriate application of second-order distributed are due to non-sway gravity loading. AISC (2005a)
plasticity analysis is discussed for refined assessment of requires the use of a notional minimum lateral load in
adequately braced compact I-section members and structural gravity-only load combinations, and limits the application
systems. The base AISC (2005a) beam-column strength of the effective length method to frames having ∆2nd/∆1st
interaction equations have been developed in part by < 1.5 to control these errors. The AISC (2005a) direct
calibration against the results from refined inelastic elastic analysis method is generally applicable to all types
analyses of this type. The paper recommends that for of frame structures. The direct elastic-plastic hinge method
distributed plasticity analysis, both the material elastic is a useful extension of this method that facilitates
stiffnesses (E) and strengths (F ) should be reduced up
y simplified inelastic analysis and design.
front by the factors φb = φc = 0.9. This is necessary to
90 Donald W. White et al.
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