Numerical modeling and nonlinear analysis of semi-rigid jointed steel frames

This paper investigates the effect of semi-rigid connection, geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity in steel frame analysis. To study the independent and combined effects of different nonlinearities, elastic and inelastic analyses are carried out using general purpose finite element software SAP2000. Connections are modeled as rotational springs and frame as one dimensional beam element. Verification and application of the simplified numerical model developed in the present study is demonstrated by considering different examples and comparing the results of present study with those available in the published literature. Numerical alternatives, key features about modeling and necessary input parameters are discussed in detail. Rotational springs are characterized by linear, bilinear, multi-linear or nonlinear moment-rotation relationships of the connection. Results in terms of beam moment and nodal displacement are presented for both elastic and inelastic analyses. With the increase in connection flexibility, beam mid-span moments and displacements increase, but beam-end moments decrease. It is observed that the influence of connection nonlinearity dominates over material and geometric nonlinearities.