DYNAMIC-RESPONSE OF FLEXIBLY JOINTED FRAMES

A bounding-line model simulating the hysteretic M-theta(r) behaviour o f flexible joints under dynamic loading conditions is presented. The f our parameters required to describe this model are evaluated and prese nted using existing test data for different types of connections. The proposed model has been cast into a two-node zero length connection el ement and used to model the nonlinear dynamic response of flexibly joi nted frames. It is shown that the presence of flexible joints alters t he vibration characteristics of the structure. Depending on the excita tion frequency, the presence of flexible joints can either dampen or m agnify the structural response.