IMPLICATIONS OF USING REFINED PLASTIC HINGE ANALYSIS FOR LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN

A plastic hinge analysis based on a two-surface stiffness degradation model is outlined for second-order inelastic analysis of steel structu res. The analysis approach is based opt refinements to the elastic-pla stic hinge method and allows for a smooth transition from initial yiel ding to the full yielding of cross-sections in a beam-column element. This analysis method shows a good representation of the inelastic stru ctural response compared to the conventional elastic-plastic hinge ana lysis, and it is efficient for use in the analysis design of large-sca le structures. Design implications, recommendations and case studies f or use of refined plastic hinge analysis for direct frame design consi dering semirigid connection effects are presented.