LIMIT STATES DESIGN OF SEMIRIGID FRAMES USING ADVANCED ANALYSIS .2. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

This paper presents an integrated advanced inelastic analysis method f or proportioning semi-rigid steel frame structures in which the beam-t o-column connections are composed of angles. The modeling of connectio n moment-rotation curves and their classifications have been presented and discussed in a companion paper. An approach called the second-ord er refined plastic hinge analysis is introduced. The method is validat ed by comparing the results with those obtained based on a more exact plastic zone analysis. It is shown that the refined plastic hinge anal ysis provides a good representation of inelastic behavior, and that it enables the full assessment of system and member inelastic behavior u p to the limit state of strength. This analysis method is used to asse ss the adequacy of a two-dimensional semi-rigid frame, and its members and connections in resisting the factored load effects. The design is evaluated with respect to the systems's strength and serviceability l imit states, including conformance with the code requirements for stre ngth and stability of individual members, and rotation capacity of con nections. The inclusions of connection nonlinear effects in advanced i nelastic analysis provide a straightforward task for proportioning of frame members and connections, thus avoiding the complexity of having to perform specification member capacity checks for individual frame m embers.