Plastic design of multi-storey sway frames

Abstract

Ultimate load methods have become increasingly popular in recent years, and a now widely used in preference to the traditional allowable stress approach. In particular, the simple plastic theory has been applied to the design of a large number of steel structures. Its use has, however, been restricted to frameworks with comparatively few storeys, since, in tall buildings, the presence of high axial loads in the columns invalidates one of the basic assumptions of the theory. In addition, simple plastic design is prohibited for tall frameworks which are required to resist wind loading without the aid of bracing, since the large sidesway deflections which are produced again violate the basic assumption that changes of geometry are small and may therefore be neglected. This thesis describes the development of a rational form of ultimate load design for multi-storey sway frames. It is shown that the simple plastic equations only require slight modification in order to take account of the instability effects. Furthermore, iterative use of these modified equations produces a design which is economical, whilst satisfying an exacting set of design criteria. A variety of design aids have been developed in order to reduce the design time and the quantity of areEneticel work involved, with the result that frameworks of any size may be designed without the aid of an electronic computer. To assess the validity of the proposed design equations, a range of frameworks designed by the method has been analysed using an accurate computer program, which traces the complete load-deformation behaviour up to collapse. The economy of the design method has been examined by comparison with several frameworks designed by other methods. Due to approximations in the design approach, it is not possible to produce the minimum-weight. solution, but a safe, extremely economical framework is obtained.

Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Additional Information: Copyright © Howard W. Sinclair-Jones, 1969. Howard W. Sinclair-Jones asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this thesis. This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with its author and that no quotation from the thesis and no information derived from it may be published without appropriate permission or acknowledgement. If you have discovered material in Aston Publications Explorer which is unlawful e.g. breaches copyright, (either yours or that of a third party) or any other law, including but not limited to those relating to patent, trademark, confidentiality, data protection, obscenity, defamation, libel, then please read our Takedown Policy and contact the service immediately.
Institution: Aston University
Uncontrolled Keywords: plastic,design,sway frames,multi-storey sway frames
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2023 08:43
Date Deposited: 20 Feb 2014 09:58
Completed Date: 1969-11
Authors: Sinclair-Jones, Howard W.

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