Plastic Design Of Steel Structures

The plastic analysis method has been used extensively by engineers for designing steel structures. Simpler structures can be analyzed using the basic virtual work formulation, but more complex frames are evaluated with specialist computer software. This new book sets out a method for carrying out plastic analysis of complex structures without the need for specialist tools. The book provides an introduction to the use of linear programming techniques for plastic analysis. This powerful and advanced method for plastic analysis is important in an automated computational environment, in particular for non-linear structural analysis. A detailed comparison between the design codes for the United States and Australia and the emerging European Eurocodes enables practising engineers to understand the issues involved in plastic design procedures and the limitations imposed by this design method. * Covers latest research in plastic analysis and analytical tools * Introduces new successive approximation method for calculating collapse loads * Programming guide for using spreadsheet tools for plastic analysis

Plastic Design of Steel Frames assesses the current status and future direction of computer-based analyses of inelastic strength and stability for direct frame design. It shows how design rules are used in practical frame design and provides an introduction to the second-order theory of inelastic frame design. The book includes two computer programs on a diskette: one for the first-order analyses and the other for the second-order plastic hinge analysis of planar frame design. The second-order program can be used to predict realistic strengths and stabilities of planar frames, thereby eliminating the tedious task of estimating factors for individual member capacity checks. Both programs include clear input instructions. The diskette also contains the Fortran source-code listing for the second-order plastic-hinge analysis, enabling the user to customize the program. The programs will run on an IBM PC-AT or equivalent machine with 640 kB of memory and 30 MB hard drive.

This book introduces the fundamental design concept of Eurocode 3 for current steel structures in building construction, and their practical application. Following a discussion of the basis of design, including the principles of reliability management and the limit state approach, the material standards and their use are detailed. The fundamentals of structural analysis and modeling are presented, followed by the design criteria and approaches for various types of structural members. The theoretical basis and checking procedures are closely tied to the Eurocode requirements. The following chapters expand on the principles and applications of elastic and plastic design, each exemplified by the step-by-step design calculation of a braced steel-framed building and an industrial building, respectively. Besides providing the necessary theoretical concepts for a good understanding, this manual intends to be a supporting tool for the use of practicing engineers. In order of this purpose, throughout the book, numerous worked examples are provided, concerning the analysis of steel structures and the design of elements under several types of actions. These examples will facilitate the acceptance of the code and provide for a smooth transition from earlier national codes to the Eurocode.