ABSTRACT
Behaviors of beam-columns are described in this chapter for the entire range of monotonic axial loading up to ultimate load, including post-buckling unloading using approximate methods. The analytical method utilized in this chapter is the so-called “assumed deflection” method. This method is not only simple to use, but also gives a reasonably accurate solution for practical use. In this chapter, some reasonable simplifications are made to reduce the computing complexity so that the results can serve a practical use. The four approximate methods are used in this chapter based on the assumption of different deflection shapes for the column and the simplification of moment-curvature relationships for the cross section. The four methods are: plastic hinge method, modified plastic hinge method, exact moment-curvature method, and average flow moment method. The method of analysis described is intended to trace the load-deflection response of a beam-column from zero load upward as exactly as possible within the limitation of using an assumed deflection function.
