ABSTRACT
SUMMARY
The nonlinear analysis of plane elastic and orthogonal frameworks is presented. The static loading consists of both eccentric concentrated loads (near the joints) and uniformly distributed loads on all or few members. The joints can be either rigid or flexible. The flexible joint connection is characterised by connecting one member to an adjoining one through a rotational spring (with linear or nonlinear stiffness). The supports are immovable but are also characterised with rotational restraint by employing linear rotational springs. The mathematical formulation is presented in detail and the solution methodology is outlined and demonstrated through several examples. These examples include two-bar frames, portal frames as well as multi-bay multi-storey frames. The emphasis is placed on obtaining sway buckling loads and prebuckling and postbuckling behaviours, whenever applicable. Finally, some general concluding remarks are presented on the basis of the generated results.
