Nonlinear dynamic analysis of frames with plastic hinges at arbitrary locations

Abstract

This paper presents a method for nonlinear dynamic analysis of frames subjected to distributed loads, which is based on the semi-rigid technique and moving node strategy. The plastic hinge is modelled as a pseudo-semi-rigid connection with nonlinear hysteretic moment–curvature characteristics at element ends. The stiffness matrix with material and geometric nonlinearities is expressed as a sum of products of the standard and geometric stiffness matrices with their corresponding correction matrices based on the plasticity-factors developed from the section flexural stiffness at the plastic hinge locations. Each beam member is modelled by two elements. The moving node strategy is applied to the intermediate node to track the exact location of any intermediate plastic hinge that may be formed. Equilibrium iterations and geometry updating are carried out in every time step. Stiffness degradation is adopted to describe the deterioration of plastic hinges, and the effects of various parameters in the degradation model are evaluated. Examples are used to illustrate the applicability and excellent performance of the proposed method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.