Frame method for building analysis: joint rotations and shear deformation

Abstract

In conventional frame methods, the lintel beams are assumed to be rigidly connected to the horizontal rigid arms such that the rotations of the beams at the joints are equal to those of the rigid arms. However, this would lead to incompatibility at the joints. It is found in this study that the rotations of the beams at the joints should instead be taken as the rotations of the wall axis. Reformulation of the method accordingly reveals that the shear deformation of the walls should really be allowed for in the rigid arms rather than in the column elements.