Stability of steel frames: the cases for simple elastic and rigorous inelastic analysis/design procedures

In this paper, two stability design approaches that are alternatives to traditional buckling-solution based procedures are outlined and their merits are discussed. The first approach, which is commonly referred to as a notional load type procedure, is effectively a modified first plastic hinge technique. This approach provides a simple elastic analysis based solution for the stability design of steel frames. The second approach, termed an advanced analysis design procedure, involves the use of a rigorous second-order inelastic analysis as part of the design assessment. Several examples are provided to illustrate the implications of these alternative procedures relative to the use of traditional buckling solution based design equations.