Dynamic response of flexibly jointed frames

A bounding-line model simulating the hystereticM-θr behaviour of flexible joints under dynamic loading conditions is presented. The four parameters required to describe this model are evaluated and presented using existing test data for different types of connections. The proposed model has been cast into a two-node zero length connection element and used to model the nonlinear dynamic response of flexibly jointed frames. It is shown that the presence of flexible joints alters the vibration characteristics of the structure. Depending on the excitation frequency, the presence of flexible joints can either dampen or magnify the structural response.