A finite element model for the analysis of flexibly connected steel frames

A finite element model for the non-linear analysis of flexibly connected steel frames is proposed. The element is regarded as an assemblage of individual parts whose behaviour is described in terms of generalized stresses and strains. Displacements and plastic strain fields are independently modelled. The former are a function of 13 nodal parameters and constitute a typical application of a hierarchical procedure. The latter are modelled over the cross section, along the element and in the six springs located at the ends of the beam. Examples to show the importance of considering the non-linear behaviour of the connections in the frame analysis are proposed.