This book is devoted to the discussion and studies of simple and efficient numerical procedures for large deflection and elasto-plastic analysis of steel frames under static and dynamic loading. In chapter 1, the basic fundamental behaviour and philosophy for design of structural steel is discussed, emphasising different modes of buckling and the inter-relationship between different types of analysis. In addition to this, different levels of refinement for non-linear analysis are described. An introduction is also given to the well-known P-&dgr; and P-&Dgr; effects. Chapter 2 presents the basic matrix method of analysis and gives several examples of linear analysis of semi-rigid pointed frames. It is evident from this that one must have a good understanding of first-order linear analysis before handling a second-order non-linear analysis. In chapter 3, the linearized bifurcation and second-order large deflection are compared and the detailed procedure for a second-order analysis based on the Newton-Raphson scheme is described. Chapter 4 introduces various solution schemes for tracing of post-buckling equilibrium paths and the Minimum Residual Displacement control method with arc-length load step control is employed for the post-buckling analysis of two and three dimensional structures. Chapter 5 addresses the non-linear behaviour and modelling of semi-rigid connections while several numerical functions for description of moment versus rotation curves of typical connection types are introduced. The scope of the work in chapter 6 covers semi-rigid connections and material yielding to the static analysis of steel frames. Chapter 7 studies the cyclic response of steel frames with semi-rigid joints and elastic material characteristics. In the last chapter the combined effects of semi-rigid connections and plastic hinges on steel frames under time-dependent loads are studied using a simple springs-in-series model. For computational effectiveness and efficiency, the concentrated plastic hinge concept is used throughout these studies.
