Abstract:
The model presented on this article is a semi-analytical method, developed for the study of two dimensional steel structures made of linear members. It allies the lightness and rapidity of the "cross section models" with the accuracy of the numerical methods, fulfilling the exigencies mentioned above.
The control variables are the global deformations of the cross section. A new representation of the domains of evolution of the cross section behaviour, based on these control variables, is presented. The calculation of the section efforts and stiffness is developed analytically for all possible combinations of global deformations evolution. The resulting expressions, written in a non dimensional form, enable a fast computation of these variables, which makes the application of this model specially suitable for very heavy calculations, as in reliability studies for example.
The formulation of this model is introduced, and an example of its application to the study of the influence of the material hardening and spreading of the yielding, on the cross section behaviour, is shown for two different types of section shapes.
