Plastic collapse of general frames

A structural theory is presented for the large static plastic deformation of space frames composed of thin walled members. Displacements comparable to the overall structural dimensions are contemplated. The frame is considered to consist of an arbitrary number of beam elements connected at node points. The analysis assumes that plastic deformation is confined to idealized hinges located at the node points. As a basis for a general frame computer program, the equations for a beam element are derived as a relationship between appropriate generalized force and deformation rates. The structural constitutive theory employed for the plastic hinge includes biaxial bending, torsion, and axial extension. It accounts for reduction in the load carrying capacity of the hinge due to local deformation. Predicted force-deformation curves for a space frame are in good agreement with experimental results.