Limit analysis of planar steel frames, in-element plastic-hinge for uniformly distributed loads

Abstract

This work calculates the collapse load and collapse mechanism of 2D frames with slender structural members and uniformly distributed loads. The search for the collapse mechanism and the collapse load is carried out using step by step method: the load factor is increased and at each step the balance and compatibility equations must be satisfied that the value of the plastic moment is not exceeded in any section. It is verified that the results are different in the cases of point loads and uniform distributed loads, both from a qualitative and quantitative point of view.