Advanced analysis of imperfect portal frames with semirigid base connections

A robust finite element procedure for large deflection and inelastic analysis of imperfect steel frames with semirigid base is proposed and the nonlinear behavior of semirigid frames with various modes of initial imperfection is studied. Special consideration to the method of simulating the frame initial imperfections is given. The refined plastic hinge method is used for modeling of the section plastification and both the notional force and the initially imperfect geometry of the frames obtained by an eigenvalue buckling analysis are used for modeling the geometrical imperfections. The difference between the notional force and the eigenbuckling mode models and of semirigid base connections are studied. From the examples reported in this paper, the effective length is not required to be assumed and the advanced analysis is noted to be applicable to practical design of this type of steel frames.