A NLP approach for evaluating storey-buckling strengths of steel frames under variable loading

Abstract

The problem of determining elastic buckling strengths for unbraced steel frames under variable loading is investigated in this paper. Whereas the pattern of applied loads is specified prior to stability analysis of a frame under proportional loading, load patterns are not predefined in variable loading. The conventional methods for evaluating the stability strength of unbraced frames under proportional loading are not applicable for variable loading, since the load pattern is unknown. Taking into account the concept of storey-based buckling, the problem of frame stability under variable loading is presented as a pair of minimization and maximization problems subject to stability constraints, which are solved by a nonlinear programming (NLP) method. The proposed variable loading approach takes into account the variability of applied loads during the life span of the structure, and as such, provides accurate evaluation of elastic frame-buckling strengths.