Safety of Type Steel Frames Under Load Cycles

Abstract

The paper explores the safety of unbraced steel building frames designed according to AISC Type 2 construction under cyclic loadings. The study proceeds in the following steps: The probability of occurrence of live‐wind load cycles of various intensities to be expected during the lifetime of the structure is computed. A series of Type 2 frames is designed, following AISC specifications and common office practice. These frames are analyzed for behavior and strength under load cycles, using a previously developed nonlinear analysis program. Comparing expected cyclic load intensities and predicted frame resistances, it is concluded that these frames have ample safety against the liveand wind‐load cycles to be expected during the lifetime of the structure.