Simplified Frame Analysis

Figure 3.11 2-D simplification of a 3-D

skeletal structure.
• It is therefore possible to begin a global analysis
by first considering the behaviour of a
continuous frame and identifying the positions
where suitable connections in a precast frame
may be made.
• A two-dimensional in-the-plane simplification is
appropriate in the first instance.
Figure 3.12 Deformation and bending moment
distribution in a continuous structure subjected to (a)
gravity loads and (b) horizontal sway load.
Figure 3.13 Beam half-joints at 0.1× span close
to points of contraflexure in a continuous beam
• H-frame connections are designed with finite moment
capacity, this also gives safety and stability to the H-frames,
which by their nature tend to be massive.
• The foundation to half-storey height ground floor columns
must be rigid. The connection at the upper end of the
column may be pinned if it is located at a point of
contraflexure. If not the connection must possess flexural
strength as shown in Figure 3.17, where the H-frame has
been used in a number of multi-storey grandstands.
3.3.1 Two-dimensional plane frames

• The object of analysis of a structure is to

determine bending moments, shear and
axial forces throughout the structure.
Monolithic two-dimensional plane frames
are analysed using either rigorous elastic
analysis, for example moment distribution
or stiffness method, either manually or
using a computer program.
•
• Moment redistribution may be
included in the analysis if appropriate.
However, often it is only required to
determine the moments and forces in
one beam or one column.
• so codes of practice allow simplified substructuring
techniques to be used to obtain these values. Figure
3.18 gives one such substructure, called a ‘subframe’ –
refer to (Bhatt et al. 2014) for further details.

• If the frame is fairly regular, that is spans and loads

are within 15% of each other, substructuring gives
90%–95% agreement with full frame analysis.
Figure 3.18 Substructuring method for
internal beam in a continuous frame.