NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis

SN029a-EN-EU
NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis
This NCCI gives some information about the modelling of portal frames for elastic global
analysis. The modelling of the loading is not covered.

Contents
1. Modelling of the geometry of portal frames 2
2. Modelling of the connections 4

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NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis
SN029a-EN-EU
1. Modelling of the geometry of portal frames
1.1 General
The internal forces and moments in structures are usually calculated using a software
programme. For common buildings, designers often prefer using, where relevant, 2D models
whose data are easier to input and results are easier to deal with than 3D models. Portal
frames can generally be calculated using a 2D model.
The model uses beam elements which are represented by lines. The line should be the one
passing through the centroid of the cross-sections of the beams and columns. So the effective
span length of the portal frame is the distance between the centroidal axes of the columns
(Figure 1.1).
It is possible to take into account the real width of the members by:
increasing locally the rigidity of the elements,
using specific link elements (see Figure 1.2).
1.2 Haunches
In most of portal frames, the resistance of the rafter is increased at the eaves by using
haunches. Haunches are tapered parts of the rafter (Figure 1.2). The modelling of haunches
for the global analysis of the portal frame may be neglected depending on the size of these
parts:
length of haunches in comparison with the span length of the frame
depth of haunches in comparison with the depth of the rafter.
It is up to the designer to appreciate whether the haunch has to be taken into account or not.
Note that the stiffness of the haunches may have a favourable effect on the global stiffness of
the frame and may reduce the displacements. In some cases, the increased stiffness of the
haunches may be taken into account even if the change of the geometry is not considered in
the modelling.
1.3 Tapered members
In portal frames made of fabricated welded profiles, columns may be designed as tapered
members. These members often have constant flange sections and a linearly variable depth of
the web. The external flange is generally vertical and consequently, the internal flange is
inclined and the centre-line is inclined as well. This inclination should be correctly taken into
account in the modelling of the frame.
1.4 Equivalent imperfections
EN 1993-1-1 requires equivalent geometric imperfections to be taken into account in the
global analysis (see EN 1993-1-1 5.3). Global and/or local equivalent imperfections may be
taken into account either by the modelling of the frame or by equivalent loads. The first
possibility may impose a specific discretization of the model.

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NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis
SN029a-EN-EU

1
3
2
4

1 Centroid axes
2 Cladding
3 Effective span length

4 Total width of the building

Figure 1.1 Modelling of the members of a portal frame


1


1

Effect of the tapered haunch negligible Effect of the tapered haunch NOT negligible

1 Link elements

Figure 1.2 Modelling of the haunch
1.5 Cross-section properties
The global analysis is generally carried out using the gross section properties. According to
EN 1993-1-1 5.2.1(5), the effects of local buckling on the stiffness should be taken into
account if this significantly influences the global analysis. EN 1993-1-5 2.2(5) provides a
criterion, depending on the effective area to gross are ratio.
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NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis
SN029a-EN-EU
2. Modelling of the connections
EN 1993 may require the behaviour of the connections to be taken into account in the global
analysis, depending on the relative moment-rotation stiffness. EN 1993-1-8 provides rules to
consider the joint as:
simple (pinned),
continuous (the joint behaviour may be assumed to have no influence on the analysis),
semi-continuous (the joint behaviour needs to be taken into account).
This classification requires knowledge of the joint behaviour, previous to the analysis of the
frame.
A simple method is to assume the rafter-to-column joints as continuous. Then the joint must
be designed as a rigid connection according to EN 1993-1-8 in order to conform to the initial
assumption.
Of course the designer may choose to include the joint behaviour in the global analysis of the
portal frame. This may lead to an iterative process between the sizing of the members and the
design of the connections.
These considerations also apply to the column bases.
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NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis
SN029a-EN-EU
Quality Record
RESOURCE TITLE NCCI: Modelling of portal frames - elastic analysis
Reference(s)
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT
Name Company Date
Created by Alain BUREAU CTICM 20/12/2005
Technical content checked by Yvan Gala CTICM 20/12/2005
Editorial content checked by
Technical content endorsed by the
following STEEL Partners:

1. UK G W Owens SCI 2/3/06
2. France Alain Bureau CTICM 2/3/06
3. Sweden A Olsson SBI 2/3/06
4. Germany C Mller RWTH 2/3/06
5. Spain J Chica Labein 2/3/06
Resource approved by Technical
Coordinator
G W Owens SCI 23/5/06
TRANSLATED DOCUMENT
This Translation made and checked by:
Translated resource approved by:

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