Design for Stability
CE470 Spring 2014
J. Liu
What is Stability?
the capacity of a compression member,
element, or frame to remain in position
and support load, even if forced slightly
out of line or position by an added lateral
force (Galambos, 1998)
Figure from NASCC: The Steel Conference 2014, Session N40, Geschwindner
5 factors that influence stability
Member, component, and connection
deformations
Second-order effects (P-D and P-d)
Geometric imperfections (out-of-plumbness or
out-of-straightness)
Stiffness reductions due to inelasticity (residual
stresses)
Variability in component and system stiffness
The Evolution of Stability Provisions in the AISC Specification, C.J. Carter, 2013.
AISC Chapter C: Design for Stability
Direct Analysis Method of Design
Calculation of required strengths Section C2
Calculation of available strengths Section C3
Alternative Methods of Design
Effective Length method and first-order analysis
method permitted for structures that satisfy the
constraints in Appendix 7
Use of approximate method of second-order
analysis (B1, B2) permitted as an alternative
(Appendix 8) to rigorous second-order analysis
Appendix 7 - Constraints
Appendix 7 Required Strengths
Appendix 7 Available Strengths
B1,B2 OK
AISC C2.2b
Notional Loads
N2=0.002aY2
N1=0.002aY1
Y2
Y1
Ni=0.002aYi
a=1.0 (LRFD)
AISC Code of Standard Practice (Section 16.3)
Notional Loads
N2=0.002aY2
N1=0.002aY1
Y2
Y1
500
1
Member out-of-plumbness
AISC C2.2b
Notional Loads
N2=0.002aY2
N1=0.002aY1
Y2
Y1
Direct Analysis Method - Advantages
No K-factor calculations (K = 1.0)
Good! K often difficult to predict; alignment
charts utilize many assumptions
Internal forces more accurately represented
At ultimate capacity (e.g., inelasticity)
Method applies logically & consistently to all
framing systems
Braced frames, moment frames, trusses, etc.
More economical in some cases
Just one example for K
AISC C2
Direct Analysis Method
N2=0.002aY2
N1=0.002aY1
Y2
Y2
Y1
Y1
Notional Loads
OR
Direct Modeling of
Imperfections
AISC C2.3
Adjustments to Stiffness
N2=0.002aY2
N1=0.002aY1
Y2
Y2
Y1
Y1
OR
Reduced stiffnesses 0.8EA and 0.8tbEI
(including in B1-B2 amplification, if used)
AISC C2.3
Adjustments to Stiffness
Stability Analysis: Its not as Hard as you Think, C.M. Hewitt, 2008.
5 factors that influence stability
Effective Length Method
Member, component, and connection
deformations addressed directly in analysis
Second-order effects (P-D and P-d) rigorous
second-order analysis or first-order with B1-B2
Geometric imperfections (out-of-plumbness
[notional loads] or out-of-straightness [column
design equations for effect on member
strength])
The Evolution of Stability Provisions in the AISC Specification, C.J. Carter, 2013.
5 factors that influence stability
Effective Length Method, contd.
Stiffness reductions due to inelasticity (residual
stresses) -- column design equations for effect
on member strength
Variability in component and system stiffness
in resistance and safety factors!
But K must be calculated and used to account for
effects on structure stiffness of member out-ofstraightness, residual stresses, and variability in
component and system stiffness.
The Evolution of Stability Provisions in the AISC Specification, C.J. Carter, 2013.
5 factors that influence stability
Direct Analysis Method
Member, component, and connection
deformations addressed directly in analysis
Second-order effects (P-D and P-d) rigorous
second-order analysis or first-order with B1-B2
Geometric imperfections (out-of-plumbness
[notional loads or direct modeling] or out-ofstraightness [column design equations; and
reduced stiffness for effect on structure
stiffness])
The Evolution of Stability Provisions in the AISC Specification, C.J. Carter, 2013.
5 factors that influence stability
Direct Analysis Method, contd.
Stiffness reductions due to inelasticity (residual
stresses) -- column design equations; and
reduced stiffness for effect on structure stiffness
Variability in component and system stiffness
in resistance and safety factors!
The Evolution of Stability Provisions in the AISC Specification, C.J. Carter, 2013.
AISC C-C2.3
Direct Analysis Method
Step-by-Step
Create a model of the lateral force resisting
frame, including the leaning columns.
Reduce the stiffnesses (modify E) of the lateral
framing members in your model.
Apply notional loads or directly model the
imperfections
Conduct a second-order analysis (rigorous or
B1-B2 amplification on first-order)
Stability Analysis: Its not as Hard as you Think, C.M. Hewitt, 2008.
Step-by-Step contd.
Design members using the AISC Specification
and K=1.0.
If using structural analysis program to do this,
reset E to 29,000 ksi.
Check lateral drift limits for wind and seismic.
Stability Analysis: Its not as Hard as you Think, C.M. Hewitt, 2008.
