Theory of Elastic Analysis-Illusion and Superstition

摘要

Building Codes have specified for the purpose of design, that "Theory of Elastic Frames" be used for analyses of indeterminate structures. Sophisticated computer software has been developed based on the condition of elastic response to loading. Designers rely on computed results from such analyses as if those results were perfect and reliable evaluations of structural behavior. The influence of assumptions regarding accepted simplifications, member stiffnesses, load definitions and frame connectivity is addressed. Reliability from elastic analyses is revealed as an illusion, and less sophisticated alternate analytic requirements are suggested.