Serviceability limit state (SLS) design of unbraced low-rise semi-rigid steel frames with hollow structural sections

摘要

Traditionally, joints are either assumed to be pinned or fully rigid, but in reality many can possess a significant level of stiffness giving them a semi-rigid classification. For low-rise steel frames, the stiffness in such semi-rigid joints may be sufficient for serviceability limit state (SLS) design to control the sway deflection. This paper presents a design procedure on how the semi-rigid design approach may be applied to steel frames using Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) as columns and blindbolted endplate connections.