Unbraced Composite Frames: Application of the Wind Moment Method ul
critical for the design of intemal columns when heavy imposed loads are present on long span
beams.
For beam design under gravity loading an end restraint moment of 10% of the maximum sagging
moment in the beam should be assumed. For horizontal loading, frame analysis should be by the
“portal method”.
Composite beams should be Class 1 designed for 90% of their plastic moment of resistance at mid-
span. This provision has been introduced so as to ensure that adequate rotation capacity is present
in the composite connections to develop the required span moment. Previous studies, Li, Choo
and Nethercot, (1995), Nethercot, Li and Choo, (1995), have shown both that the available rotation
capacity of composite connections is limited and that the non-linear relationship between beam span
design moment and the amount of moment redistribution necessary to achieve this substantially
reduces the rotational demands on the connections
Columns, which are assumed to be of bare steel, should be designed by the usual interaction
formula approach, Effective lengths for in-plane and out of plane checks should be taken as 1.51.
and 1.0L respectively. Column end moments should allow for both the end restraint moment due
to partial fixity when considering gravity loading and the moments calculated due to horizontal
loading
Connections must be designed for both maximum hogging and minimum sagging loads in
recognition of the fact that wind loading can reverse
The parametric study indicated deflections under serviceability loading to be of the order of 30%
greater than those calculated assuming rigid joints due to the greater overall flexibility of the frames
with semi-rigid connections. Rather than permit the use of any method for the determination of
sway deflections, a development of that proposed by
Wood and Roberts, (1975), that employed a simple graphical technique is proposed. In this way the
common drift limit of h/300 recommended by BSS950: Part 1 and EC3 may be achieved. In
addition to considering the behaviour of the complete frame, it is important to check each individual
story. The first story is likely to be the most critical, typically accounting for the percentage of total
frame sway indicated in Table 3
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of a carefull numerical study that employed a synthesis of the best currently
available scientific evidence, proposals for the application of the Wind Moment Method to the
design of a restricted range of unbraced composite frames have been made. In application, these
closely follow the established procedure of the SCI Design Guide for bare steel frames. The
background study has, however, recognised the need to properly consider the behaviour of both the
composite beams and the composite connections; it has also recognised the desirability of using
less than fully rigid column bases. In deriving the design procedure, account has been taken of
industry wishes, important practical differences in the likely configuration of composite frames
from steel frames and recent changes in the general structural design climate in the UK.