Plastic Analysis of Laterally Stable Beams

See S&J Sects. 7.1-7.4 & 10.1-10.3

Simple beam behavior (no LTB and no local

buckling) up to Mp (per Segui Fig. 5.3)
Moment-rotation behavior (actual vs. idealized)

Incremental Elastic Analysis (incl. path)

Linear elastic segments for nonlinear analysis
Simple beam example (statically determinate)

Static Equilibrium Method (@ Mechanism)

Simple beam example (determinate)
Propped cantilever example (indeterminate) 1
 Formalization of Plastic Analysis
Upper Bound Theorem of Plasticity:
For Pn computed on the basis of an assumed
mechanism, Pn Pn(max.) {M could be > Mp}

Lower Bound Theorem of Plasticity:

For Pn computed on the basis of an assumed
equilibrium moment diagram (w/ all M Mp),
Pn Pn(max.) {may not be a mechanism}

Uniqueness Theorem of Plasticity:

If we can find a mechanism, that is in
equilibrium w/ all M Mp, then Pn = Pn(max.) 2
Assumptions in Plastic Analysis (for Strength)
Proportional loading

Elastic-plastic M- behavior (& point Mps)

Small deflections

No instability prior to Pn(max.)

Basic Conditions for Plastic Analysis:

Equilibrium (statics)

Mechanism (kinematically admissable)

Plasticity condition (all M Mp)

3
 Methods of Plastic Analysis
Static Equilibrium Method:
Obtain a bending moment diagram in equilibrium
Set M = Mp @ enough sections for a mechanism
Calculate Pn from statics
Confirm that M Mp everywhere

Mechanism Method:
Assume a trial mechanism
Calculate Pn (using virtual work methods)
If the bending moment diagram satisfies
equilibrium and M Mp everywhere, then Pn =
Pn(max.) (& the mechanism is correct) 4