Sway Stability of Plane Steel Frames
by Evangelia Zissopoulou
Graduate Diploma Thesis, September 2003
ABSTRACT
The work concerns the sway stability of plane frames. The basic principles, which govern sway frame behavior, are outlined and two methodologies are employed: (a) the effective length approach (K-factor) and (b) the notional load approach. Expressions for the K factor are also reported, with emphasis on frames with columns of non-equal height, as well as on frames with "leaning" columns. Particular reference on two acclaimed design specifications (AISC-LRFD and Eurocode 3) is made, and a comparison in terms of sway stability prediction is offered in three design examples. Dynamic analyses under real earthquakes are presented, to show the sway-stability effects on the seismic response.
 
Application of the P-Ä method for determining sway-frame stability.
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