A Rapid Solution of Vierendeel Frames

Abstract

Vierendeel type frames are frequently used in steel structures and their analysis is of interest to writers and engineers. The method described herein provides a quick solution to these frames by longhand computation. It is a non iterative moment distribution process that is simple and involves a limited amount of labor. It also has the advantage of being close to the conventional process in its ease of application. The frames considered here are of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2. These frames are symmetrical about the center line and they can be analyzed by considering only one-half of the frame. In order to avoid the shear correction problem that is usually associated with the lateral sway in these frames, use is made of the cantilever stiffness and carryover for chord members.