5.

Rigid-Jointed Frames
5.1 Rigid-Jointed Frames
Rigid-jointed frames are framed structures in which the members transmit applied loads
by axial, shear, and bending effects. There are basically two types of frame to consider;

(i) statically determinate frames; see Figure 5.1(a) and

(ii) statically indeterminate frames; see Figure 5.1(b).

Figure 5.1
Rigid-joints (moment connections) are designed to transfer axial and shear forces in
addition to bending moments between the connected members whilst pinned joints
(simple connections) are designed to transfer axial and shear forces only. Typical
moment and simple connections between steel members is illustrated in Figure 5.2.
 Examples in structural analysis 356

5.1.1 Example 5.1 Statically Determinate RigidJointed Frame 1

A asymmetric portal frame is supported on a roller at A and pinned at support D as
shown in Figure 5.3. For the loading indicated:

i) determine the support reactions and

ii) sketch the axial load, shear force and bending moment
diagrams.

Figure 5.3
Solution:

Apply the three equations of static equilibrium to the force system

Equation
(1)

Equation
 Rigid-jointed frames 357

(2)

Equation
(3)

Assuming positive bending moments induce tension inside the frame:

MB=(6.04.0(2.0)=48.0 kNm

MC=+(46.53.0)(40.04.0)=20.50 kNm

Figure 5.4
The values of the end-forces F1 to F8 can be determined by considering the equilibrium of
each member and joint in turn.

Consider member AB:

Consider joint B:
 Examples in structural analysis 358

Consider member BC:

Consider member CD:

Check joint C:

The axial force and shear force in member CD can be found from:

Axial load=+/(Horizontal forceCos)+/(Vertical forceSin)

Shear force=+/(Horizontal forceSin)+/(Vertical forceCos)

The signs are dependent on the directions of the respective forces.

Member CD:
Rigid-jointed frames 359
 Examples in structural analysis 360

Figure 5.5