An efficient cruciform element to model semirigid composite connections for frame analysis

This paper deals with a component-based approach to model internal and external semirigid composite connections for the global analysis of frames. The method is based on a cruciform finite sized elastic-plastic joint element that takes into consideration its deformation characteristics including those of the panel zone as well as the left and right connections. In addition, all the internal forces that concur at the joint coming from the beams and columns and their respective eccentricities are also considered. In the context of advanced global analysis allowed by modern codes, the use of the proposed model could be particularly useful since the joint has its own identity and is modelled independently like any other element of the structure. The accuracy of the modelling process and proposed cruciform element is checked against experimental results. Numerical simulations and comparison to previously proposed models assess the numerical efficiency. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.