Design of stainless steel structural systems by GMNIA with strain limits

Design by GMNIA (Geometrically and Materially Nonlinear Analysis with Imperfections) allows the key behavioural features of structures to be directly captured in analysis, improving accuracy dramatically reducing need for subsequent design checks. Since analysis frames typically employs beam elements, which local buckling cross-sections cannot explicitly simulated, cross-section classification capacity checks remain necessary. However, step-wise overly conservative nature these traditional restricts accuracy. To resolve this, use strain limits, defined using Continuous Strength Method, place has been proposed. This method is extended indeterminate stainless steel structural systems herein. Ultimate load-carrying predictions from proposed approach are compared against results obtained benchmark shell finite element models as well methods. The new framework interaction at level, influence moment gradients, partial spread plasticity, redistribution, hardening visualisation failure mechanism, resulting more accurate consistent resistance predictions. included AISC 370 prEN 1993-1-14 offering a step change efficiency future direction design.