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PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000

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EXAMPLE 1-029
FRAME – LARGE BENDING DISPLACEMENTS

EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION
This example uses a fixed base cantilever column to test static nonlinear analysis
with large bending displacements in SAP2000. A concentrated moment, M, is
applied at the top of the column. The moment M is increased until the rotation at
the top of the column is equal to π radians (180 degrees). The resulting vertical
and horizontal displacements of the top of the column and the moment required
to create the desired deflected shape are compared with independent hand
calculated results.

Three different models, labeled A, B and C are run for this example. The models
are identical except for the discretization of the column, which is broken up into
4, 16 and 64 elements in models A, B and C, respectively.

After running the analysis, use the Display menu > Show Deformed Shape
command to display the deflected shape. To get the deflected shape to display
properly, uncheck the cubic curve option, select the Scale Factor option in the
Scaling area of the form, and set the Scale Factor to 1.

Note that for this problem with large bending displacements the iteration
convergence tolerance for the nonlinear static load case is set to 1E-06. Large
displacements problems often require tighter iteration tolerances.

GEOMETRY, PROPERTIES AND LOADING

M
Material Properties
E = 29,000 k/in2

Section Properties
100"

W4X13
Deflected shape
A = 3.83 in2
I = 11.3 in4

Z Frame Object Discretization

1 Model A: 4 frame elements per frame object
Y Model B: 16 frame elements per frame object
X Model C: 64 frame elements per frame object

EXAMPLE 1-029 - 1
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PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000
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TECHNICAL FEATURES OF SAP2000 TESTED

 Static nonlinear analysis of frame structure with large bending displacements
using the SAP2000 P-Delta plus large displacements option

RESULTS COMPARISON
Because the column is subjected to pure moment, it should bend in a circular arc.
Thus, the independent results for displacement are calculated from the properties
of a circle. The independent results for the moment are calculated using Equation
4 in Article 7.1 of Chapter 7 on page 91 of Roark and Young 1975.

# Output Percent
Model Elms. Parameter SAP2000 Independent Difference

Ux (jt 2) in 65.328 63.662 +2.62%

A 4 Uz (jt 2) in -100 -100 0%

Moment k-in 10295 10295 0%

Ux (jt 2) in 63.764 63.662 +0.16%

B 16 Uz (jt 2) in -100 -100 0%

Moment k-in 10295 10295 0%

Ux (jt 2) in 63.668 63.662 +0.01%

C 64 Uz (jt 2) in -100 -100 0%

Moment k-in 10295 10295 0%

COMPUTER FILES: Example 1-029a, Example 1-029b, Example 1-029c

CONCLUSION
The SAP2000 results show an acceptable match with the independent results. As
the discretization of the frame object increases, the SAP2000 and independent
results converge.

EXAMPLE 1-029 - 2
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PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000
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HAND CALCULATION

EXAMPLE 1-029 - 3
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PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000
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EXAMPLE 1-029 - 4