New simplified analytical method for the Prediction of global stability of steel and composite sway frames

Eurocode 4 is the European design code for composite construction; in its so-called EN 1994-1-1 version, the design of “non-sway buildings” is mainly covered. As a result, EC4 focuses on the check of structural elements like beams, columns, slabs and joints. However, in the last years, the construction of taller buildings and larger industrial halls without wind bracing systems tends to make global instability a relevant failure mode, which is not well covered by Eurocode 4. Recently, intensive experimental, numerical and theoretical investigations have been carried out at Liège University. The latter aimed at improving the knowledge in the field of sway composite building frames and at developing appropriate design rules. The rotational behavior of the beam-to-column composite joints is one of the key aspects of the problem to which a special attention has been paid. This paper reflects investigations carried out at Liege University on this topic. In particular, an innovative simplified analytical method to predict the ultimate loading factor and the associated collapse mode of both steel and composite frames subjected to static loadings is presented.