A computer program for thin walled frame analysis

Abstract

The paper presents a general purpose computer program capable of analysing any planar frame made up of members which can be categorised as thin-walled members. The approach is based on Vlasov's theory which accunts for coupling between torsion and bending actions. The topic is gaining importance due to the improved techniques of producing cold-formed steel sections which have much higher strength than normal steels. The program is in the form of single-array storage which makes its application easy even by a practicing engineer who cannot go into the details of Vlasov's theory. The program is illustrated by means of an example with complete information about input and output for the particular problem.