Dynamic analysis of three-dimensional frames with material and geometric nonlinearities

The dynamic analysis of inelastic structures with geometric nonlinearities experiencing large deformations and buckling is challenging, in particular, if three-dimensional space effects are considered. This paper introduces a new formulation of a three-dimensional beam-column element and the associated analysis of the global frame system using a corotational approach formulated in the state space. The corotational approach may allow uncoupling of the local large deformations and inelastic buckling of the element from the large deformation of the global system. Shaking table testing performed by the authors on a steel frame model structure provides benchmark information for comparison with the proposed analytical formulation.