A Radial Return Algorithm Application in Elastoplastic Frame Analysis Using Plastic Hinge Approach

A new method is presented for first-order elastoplastic analysis of framed structures using a radial return predictor/corrector solution strategy. The proposed method assumes plastic hinge formation coupled with a yield surface. The yield surface is defined as a general function of axial force, shear forces, twisting, and biaxial bending moments on the cross-section of the frame. The material is regarded as linear and elastic-perfect plastic. The plastic deformations are governed by the normality criterion. Combining the Newton-Raphson method and the radial return algorithm, a consistent tangent modular matrix is proposed and fast and converging algorithms are presented. Examples demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method.