To model nonlinear frame behavior, frame hinges must be used. The nonlinear material behavior is only used to develop the moment rotation or other response curves for the hinges.

Key Steps to Setup a Model With Hinges

• Define hinge properties using the Define > Section Properties > Hinge Properties menu.
• Assign the hinges to the frame elements in the model by using the Assign > Frame > Hinges menu.
• Create a nonlinear load case and run the analysis.
• Use the Display > Show Hinge Results menu to plot the deformation of the hinges vs. the applied loads, such as plastic rotation of the hinge vs. moment.

See Also

• Unknown macro: {new-tab-link}

  CSI

  [_Analysis Reference Manual_] (Frame Hinge Properties, page 131)
• Verification Example 1-026 (Frame - Moment and Shear Hinges), available from Help > Documentation > Analysis Verification > Frames > 1-026 Moment and Shear Hinges.
• Ashraf Habibullah, Stephen Pyle: Practical Three Dimensional Nonlinear Static Pushover Analysis - this technical paper describes the use of hinges for pushover analysis; it is available from http://www.csiberkeley.com/support/technical-papers