Force-Based Element Moment Release

The common approach to adding a moment release at the end of a force-based frame element is to define an extra node then use the equalDOF command to constrain all but the released rotational DOFs. Although this approach is cumbersome, it is fine as long as the element lies within a global plane (X-Y, Y-Z, … Continue reading Force-Based Element Moment Release →

Release the Plastic Hinge

How close to a true moment release can you make the plastic hinge at one end of an OpenSees beamWithHinges element? It's a question I've thought about before, and it came up again recently. A simple fixed-fixed beam can start to answer the question. Imposing a unit rotation at one end will produce moment reactions … Continue reading Release the Plastic Hinge →