This paper presents the results of testing of experimental models with varying beam to column stiffness ratios with the aim of establishing their relationship on the stability of selected rigid frames. Test frames with beam to column stiffness ratios of 0.5, 0.67, 1.0, 1.33 and 2.0 were fabricated, and subjected to compressive loading in the laboratory. The results obtained from the tests after application of appropriate scale factors are compared to the prototype critical loads obtained from the sidesway stability function approach by Horne and Merchant.
Results from the analysis show accuracy as high as 98.5% when compared to the results obtained from numerical methods.
The results of the tests further emphasise the criticality of scale factors when using modelling approach for solution of structural stability problems.
Frames, Stability, Stiffness, Modelling, Critical Load
