FUZZY CONNECTIONS IN STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Structural connections are modeled as hinged or rigid. However, hinged connection carries some moment and rigid joint has some flexibility. This is recognized by concept of semi-rigid connections in building codes. But, there is no practical tool for analysis of the structures with the semi-rigid connections as any connection has its own behavior which is not mathematically well defined. This research concerns on using fuzzy theory for analysis of the structures with semi-rigid connections. It is illustrated that rigidity of a connection can be modeled as a fuzzy number or linguistic variable. The fuzzy stiffness matrix and solving the equations is studied. Several structures were analyzed by a computer program and conclusions drawn.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.18.4.2329