Analysis and comparative design by elastic and plastic methods for a two span pin-based gable frame

Scope of Study: The objective of this report is to show the inherent advantages of plastic design over conventional elastic design. The application of plastic design is limited to continuous beams and single or multi span frames.Findings and Conclusions: It is shown that for a two span frame, the plastic method of approach offers an easier solution and eliminates the solution of simultaneous equations which is a necessary step in conventional elastic methods of analysis. This would become a cumbersome task, as the indeterminacy of structure increases. The writer is in favour of the rational approach of plastic design for the analysis and design of indeterminate structures. Furthermore, it economizes the material