Structural Steel Frame

[gotlboys]

Hi fellow Engineers,

I know for sure that concrete beams are considered as continuous over their supports. However, I am doubtful whether steel frames can be considered as continuous given the fact that steel beams are connected either by bolts or welding to their supporting members, the steel columns.
I have seen my collegue use simple support analysis. His intention was to let the beams carry moments at their mid-spans and only transfer axial loads to columns. In doing so, the columns will be smaller as well as footings.

Any advice or recommendation with reference is appreciated.

 

[ajh1]

It is a simple enough design problem to design moment-capable beam-column connections. If you are going to use pinned connections make sure you have some other means to resist the lateral forces on your frame. A frame with all pinned joints is not stable.