Use of Stability Functions in design 1

[hemis]

I completed my MSc in Structures a year ago and part of my course was learning to use Stability Functions to calculate end-moments for axially loaded columns.

However, I have yet to use Stability Functions in my designs and the only reference I could find on the functions was in Coates, Coutie and Kong.

Has anyone any examples or references of frame design using Stability Functions, please?

 

[civeng80]

I dont think they use stability functions now because of secondary structural analysis. I remember doing stability fuctions nearly 30 years ago when secondary analysis was not even thought of.

The reference text for this was L. Matheson Hyperstatic Structures (I think Vol 2 ).

Hope this helps.

 

[hemis]

Dear civeng80

Thanks for the reply. May I ask what secondary analysis is please. I was taught stability functions two-years ago so I assume the University had something in mind - or were they only filling in a gap in the syllabus.

Regards

 

[Dinosaur]

My understanding is that Stability functions are more accurate than most analysis methods but I am not aware of any significant software that uses this approach. I also used them in grad school to solve some problems and I was also asked to compare my answers to the values shown in the column nomographs everyone has seen. I was quite surprised to learn how close these nomographs are. I don't know where you will find folks that are interested in being that accurate to use stability functions. Good luck.