§16§Using the plastic-hinge model for the global analysis of framed structures is a reasonable choice in practical design. Because with this approach, we may obtain an appropriate design while we could economize the time and the manpower that become more and more rare. This book provides a rather complete picture of the automatic plastic-hinge analysis: The one/two/three-linear behaviours of the material are considered. The frames are submitted to fixed or repeated loading. The P-delta effects are also taken into account. The beam-to-column joints could be rigid or semi-rigid. The compact or slender cross-sections are examined. The investigation is carried out using direct or step-by-step methods. Both analysis and optimization methodologies are applied. From the fundamental theory to the automatic algorithms and the computer program aspect are presented.
