GMNIA‐based design of stainless steel structural systems

Design by GMNIA (Geometrically and Materially Nonlinear Analysis with Imperfections) allows the key behavioural features of structures to be directly captured in the analysis, dramatically reducing the need for subsequent design checks. Since the analysis of frames typically employs beam finite elements, which do not explicitly account for local buckling, cross‐section classification and capacity checks remain necessary. To resolve the step‐wise and overly conservative nature of traditional checks, the alternative use of strain limits, defined using the Continuous Strength Method, has been proposed. The framework allows cross‐sections of all classes to be treated in a consistent manner, and results in an accurate and consistent representation of the true behaviour of structures. To date, the accuracy of the design approach for stainless steel has been comprehensively demonstrated for isolated stainless steel members; the design method is extended to indeterminate stainless steel structural systems herein. The method is included in AISC 370 and prEN 1993‐1‐14; inclusion of this design framework in international codes of practice presents a step change for the future direction of efficient structural stainless steel design.