Two Stochastic Methods to Model Initial Geometrical Imperfections of Steel Frame Structures

Abstract

The stochastic modeling of geometrically imperfect steel frame structures requires statistical inputs for imperfection parameters, often with specific mutual correlations. The stochastic input values of geometrical imperfections are derived from European Standard EN 1090-2:2018 tolerance criteria. Two advanced stochastic methods, #RSS (random storey sway) and #RSP (random storey position), are developed based on these criteria. This paper presents a verification study, using random sampling simulations, for these two stochastic methods (#RSS and #RSP) to directly model the initial global geometrical imperfections of steel frame structures. The proposed methods have been verified for structures with equidistant storey heights and for those comprising up to 24 storeys, making them applicable to a wide range standard steel frame structures. It has been found that the performance of the #RSS method is satisfactory. An advantage of #RSS is that the random parameters are statistically independent. On the other hand, the #RSP method requires the definition of these mutual correlations in order to satisfy the criterion that 95 percent of random realizations of initial imperfections fall within the tolerance limits of the corresponding European Standard. The #RSP method, however, might have certain advantages for structures with a larger number of storeys (above 24), as closely discussed in this study. Additionally, this study provides useful provisions for the advanced numerical analyses of multi-storey steel frames of various geometries.