This paper presents a study on the stability and nonlinear vibration analysis of planar pitched-roof frames. Special attention is dedicated to the influence of static preloading in natural frequencies and vibration modes of these structures. For this, used was a nonlinear beam-column element formulation that considers connection flexibility between the structural members. The global nonlinear static equilibrium problem is solved using an incremental-iterative procedure, where in each load increment, the Newton-type iteration scheme is coupled to an arc-length strategy. At convergence in each load step, the Jacobi method determines the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the preloaded structure. The complete nonlinear solution strategy adopted is detailed in an algorithm. The influence of a geometric parameter (scissors' height) and other physical (support's stiffness) in the pitched-roof frame behavior is highlighted in the analysis. The goal is thus to have a better understanding of some instability phenomena and structural sensitivity, and to show the importance of these parameters and static preloading on the buckling and vibration of these frames, which have great practical application.
Pitched-roof frame; numerical analysis; elastic stability; nonlinear vibration; pre-loaded structure
