Knowledge of structural behavior is essential for designing lighter constructions without affecting their safety and quality standards. Lack of levels and characteristics of dynamic response, for example, can lead to system failure during repetitive loading application, due to the accumulation of structural damage. Thus, it becomes necessary to use more complex theories, such as nonlinear formulations, avoiding simplifications in the process of analysis/design.
Plastic analysis of steel structures enhances several benefits compared to the elastic’s, because one of the most important characteristics of this material, the ductility - ability to withstand large deformations before breaking - is fully considered. This allows for force redistribution after the yielding limit of some structural member’s cross section has been achieved. This property also promotes the absorption of energy, which becomes extremely important in structures subjected to seismic excitation
