Development of Sliding Connections for Structural Analysis by a Total Lagrangian FEM Formulation

Abstract In this study a total lagrangian 2D finite element formulation is used to model plane frames developing large displacements and rotations considering sliding connections. This kind of connections is usually called prismatic and cylindrical joints. In order to be self-containing, the steps of the development of a frame finite element of any approximation order that considers the influence of shear strain by means of a generalized Reissner kinematics is presented. The adopted degrees of freedom are positions and rotations. Using positions as degrees of freedom simplifies the total lagra...