Advanced analysis of composite frames

The issue of design codes is becoming continually challenged throughout the world. Over the last decade, design codes in structural engineering have seen an increase in harmonization with the preparation of regional codes and material specific model codes. In particular, this has been highlighted by European code releases in most construction materials. In Australasia, there have also been an increasing number of design codes published as combined Australian and New Zealand codes. In Asia there have been initial moves to create a regional code in concrete structures. In addition to the harmonization of international codes, many structural design codes are moving away from prescriptive methods and toward performance-based approaches. The gradual shift toward international harmonization and performance- based specifications puts increased pressure on design engineers to have appropriate software and design tools to assess the real behaviour of structures. Considerable research has been conducted into advanced analysis methods in steel and composite members and frames over the last two decades. Whilst their use has been limited mainly to considering investigations of structural failure and very special structures, the emergence of performance based international codes may see an increased need and reliance on these approaches. This paper highlights the recent development in advanced analysis of composite members and frames, and discusses the issues that are essential for design implementation. Some illustrative examples are also given to demonstrate the benefits of using advanced analysis for designing real-sized structures.