Rigid ends of beams

[evxjr]

At the moment I'm modelling a steel frame by simply using elastic BeamColumn elements defined along their centre lines connected by simple nodes at the intersection. However since I'm using very large sections the frame has very low span to depth ratios I'm wondering how accurate this approach is. Since, as currently modelled, part of the beam would be embedded in the column is there a way to account for this? Additionally since the beams are so deep, would a normal connection transfer the moments correctly or is there a better joint element that could be used?

I hope I have made myself clear and thanks for help

[vesna]

There are several joint elements in OpenSees:
http://opensees.berkeley.edu/wiki/index ... nt_Element
http://opensees.berkeley.edu/wiki/index ... nt_Element
http://opensees.berkeley.edu/wiki/index ... 2D_Element

Check them out and see if they can model what you want.