Implementation of M-PFI method in design of steel plate walls

To demonstrate implementation of the modified-plate frame interaction (M-PFI) method in the design of a steel plate wall (SPW) system, three SPWs of different heights were designed for this paper using the M-PFI method. Evaluation of the M-PFI design methodology was performed using the finite element (FE) method to analyze each of the three SPWs under a pushover load to determine its load displacement diagram. FE results were then compared with M-PFI model results. Good agreement was observed for stiffness and strength of the SPW models obtained from both the M-PFI and FE methods. The FE method was used not only to evaluate the three SPW designs, but also to investigate the effects of beam size and material hardening on SPW design. This paper also presents a step-by-step M-PFI design procedure and a simplified flow chart to better illustrate the design process.