Use of spreadsheets in plastic analysis and design

The ability of spreadsheets to perform both elastic and plastic analyses of simple structures is demonstrated. The linear elastic solution is implemented as a “user- defined” function that takes an array input and produces an array output. The plastic analysis is an iterative process that detects the formation of successive plastic hinges, an elastic solution with an added hinge being required at each stage. A second development is to allow interaction of member axial load and plastic moment to be satisfied with a further iteration process. The resources of spreadsheets are demonstrated and analysis procedures optimised for spreadsheet operation are shown.