The P-delta effect, which is a second order effect, is experienced by a structure mostly when the structure is subjected to lateral forces like earthquake and wind. In addition to earthquake and wind loads, when the structure is subjected to various live load patterns other than symmetrical loading, the structure experiences side sway or lateral translation. In this thesis, P-delta effects due to symmetrical and asymmetrical live loads is studied on a three-bay, two-story steel moment frame. The main objective of this research is to investigate P-delta effects on the column which is subjected to critical load case. The effect is analyzed based on the value of the moment magnification factor, B2. Besides, the story drift due to asymmetrical loading is also investigated. For the purpose of this study, “Approximate Second-Order Analysis” specified in “Appendix 8” of AISC Steel Construction Manual (AISC 2011) is used to amplify the first order effects to account for the second-order effects in the steel moment frame. Additionally, computer software is used to calculate the first order moments and axial forces.

Symmetrical steel moment frames that are subjected to sidesway forces due to unsymmetrical live loads will undergo sidesway. The P-delta effects on a moment frame under the influence of sidesway forces is studied. The effective length method is used for the second-order analysis specified in the American Institute Steel Construction - Load and Resistance Factor Design (AISC-LRFD). This study investigates the P-delta effects on a multi-story, multi-bay steel moment frame subjected to sidesway forces caused by various unsymmetrical live load patterns. The study focuses on the interaction of axial and bending moment in the columns. The actual response of a moment frame is estimated by amplifying the results of a first-order elastic analysis using moment magnification factors. The moment magnification factors for each story of the steel moment frame are summarized.