Metal building companies commonly use rigid frames to meet the requirement of large, open spaces which are unobstructed by interior columns. These rigid frames are optimally designed and constructed using tapered columns and rafters, connected at the knees and ridge by moment end-plate connections.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the accuracy of standard analysis methods when applied to metal building rigid frames. To achieve this goal, the results of two full-scale metal building rigid frame tests were compared to predicted values obtained from typical analysis procedures. Upon completion of the tests, measured dimensions and material properties were used to perform linearly elastic frame analyses and 1993 AISC LRFD Specification strength checks. It was concluded that standard analysis procedures are very accurate when applied to rigid frames such as the ones in this study.

The provisions concerning lateral-torsional buckling of singly-tapered segments were found to inappropriately contain AISC ASD factors of safety. New provisions were developed and recommended to correct this problem. The suggested provisions were found to be slightly more conservative than the existing provisions for the frames in this study.