Elastic Response of Columns after Sudden Loss of Bracing

A pinned column with an initial deflection and an internal brace is considered. The brace is modeled as a translational spring. Axial compressive loads are applied at the brace and at the top of the column, and the equilibrium shape is determined. Then the brace and corresponding load are suddenly removed, and the ensuing motion of the column is analyzed. External damping and internal Kelvin-Voigt damping are included. The maximum dynamic response of the column is computed, and the effects of the axial loads, bracing stiffness, and bracing location are examined.