LIMITATIONS OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD IN STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Limitations associated with the application of the finite element method to practical engineering problems are highlighted, and their implications are discussed in relation to the analysis of bridge and building structures. The main limitations are those associated with cost, complexity, convergence problems and approximations, computer storage requirement, and associated communication problems. The examination of problems related to the analysis of bridge and building structures gives details of the initial considerations, data preparation, the analysis, and output interpretation.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Paper available in the proceedings of the seminar on Bridge Analysis and Design ($15.75), held during the PTRC Summer Annual Meeting, July 8-12, 1974, at the University of Warwick, England.
• Corporate Authors:

  Planning and Transport Res and Computation Co Ltd

  167 Oxford Street
  London W1R 1AH,   England 
• Authors:
  • Hinton, E
• Publication Date: 1974-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 78-102
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Wiley (John) and Sons, Incorporated
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Bridge design; Bridges; Building; Communications; Computer memory; Costs; Finite element method; Numerical approximation; Structural analysis; Structural design; Ultimate load design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Convergence
• Old TRIS Terms: Limits
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Finance; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00096495
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: PTRC/P/111 Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 13 1975 12:00AM