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CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES FOR THE APPLICATION OF NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS IN BRIDGE DESIGN

Engineers have decades of experience in the practical use of linear analysis. This type of analysis is relatively simple, and its role in structural design is well defined. However, engineers have much less experience in the practical use of nonlinear analysis. This type of analysis is much more complex, and its role in structural design is not well defined. This report is concerned with the broad problem of how to make effective use of nonlinear structural analysis in practical design, with emphasis on bridge structures. The report looks at several aspects of this broad problem. Some of these aspects are as follows: (1) The reasons for using structural analysis, and the differences between linear and nonlinear analysis; (2) Strength based versus damage based design; (3) Demand-capacity concepts for design, and decision making based on demand-capacity comparisons; (4) The importance of the behavior concept for the structure, and the value of capacity design; (5) Modeling for linear and nonlinear analysis; and (6) Unanswered questions about how to use nonlinear analysis effectively in design, and the steps we must take to develop answers.

  • Corporate Authors:

    University of California, Berkeley

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    Davis Hall
    Berkeley, CA  United States  94720-1710

    California Department of Transportation

    Division of Structures, 1801 30th Street
    Sacramento, CA  United States  94272-0001
  • Authors:
    • Powell, G H
  • Publication Date: 1996-5

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures;
  • Pagination: 109 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00739016
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: UCB/SEMM-97/08, Final Report
  • Contract Numbers: 59T384
  • Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Jul 30 1997 12:00AM