Nonlinear Analysis of Structures: Introduction

This lecture introduces the types of nonlinearities in solid mechanics, including material, geometric, and contact nonlinearities. It covers examples such as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse and the importance of nonlinear analysis in seismic projects and large design projects worldwide. The course content includes numerical solution techniques, material response analysis, and the use of beam elements in structural modeling. The instructor emphasizes the need for realistic, nonlinear models in seismic design and the performance-based seismic design approach. Students will learn about nonlinear finite element models, seismic performance assessment, and the course objectives to confidently apply FE programs for modeling the nonlinear response of structures.

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CIVIL-449: Nonlinear analysis of structures

This course provides an introduction to the nonlinear modelling of civil engineering structures.

Earthquake engineering

Earthquake engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that designs and analyzes structures, such as buildings and bridges, with earthquakes in mind. Its overall goal is to make such structures more resistant to earthquakes. An earthquake (or seismic) engineer aims to construct structures that will not be damaged in minor shaking and will avoid serious damage or collapse in a major earthquake. A properly engineered structure does not necessarily have to be extremely strong or expensive.

Seismic retrofit

Seismic retrofitting is the modification of existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes. With better understanding of seismic demand on structures and with our recent experiences with large earthquakes near urban centers, the need of seismic retrofitting is well acknowledged. Prior to the introduction of modern seismic codes in the late 1960s for developed countries (US, Japan etc.) and late 1970s for many other parts of the world (Turkey, China etc.

Seismic analysis

Seismic analysis is a subset of structural analysis and is the calculation of the response of a building (or nonbuilding) structure to earthquakes. It is part of the process of structural design, earthquake engineering or structural assessment and retrofit (see structural engineering) in regions where earthquakes are prevalent. As seen in the figure, a building has the potential to 'wave' back and forth during an earthquake (or even a severe wind storm). This is called the 'fundamental mode', and is the lowest frequency of building response.

Seismic hazard

A seismic hazard is the probability that an earthquake will occur in a given geographic area, within a given window of time, and with ground motion intensity exceeding a given threshold. With a hazard thus estimated, risk can be assessed and included in such areas as building codes for standard buildings, designing larger buildings and infrastructure projects, land use planning and determining insurance rates.

Earthquake-resistant structures

Earthquake-resistant or aseismic structures are designed to protect buildings to some or greater extent from earthquakes. While no structure can be entirely impervious to earthquake damage, the goal of earthquake engineering is to erect structures that fare better during seismic activity than their conventional counterparts. According to building codes, earthquake-resistant structures are intended to withstand the largest earthquake of a certain probability that is likely to occur at their location.

Plastic Hinge Method: Analysis and Design CIVIL-522: Seismic engineering

Explores the plastic hinge method for inelastic deformation estimation and discusses the challenges of force-based design.

Earthquake Effects: Ground Movement and Seismic Engineering CIVIL-522: Seismic engineering

Explores earthquake effects, seismic hazards, building damage, and seismic design principles, emphasizing the importance of deformation capacity in structures.

Seismic Design Fundamentals CIVIL-522: Seismic engineering

Covers seismic design fundamentals, including failure modes, capacity design, and displacement-based evaluation of structures.

Effective Stiffness in Seismic Design CIVIL-522: Seismic engineering

Explores the challenges of force-based design in seismic engineering, focusing on effective stiffness estimation and the implications for seismic design.

Seismic Behaviour of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings CIVIL-522: Seismic engineering

Explores the seismic vulnerability and behavior of unreinforced masonry buildings, covering failure modes, structural features, and in-plane behavior.