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CE7016 NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Course Objectives

The main objectives of this course are to:

Introduce the fundamental concepts of nonlinear structural analysis, including the classification of nonlinear problems and the distinction between material and geometric nonlinearities.

Provide students with a solid understanding of solution strategies for nonlinear equilibrium equations, covering both iterative and incremental approaches.

Develop the ability to model nonlinear material behavior of steel and reinforced concrete using constitutive laws and computational algorithms.

Familiarize students with nonlinear section modeling techniques, including fiber discretization and interaction diagram development.

Equip students with knowledge of nonlinear finite element modeling of frames, emphasizing both lumped plasticity and distributed inelasticity approaches.

Introduce the influence of large displacement effects (P–Δ and P–δ) on structural response and methods to incorporate them into frame analysis.

Enable students to apply nonlinear analysis methods—including pushover and nonlinear dynamic analysis—to real structural systems.

Cultivate computational skills for implementing nonlinear structural analysis in software tools and interpreting results for engineering decision-making.

Course Content

Material and geometric nonlinear analysis of framed structures. Solution strategies for nonlinear structural analysis. Nonlinear constitutive models of steel and reinforced concrete. Development and use of computer programs for nonlinear analysis.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the fundamental differences between linear and nonlinear structural analysis, including material and geometric nonlinearities.

Apply root-finding and iteration strategies (e.g., Newton–Raphson, event-to-event methods) to solve nonlinear equilibrium equations in structural analysis.

Develop nonlinear constitutive models for steel and reinforced concrete, including one-dimensional plasticity and return mapping algorithms.

Construct fiber-discretized sectional models and generate axial force–moment interaction diagrams, moment–curvature, and moment–rotation relationships.

Compare and contrast lumped-plasticity and distributed-inelasticity approaches, as well as displacement-based and force-based (mixed) finite element formulations.

Assess the significance of large displacement effects (P–Δ, P–δ) and incorporate them into nonlinear frame analysis using both element-level and corotational approaches.

Perform nonlinear static (pushover) and dynamic analyses of framed structures using computer-based implementations.

Evaluate the advantages, limitations, and accuracy of different nonlinear modeling strategies for structural members and systems.

Integrate theoretical knowledge with computational tools to conduct independent nonlinear structural analysis projects, interpret results, and present findings effectively.

Program Outcomes Matrix