Concepts and Principles for the Application of Nonlinear Structural Analysis in Bridge Design

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of California, 1997 - Bridges - 70 pages
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.

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Contents

INTRODUCTION
1
SOME STEPS AND RULES FOR NONLINEAR MODELING
6
FIGURES
64

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