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Linear Versus Nonlinear Analysis in ETABS

Nonlinear structural behavior can arise from either geometric or material factors. Geometric nonlinearity concerns how external loads affect the displaced structure configuration, known as P-Delta effects. Material nonlinearity involves inelastic structural response where behavior deviates from initial linear-elastic stiffness. Linear analysis can be used if only elastic behavior is considered, while nonlinear analysis accounts for both geometric nonlinearity from P-Delta effects and material nonlinearity.

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Ahmet Tuken
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237 views2 pages

Linear Versus Nonlinear Analysis in ETABS

Nonlinear structural behavior can arise from either geometric or material factors. Geometric nonlinearity concerns how external loads affect the displaced structure configuration, known as P-Delta effects. Material nonlinearity involves inelastic structural response where behavior deviates from initial linear-elastic stiffness. Linear analysis can be used if only elastic behavior is considered, while nonlinear analysis accounts for both geometric nonlinearity from P-Delta effects and material nonlinearity.

Uploaded by

Ahmet Tuken
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Nonlinear 

structural behavior may be associated with either geometric or material response,


each described as follows:

 Geometric nonlinearity concerns the P-Delta effects associated with application of


external loading upon the displaced configuration of a structure.

 Material nonlinearity concerns inelastic structural response in which the behavior of a


component, system, or connection deviates from the initial stiffness tangent characteristic of
linear-elastic behavior.

Linear vs. nonlinear analysis


Nonlinear analysis methods are best applied when either geometric or material nonlinearity is
considered during structural modeling and analysis. If only elastic material behavior is
considered, linear analysis methods should suffice, though P-Delta formulation may still be
applied. Linear and nonlinear methods may be static or dynamic. A few of the traditional analysis
methods, and the relations between their attributes, are presented in Figure 1:

Figure 1 - Analysis methods

Each of these analysis methods has benefits and limitations. An overview of each method is as
follows:

 Strength-based analysis is a static-linear procedure in which structural components are


specified such that their elastic capacities exceed the demands of loading conditions. Strength-
based demand-capacity (D-C) ratios indicate the adequacy of each component. Since only the
elastic stiffness properties are applied to the analytical model, strength-based analysis is the
most simplified and least time-consuming analysis method.

 Static-pushover analysis is a static-nonlinear procedure in which a structural system is


subjected to a monotonic load which increases iteratively, through an ultimate condition, to
indicate a range of elastic and inelastic performance. As a function of both strength and
deformation, the resultant nonlinear force-deformation (F-D) relationship provides insight into
ductility and limit-state behavior. Deformation parameters may be translational or rotational.
Pushover is most suitable for systems in which the fundamental mode dominates behavior.
When higher-order modes contribute, as with taller buildings, dynamic analysis is most effective.

 Response-spectrum analysis is a dynamic-linear method in which maximum structural


response is plotted as a function of structural period for a given time-history record and level
of damping. For a set of structural mode shapes and corresponding natural frequencies, the
linear superposition of SDOF systems represents response. Response measures may be in
terms of peak Acceleration, velocity, or displacement relative to the ground or the structure.
Structures must remain essentially elastic since response-spectrum analysis is dependent upon
the superposition of gravity and lateral effects. Results may be enveloped to form a smooth
design spectrum.

 Time-history analysis is a dynamic-nonlinear technique which may involve either


the FNA or the direct-integration method. FNA is a modal application, whereas with direct
integration, the equations of motion are integrated at a series of time steps to characterize
dynamic response and inelastic behavior. Loading is time-dependent, and therefore suitable for
the application of a ground-motion record. Time-history analysis may account for both material
nonlinearity and P-Deltaeffects.

Analysis objective
Engineers may use any of these analysis methods to:

 Characterize and gain insight into structural behavior.

 Generate information useful to the design decision-making process.

Capacity Design
Nonlinear modeling and analysis is fundamental to Capacity Design.

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