Non linear structural analysis: application for evaluating seismic safety

Abstract

Performance-Based Design is currently accepted commonly as the most advanced design and evaluation approach. However, successful application of this procedure depends largely on the ability to accurately estimate the parameters of structural response. Determination of these parameters requires application of analysis procedures where the main non-linear behavior features (constitutive and geometrical) of structures are included. This chapter presents and discusses these features of non-linear behavior and how they are incorporated in the process of static or dynamic structural analyses.