Computational Models for Nonlinear Structural Response Analysis in Extreme Loads

Abstract

Structures and infrastructures under extreme loads can reach ultimate limit states (ULS) involving buckling and plastic collapse. Most metal structures made of steel or aluminum alloy exhibit ductile behavior until reaching the ULS. However, brittle fracture rarely occurs in structures exposed to cold temperatures or in aged structures even at room temperature. For safety studies of structures and infrastructures under extreme loads, accurately and efficiently predicting the maximum load-carrying capacity or the ultimate strength is essential. Various methods of predicting the ultimate strength, which account for the effects of both geometric and material nonlinearities, are available (as described in Chap. 3). This chapter presents computational models for analyzing the nonlinear responses of structures under extreme loads until and after the ULS is reached.