Finite Element Analysis For Building Assessment

Existing structures represent a heterogeneous category in the global built environment as often characterized by the presence of archaic materials, damage and disconnections, uncommon construction techniques and subsequent interventions throughout the building history. In this scenario, the common linear elastic analysis approach adopted for new buildings is incapable of an accurate estimation of structural capacity, leading to overconservative results, invasive structural strengthening, added intervention costs, excessive interference to building users and possible losses in terms of aesthetics or heritage values. For a rational and sustainable use of the resources, this book deals with advanced numerical simulations, adopting a practical approach to introduce the fundamentals of Finite Element Method, nonlinear solution procedures and constitutive material models. Recommended material properties for masonry, timber, reinforced concrete, iron and steel are discussed according to experimental evidence, building standards and codes of practice. The examples examined throughout the book and in the conclusive chapter support the analyst’s decision-making process toward a safe and efficient use of finite element analysis. Written primarily for practicing engineers, the book is of value to students in engineering and technical architecture with solid knowledge in the field of continuum mechanics and structural design.

Existing structures represent a heterogeneous category in the global built environment as often characterized by the presence of archaic materials, damage and disconnections, uncommon construction techniques and subsequent interventions throughout the building history. In this scenario, the common linear elastic analysis approach adopted for new buildings is incapable of an accurate estimation of structural capacity, leading to overconservative results, invasive structural strengthening, added intervention costs, excessive interference to building users and possible losses in terms of aesthetics or heritage values. For a rational and sustainable use of the resources, this book deals with advanced numerical simulations, adopting a practical approach to introduce the fundamentals of Finite Element Method, nonlinear solution procedures and constitutive material models. Recommended material properties for masonry, timber, reinforced concrete, iron and steel are discussed according to experimental evidence, building standards and codes of practice. The examples examined throughout the book and in the conclusive chapter support the analyst’s decision-making process toward a safe and efficient use of finite element analysis. Written primarily for practicing engineers, the book is of value to students in engineering and technical architecture with solid knowledge in the field of continuum mechanics and structural design.

"This textbook combines the theory of elasticity (advanced analytical treatment of stress analysis problems) and finite element methods (numerical details of finite element formulations) into one academic course derived from author's teaching, research, and applied work in automotive product development as well as in civil structural analysis. This work contains 12 discrete chapters that can be covered in a single semester university graduate course on linear elastic finite element analysis methods. The book also serves as a reference for practicing engineers working on design assessment and analysis of solids and structures"--

The first complete guide to using the Stochastic Finite Element Method for reliability assessment Unlike other analytical reliability estimation techniques, the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM) can be used for both implicit and explicit performance functions, making it a particularly powerful and robust tool for today's engineer. This book, written by two pioneers in SFEM-based methodologies, shows how to use SFEM for the reliability analysis of a wide range of structures. It begins by reviewing essential risk concepts, currently available risk evaluation procedures, and the use of analytical and sampling methods in estimating risk. Next, it introduces SFEM evaluation procedures, with detailed coverage of displacement-based and stress-based deterministic finite element approaches. Linear, nonlinear, static, and dynamic problems are considered separately to demonstrate the robustness of the methods. The risk or reliability estimation procedure for each case is presented in different chapters, with theory complemented by a useful series of examples. Integrating advanced concepts in risk-based design, finite elements, and mechanics, Reliability Assessment Using Stochastic Finite Element Analysis is vital reading for engineering professionals and students in all areas of the field.

The book introduces the basic concepts of the finite element method in the static and dynamic analysis of beam, plate, shell and solid structures, discussing how the method works, the characteristics of a finite element approximation and how to avoid the pitfalls of finite element modeling. Presenting the finite element theory as simply as possible, the book allows readers to gain the knowledge required when applying powerful FEA software tools. Further, it describes modeling procedures, especially for reinforced concrete structures, as well as structural dynamics methods, with a particular focus on the seismic analysis of buildings, and explores the modeling of dynamic systems. Featuring numerous illustrative examples, the book allows readers to easily grasp the fundamentals of the finite element theory and to apply the finite element method proficiently.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue Reducing the Seismic Vulnerability of Existing Buildings: Assessment and Retrofit that was published in Buildings

In Finite Element Design of Concrete Structures: practical problems and their solutions the author addresses this blind belief in computer results by offering a useful critique that important details are overlooked due to the flood of information from the output of computer calculations. Indeed, errors in the numerical model may lead in extreme cases to structural failures as the collapse of the so-called Sleipner platform has demonstrated.

Non-linear computer analysis methods have seen remarkable advancement in the last half-century. The state-of-the-art in non-linear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete has progressed to the point where such procedures are close to being practical, every-day tools for design office engineers. Non-linear computer analysis procedures can be used to provide reliable assessments of the strength and integrity of damaged or deteriorated structures, or of structures built to previous codes, standards or practices deemed to be deficient today. They can serve as valuable tools in assessing the expected behaviour from retrofitted structures, or in investigating and rationally selecting amongst various repair alternatives. fib Bulletin 45 provides an overview of current concepts and techniques relating to computer-based finite element modelling of structural concrete. It summarises the basic knowledge required for use of nonlinear analysis methods as applied to practical design, construction and maintenance of concrete structures, and attempts to provide a diverse and balanced portrayal of the current technical knowledge, recognizing that there are often competing and conflicting viewpoints. This report does not give advice on picking one model over another but, rather, provides guidance to designers on how to use existing and future models as tools in design practice, in benchmarking of their models against established and reliable test data and in selecting an appropriate safety factor as well as recognising various pitfalls. fib Bulletin 45 is intended for practicing engineers, and therefore focuses more on practical application and less on the subtleties of constitutive modelling.