Role Of Nonlinear Analysis And Damage Mechanics In The Seismic Design Of Steel Structures

Synopsis

Finite Element (FE) simulation, in conjunction with nonlinear structural analysis is increasingly used by structural engineers to characterize the performance of structural components and systems. However, interpreting the results (i.e., limiting values of stress and strain demands) of these FE simulations is not straightforward, especially when they are used to assess fracture safety. This is even more challenging for seismic design of structures where traditional fracture mechanics is unreliable where components are designed to undergo large-scale yielding. The talk will summarize recent developments in applications of nonlinear analysis to seismic design and research on continuum-based fracture mechanics, which can reliably assess fracture under these conditions. Applications of these approaches to recent engineering applications and research projects will be presented, along with a discussion of their limitations.

About the speakers

Professor Gregory Deierlein

Professor Deierlein's research focuses on improving limit state design of constructed facilities through the development and application of nonlinear structural analysis methods and performance-based design criteria. Recent projects include the development and application of strength and stiffness degrading models to simulate steel and reinforced concrete structures, seismic design and behaviour of composite steel-concrete buildings, analysis of inelastic torsional-flexural instability of steel members, and a fracture mechanics investigation of seismically designed welded steel connections. He is Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University and Director of the John A Blume Earthquake Engineering Center. Greg has been awarded the Norman Medal by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Breakthrough Award in Popular Mechanics and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2013.

Professor Amit Kanvinde

Amit Kanvinde is interested in the seismic response and design of steel structures, with an emphasis understanding and simulating extreme limit states, such as fracture, fatigue, and collapse. His research combines large and small-scale experiments with model-based simulation to develop a more fundamental understanding of the response of structural systems. His ongoing projects include the seismic performance of steel column connections, fracture and fatigue in ageing cast iron pipes and the development of continuum models for low-triaxiality fracture and fatigue in steel. Some of Professor Kanvinde’s recent projects have addressed ultra-low cycle fatigue in steel structures, inelastic buckling and fracture of cyclically loaded steel braces and strength and ductility/earthquake induced fracture in the connections of eccentrically braced frames. Professor Kanvinde received the 2008 Norman Medal presented by the American Society of Civil Engineers and currently serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Structural Engineering.

Further information

This evening meeting is jointly organised by SECED and IStructE, and chaired by Sarah Fray (Technical Director, Institution of Structural Engineers). Non-members of the society are welcome to attend. Attendance at this meeting is free. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm - 6pm. Please note that anyone wishing to attend must register on the Institution of Structural Engineers websitebeforehand.