Title: Why Nonlinear Analysis and Design?

Author(s): M. Z. Cohn

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 12

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 591-594

Keywords:

DOI: 10.14359/16735

Date: 1/1/1965

Abstract:
Along with the recent developments in the field, certain doubts were expressed on the practical value of limit design in structural concrete, with particular reference to the following aspects: 1. Limited redistribution in concrete structures due to the variable strength design of members. 2. Lack of economic advantages if additional reinforcement is required at plastic hinges to increase their ductility. 3. More critical service conditions than for structural steel. 4. Special service considerations leading to more complicated analytical work. Similar doubts marked the discussions of the CEB Committee XI at the Monaco Session of the European Concrete Committee in 1961. All these problems can, probably, be summarized as follows: Are there any reasons at all for developing nonlinear analysis and design methods for concrete structures? This writer believes the only reasonable answer to the above question is a straight "of course"! With this he assumes an analysis or design method obviously has to reflect as closely as possible the actual behaviour of the structure. The arguments to follow are but a brief justification of this answer, illustrating the reasons for a nonlinear design of structural concrete from both theoretical and practical considerations.