Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Nonlinear Structural Analysis
Course leader: Professor Bassam Izzuddin
Other contributors:
Module status: Core H2A3
Elective H2A2, H2A1, H2U5
Pre- or co-requisites:
Term: Spring
Contact hours: 30
ECTS units: MSc: 5 / MEng: 6
FHEQ Level: 7
Assessment: Coursework, written examination
1.0 Aims
• To present systematic procedures for geometric and material nonlinear structural analysis.
• To introduce and encourage the use of advanced nonlinear analysis software and to explore the
significance of common nonlinear phenomena, particularly in relation to the structural response
under extreme events.
2.0 Syllabus
• Fundamentals of geometric nonlinearity for discrete structural systems.
• Principles of stability and buckling analysis for discrete structural systems.
• Nonlinear solution procedures for tracing equilibrium paths.
• Geometrically nonlinear finite elements for one-dimensional structural systems.
• Materially nonlinear finite elements for one-dimensional structural systems.
• Nonlinear dynamic analysis of discrete structural systems (only MSc).
No. Topic Staff
01 Lecture: Fundamentals of geometric nonlinearity for discrete structural systems. BAI
02 Lecture: Principles of stability and buckling analysis for discrete structural BAI
systems
03 Lecture: Principles of stability and buckling analysis for discrete structural BAI
systems
Tutorial
04 Lecture: Principles of stability and buckling analysis for discrete structural BAI
systems
Tutorial
05 Lecture: Nonlinear solution procedures for tracing equilibrium paths BAI
Computer lab
Module Descriptor 2018-19 Page 1
Revised: 25-Jul-2018
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
06 Lecture: Geometrically nonlinear finite elements for one-dimensional structural BAI
systems
Project
07 Lecture: Materially nonlinear finite elements for one-dimensional structural BAI
systems
Project
Computer lab
08 Lecture: Materially nonlinear finite elements for one-dimensional structural BAI
systems
Project
09 Lecture: Nonlinear dynamic analysis of discrete structural systems BAI
Project
Computer lab
10 Lecture: Nonlinear dynamic analysis of discrete structural systems BAI
Project
Computer lab
3.0 Intended learning outcomes
On successfully completing this course unit, students will be able to:
• Distinguish between linear and nonlinear structural analysis.
• Recognise types of problem for which nonlinear structural analysis is necessary.
• Understand principles of stability for multi-degree of freedom structural systems.
• Appreciate the basis of sophisticated and simplified buckling analysis methods.
• Use equilibrium paths to characterise the nonlinear structural response.
• Understand basic incremental iterative solution procedures for tracing equilibrium paths.
• Appreciate the fundamentals of nonlinear finite element discretisation, including geometric and
material nonlinearity.
• Appreciate the use of hierarchic processes in tackling complex problems.
• Recognise the role of analogies in gaining greater understanding.
• Use nonlinear structural analysis software.
• Perform simplified buckling analysis.
• Use computers for simulations.
• Solve a nonlinear system of equations.
• Apply techniques of linear algebra.
4.0 Teaching methods
Handouts are provided for the various topics, and extensive use is made of the visualiser to elaborate on
concepts and application issues. All material, including handouts, visualiser lecture notes and solutions to
tutorial problems, are placed on Blackboard for student access. Computer laboratory sessions are also
provided making use of screen projection to introduce finite element analysis software.
Module Descriptor 2018-19 Page 2
Revised: 25-Jul-2018
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
5.0 Assessment
Assessment will be via written examination and project coursework, with respective marks split of 70:30.
6.0 Recommended textbooks
Category as defined by Central Library:
C = Core, S = Supplementary
X No textbooks are recommended.
7.0 Subject threads
The table below shows how the themes of design, sustainability and health & safety risk management are
embedded in the curriculum (as defined by the JBM degree guidelines).
Key: Primary (P), Secondary (S) and Contributory (C).
Health & Safety
Design Sustainability
Risk Management
S S -
Module Descriptor 2018-19 Page 3
Revised: 25-Jul-2018
