The main objectives of this course are to:

Introduce the fundamental concepts of nonlinear structural analysis, including the classification of nonlinear problems and the distinction between material and geometric nonlinearities.

Provide students with a solid understanding of solution strategies for nonlinear equilibrium equations, covering both iterative and incremental approaches.

Develop the ability to model nonlinear material behavior of steel and reinforced concrete using constitutive laws and computational algorithms.

Familiarize students with nonlinear section modeling techniques, including fiber discretization and interaction diagram development.

Equip students with knowledge of nonlinear finite element modeling of frames, emphasizing both lumped plasticity and distributed inelasticity approaches.

Introduce the influence of large displacement effects (P–Δ and P–δ) on structural response and methods to incorporate them into frame analysis.

Enable students to apply nonlinear analysis methods—including pushover and nonlinear dynamic analysis—to real structural systems.

Cultivate computational skills for implementing nonlinear structural analysis in software tools and interpreting results for engineering decision-making.