Analysis of Multilevel Structure Subjected to Geometric Non- Linearity

Abstract

The analysis of the structures has seen a very rapid change as far as the time required is concerned after the invent of structural analysis software. With the use of this software the designers can predict the critical elements of the structure before the structure is even built and the very point to be reinforced can be found out. For this critical element detection the software uses analyses that are based on finite element method. One such method is the Geometric non linearity method, more commonly known as p- delta method. Geometric non linearity takes into account the vertical load transfer path that is changed by the lateral loads especially due to seismic excitations. This change in load transfer brings about additional moments that are to be calculated and the p-delta analysis does the same. There are two parts of the p-delta effect there is P the axial load and the delta that is the deflection due to the lateral load. P-delta analysis is a second degree analysis that takes into account the additional moments that are generated and usually are neglected during the design phase of the structure.