ABSTRACT
In recent years, nonlinear bridge analysis has gained a greater momentum because of the need to assess inelastic structural behavior under seismic loads. Common seismic design philosophies for ordinary bridges allow some degree of damage without collapse. To control and evaluate damage, a postelastic nonlinear analysis is required. A nonlinear analysis is complex and involves many simplifying assumptions. Engineers must be familiar with those complexities and assumptions to design bridges that are safe and economical.
