Finite Element Analysis for Building Assessment

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the Finite Element Method, particularly for assessing existing buildings. Finite Element Analysis for Building Assessment is essential for engineers and students alike.

This book presents the Finite Element Method (FEM) in a detailed manner, focusing on the nonlinearities involved in computational analysis. It provides guidance on the material properties that should be adopted in various analyses, illustrated through case studies of existing buildings. Aimed at students with a structural engineering background as well as professionals in the field, Finite Element Analysis for Building Assessment serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding these complex concepts.

Existing structures often present unique challenges in the global built environment, characterized by the use of archaic materials, damage, and unconventional construction techniques. These factors can lead to complications in assessing structural capacity using traditional linear elastic analysis methods. Such approaches are not only overconservative but can also result in unnecessary costs, invasive strengthening measures, and potential losses in the aesthetic or heritage value of buildings. This book addresses these issues by introducing advanced numerical simulations and a practical approach to FEM, covering nonlinear solution procedures and constitutive material models.

The text discusses recommended material properties for various construction materials such as masonry, timber, reinforced concrete, iron, and steel, based on experimental evidence and established building standards. The examples presented throughout Finite Element Analysis for Building Assessment support the decision-making process for analysts, promoting a safe and efficient use of finite element analysis in building assessments. Written primarily for practicing engineers, it also serves as a valuable resource for students in engineering and technical architecture who possess a solid foundation in continuum mechanics and structural design.