FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR NONLINEAR FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS

The results from a nonlinear finite-element analysis (NLFEA) of a rein forced concrete (RC) slab bridge are presented and discussed. The anal ytical results are compared with those obtained in 1993 by Huria Lee a nd Aktan and their differences are discussed. The analytical results a re also compared in general to experimental results on a similar struc ture, as presented by Aktan, Zwick, Miller and Sharooz in 1992. The an alyses predicted approximately the same ultimate failure load as that experienced by the bridge, but the failure mechanisms differed. All of the differences mentioned are used as the basis for additional recomm endations to practicing engineers for conducting NLFEA of RC structure s.