A \(\sigma\)-constant acceleration method in nonlinear analysis (Q579010)

Accelerated iterative nonlinear analysis is achieved by primarily requiring stress convergence and enforcing displacement equilibrium through the use of pseudobalancing forces after the stress convergence at the load stage. Incremental perfect-plasticity modelling of material loading characteristics is made, and this enables stresses on intermediate-yield surfaces to be held constant on such surfaces within iterations at any given load level. The procedure accelerates stress convergence in a Newton-Raphson solution modelled by the use of the initial stiffness. Emphasis has been placed on reinforced concrete, despite the generality of the formulation. An example of a beam and slab is analysed.