3 Credit Hours

AZ

Andrew Ziccarelli

Asst Professor

[email protected]

This course deals with advanced topics in matrix structural analysis. The course is broken down into three primary sections. In the first section, geometric nonlinearity will be introduced. This will include study of large deformations, buckling, force recovery and numerical solution strategies. In the second section, material nonlinearity will be covered, with a focus on computer implementation. The final section of the course will be devoted to practical applications of nonlinear structural analysis.

Prerequisites

CE 525 Advanced Structural Analysis, or an equivalent course in matrix structural analysis methods.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Implement first-order and second-order elastic structural analyses using the direct stiffness method in MATLAB.
2. Describe the difference between first and second order structural analyses.
3. Describe how large deflections are incorporated into second order analyses.
4. Calculate the elastic critical load for various simple structures.
5. Calculate member forces in second order analyses.
6. Utilize concentrated plastic hinges in computer analyses and in plastic analysis by hand.
7. Develop and implement fiber hinges to describe nonlinear material behavior.

Course Requirements

Textbooks

Matrix Structural Analysis (Second Edition) by McGuire, Gallagher and Ziemian*
*This text will be referenced occasionally, and a PDF copy is available for free download.

Created: 10/09/2026.