Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Civil Engineering

This research aims to study the effectiveness of the available modelling techniques, parameters, and assumptions for non-linear analysis to create an overview of the optimum modelling techniques, parameters, and assumptions to be used in modern computationally intensive analyses, such as performance-based analysis (PBA). To accomplish this objective, OpenSees software was used for its advanced capabilities for modelling the nonlinear response of systems. Thus, a mid-span concrete bridge was modelled using force-based, displacement-based, and beam with hinges elements using various section types (fiber or uniaxial sections). The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed based on executing a non-linear static pushover analysis. PBA was carried out on the bridge using the optimum techniques derived from the previous analysis, where their performance under the dynamic non-linear analysis was evaluated based on the fragility curves produced from an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The computational effort of each technique was also monitored

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