Bridge structural theory and modeling

Structural analysis and modeling in bridge engineering and design are the themes of this chapter. The first section is dedicated to structural analysis—including equilibrium, compatibility, and constitutive laws equations—with a computational mechanics and theoretical approach. Furthermore, the structural behavior of materials, including nonlinearity, is discussed. The second section is dedicated to structural modeling, including the finite element method’s (FEM’s) basic principles, modeling elements, modeling methods, material and cross-section details, boundaries, modeling strategies, modeling approaches, and modeling tips subdivided by bridge type.