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The only method available to account for the nonlinear properties of members which are assigned tension and compression limits during moving-load analysis is step-by-step time-history moving-load analysis. Additional information is available in the CSI Analysis Reference Manual (Step-By-Step Analysis > Time-History Analysis, page 466).

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Unattainable tension and compression limits

When tension and compression limits are specified, the program reduces axial stiffness of the element once the limits are reached as described above. If there is a path for load redistribution, the loads will be redistributed and the limits will be achieved. However, if there is no path for load redistribution (a simple example would be a single member loaded by axial tensile force with zero tension limit specified for the member), the limits may be exceeded. This is however consistent with implementation of this feature in the program.

See also

• Tension-only elements in ETABS article

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