How do hinges and links compare, and when is one recommended over the other?
Answer: Both hinges and links may be used to model localized nonlinear behavior. Depending on modeling goals, either one may be most appropriate. A summary of the primary advantages and comparisons are as follows:
Hinges
- Hinges are suitable for pushover analysis since hinge state may be displayed graphically for each pushover increment.
- Hinge properties may be entered manually, or automatically, according to FEMA or Caltrans guidelines.
- Multiple hinges may be assigned along element length to simulate the distribution of plasticity along the member.
Links
- More modeling features are available for links, including energy-dissipation capability, a variety of hysteresis models, and such advanced seismic properties as isolation and Wen plasticity.
- Hysteretic behavior may be specified for multiple DOF within a single link, which is not the case for hinges.
- Links are independent objects which do not require association with a frame element.
- Various link properties are available for modeling steel, concrete, and several types of bearing behavior.
See Also
- Additional comparisons between hinges and hysteretic links may be found in the Hinge FAQ article.
Related Emails: - Email "Using multilinear links to model strength loss": Discussion that multilinear links can be used to model strength loss in the latest versions of the program. (yl → bm, ok, fh, 1/8/2016, ID 16187911)
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