Performance Based Design

Performance based design is one of engineering’s most rapidly emerging fields. Subsequent to this growth in performance based design, the need for the accurate modeling of structural response becomes paramount, both in the linear and non-linear range. The Applied Element Method (AEM) empowers engineers to analyze their designs using a fully nonlinear analysis method to analyze a structure’s response to loads with an increased degree of precision. AEM automatically accounts for cracking, plasticity of materials and geometric non-linear changes (P-D Effect) so as to gain precise results without time consuming iterations. AEM’s ability to model damage allows for an improved degree of accuracy in virtually all performance based design, thereby advancing the safety and economy of these designs. AEM can even allow for the analysis of a series of seismic occurences, where the damage from the onset affects the structure’s response to either continuing or ensuing seismic events.