Nonlinear Subincremental Method for Determination of Elastic-Plastic-Creep Behaviour

The frequently used subincremental method has so far been used on a linear interpolation of the total strain path within each main step. This method has proven successful when elastic-plastic behaviour and secondary creep is involved. The authors propose a nonlinear subincremental method applicable to general elastic-plastic-creep behaviour including problems with a highly nonlinear total strain path caused by the occurrence of creep hardening. This nonlinear method degenerates to the linear approach for elastic-plastic behaviour and when secondary creep is present. It is also linear during step loadings and it becomes increasingly more nonlinear, the more creep hardening deformations dominate the behaviour. A wide range of structures are analysed and the results from both subincremental methods are compared