This is a part of the coordinated research program in prestressed structural systems. In order to study the behavior of the two broad types of connection type, a flexible analytical platform will be developed. This platform will be an extension of the computer analysis program DRAIN 2D-X to accommodate the development of three-dimensional elements, to include slaving constraints and to enhance presently available pre-and post-processing tools while refining current procedures for the nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of structures. Special purpose elements will also be developed. These will be based on physical fiber models and will permit various levels of analysis sophistication. Significant part of the total effort will be directed towards documenting the analytical procedures which underlie the analytical platform in order to facilitate the inclusion of special purpose elements by other program participants. Documentation will also be provided to guide other participants and users in the use of the program. This project will develop the basic analytical capability necessary to carry out all the studies involved in the overall seismic precast structure research program.
