Damped spectral element method for global dynamic analysis of chimneys

Conventional finite element method has been used successfully in linear and nonlinear analyses in tall chimney structures. The method can be performed by subdividing the large structure with small uniform elements having approximate shape functions. Although this replaces a single complicated structural system with the number of simple uniform elements, in cases of tall concrete chimney structures with cracking and crushing behavior in concrete material and yielding in the reinforcement, the computer time and memory can be large. Hence, it is desirable to search for a procedure requiring lesser number of elements and also less computer time and effort to model a structure. In this respect, attention is paid to the advanced complex damped spectral element method, which benefits from the more accurate and also mathematically complicated shape functions. The use of advanced spectral element method can help engineers to design a complex structure, like a tall concrete tower, with a lower cost and weight. Using a computer program, the proposed formulation has been used to derive the non-linear dynamic response of tall concrete chimney.