Implementation of EC3 second generation global analyses in engineering practice

Modern structural design practice relies heavily on the development of advanced computational models that serve as the basis for strength and stability analyses. A computational model, as a simplified and idealized representation of the actual structural system, should closely reflect the real behavior of the structure under the applied loads and adopted design solutions. This paper reviews essential aspects of modeling steel structures, with particular emphasis on the effects of geometric nonlinearity and structural imperfections. Differences between the first and second generation of Eurocode 3 in the field of global structural analysis are discussed, highlighting the increasing importance of aligning the computational model with the actual structural behavior. In the present study, only geometric nonlinearity is considered, assuming a linear-elastic material model. The aim of this paper is to identify key factors affecting the accuracy and reliability of analysis results in steel structures and to outline the limitations imposed by the adopted modeling assumptions. The presented considerations provide practical support for structural designers in making informed engineering decisions regarding the appropriate level of complexity in structural analysis