A laminated structural finite element for the behavior of large non-linear reinforced concrete structures

C. ESCUDERO; S. OLLER; X. MARTINEZ; A. BARBAT

FINITE ELEMENTS IN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016 vol. 119 p. 78 - 94

0168-874X

In order to correctly predict the kinematics of complex structures, analysis using three-dimensional finite elements(3DFEs) seems to be the best alternative. However, simulation of large multi-layered structures with many plies can beunaordable with 3DFEs because of the excessive computational cost, especially for non-linear materials. In addition,the discretization of very thin layers can lead to highly distorted FEs carrying numerical issues, therefore, reducedmodels arise as an aordable solution.This paper describes a new finite element formulation to perform numerical simulations of laminated reinforcedconcrete structures. The intention of this work is that the proposed scheme can be applied in the analysis of real-lifestructures where a high amount of computational resources are needed to fulfill the meshing requirements, hence the resulting formulation has to be a compromise between simplicity and eciency. So that, the condensation of a dimension (thickness), mandatory to model three-dimensional structures with twodimensional finite elements (2DFEs), leads to refer all layers contained within such FEs to a plane, which is typically named middle plane or geometrical plane, since its sole function is to serve as a geometrical reference. This work is based on the assumption that the geometrical plane has to be distinguished from a mechanical plane, which is wherethe resultant stiness of all layers is contained. It is also assumed in this work that the mechanical plane changes its position due to non-linear response of the component materials.