Purpose -This paper aims to present a new numerical model for the stability and load-bearing capacity computation of space reinforced-concrete (R/C) frame structures. Both material and geometric nonlinearities are taken into account. The R/C cross-sections are assumed to undergo limited distortion under torsional action. Design/methodology/approach -A simple, global discretization using beam-column finite elements is preferred to a full, global discretization using 3D elements. This is more acceptable from a practical point of view. The composite cross-section is discretized using 2D elements to apply the fiber decomposition procedure to solve the material and geometrical nonlinear behavior of the cross-section under biaxial moments and axial forces. A local discretization of each beam element based on the comparative body model (i.e. a prismatic body discretized using brick elements, element by element, during the incremental-iterative procedure) allows determining the torsional constant of the cross-section under limited warping. The classical global iterative-incremental procedure is then used to solve the resulting material and geometric nonlinear problem. Findings -It has been noticed that, in case of a limited distortion of the cross-section, the torsional constant of homogeneous (linear elastic) materials is greater than the one obtained from the Saint-Venant theory. However, due to low-tensile strength of concrete materials, the torsional constant decreases significantly after an early loading phase, primarily due to the lack of reinforcing flanges.Research limitations/implications -The current study does not cover the torsion analysis of R/C cross-section with stirrups. Besides, the bond-slip effect between concrete and steel reinforcement is not taken into account, nor is the local buckling of the beam flanges and rebar. Practical implications -This new numerical model has been implemented in a computer program for effectively computing the nonlinear stability and load bearing capacity of space R/C frames. Originality/value -The authors believe that the comparative body model should bring a new approach to the solution of torsion problems with limited distortion of cross-sections in material and geometric nonlinear analysis of space R/C frames.
This paper presents a new numerical model for the analysis of beam‐type structures based on the combined finite‐discrete element method. The model uses straight two‐node rotation free finite elements, and takes into account linear‐elastic material behaviour, finite displacements, finite rotations and small strains. The presented numerical model is implemented into the open source finite‐discrete element method package “Yfdem”. Performance of the new numerical model was demonstrated on simple benchmark tests where very good agreement of obtained numerical results with reference solutions was shown. Performed numerical analysis indicates that the presented numerical model is applicable in static, dynamic and stability analyses of beam type structures.
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