RC Beam-Column Element for Nonlinear Frame Analysis

by Enrico Spacone, Univ of California, Berkeley, United States,
Filip C. Filippou, Univ of California, Berkeley, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Analysis and Computation

Abstract:

Recent studies have shown that beam-column finite elements that enforce equilibrium rather than compatibility along the element are better suited for the description of the strength and stiffness deterioration of structural elements under cyclic loading. This paper presents a reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column finite element based on the flexibility method. Coupling between axial force and bending moments is naturally introduced by the element subdivision into longitudinal fibers. The nonlinear nature of the element depends entirely on the constitutive behavior of the concrete and steel fibers. The implementation of the element in an existing finite element program necessitates the development of a new iterative solution scheme that is based on residual deformations rather than residual forces at the section and element level. The application of element loads is straightforward in the proposed algorithm of element state determination. Parameter studies of the effect of number of fibers in a section and of number of sections in an element are also discussed.

Subject Headings: Finite element method | Structural analysis | Reinforced concrete | Concrete frames | Structural members | Steel structures | Concrete beams

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