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Abstract

FEA model representing a reinforced concrete structure is defined and received in a computer system. The FEA model contains solid elements defined solid element nodes and beam elements defined by master beam element nodes. Beam elements representing reinforcing steel are embedded inside solid elements representing concrete. Each beam element straddles one or more solid elements. Slave beam nodes along the at least one beam element are created such that each of the solid elements houses at least one slave beam node. Numerically simulated structural behaviors of the reinforced concrete structure are obtained by conducting a time-marching simulation using the FEA model. At each solution cycle of the time-marching simulation, proper coupling of the solid elements and the at least one beam element are ensured. Exchanges of masses and momentums between a slave beam node and corresponding solid element nodes is conducted with both consistent and non-consistent portions.

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First Claim