A modified discrete model in the nonlinear finite element analysis of prestressed and reinforced concrete structures

A special discrete and smeared representation of reinforcement to be used in nonlinear finite element analysis of prestressed and reinforced concrete structures is presented. In this technique the main reinforcing bars of arbitrary type and location can be represented using a discrete model independent of the concrete finite element mesh. Whilst the secondary reinforcement and/or stirrups are represented by a smeared model. Lagrange and Serendipity quadratic and cubic isoparametric elements with movable side and interior nodes are used. A contact element with different bond conditions is used to model the bond behaviour between concrete and steel. The frictional force in prestressed tendon is easy to represent