abstract: This paper analyses the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams subjected to progressive loads. Although this topic is addressed in recent works through tri-dimensional finite elements, the present study adopts a simpler alternative, using Euler-Bernoulli’s beam finite element. The evolution of the generalized cracking is addressed by Damage Mechanics theory, and the nonlinear constitutive models of concrete and steel are considered, including plasticity and post-peak ‘. The laminated approach permits not only to ascertain the damage evolution but, in practical aspects, makes easy to define vertically symmetrical transversal sections and to distribute the reinforcement as desired, even if the steel rebars have different lengths. It is highlighted the changing of the neutral axis during the damage evolution process, which is updated automatically by the developed numeric-computational code. To validate the proposed methodology, two examples are detailed, both based on experimental tests found in the literature. The results obtained are close to the experimental ones and confirm the applicability of the proposed approach.

resumo: Este trabalho analisa o comportamento de vigas de concreto armado submetidas a carregamentos progressivos. Embora este tema seja tratado em trabalhos mais recentes através de modelos de elementos finitos tridimensionais, o presente trabalho adota uma alternativa mais simples empregando elementos finitos de viga de Euler-Bernoulli. A evolução da fissuração generalizada é abordada pela teoria da Mecânica do Dano, e são considerados os modelos constitutivos não lineares do concreto e do aço, incluindo a plasticidade e o comportamento pós-pico. A abordagem laminada permite não só verificar a evolução do dano, mas, em aspectos práticos, facilita definir seções transversais verticalmente simétricas e distribuir a armadura conforme desejado, mesmo que as barras de aço tenham comprimentos diferentes. Destaca-se a mudança da linha neutra durante o processo de evolução do dano, que é atualizado automaticamente pelo código numérico-computacional desenvolvido. Para validar a metodologia proposta, são detalhados dois exemplos, ambos baseados em testes experimentais encontrados na literatura. Os resultados obtidos são muito próximos dos experimentais e confirmam a aplicabilidade da abordagem proposta.

Abstract The Finite Element Method (FEM), although widely used as an approximate solution method, has some limitations when applied in dynamic analysis. As the loads excite the high frequency and modes, the method may lose precision and accuracy. To improve the representation of these high-frequency modes, we can use the Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM) to enrich the approach space with appropriate functions according to the problem under study. However, there are still some aspects that limit the GFEM applicability in problems of dynamics of structures, as numerical instability associated with the process of enrichment. Due to numerical instability, the GFEM may lose precision and even result in numerically singular matrices. In this context, this paper presents the application of two proposals to minimize the problem of sensitivity of the GFEM: an adaptation of the Stable Generalized Finite Element Method for dynamic analysis and a stabilization strategy based on preconditioning of enrichment. Examples of one-dimensional modal and transient analysis are presented as bars with cross section area variation. Numerical results obtained are discussed analyzing the effects of the adoption of preconditioning techniques on the approximation and the stability of GFEM in dynamic analysis.

AbstractThe Modified Global Green's Function Method (MGGFM) is an integral technique that is characterized by good accuracy in the evaluation of boundary fluxes. This method uses only projections of the Green's Function for the solution of the discrete problem and this is the origin of the term 'Modified' of its name. In this paper the local strategy for calculating the projections of Green's function using de Finite Element Method (FEM) are detailed. The numerical examples show some aspects of the method that had not yet been observed and good results for the flux in all nodes of the mesh.

The Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM) can be viewed as an extension of the Finite Element Method (FEM) where the approximation space is enriched by shape functions appropriately chosen. Many applications of the GFEM can be found in literature, mostly when some information about the solution is known a priori. This paper presents the application of the GFEM to the problem of structural dynamic analysis of bars subject to axial displacements and trusses for the evaluation of the time response of the structure. Since the analytical solution of this problem is composed, in most cases, of a trigonometric series, the enrichment used in this paper is based on sine and cosine functions. Modal Superposition and the Newmark Method are used for the time integration procedure. Five examples are studied and the analytical solution is presented for two of them. The results are compared to the ones obtained with the FEM using linear elements and a Hierarchical Finite Element Method (HFEM) using higher order elements.