• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.395-409
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• 1998

This paper concerns the development and implementation of an orthotropic, stress resultant elasto-plastic finite element model for the collapse load analysis of reinforced concrete plates. The model implements yield line plasticity theory for reinforced concrete. The behaviour of the yield functions are studied, and modifications introduced to ensure a robust finite element model of cases involving bending and twisting stress resultants ($M_x$, $M_y$, $M_{xy}$). Onset of plasticity is always governed by the general yield-line-model (YLM), but in some cases a switch to the stress resultant form of the von Mises function is used to ensure the proper evolution of plastic strains. Case studies are presented, involving isotropic and orthotropic plates, to assess the behaviour of the yield line approach. The YLM function is shown to perform extremely well, in predicting both the collapse loads and failure mechanisms.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.175-186
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• 2018

The plastic hinge method and the plastic zone method are extensively adopted in displacement-based elements and force-based elements respectively for second-order inelastic analysis. The former enhances the computational efficiency with relatively less accurate results while the latter precisely predicts the structural behavior but generally requires more computer time. The displacement-based elements receive criticism mainly on plasticity dominated problems not only in accuracy but also in longer computer time to redistribute the forces due to formation of plastic hinges. The multi-element-per-member model relieves this problem to some extent but will induce a new problem in modeling of member initial imperfections required in design codes for direct analysis. On the contrary, a force-based element with several integration points is sufficient for material yielding. However, use of more integration points or elements associated with fiber section reduces computational efficiency. In this paper, a new force-based element equipped with stress-resultant plasticity model with minimal computational cost is proposed for second-order inelastic analysis. This element is able to take the member initial bowing into account such that one-element-per-member model is adequate and complied with the codified requirements of direct analysis. This innovative solution is new and practical for routine design. Finally, several examples demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.