Element size effects in nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete members

Abstract This paper presents the results of an investigation into the effect of finite element size in nonlinear finite element analysis of concrete structures. The influence of element size on different behavioural aspects of reinforced concrete structures including the load-displacement and load-strain characteristics, crack pattern and ultimate load are discussed along with a comparison with the experimental data where available. To eliminate the dependence of the computed results on the finite element size, a simple procedure for calculating the ultimate tensile strain of concrete was developed and implemented into the nonlinear finite element formulation. The proposed model gives good agreement with the experimental results. In particular, the new model can be used effectively with relatively coarse finite element meshes with reasonable accuracy.