Hybrid Finite Element Modeling for Seismic Structural Response Analysis of a Reinforced Concrete Structure

For rational seismic structural response analysis of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) structure, this paper presents a solid element in which a sophisticated concrete constitutive relation and cracking functionality are implemented. Hybrid finite element modeling that uses solid and beam elements for concrete and steel rebar is proposed, made tougher with a method of constructing the hybrid finite element. Well-balanced modeling is possible by first generating beam elements for the steel rebars and then generating solid elements for the concrete with nodes of the beam elements being shared by the solid element. A numerical experiment was carried out for a RC column subjected to unilateral loading, in order to examine the potential applicability of the hybrid finite element modeling. The computed results are compared with the experimental data, and the nonlinear relation between the displacement and reaction force is reproduced to some extent.