Applied element simulation for collapse analysis of structures

A new extension for the Applied Element Method (AEM) for structural analysis is introduced. This paper introduces a numerical approach to deal with detailed structural collapse process. Contact and collision forces are considered in the analysis through collision springs, which are added at the locations where collision or recontact between elements occurs. The effects of separation, recontact and collision can be considered easily with high accuracy and without large increase of the CPU time. The main advantage of the proposed technique compared to the Extended Distinct Element Method (EDEM) is that the time increment can be much larger than the EDEM.(AU)

Simulation of buckling and post-buckling behavior of structures using applied element method

A new wxtension for the Applied Element Method (AEM) for structural analysis is introduced. This paper deals with the large deformation of elastic structures under static loading condition. In the formulation used, no geometric stiffness matrix is adopted. The formulation used is simple and general and it can be applied for any structural configuration or material type. This technique is based on determination of the residual forces due to geometrical changes of the structure during simulation. The accuracy of the proposed technique is checked by comparing with the theoretical results and, in all cases, the buckling loads, mode and post-buckling behavior of structures can be followed accurately.(AU)

Development and application of a new model for fracture behavior analysis of structures

A new method for fracture analysis of reinforced concrete structures is proposed. The concrete is modeled as an assembly of distinct elements made by dividing the concrete virtually. These elements are connected by distributed springs in both normal and tangential directions. The reinforcement bars are modeled as continuos springs conneting elements together. Local failure of concrete is modeled by failure of springs connecting elements when the stress calculated from forces acting on springs exceed the critical stress. The element formulation and the computer code were developed and the accuracy of the method were verified by comparing many experimental results. In these experiments the results showed good agreement in determining the failure load, the load-deflection relations, the prediction of crack initiation, crack location and crack propagation. The formulations used to ddevelop this method are simple and efficient in modeling the mechanical behavior of RC structures. (AU)

A new efficient technique for fracture analysis of structures

A new method for fracture analysis of reinforced concrete structures in proposed. The concrete is modeled as an assembly of distinct elements made by dividing the concrete virtually. These elements are connected by distributed springs in both normal and tangential directions. The reinforcement bars are modeled as continuos springs connecting elements together. Local failure of concrete is modeled by failure stress. In element formulation and the computer code were developed and the accuracy of the method were verified by comparing many experimental results. In these experiments, the results showed good agreement in determining the failure load-deflection relations the prediction od crack initiation, crack location and crack propagation. The formulation used to develop this method are simple and efficient in modeling the mechanical behavior of RC structures (AU)