Andrew J Deeks

In this chapter, a novel semianalytical approach to continuum mechanics, known as the “scaled-boundary finite-element” method, is introduced for elasto-static problems involving an unbounded axisymmetric domain subjected to general loading. The accuracy and efficiency of the scaled boundary finite-element solutions are examined in the chapter by comparison with analytical solutions for a rigid circular footing on the surface of a homogeneous half-space subjected to vertical, horizontal, moment, and torsion loading. It is shown that as the number of nodes used to discretize the boundary increases, the computed solutions converge to the analytical solutions rapidly. Using a boundary discretized with 61 nodes, the discrepancies between the scaled-boundary finite-element solutions and the analytical solutions are negligible for all load cases.

The object-oriented programming method is a potential technique in developing software for structural engineering application. This paper develops an integrated finite element system for reinforced concrete structures with object-oriented programming. The developed program in object-oriented perspective not only creates node class, element class, load class and other classes according to the fundamental concepts but also concrete class and steel bar class for reinforced concrete nonlinear analysis. Besides, this paper proposed a new adaptive cracking model, combining the advantages of smeared cracking model and discrete cracking model with unique properties of its own, which employs adaptive finite element analysis method in cracking analysis of reinforced concrete structures. The examples show the computational efficiency of the presented adaptive cracking model in the emulate analysis for reinforced concrete structures. The system developed in this paper is found to enhance the expansibility of programs, simplify the design and maintenance of programs, improve the accuracy and reduce the computational effort of the reinforced concrete finite element nonlinear analysis.