APPLICATION OF LINK FE IN MODELING OF SPECIFIC BOUNDARY/INTERFACE CONDITIONS

This paper presents the concept of so-called “link” finite elements (link FE) application in finite element method (FEM) modeling of civil engineering structures. Some theoretical and numerical aspects as well as modeling performance of link FE are discussed. The basic approach considers the FEM structural modeling in simplified sense: after FE mesh generation, i.e. system topology definition, follows modeling the FE stiffness and theoretical boundary/interface conditions. Advanced approach, proposed in this paper, takes into account real boundary and interface conditions and some particular phenomena modeling. Required theoretical considerations, suggestions and recommendations for practical link FE application in FEM modeling are given. Also, importance of Computer Aided Structural Analysis (CASA) software choice is emphasized. As an illustration of the theoretical considerations, four numerical examples are given. The first example shows possibility of modeling the composite beam. Second example presents effects in plate behavior when link FE are used. Third example explains behavior of “sandwichplate” formed by a three layers. Fourth example is an illustration of reinforced concrete plate modeling possibility.