The finite elements are implemented internally, and the analysis model is generated automatically without any need for proficient user interaction. An important part of this process is meshing.
Concrete
All concrete members are meshed together. A recommended element size is automatically computed by the application based on the size and shape of the structure and taking into account the diameter of the largest reinforcing bar. Moreover, the recommended element size guarantees that a minimum of 4 elements are generated in thin parts of the structure, such as slim columns or thin slabs, to ensure reliable results in these areas. The maximum number of concrete elements is limited to 5000, but this value is sufficient to provide the recommended element size for most structures. Designers can always select a user-defined concrete element size by modifying the multiplier of the default mesh size.
Reinforcement
The reinforcement is divided into elements with approximately the same length as the concrete element size. Once the reinforcement and concrete meshes are generated, they are interconnected with bond elements as shown in Fig. 13.
Bearing plates
Auxiliary structural parts, such as bearing plates, are meshed independently. The size of these elements is calculated as 2/3 of the size of concrete elements in the connection area. The nodes of the bearing plate mesh are then connected to the edge nodes of the concrete mesh using interpolation constraint elements (RBE3).
Loads and supports
Patch loads and patch supports are connected only to the reinforcement, as shown in Fig. 16. Therefore, it is necessary to define the reinforcement around them. Connection to all nodes of the reinforcement within the effective radius is ensured by RBE3 elements with equal weight.
\[ \textsf{\textit{\footnotesize{Fig. 16\qquad Patch load mapping to reinforcement mesh.}}}\]
Line supports, and line loads are connected to the nodes of the concrete mesh using RBE3 elements based on the specified width or effective radius. The weight of the connections is inversely proportional to the distance from the support or load impulse.
- Read more about the interconnection between individual loads and mesh in General description of Load impulses in Detail application