Finite element analysis of two-dimensional shear flexible frame structures: Linear analysis (Q1090145)

The paper focuses on the development and application of accurate, reliable, and computationally inexpensive beam/column elements for the analysis of two-dimensional frames and arches. More specifically, on the basis of modified versions of the variational theorem due to Hellinger and Reissner two elements were formulated that account for shear deformation effects. In the case of the first element, the displacements and stress resultants have been treated as independent variables whereas in the case of the second element the displacements and the shear strain were approximated independently from each other. Both elements possess the usual six engineering kinematic degrees of freedom. Extensive numerical studies were performed in order to assess the relative merits of the proposed elements in comparison with each other as well as with existing elements. These studies clearly indicate that both elements do not display 'locking' or any other numerically caused instabilities. Furthermore, both elements were found to give highly accurate results even in cases where just a few elements were used to model a given structural problem. It is also worth noticing that both elements can easily be implemented in any existing general-purpose finite element code based on the stiffness matrix concept.