A Finite Element formulation for concrete structures in plane stress

A comprehensive, very compact non-linear finite element is proposed, which is able to describe the behaviour of two-dimensional concrete structures from serviceability conditions up to collapse. The formulation of this finite element takes into account all the material non-linearities typical of concrete structures such as cracking, non-linear behaviour in compression, tension and compression softening and shear transmission along cracks. The robustness of the finite element derives from its compactness and from the reduction of the number of input parameters that control the structural response, but whose values very often cannot be properly introduced. The proposed finite element is calibrated by reproducing a wide range of well-known experimental tests, carried out both on simple panels and complex two-dimensional structures; it is then tested with reference to three additional cases, where it shows a satisfactory capability to predict reinforced concrete two-dimensional structural behaviour.