An interface element for numerical analysis of flat plate/shell elements with deformable connection

Abstract The use of numerical methods such as the finite elements method for solving structural analysis problems is becoming ever more efficient. An interface element capable of associating flat plate/shell element in three different combinations has been developed. In a structural analysis, when only the flat plate/shell’s finite elements are used in the discretization, some problems concerning dimensional variation of the transversal section, as well as overlapping of areas can occur. . The aforementioned problems can be solved by the developed interface elements that can also simulate a possible deformable connection that is existent in the association of materials with different characteristics, such as the composite steel-concrete elements. One of the applications of the finite elements developed is for the numerical simulation of composite steel-concrete elements, such as the composite beam formed by a reinforced concrete slab attached to a steel beam using a deformable connection. In this case, the concrete slab and the steel beam are discretized by the flat plate/shell element, and the deformable connection done by the interface elements. In the validation of the implemented elements, we used numerical and experimental results found in the literature, and analytical solutions considering the classical plate theory.