A new extension for the Applied Element Method (AEM) is introduced. Using this method, the structure is modeled as an assembly of distinct elements made by dividing the structural elements virtually. These elements are connected by distributed springs in both normal and tangential directions. This paper describes the applicability of the AEM for different fields of analysis and structure types and it deals with the formulations used for RC structures under monotonic loading. It is proved in this paper that the structural failure behavior including crack initiation and propagation can be simulated accurately with reasonable CPU time and without any use of complicated material models.
Hatem Tagel-Din and Kimiro Meguro: Applied Element Method for Simulation of Nonlinear Materials: Theory and Application for RC Structures, Structural Eng./Earthquake Eng., International Journal of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) Vol. 17, No. 2, 137s-148s, July 2000.