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Abstract

The embedded model is used in finite elements to account for the influence of the reinforcement in concrete. This report describes the embedded model, its concept and equations. Details are also given as to the constitutive relations of concrete and steel. An algorithm is described for an implementation of the embedded model in a finite element code (in this paper, the open source library Akantu is used). The implementation is done in 2D and 3D, includes the computation of a stiffness matrix, a residual vector, allows for prestressing of the reinforcements and for nonlinearities by swapping of the constitutive laws. Results given by the embedded model are compared to those given by another model used to represent reinforcements in concrete : the discrete model. The convergence of both models are analyzed in terms of potential energy and stress norm, although some issues arise with the latter. The embedded model is tested with a real-sized structure, a prestressed concrete bridge for which the fatigue solicitation is estimated, but also with nonlinear constitutive laws for both concrete and reinforcements.

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