Basics of modelling a 3D concrete structure with shell elements

[mfstructural]

I am new to modeling concrete structures. Some of my coworkers have done some very involved 3D shell models in SAP2000. I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good website, resource, or book that gives a good idea of modeling concrete structures in SAP2000. The building I will be undertaking is pretty large, approximately 60,000 elements. I guess I'm looking for rules of thumb, etc. I will also have to post-process all the information so any resources on that is also a help.
Thanks

 

[IJR]

mfstructural

why would you model a concrete structure with shells? ?s it a tank or a building?.

May I advise you not to be impressed by complicated looking finite element models? The chances are higher that they wont be detailed correctly. In real life, elements are 2D simple pieces. The complicated shell models usually miss this reality

Most shear walls can be best modelled using frame elements and researchers have found out that frame modelling is no inferior to shell modelling

Tell us why you are undergoing such a tough task

respects
IJR

 

[amin86]

I am designing a Silo for and Finite element course should i be assigning thick shell elements and should i assign the reinforcement seperatly in another command...
what load combinations should i use, american code?

 

[IJR]

amin86,

please start a new thread. this one belongs to mfstructural. You can copy and paste. We can then try to answer

respects
ijr