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A bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the theoretical as well as practical points of view is given. The bibliography at the end of the paper contains 1,726 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with the analysis of beams, columns, rods, bars, cables, discs, blades, shafts, membranes, plates and shells that were published in 1996‐1999.

Presents a non‐linear numerical model for the computations of post‐tensioned plane structures. Generally curved prestressing tendons and reinforcing bars are embedded into the concrete and they are modelled independently of the concrete mesh using one‐dimensional curvilinear elements. Among the losses which influence the decrease in the prestress force, it is possible to compute the losses caused by friction between tendons and the concrete, the losses which result from the concrete deformation and the losses in the anchorage zone. The computation for post‐tensioned structures is organized in phases: the phase preceding prestressing (Phase I), the prestressing phase (Phase II) and the phase following prestressing (Phase III). The load is applied incrementally until failure. The model is tested on a number of examples.

The purpose of this paper is to propose an accurate and efficient numerical method for determining the dynamic responses of a tensegrity structure consisting of bars, which can work under both compression and tension, and cables, which cannot work under compression.

An accurate time-domain solution is obtained by using the precise integration method when there is no cable slackening or tightening, and the Newton–Raphson scheme is used to determine the time at which the cables tighten or slacken.

Responses of a tensegrity structure under harmonic excitations are given to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. The validation shows that the proposed method has higher accuracy and computational efficiency than the Runge–Kutta method. Because the cables of the tensegrity structure might be tense or slack, its dynamic behaviors will exhibit stable periodicity, multi-periodicity, quasi-periodicity and chaos under different amplitudes and frequencies of excitation.

The steady state response of a tensegrity structure can be obtained efficiently and accurately by the proposed method. Based on bifurcation theory, the Poincaré section and phase space trajectory, multi-periodic vibration, quasi-periodic vibration and chaotic vibration of the tensegrity structures are predicted accurately.

To provide an insight in one relatively simple and efficient numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, and to raise a discussion leading to the creation of one universal and robust 3D algorithm.

A new numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures is developed and main theoretical details are described to aid the understandings. The approach is clear, easily readable and the body of the text is divided into logical sections starting from theoretical explanations ending in the large number of different practical examples.

Provides information about developing new and relatively simple numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, indicating what can be improved. Recognises the lack of knowing real behaviour of 3D concrete and starts a discussion on it.

The knowledge of the 2D and especially 3D concrete behaviour is still poor and the concrete model developers use many simplifications. So, many new experiments should be performed and better numerical models should be developed. There is large area for researchers but having in mind that experiments are very expensive.

Obtained results of the 3D analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures can stand as a benchmark for future researches in this field especially to the young researchers and concrete model developers.

This paper presents new and very simple numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. Paper could be very valuable to the researchers in this field as a benchmark for their analyses.

This paper aims to present results of an experimental investigation on a series of scaled reinforced concrete column elements which were subjected to chloride exposure under accelerated conditions under a concurrent service axial load, over a period. In the presence of an axial load, directed microcracks of increasing density and width are introduced in the concrete mass, depending on the axial load level. Such cracks are believed to enhance the intrusion rate of chlorides in the concrete, relative to what is obtained in the normally performed unloaded specimen tests.

Eighteen column specimens were tested over two chloride exposure periods, of duration up to a maximum of six months. Three different service axial load levels were considered, namely, none, 22 per cent and 43 per cent of the normalized axial load capacity of the columns.

The results indicate that the specimens loaded to the higher axial load, which closely resembles actual service situation of such type of elements, exhibited up to ten times faster rates of induced current flow under a constant applied voltage of 500 mV, compared to the unloaded and less loaded specimens.

It is proven that the presence of axial load influences the rate of chloride ingress in columns and, therefore, should be taken into account in estimating the concrete cover of such elements in durability design.

The influence of axial loading on corrosion rate has not been considered in published experimental and analytical studies of chloride ingression. These studies have typically so far considered the accelerated corrosion of unloaded column specimens.