On the use of combined finite/discrete element method for impacted concrete structures

Abstract
A combined finite/discrete element method is proposed for the prediction of reinforced concrete structure response under severe dynamic loads as impacts due to natural or anthropic hazards. A bridging subdomain is used, the Hamiltonian is chosen as a linear combination of discrete and continuum Hamiltonians. Discrete Element displacements and rotations are linking to Finite Element displacements by means of Lagrange multipliers. The discontinuities of discretization introduce spurious reflection; numerical methods are proposed to attenuate it.