This paper presents a finite element methodology for modelling solid media with any number of straight or curved reinforcing bars (rebars). The formulation can handle rebars arbitrarily located within a 2D or 3D finite element mesh without the need for nodal compatibility. A new continuous rod–solid interface (or joint) element is developed to connect bulk elements to the rebars, including a method that directly considers the relative displacements. An arbitrary constitutive model can be used in conjunction with the proposed interface element to represent slip behaviour. In this regard, we also present a cyclic nonlinear constitutive model. Unlike existing embedded approaches, the proposed method allows for the direct application of boundary conditions at reinforcements’ endpoints, including tip bearing. The formulation is verified by comparing with literature examples and analytical solutions. In all cases, excellent agreement is observed. The approach can be conveniently applied to the study of complex reinforced concrete structures or any solid medium where reinforcing bars improve its mechanical properties.

本文介绍了一种有限元方法，用于对具有任意数量的直或弯钢筋（钢筋）的固体介质进行建模。该公式可以处理任意位于 2D 或 3D 有限元网格内的钢筋，而无需节点兼容性。开发了一种新的连续杆 - 实体界面（或接头）单元来将体单元连接到钢筋，包括直接考虑相对位移的方法。任意本构模型可以与建议的界面元素结合使用来表示滑动行为。在这方面，我们还提出了一个循环非线性本构模型。与现有的嵌入式方法不同，所提出的方法允许在钢筋端点处直接应用边界条件，包括尖端轴承。通过与文献实例和解析解对比验证了该配方。在所有情况下，都观察到了极好的一致性。该方法可以方便地应用于研究复杂的钢筋混凝土结构或任何增强钢筋力学性能的固体介质。