On-Demand Course: Finite Element Method (Part 2 of 6) – Model Development – Discretization, Nodes, Elements, and Structural Data

Notes/Preview

INSTRUCTIONS: View the recorded webinar. Complete 10-question quiz with a score of 80% or higher to receive a certificate for 0.10 CEU (equivalent to 1.0 PDH).

Continuing Education Credit: 0.10 CEU (1.0 PDH)

Approved AIA and ICC

Access Period: 30 days

Description

This is a recorded webinar from September 1, 2026.

This webinar is Part 2 of a six-part series on the finite element method (FEM) for approximate structural analysis. The series presents practical concepts for linear elastic finite element analysis of structures, including preprocessing, analysis, and post-processing. The series is intended to bridge mathematical concepts and physical engineering behavior so practitioners can better evaluate finite element structural models and analysis results. Viewing the previous part is encouraged but not required.

Part 2 focuses on structural modeling techniques used to discretize continuum and discrete media. Topics include nodal and elemental data, connectivity, compatibility, internal resultants, sectional properties, material properties, coordinate systems, degrees of freedom, isoparametric finite elements, and shape functions.

Document Details

Author: Abbas Mokhtarzadeh and Ganesh Thiagarajan

Publication Year: 2026

ISBN:

Categories: Concrete Fundamentals, Concrete Technology, Design, Finite Element Analysis, History

Formats: Online Learning

Table of Contents

Learning objectives:

1. Describe topology and graph-theoretical concepts related to continuum and discrete structural media.

2. Explain basic meshing approaches used to represent structural domains in finite element models.

3. Identify key finite element data used for model inputs and outputs, including coordinate systems, degrees of freedom, isoparametric elements, and shape functions.

4. Describe nodal and elemental data used in finite element models, including internal forces and stress resultants.

ERRATA INFO

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