A new parallel algorithm for the optimum embedded rebar mesh generation for large-scale reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

The modeling of large-scale reinforced concrete (RC) structures through 3D detailed modeling is not feasible due to the excessive computational demand that is required during different phases of the analysis. Especially when the overall objective is to perform nonlinear dynamic analysis of RC structures that also take into account the soil-structure interaction effect by discretizing the soil domain with hexahedral elements. These large-scale models have a significant computational demand when analysed, where the use of high-performance computing and parallel solution algorithms is currently the only solution in achieving reasonable computational times. One of the computationally demanding processes during this type of analysis, is the embedded rebar mesh generation, where millions of elements have to be created. This research work proposes a new load distribution algorithm that optimizes the numerical response of a previous parallel embedded rebar mesh generation algorithm incorporated in Reconan FEA. After the implementation of the proposed parallel algorithm, it was found that the computational time was decreased by an average of 57.48% compared to the performance of the old parallel algorithm.