When I look at the example 03, only one element is used for modeling the reinforeced concrete column. Is this accurate enough? What's the rule of thumb to select the number of elements for modeling structures with nonlinear fiber section? Thanks in advance.
it depends on the type of element. with the force-based elements all you need is one. you might want to read the literature on this element, it is pretty interesting.
Silvia Mazzoni, PhD
Structural Consultant
Degenkolb Engineers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA. 94104