Add more elements in the model but get smaller results. Why?

[tthdl]

I built a 2D RC frame. At first, the model was built 2 nodes per beam/column (1 element for 1 beam/column). The model runs well and everything was fine. Then I added more elements in the model (1 beam/column divided into 5 element) because I want to define different sections in the beam/column. The model also runs. But the results (moment, axial force and etc) in the same sections became smaller. I used the dispBeamColumn element in the model. Could anyone please tell me why? And how can I solve this? Thank you very much!

[mhscott]

One d-b element per member will give higher internal forces than a refined mesh of multiple d-b element per member.

https://portwooddigital.com/2020/02/23/ ... mulations/

[tthdl]

Thank you very much!

[abramromero]

One d-b element per member will give higher internal forces than a refined mesh of multiple d-b element per member.

https://portwooddigital.com/2020/02/23/ ... mulations/

hello,
why would d-b element give higher internal forces? or this is a dumb question?