Concentrated Plasticity Using "Zero-Length Section Element"?

[ejpirouz]

Dear All
Hello
I am trying to model a 2-D steel frame structure assuming "Concentrated Plasticity" in beams and in columns, and i decided to use "Zero-Length Section Element" command as follows:
The combined component (used for modeling of the columns) is : { Linear element + "Zero-Length Section Element" + Linear element + "Zero-Length Section Element" +Linear element }.
By assigning non-linear Fiber section to these zero-length elements. I would like to know if this combination work properly modeling non-linear hinge?

Sincerely yours.

[vesna]

If you want to assign concentrated plasticity to two points of your element that will work.

[ejpirouz]

Dear Vesna.
Thank you for your helpful answer.
I have another question as well. Assuming that fiber sections have been assigned to these Zero-Length elements, and considering that plastic zone length has not been defined for each zero-length element, will the component work properly as a whole?

[vesna]

Your model is an approximation where instead of distributed plasticity (where hinge has a length) you consider concentrated plasticity. If you want to consider spread of plasticity along plastic hinge beamWithHinges is the right element to use.