Analysis of reinforced and thin-walled structures by multi-line refined 1D/beam models

This paper focuses the attention on the use of appropriate combinations of refined one-dimensional (1D) beam theories to analyze thin-walled, reinforced structures. The cross-section of a slender body is seen as the sum of different sub-domains. Each sub-domain is subsequently used as the cross-section of a beam discretization. Displacement variables are then expanded around the beam axis of each subdomain by using refined 1D models which are based on the Carrera Unified Formulation. The order of the beam elements can vary in different sub-domains. This subdivision has been called "multi-line" as opposed to the "one-line" approach of classical beam theories. 1D compatibility conditions of the displacements at selected points of the sub-domain interface boundaries are imposed by using Lagrange multipliers. Various problems have been analyzed to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the present multi-line approach. It is concluded that the multi-line approach appears very effective in the case of thin-walled sections made by locally connected walls as well as in the case of reinforced structures.