The numerical formulation of a girder element curved in plane, derived from base functions which include the joint influence of bending, shear and longitudinal forces, is presented in the paper. An original transformation of algebraic-trigonometric base functions into Hermite polynomials, when the curved element assumes a rectilinear form, is also presented. The numerical model has been tested on several elements, and also on a more complex structural assembly.

Key words:
curved girder element, formulation, base function, Hermite polynomials, bending, shear, longitudinal force