Abstract: In the spatial embedded finite element model, the bar element can be embedded at any
position in the concrete element. The element model is convenient because the mesh of the concrete
element is not limited by the reinforcement. In the application of the element model, it is necessary to
obtain the coordinates where the both ends of the steel element lie at the surface of the concrete
element. Therefore, it is the premise of application of the model to solve the intersection of the
reinforcement line and the concrete element surface. The existing method is only suit for the concrete
element with plane surface. In this paper, the Newton iterative method and the divided block analytic
method are proposed which can solve the intersection of the reinforcement line and the surface of
concrete element with any shape. The method in the paper can enhance the applicability of the spatial
embedded finite element model. The correctness of the two methods is verified by an example. In
terms of applicability, the divided block analytic method is superior to the Newton iterative method.

Key words: reinforced concrete finite element method, element model, pre-processing of finite
element method, curved surface