A numerical model using the Finite Element Method (FEM) for the nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, plates and shells is presented in this work. For this purpose, computer programs based on plasticity theory and with crack monitoring capabilities are developed. The static analysis of RC shells up to failure load is carried out using 9-node degenerated shell finite elements while 20-node brick finite elements are used for dynamic applications. The elasto-plastic constitutive law for concrete is coupled with a strain-rate sensitive model in order to take into account high loading rate effect when transient loading is intended. The implicit Newmark scheme with predictor and corrector phases is used for time integration of the nonlinear system of equations. In both cases, the steel reinforcement is considered to be smeared and represented by membrane finite elements. Various benchmark examples are solved with the present numerical model and comparisons with other published data are performed. For all examples, the path failure, collapse loads and failure mechanism is reproduced with great accuracy.