Nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete structures is carried out by using Reissner-Mindlin (RM) shell finite element (FE). The brittle inelastic characteristic of concrete material is represented by using the elasto-plastic fracture (EPF) material model with the relevant material models such as cracking criteria, shear transfer model and tension stiffening model. In particular, assumed strains are introduced in the formulation of the present shell FE in order to avoid element deficiencies inherited in the standard RM shell FE. The arc-length control method is used to trace the full load-displacement path of reinforced concrete structures. Finally, four benchmark tests are carried out and numerical results are provided as future reference solutions produced by RM shell element with assumed strains.