Abstract. The present work proposes a two-step global\local approach for the three-dimensional analysis of structures . In particular, the first step makes use of classical finite element modelling, based on classical 2D elements, whereas a refined higher-order model based on the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) is coupled with a 3D peridynamics domain for the local analysis. The solution from the proposed method is compared with a full FEM solution. The objective of the present work is to pave the way to the building of a framework where coupled FE\PD models are embedded into this global\local approach to solve progressive failure problems.