Linear Static Analysis Program for Plane Framed Structure Subjected by Fabrication Error

Clairole Marie L. Quilantang*

Sofriano B. Sarita Jr.*
Department of Civil Engineering, Western Mindanao State University, Normal Road, Baliwasan,
Zamboanga City, Philippines, 7000
cmquilantang@gmail.com

Keywords: structural analysis, linear static, plane framed structure, and fabrication error.

I. Introduction

Background of the Study

Structural analysis is an essential completeness of structural design. It is a determination

about what will happen on the performance of a certain structure under a specified loading
condition. This analysis involves particularly, plane framed structures and also referred to as plane
skeletal structures which are two dimensional structures composed of long straight members
whose lengths are significantly larger than their cross-sectional dimensions. Engineering structures
are usually designed applying the most basic type of analysis which is linear static analysis. That
under applied specified loads they undergo small deformations, with stresses within the initial
linear portions of the stress-strain curves of their materials and that the forces do not vary with
time (Kassimali, 2010). In the applied load, Fabrication error is used to refer to a small initial
deformation of a member in its unstressed state. And fabrication is the process of cutting, burning,
wielding, drilling, grinding, punching, bending and generally producing the steel detail pieces
shown on the detail drawings (Berman, 2013).

Currently, the most design offices for analysis of framed structures is routinely performed
on computers. In contrast to classical methods, matrix methods were specifically developed for
computer implementation that they are systematic so that they can be conveniently programmed
and general in the sense that the same overall format of the analytical procedure can be applied to
the various types of framed structures. Finite-element analysis, which originated as an extension
of matrix analysis to surface structures has now developed to the extent that it can be applied to
structures and solids of practically any shape or form. It is therefore significant to fasten the
analysis procedure and simulate a structure that has the proper strength, rigidity, and safety for
structural engineering industry (Kassimali, 2010). A study was analyzed about a finite element
analysis used VBA program run on EXCEL wherein a computer program to help solving an
applied load of force and resulting graphical result of the structure of its nodal and element
displacement but only applied on plane trusses (Krudtong and Moaveni, 2015).
However, these this kind of application shown a lacking features of not solving other
framed structures namely: beams, plane frames, grids, space frames and space trusses. And since
the solution of plane framed structure and a space or three dimensional framed structure are quite
similar, thus this study can be improve. This study will only integrate on plane framed structures
which are beams, plane trusses and plane frames. And rather the applied load is force as a condition
and this study will apply on fabrication errors on steel structures. If a change or error comes in
during fabrication it will inherently impact both the process of detailing the design and fabrication.
The impacts are huge when an assembly is fifty percent complete and a change is issued revising
a structural element that cause more work, create inefficiencies and this disruption may cause set-
aside on hold so this loading condition is needed is to be analyze quickly and well.

Problem Statement

This study aims to find out what will happen on the performance of plane framed steel
structures under specified loading condition of fabrication of error by applying linear static
analysis program.

Significance

The result of this study will provide a useful information to the structural engineers and
student. The specific engineering programs are licensed and hard to be installed in every
computer. But there is EXCEL in every computer. VBA program run on EXCEL was written to
solve the plane framed structures problem by using basic finite element concept. It would also
serve as a baseline data for future reference for development of linear static analysis program.
The fabrication errors impacts may become very expensive and have a significant time impact on
the project so with the help of this study, it will fasten analysis procedure
Objectives

This study direct towards the objectives of, to calculate information and to illustrate results
of the beams, plane trusses and plane frames subjected by fabrication error: (1) stiffness matrix for
each element and global stiffness matrix (2) deformation and reaction solutions (3) internal forces
and normal stresses for each element (4) comparison picture of problem picture and deformation
picture in color shades.

Scope and Limitations

The study stay focused on having a modelling and simulation virtually on plane framed
steel structures which are beams, plane trusses and plane frames subjected by fabrication error.
Errors occurring during the fabrication of plane framed steel structures need to be recognized and
analyzed according to the situation. To arrive at the best solutions, engineers need not only
knowledge of material and fabrication specifications but also experience and good understanding
of the practical limitations faced by fabricators.

References

[1] Kassimali A (2010) Matrix Analysis of Structures

[2] Krudtong S and Maoveni S (2015) Teaching Tool: Finite Element Analysis of 2D Truss
Problem by VBA Program International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management
Vol.23 No.3 pp. 89-91
[3] Berman G (2013) Structural Steel Design and Construction