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INTRODUCTION
The given indeterminate structure is first made kinematic ally determinate by introducing
constraints atthenodes. The required number of constraints is equal to degrees of freedom
at the nodes that is kinematic indeterminacy ?k. The kinematic ally determinate structure
comprises of fixed ended members, hence, all nodal displacements are zero. These results
in stress resultant discontinuities at these nodes under the action of applied loads or in
other words the clamped joints are not in equilibrium.
Inorder to restore the equilibrium of stress resultants at the nodes the nodes are imparted
suitable unknown displacements. The number of simultaneous equations represen ting joint
equilibrium of forces is equal to kinematic indeterminacy ?k. Solution of these equations
gives unknown nodal displacements. Using stiffness properties of members the
memberend forces are computed and hence the internal forces through out the structure.
Since nodal displacements are unknowns, the method is also called displacement method.
Since equilibrium conditions are applied at the joints the method is also called equilibrium
method. Since stiffness properties of members are used the method is also called stiffness
method.
In the displacement method of analysis the equilibrium equations are written by expressing
the unknown joint displacements in terms of loads by using load-displacement relations.
The unknown joint displacements (the degrees of freedom of the structure) are calculated
by solving equilibrium equations. The slope -deflection and moment - distribution methods
were extensively used before the high speed computing era. After the revolution in
computer industry, only direct stiffness method is used.
Local co ordinates
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In the analysis for convenience we fix the element coordinates coincident with the member
axis called element (or) local coordinates (coordinates defined along the individual member
axis )
Global co ordinates
It is normally necessary to define a coordinate system dealing with the entire structure is
called system on global coordinates (Common coordinate system dealing with the entire
structure)
Transformation matrix
The connectivity matrix which relates the internal forces Q and the external forces R is
known as the force transformation matrix. Writing it in a matrix form,
{Q} =[b]{R}
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ANALYSIS OF PIN JOINTED PLANE FRAMES
An introduction to the stiffness method was given in the previous Page. The basic
principles involved in the analysis of beams, trusses were discussed. The problems were
solved with hand computation by the direct application of the basic principles. The
procedure discussed in the session (page) thoughenlighteningarenot suitable for computer
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programming. It is necessary to
keesphand computation to a
minimum while implementing this
procedure on the computer.
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STIFFNESS MATRIX METHOD
In the stiffness matrix method nodal displacements are treated as the basic unknowns for
the solution of indeterminate structures.
Stiffness coefficient 'kij' is defined as the force developed at joint 'i' due to unit displacement
at joint 'j' while all other joints are fixed.
The aim of the stiffness method is to evaluate the values of generalized coor dinates'r'
knowing the structure stiffness matrix 'k' and nodal loads 'R' through the structure
equilibrium equation.
{R} =[K]{r}
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The connectivity matrix which relates the internal displacement 'q' and the external
displacement 'r' is known as the displacement transformation matrix 'a'.
{q} =[a]{r}
�Equilibrium forces
�Compatibility of displacements
The external loads and the internal member forces must be in equilibrium at the nodal
points.
The relationship of each element must satisfy the stress-strain relationship of the element
material.
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�The number of equations involved is equal to the degree of static indete rminacy of the
structure.
�The same procedure is used for both determinate and indeterminate structures.
In order to develop the flexibility matrix for a structure, it has to be stable and determinate.
The element stiffness matrix 'k' is the inverse of the element flexibility matrix 'f' and is given
by f=1/k or k =1/f.
15.What are the type of structtures that can be solved using stiffness matrix
method?
Structures such as simply supported, fixed beams and portal frames can be solved using
stiffness matrix method.
16.Give the formula for the size of the Global stiffness matrix.
The size of the global stiffness matrix (GSM) =No: of nodes x Degrees of free dom per
node.
Stiffness method is based on the superposition of displacements and hence is also known
as the dispalcement method. And since it leads to the equilibrium equations the method is
also known as equilibrium method.
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19 If the flexibility matrix is given as
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