Section 3: Structural Analysis Concepts - Review: Washkewicz College of Engineering Washkewicz College of Engineering

Section 3: Structural Analysis Concepts - Review
Washkewicz College of Engineering
Introduction
In this class we will focus on the structural analysis of framed structures. Framed
structures consist of components with lengths that are significantly larger than cross-
sectional areas.
We will learn about the flexibility method first, and then learn how to use the primary
analytical tools associated with the stiffness method. Both analytical methods are
applicable to structures of all types, but the stiffness method dominates, especially in the
structural analysis of machine components that fall outside the definition of framed
structures. Machine components are treated in another course. We will concentrate on:
• Plane trusses (space truss)

• Beams
• Plane frames (space frames)
• Grids
Loads on these elements consist of concentrated forces, distributed loads and/or couples
(moments).
1
Truss stabilizing the mechanical floor

Plane Truss
All structural components are in same plane. Forces act in the plane of structure.
External forces and reactions to those forces are considered to act only at the nodes and
result in forces in the members which are either tensile or compressive forces. Usually
this makes truss members two force members. This is not the case in the above.
Loads acting on members are replaced by statically equivalent forces at the joints. So
the moment M1, the distributed load w and the force P4 would have to be replaced by
equivalent joint loads to conduct an analysis.
Typically joints are assume hinged, so no bending moments are transmitted through a
joint and absolutely no twisting moments can be applied to the truss (consider a gusset
plate). 2
Space Truss
Here forces (actions) and structural elements

are no longer confined to a plane. A space
frame truss is a three-dimensional framework
of members pinned at their ends. A tetrahedron
shape is the simplest space truss, consisting of
six members which meet at four joints. Large
planar structures may be constructed from
tetrahedrons with common edges. Space
trusses are employed in the base structures of
large free-standing power line pylons
As in planar trusses typically axial tensile or

compressive forces are developed.
3
Beams
Loads on a beam are applied in a plane containing an axis of symmetry
Beams have one or more points of support referred to as reactions but in this course they
will be more often referred to as nodes. Nodes A, B, and C represent reactions. Node D
identifies a location on the beam (the free end) where we wish to extract information.
Beams deflect in the plane of the loads. Internal forces consist of shear forces, bending
moments, torques (take CVE 513), and axial loads
Shear Moment Axial load

V M A Actions 4
y θ x Displacements (translations, rotations)
Plane Frames
x
z
With frames joints can be rigid (no All couples have moment vectors parallel to
rotation) or somewhat flexible so in Z-axis (see above).
that rotations are sustained. Internal actions consist of bending
Forces and deflection are contained in moments, shearing forces and axial forces.
the plane X-Y (see above). Moments are transferred through joints 5
Need to learn how to

analyze a portal frame with
matrix methods; can then
transition to multi-story,
multi-bay 2d frames. Then
space frames can be
considered.
Portal Frame
Space Frame
Multi-story,
multi-bay
2d frame
6
Space Frames
Most general type of framed structure.
No restrictions on location of joints, directions of members, or directions of loads.
Structural members in plane frames and space frames usually have two axes of symmetry.
Doubly symmetric cross section fail in flexure. Singly symmetric cross sections can fail in
flexure about the axis of non-symmetry, or by flexural-torsional buckling about the axis 7
of symmetry (reference Steel Design CVE 322).
Grids (roof & floor)
Traditional
Working with an extravagant
architect
Elements can intersect at rigid or flexible connections

Forces are predominantly normal to the plane of the structure. Used to support roofs with
few internal column support (see above, and think of indoor sports arenas). Beam-girder
floor systems are another example.
All couples have their vectors locally in the plane of the grid. Torques can be sustained.
As in frames and beams each member typically has two axes of symmetry. Roof
8
membranes or floors are usually analyzed separately, i.e., one analyzes the “grid.”
Displacements – Translations and Rotations

When a structure is subjected to loads it deforms and as a consequence points in the
original configuration displace to new positions (the mathematics describing this
process are discussed in detail in CVE 513 and CVE 604)
9
Actions And Displacements

The terms “action” and “displacement” are used to describe two fundamental concepts in
engineering mechanics. An action is most commonly a single force or a moment.
An action may also be a combination of forces, moments, or distributed loads. We will talk
about this more when we discuss the concept of equivalent joint loads.
Out of necessity actions (forces, moments and distributed loads) must be related to
corresponding displacements at their point of application (and elsewhere) in a unique 10
manner. We need a notation that allows for this correspondence.
Consider the following notation and the subscripts in the figure below:
The letter A is used to denote actions - this includes concentrated forces and
couples. Internal forces and moments at reactions are also considered actions.
The letter D is used to denote displacements - this includes translations and

rotations.
Consider the beam shown below subjected to several actions producing several
displacements:
Clearly three actions are identified as
well as three displacements.
Intuitively the actions and
displacements are associated with
nodes located at the points of
application of A1, A2, and A3. A2 and
A3 are applied at the same node.
At each node there are three possible displacements for this two dimensional structure:
two translations and a rotation. 11
Each action may

contribute to each
displacement identified.
If we can determine the quantities D11 through D33 then by superposition each displacement
can be written as follows:
D1  D11  D12  D13
D2  D21  D22  D23
12
D3  D31  D32  D33
Equilibrium
The objectives of any structural analysis is the determination of reactions at supports and
internal actions (bending moments, shearing forces, etc.). A correct solution for any of these
quantities must satisfy the equations of equilibrium:
F X 0 F Y 0 F Z 0
M X 0 M Y 0 M Z 0
In the stiffness method of analysis the equilibrium conditions at the joints of the structure are
the basic equations that are solved.
13
Compatibility
The continuity of the displacements throughout the structure must be satisfied in a correct
structural analysis. This is sometimes referred to as conditions of geometry.
As an example, compatibility conditions must be satisfied at all points of support. If a

horizontal roller support is present then the vertical displacement must be zero at that support.
We always impose compatibility at a joint. If two structural elements frame into a joint then
there displacements and rotations at the connection must be the same or consistent with each
other.
We apply a much more rigorous mathematical definition in CVE 604 for compatibility. It is
simply noted here that strain is a function of displacement. There are 6 components of strain
and only 3 components of displacement at a point in a three dimensional analysis. A
“compatible” displacement field will produce an appropriate state of strain at a point.
Flexibility methods use equations that express the compatibility of the displacements.
Understanding this issue as it applies to structural analyses give the student a better “feel” as
to how a structure behaves and an ability to judge the correctness of a solution. 14
Static And Kinematic Indeterminacy

There are two types of indeterminacy to consider depending on whether actions or
displacements are of interest. When actions are the unknowns which is typical for the
flexibility method, then static indeterminacy is of paramount interest. From your early
undergraduate education this meant that there were an excess of unknowns relative to the
number of equations of static equilibrium
The beam in (a) is

statically
indeterminate to
the first degree.
The truss in (c) is
statically
indeterminate to
second degree.
15
Let
NUA = Number of unknown actions
NESE = Number of equations of static equilibrium
Unknown Actions (UA)  HA RA MA RB 

NUA  4
NESE  3
One of these four unknown is referred to as a static redundant. The number of static
redundant represents the degree of static indeterminacy of the structures 16
A distinction may also be made between external and internal indeterminacy. The
beam in the previous slide is externally statically indeterminate to the first degree.
The truss below is determinate from the standpoint that we could calculate the
reactions given the loads applied. However, we would be unable to find the internal
forces in the cross members. The truss is internally indeterminate to the second
degree.
17
Criteria In Determining Static Indeterminacy

Two Dimensional Beams
Degree of static indeterminacy = r - (c + 3)
r = number of reactions
c = number of internal conditions (c = 1 for a hinge; c = 2 for a roller; and c = 0 for a
structure with no geometric instability)
Two Dimensional Trusses Three Dimensional Trusses
Degree of static indeterminacy = (b + r) - (2j) Degree of static indeterminacy = (b + r) - (3j)
b = number of members b = number of members

r = number of reactions r = number of reactions
j = number of joints (this includes j = number of joints (this includes the
the joints at the reactions) joints at the reactions)
18
Two Dimensional Frames
Degree of static indeterminacy = (3b + r) - 3j
b = number of members
r = number of reactions
j = number of joints Three Dimensional Frames
c = number of internal conditions
Degree of indeterminacy = (6b + r) - 6j
b = Number of members
r = Number of reactions
j = Number of joints
c = Number of internal conditions
19
Example 3.1
20
Example 3.2
21
For the stiffness method the displacements at the joints are unknown quantities. Thus
kinematic indeterminacy is important here. When a structure is subjected to loads each joint
may undergo translations and/or rotations. At supports some displacements will be known,
others will not. The number of unknown joint displacements corresponds to the kinematic
indeterminacy of structure. Reconsider the beams and the truss from the previous slide.
The beam in (a) is

kinematically
indeterminate to the
second degree.
The beam in (b) is
kinematically
determinate. All joint
displacements are
known, i.e., they are all
zero (displacements
and rotations).
22
Consider the beam in Figure (a). At joint A the beam is fixed and cannot undergo any joint
displacement. However at joint B the beam is free to translate in the horizontal direction
and rotate in the plane of the beam. Thus the beam is kinematically indeterminate to the
second degree.
The truss in in (c) can undergo two displacements at each joint. Although rotations can take
place at each joint, since moments cannot be sustained at truss joints, rotations have no
physical significance in this problem. The truss is kinematically indeterminate to the ninth
degree.
Often structural members are very stiff in the axial direction. Thus very little axial
displacement will take place. Removing the axial load or deformation from the system of
23
unknowns can reduce the degree of indeterminacy of the structure.
Mobile Structures
When the number of reactive forces is greater than the number of equations of static
equilibrium for the entire structure taken as a free body, the structure is statically
indeterminate
However a problem can appear to be statically determinate when it is not. Consider the
beam above. This is a planar problem. Thus in general there are three equations of
statics available namely
F X 0 F Y 0 M Z 0
But the summation of forces in the x-direction is not applicable, and the structure is
mobile.
24
Example 3.3
At times structural mobility can be a subtle issue. Consider the following simple beam.
Draw the shear and moment diagram for this component and comment.
25

Section 3: Structural Analysis Concepts - Review: Washkewicz College of Engineering Washkewicz College of Engineering

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Section 3: Structural Analysis Concepts - Review

Washkewicz College of Engineering

• Plane trusses (space truss)

Truss stabilizing the mechanical floor

Here forces (actions) and structural elements

As in planar trusses typically axial tensile or

Loads on a beam are applied in a plane containing an axis of symmetry

Shear Moment Axial load

Need to learn how to

Most general type of framed structure.

No restrictions on location of joints, directions of members, or directions of loads.

Grids (roof & floor)

Elements can intersect at rigid or flexible connections

Displacements – Translations and Rotations

Actions And Displacements

The letter D is used to denote displacements - this includes translations and

Each action may

D2  D21  D22  D23

As an example, compatibility conditions must be satisfied at all points of support. If a

Static And Kinematic Indeterminacy

The beam in (a) is

Unknown Actions (UA)  HA RA MA RB 

Criteria In Determining Static Indeterminacy

Degree of static indeterminacy = r - (c + 3)

Two Dimensional Trusses Three Dimensional Trusses

Degree of static indeterminacy = (b + r) - (2j) Degree of static indeterminacy = (b + r) - (3j)

b = number of members b = number of members

Two Dimensional Frames

Degree of static indeterminacy = (3b + r) - 3j

The beam in (a) is

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