Curtin University Of Technology

Department Of Civil Engineering

Structural Analysis 365 – Some Typical Exam Questions

QUESTION 1 (TOTAL 40 Marks)

1(a) Analyse the framed structure shown in Figure 1 using the matrix flexibility
method. Axial effects may be ignored. (25
Marks)
1(b) Draw the bending moment diagram on the tension side of the frame
showing the magnitude of all critical values of moment. ( 5
Marks)
1(c) Draw the shear force diagram showing the magnitude of all critical values
of moment. ( 6
Marks)
1(d) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the vertical and horizontal
reactions at joint D. ( 4
Marks)

Notes: (i) It is expected that all matrix operations required for the solutions in parts 1(a) and 1(b)
will be performed manually.
You must clearly show all steps required for the solution.

(ii) Members AC and CD are at right angles to one another

60 kN C

3m

120 kN B
3I
2I
3m

4.5 m 8 metres

E is 200 GPa for all members

4
I is 10 x 106 mm

FIGURE 1
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QUESTION 2 (Total 10 marks)

Use the direct stiffness method to obtain the global stiffness matrix, K, for the frame
shown in Figure 2.
Show the order and terms of the associated global action, Q, and displacement, D,
vectors.
B C

2I
I I 8m
I
E
A D

24 metres 13.856 m

FIGURE 2
QUESTION 4 (Total 10 Marks)
4(a) Clearly explain why the action transformation matrix generally has less zero
terms than the displacement transformation matrix. What influence does this
have on the computer solution of large structural problems? ( 4 Marks)
4(b) Commercially available structural analysis software packages such as
MicroStran, Spacegass or Multiframe have options for restraining joints and
also releasing ends of members. Use the structures shown in Figure 4 to
briefly explain why both options are required and show how you would model
these structures. ( 6 Marks)

FIGURE 4

QUESTION 3 (Total 4 Marks)

Why are axial actions and shear stiffness usually ignored in flexural analysis?
Give examples of cases when this would lead to errors.

QUESTION 5 (Total 15 marks)

The frame structure shown in Figure 5 is to be analysed using the matrix flexibility
method.
Determine the degree of statical indeterminacy of the structure and sketch a suitable
primary structure.
For this primary structure, write down the action transformation matrix, B.
Show the partitioning of the matrix between actions and redundants, the order of terms
in the action matrices and the member and global sign convention used.

E and A are constant

 6m

80 kN

B
C
2I

I 6m
12 kN / m
I
D
2m
A

12 metres

FIGURE 5
QUESTION 6 (Total 20 Marks)
6(a) Write brief notes summarising the key issues raised by worksheets #2 and #3
issued during the semester. Include some details of your findings as a result of
tackling these problems on one or more of the commercially available structural
analysis software packages such as MicroStran, Spacegass or Multiframe. (10
Marks)
6(b) Critically comment on the following quotation
" . . . the increasing use of computers has to a great extent killed this
understanding (of structural behaviour) which is essential for the art of structural
design" Ove Arup Your answer may be in note form (10 Marks)

6(c) For the crane structure shown in Figure 3

Explain why this three dimensional structure is unstable.
Explain why an unstable structure such as this can still carry the vertical load.
What is the practical significance of this instability for a light crane of this type?
Explain, with the aid of diagrams, how the nodal restraints and member types for
this structure would be modelled in a typical frame analysis software package. DO
NOT attempt to provide or explain the full input .
If the structural analysis software package available can only analyse two
dimensional structures explain how this frame could be modelled in two
dimensions to give accurate answers for actions and displacements.
Give details of any modifications to the representation of the structure.
(10 Marks)
B

Y 1.8 metres
C, D, E F
X

1.8 metres

A PLAN VIEW

C 2.6 metres
Z
10 kN
X

4 metres E

A, B D
ELEVATION

2.4 metres 3 metres

FIGURE 6C
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____
QUESTION 4 (Total 6 Marks)
An octagonal gazebo structure is to be constructed with a steel frame of RHS sections
consisting of vertical columns and radial and tangential members in the pitched roof.
Clearly explain how the strong axis orientation of these members would be established
with commercially available structural analysis software packages such as MicroStran,
Spacegass or Multiframe.

QUESTION 6. (TOTAL 25 Marks)

Solve the pin jointed frame shown in Figure 6 using the matrix stiffness method to find
all of the member forces.

4m
C
A
y
F
3m x
3m

D z

3m 80 kN Q = (20 i - 40 j) kN
where i and j are unit vectors
B

Area of CD = 2A
Area of AD & BD = A
FIGURE 6

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__

QUESTION 1 (TOTAL 12 Marks)

The pin jointed truss shown in Figure 1 is to be analysed by a computer program using
the matrix stiffness method.

1(a) State the size of the displacement transformation matrix, A, and the
unassembled member stiffness matrix, k. [ 2 Marks]
1(b) State the size of the global structural stiffness matrix, K, prior to the application
of boundary conditions. [ 1 Mark ]
1(c) Calculate the terms of the stiffness matrix that relate the actions at joint 3 and
the displacements at joint 6. [ 6 Marks]
1(d) State the boundary conditions that would be applied and show how they would
alter the global stiffness matrix, K. What is the final size of the global stiffness
matrix? [ 3 Marks]
 P EA is constant
1 A 2 F 3 K 4
G
B E H L 3
J
I M
C 6 7 6
N
D
5 8

6 3 6

FIGURE 1

QUESTION 4 (Total 20 marks)

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a truck loaded with a large steel structure.
To be allowed to transport this load it must be shown that all axle loads are less than 9
tonnes. Assume the mass of the dolly (the short trailer behind prime mover) and of the
trailer can be represented by uniformly distributed loadings of 0.8 tonne/ metre along
their lengths.

4(a) Explain how this problem should be analysed using a typical computer
package for structural analysis of frames (such as Spacegass or Multiframe).
Using sketches to assist where apropriate, give all relevant details of the
analysis
• model geometry
• node locations
• supports / restraints
• member type and properties
• loads
Identify any missing information that would be needed for this analysis.( 15 marks)

4(b) Use appropriate techniques to estimate the axle loads for the rear
trailer.( 5 marks)
 22.8 metres
Prime Mover
9 tonne mass

40 tonne load

900
A
B C D E F G H I
1200
1400

400
800

600
1200

1200
600
600
1200

2000

3000
200

2400 2200 12600 6800

FIGURE 4
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END OF QUESTIONS