MCL311 Lab 5

Truss analysis using ANSYS and MATLAB

Consider the classical bridge system as shown in the figure below. The bridge system consists of
steel reinforced concrete girders (E = 125 GPa) held together by steel ropes (E = 210 GPa) (AE,
EB, BF and FC). Effective Area of girders is 3250 mm2 and the ropes is 500 mm2. The loads acting
on the system are shown in the figure below. The system has pinned supports at point A and roller
supports at point D.

E F

31.16 m

A C
B

36 m

28 KN

1. Model the system using 1D link elements in ANSYS APDL and evaluate –
a. Deformed shape of the truss
b. Displacement at node B and node C.
c. Stress distribution in the links due to the applied loading and boundary conditions.
Also point out the most stressed member.
d. Reactions at the pinned and roller supports.
2. Write a MATLAB code for the above problem and compare the solution obtained in (a),
(b) and (c). Plot the initial and final nodal coordinates in MATLAB.

Submission -

1. Report containing
a. Procedure followed in ANSYS in brief with relevant snapshots
b. Answers to questions 1(a), (b) and (c)
2. MATLAB code (.m) in Q2.

Neglect the deflection due to self-weight (gravity).