Using Direct Stiffness Method For Analyzing Grid Structure

Otman Mohammed Swessi1 Taha Mustafa Shalabi2

Dr. Ahmed M. Segayer3 Dr .Zedan Hatush4
1 Civil Engineer Taha4ed@[Link]
2 Civil Engineer Otmanswessi1@[Link]
3 Faculty Member At Department Of Civil Engineering, Faculty Of Engineering, University Of
Tripoli Asegayer@[Link]
4 Faculty Member At Department Of Civil Engineering, Faculty Of Engineering, University Of
Tripoli [Link]@[Link]

Abstract
Grid structures are a type of structural system that is defined by a network of intersecting members that are arranged
in a regular pattern. These structures are frequently used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other types of
infrastructure.
The main load-carrying members in grid structures are typically straight or curved bars known as chords, which are
linked by smaller members known as diagonals or bracing members
Grid structures offer a number of advantages over other types of structural systems. They are highly efficient at
distributing loads, which makes them well-suited for large spans and heavy loads. They also offer flexibility in terms
of architectural design, as the grid can be adapted to a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Some examples of grid structures include the geodesic dome, which is a spherical structure composed of a network
of triangular or hexagonal panels, and the diagrid structure, which is a type of two-dimensional grid made up of
diagonal members that span between vertical columns.
The direct stiffness method is a widely used numerical technique for structural analysis of various types of
structures, the method involves breaking down a complex structure into smaller elements and calculating the
stiffness of each element. These stiffness values are then assembled into a larger stiffness matrix that describes the
overall behavior of the structure.
in this paper with the help of mathcad software , direct stiffness method were used to analyze grid structure
 Introduction
Structural analysis is crucial because it establishes the foundation for structural design and determines if a particular
structural design will be able to handle stresses and forces from both the inside and the outside.
A structural failure's root cause can be discovered with the use of the structural analysis. Thus, structural analysis
comes before design.
There are several methods of structural analysis, some of which are very complex and others simple, due to the lack
of a method that can solve all the structures, the application of these methods differs depending on the type of
structure to be analyzed. Although it is regarded as a strong method for specific facilities, the stiffness method
nevertheless aims to include all structures.

Research Methodology
Research methodology included, define the grid structure and where they can be found, inferred stiffness matrix for
this grid structure and apply it in mathcad software.

Grid Structure
The grid structure is a common structural system used in building design and construction. It is characterized by a
series of horizontal and vertical elements that intersect at regular intervals, forming a grid pattern. The elements are
usually made of steel or reinforced concrete, and can be beams, columns, or walls, a grid is a structure on which

the loads are applied perpendicular to the plane of the structure, as opposed to a plane frame where
loads are applied in the plane of the structure, both torsional and bending moment continuity are
maintained at each node in a grid element, this figure 1 show the grid and load apply on it

Figure 1. Grid Structure

Grid structures can be found in a variety of building types, including office buildings, industrial buildings, and high-
rise buildings. They are often used in buildings with large open floor plans, as they provide a flexible and efficient
layout for a variety of uses.
 Stiffness Matrix For Grid
Formulation Of Stiffness Matrix:
{𝐹} = [𝐾]{𝑈} (1)

This the stiffness matrix general equation used in the analysis and there step to get the f, k, and u

Where [k] is the stiffness matrix, {u} is the displacement vector, and {f} is the force vector.
The stiffness matrix [k] relates the applied forces {f} to the resulting displacements {u} through the equation above.
The elements of the stiffness matrix correspond to the stiffness of the structure in different directions and at different
points, this provides more insight.

F = Nodal Forces

U = Nodal Displacements

K = Stiffness Matrix

Formulation Of Stiffness Matrix In Grid:

Before looking to obtain the stiffness matrix for grid, you should know, there are two types of axes.

1. Global coordinate system

2. Local coordinate system

Global Coordinate System:

It is used to represent the whole structure or body. It is independent from object orientation. It cannot change its
position if element moves as shown in figure (2).
 Figure 2. Global Coordinate System

Local Coordinate System:

It’s defined for an element in a structure depending on its orientations shown in figure (3)

Figure 3. Local coordinate system

The Transformation Matrix For Grid:
𝑐 𝑠 0 0 0 0
−𝑠 𝑐 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 0
𝑇= (2)
0 0 0 𝑐 𝑠 0
0 0 0 −𝑠 𝑐 0
[0 0 0 0 0 1]

This matrix we use to change from local to global coordinate.

Stiffness Matrix In Grid:

Stiffness Matrix K Exists In Independent Displacement Coordinates. It Can Be Developed By Applying A Unit
Displacement At Coordinates (I) Keeping Displacement In All Other Coordinates Equal To Zero, And Calculating
Forces In All The Coordinates. These Forces Form The I-Th Column Of K.

General Stiffness Matrix For Grid Element In Global Coordinates:

12𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 −12𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼

0 0
𝐿3 𝐿2 𝐿3 𝐿2
𝐺𝐾 −𝐺𝐾
0 0 0 0
𝐿 𝐿
6𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼 −6𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
0 0
𝐿2 𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿
𝐾= −12𝐸𝐼 −6𝐸𝐼 12𝐸𝐼 −6𝐸𝐼 (3)
0 0
𝐿3 𝐿2 𝐿3 𝐿2
−𝐺𝐾 𝐺𝐾
0 0 0 0
𝐿 𝐿
6𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 −6𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼
[ 0 0 ]
𝐿2 𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿

[𝐾] = [𝑇]𝑇 [𝑘][𝑇]

𝑝𝑐 + 𝑞𝑠 (𝑝 − 𝑞) ∗ 𝑐𝑠 𝑟𝑠 𝑝𝑐 + 𝑡𝑠 −(𝑝 + 𝑡) ∗ 𝑐𝑠 −𝑟𝑠
0 𝑝𝑠 + 𝑞𝑐 −𝑟𝑐 −(𝑝 + 𝑡) ∗ 𝑐𝑠 −𝑝𝑠 + 𝑡𝑐 𝑟𝑐
[𝐾] = 0 0 𝑢 𝑟𝑠 −𝑟𝑐 −𝑢 (4)
0 0 0 𝑝𝑐 + 𝑞𝑠 (𝑝 − 𝑞) ∗ 𝑐𝑠 −𝑟𝑠
0 0 0 0 𝑝𝑠 + 𝑞𝑐 𝑟𝑐
[ 0 0 0 0 0 𝑢 ]

Where:
𝐾𝐺 4𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 12𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
P= Q= R= U= T=
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿2 𝐿3 𝐿

E, I, K, G, L, C, S For That Member.

E = Moment Of Elasticity Of The Member.

I = Modulus Of Inertia Of The Member.

K = Stiffness Of The Member.

G = Shear Modulus Of The (Elasticity).

L = Length Of The Member.

C,S = Direction Cosines Of The Member .

By Superposition Of The Stiffness Matrices Of The Members In Their Respective Order We Can Obtain The
General Stiffness Matrix For The Whole Structure

After We Now The Stiffness Matrix For Grid Now We Use Mathcad To Apply On It

Mathcad Software

With PTC Mathcad, You Can Solve, Analyze, And Document Essential Engineering Calculations, Including Forces
And Boundary Conditions, Before You Run Them Through Something Like Finite Element Analysis.

Analyzing A Grid Structure Using The Direct Stiffness Method (DSM) In Mathcad Involves Dividing The Structure
Into Smaller Elements, Calculating The Stiffness Matrices For Each Element, Assembling The Matrices Into A
Global Stiffness Matrix, Applying Boundary Conditions, And Solving The System Of Equations To Obtain The
Displacements And Forces In The Structure.

The Grid Analyses By Mathcad Software:

Find:
1. The Global Stiffness Matrix
2. Displacements At Node 2
Give:
Global Stiffness Matrix For The Structure:

Element 1:

Local Elemental Stiffness Matrix For Member 1:

Transformation Matrix:
Global Elemental Stiffness Matrix For Member 1:

Transformation From Local To Global:

Element 2:

Local Elemental Stiffness Matrix For Member 2:

Transformation Matrix:

Global Elemental Stiffness Matrix For Member 2:

Transformation From Local To Global:

Global Stiffess Matrix For The Structure:

Displacement Of Nodes:

𝐾∙𝑈 =𝐹

Boundary Conditions And Loading Conditions:

Displacement At Node 2:
 Conclusion
1. Direct stiffness method is an easy-to-use and comprehensive method for all types of structures, in addition
to that it gives us the displacements in all joints of the structure and the internal forces of each component
of the structure precisely.
2. We used mathcad in the analysis of structures, because it is able to accurately analyze the structures after
entering all the dimensions and properties of the structure. We used the direct stiffness method inside the
program, because its easy for the program to handle matrices, whatever their size, as well as complex
mathematics operations, in addition to the ability to modify the inputs is easy and simple, and the program
gives the results of these changes in an instant, and the impact of these changes on the structure can be
observed.
3. To make the process of finding matrices easier, we can create a sheet of laws and equations, one advantage
of this sheet is that the units for each element can be clarified. As a result, the sheet helps to unify the units
within the matrix

Recommendation

1. To complete this study, direct stiffness method and mathcad can be used to analyze more complex

structures such as compound structures.

2. We can make sheet for all structure, to easy analyzing them.

3. following the completion of the analysis stage, we can begin the design stage by entering a set of design

equations and laws in a sheet, followed by the data for the program to design.

4. Mathlab can be used to compare the results that we obtained from mathcad.

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