Introduction

Why matrix methods

• The invention of computers in the late 1940 s and subsequent
development has revolutionized the technological world. The
digital computers have huge memory, fantastic speed absolute
reliability for performing the computations. However, for
computer implementation it is necessary that the problem is
expressed in a systematic and precise manner so that it can be
programmed easily. The methods using matrix algebra, which
express the problem in concise form, are ideally suited for
computer implementation.
• Matrix method is being extensively used in the analysis of
framed or skeletal structures which are an assemblage of long
straight members such as bar of a beam. A large number of
software packages are available which are routinely used in
design offices for the analysis of commonly used structures such
as beams, plane and space trusses and rigid frames. Matrix
methods with digital computer become a very powerful tool for
the structural engineer for the analysis of skeletal structures.
Matrix methods are systematic and general and can analyse a
large size problem, with high degree of indeterminacy. The
solution procedure requires a set of steps which once
understood for simple problem can be easily extended to
complex problem or any other structure as the same steps are
repeated. As the procedure is systematic, computer
programming becomes simpler. Some of the basic steps are
common and hence a computer program can be easily modified
for any other problem.
 Flexibility and Stiffness Methods of Analysis
• The main objective in the analysis of framed structures is to
determine the forces and displacements in a structures
subjected to external loads. In determinate structure the
analysis is simple and straightforward. In determinate
structure the forces and displacements are obtained by
solving a set of simultaneous equations in such a way that
the condition of equilibrium and condition of compatibility
are satisfied. The well known principle of superposition,
which is applicable to linear elastic structure, is used to
generate these equations together with the fact that forces
and displacements are related by the modulus of elasticity.
• In flexibility method, the forces are chosen as the basic
unknowns. The knowledge of degree of static
indeterminacy tells us how many forces to be chosen as
basic unknowns. The equilibrium condition is satisfied at
the beginning and equations are generated to satisfy the
condition of compatibility. The flexibility method hence is
known as force method or compatibility method. The
conventional method of consistent deformation is the best
example of flexibility method. In flexibility method as there
is wide choice to select the redundant forces in a structure,
a systematic approach is not possible and solution can be
obtained in variety of ways depending on which forces has
been chosen as unknown. Again to set up the equations
complete structure needs to be analysed considering each
force at a time and superimposing the result.
 Contd..
• In stiffness method, the displacements are chosen as the basic
unknowns. The knowledge of degree of kinematic
indeterminacy, hence becomes important to know how many
displacements should be chosen as basic unknowns. The
compatibility of deformations is satisfied at the beginning and
equations are generated to satisfy the equlibrium. Stiffness
method is also known as displacement method or equlibrium
method. In displacement method the choice of unknown
displacement is unique and there is no ambiguity. The biggest
advantage is that these equations can be assembled from the
stiffness equations of members. The whole process is systematic
and is amenable to computer programming.
 Contd..
• In matrix method of structural analysis , the formulation of the
problem by flexibility and stiffness methods is done using
matrices. Thus, matrices are used to express various
relationships and matrix algebra for various mathematical
operations like development of force displacement relationship
for member and structures; solution of equations, etc. the
formulation becomes systematic , concise and compact
amenable to computer programming.
• In flexibility matrix approach, wherein, forces are chosen as the
basic unknowns, flexibility matrix relates the displacements to
forces. As against this, in stiffness matrix approach, where in
displacements are chosen as basic unknowns, the forces and
displacements are related by stiffness matrix. In flexibility
approach the set of equations are for compatibility, while in
stiffness approach the equations are for equlibrium.
 Stiffness Vs Flexibility method
• Stiffness and flexibility methods are matrix oriented methods for the analysis of
framed structures. The stiffness method is preferred due to inherent advantages of
being systematic, easy to comprehend and amenable to computer implementation.
Table below outlines the differences between those two methods.
Flexibility method (Force method) Stiffness method (Displacement method)
Forces chosen as basic unknowns. Displacements chosen as basic unknowns
Static indeterminacy decides the number of Kinematic indeterminacy decides the number
forces as basic unknowns. of displacements as basic unknowns.
Unknown forces not uniquely defined. The Unknown displacements uniquely defined
choice is with the analyst.
Flexibility matrix needs to be generated Stiffness matrix needs to be generated relating
relating displacement and forces-compatibility displacement and forces-equilibrium
equations equations
Flexibility matrix difficult to generate as Stiffness matrix needs to be generated relating
•Complete structure involved displacement and forces-equilibrium
•Many choices are available for the redundant equations. Stiffness matrix can be generated
forces systematically from the stiffness matrix of
members

Difficult to program Easy to program