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Unit 3 Topic: Stiffness Matrix

The document discusses the stiffness matrix for a structural member. A stiffness matrix is a 4x4 matrix that relates forces and displacements at each end of a member, where there are two degrees of freedom (translation and rotation) at each end. The elements of the stiffness matrix indicate the forces caused by imposing unit displacements along each degree of freedom. Calculating the forces for different unit displacements allows populating the stiffness matrix. The stiffness matrix is then used to analyze continuous beams and assemble the overall structure stiffness matrix.

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111 views3 pages

Unit 3 Topic: Stiffness Matrix

The document discusses the stiffness matrix for a structural member. A stiffness matrix is a 4x4 matrix that relates forces and displacements at each end of a member, where there are two degrees of freedom (translation and rotation) at each end. The elements of the stiffness matrix indicate the forces caused by imposing unit displacements along each degree of freedom. Calculating the forces for different unit displacements allows populating the stiffness matrix. The stiffness matrix is then used to analyze continuous beams and assemble the overall structure stiffness matrix.

Uploaded by

Behroz Behzad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 3

Lecture 1

Topic: Stiffness Matrix

Two degrees of freedom (one translation and one rotation) are considered at each end of the member.
Hence, there are four possible degrees of freedom for this member and hence the resulting stiffness
matrix is of the order 4x4. In this method counterclockwise moments and counterclockwise rotations
are taken as positive. The positive sense of the translation and rotation are also shown in the figure.
Displacements are considered as positive in the direction of the coordinate axis. The elements of the
stiffness matrix indicate the forces exerted on the member by the restraints at the ends of the member
when unit displacements are imposed at each end of the member. Let us calculate the forces developed
in the above beam member when unit displacement is imposed along each degree of freedom holding
all other displacements to zero. Now impose a unit displacement along y' axis at j end of the member
while holding all other displacements to zero. This displacement causes both shear and moment in the
beam. The restraint actions are also shown in the figure. By definition they are elements of the member
stiffness matrix. In particular they form the first column of element stiffness matrix. In Fig., the unit
rotation in the positive sense is imposed at j end of the beam while holding all other displacements to
zero.
The stiffness matrix is symmetrical. The stiffness matrix is partitioned to separate the actions associated
with two ends of the member. For continuous beam problem, if the supports are unyielding, then only
rotational degree of freedom is possible. In such a case the first and the third rows and columns will be
deleted. The reduced stiffness matrix will be, Beam (global) Stiffness Matrix.
The formation of structure (beam) stiffness matrix from its member stiffness matrices is explained with
help of two span continuous beams shown in Fig. Note that no loading is shown on the beam. The
orthogonal co-ordinate system xyz denotes the global co-ordinate system.

Video link:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvrPVT9OSM

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