(Pulau Pinang)

ECS 468
INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 2
Stiffness Method
(Truss)

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 1 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 LEARNING OUTCOMES
(Pulau Pinang)

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

1) identify the constrained and unconstrained degree of

freedom (DOF) for truss.
2) formulate the member stiffness matrices and assembly the
structure stiffness matrix.
3) transform the forces, displacements and stiffness between
local and global axes.
4) Determine the unknown nodal deformations, support
reactions as well as internal forces for truss.

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 2 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Fundamentals of the stiffness method
(Pulau Pinang)

• The stiffness method:

– Is a displacement method of analysis
– Can be used to analyse both statically determinate and
indeterminate structures
– Yields the displacement & forces directly
• It is generally much easier to formulate the necessary matrices for
the computer using the stiffness method
• Application of the stiffness method requires subdividing the
structure into a series of discrete finite elements & identifying
their end points as nodes

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 3 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Fundamentals of the stiffness method
(Pulau Pinang)

• For truss analysis, the finite elements are represented by each of

the members that compose the truss & the nodes represent the
joints
• The force-displacement properties of each element are
determined & then related to one another using the force
equilibrium equation written at the nodes
• These relationships for the entire structure are then grouped
together into the structure stiffness matrix, K
• The unknown displacement of the nodes can then be determined
for any given loading on the structure
• When these displacement are known, the external & internal
forces in the structure can be calculated using the force-
displacement relations for each member

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 4 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Member stiffness matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

• When a +ve displacement dN is imposed

on the near end of the member while the
far end is held pinned. The forces
developed at the ends of the members
are:
AE AE
q'N = dN ; q'F = − dN
L L

• When a +ve displacement dF at the far end,

keeping the near end pinned, results in
member forces :

AE AE
q' 'N = − dF ; q' 'F = dF
L L

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 5 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Member stiffness matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

By superposition, the resultant forces caused

by both displacement are
AE AE
qN = dN − d F eqn 14.1
L L
AE AE
qF = dF − dN eqn 14.2
L L
These load-displacement equation may be
written in matrix form as:

 q N  = AE  1 − 1  d N 
 q F  L  − 1 1  d F 
q = k'd eqn 14.3
AE  1 − 1
This matrix, k’ is called the member stiffness
k'= eqn 14.4 matrix
L  − 1 1
qN = – qF
CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 6 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)
 Displacement & Force Transformation matrices
(Pulau Pinang)

 Since a truss is composed of many

members, we will develop a method for
transforming the member forces q and
displacement d defined in local coordinates
to global coordinates
 Global coordinates convention: +ve x to
the right and +ve y upward
 θx and θy as shown in Figure (a). Figure (a)

 The cosines of these angles will be used in

the matrix analysis as follows
 These will be identified as

λ x = cos θ x ; λ y = cos θ y
 Consider member NF of the truss as shown
in Figure (b), the coordinates of N & F are
(xN, yN) and (xF, yF) respectively Figure (b)

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 7 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Displacement & Force Transformation matrices
(Pulau Pinang)

λx and λy can be written as ;

xF − xN
λ x = cos θ x =
L
xF − xN
= eqn 14.5
(xF − xN )2 + ( yF − y N )2

yF − yN
λ y = cos θ y =
L
yF − yN
= eqn 14.6
(xF − xN )2 + ( yF − y N )2

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 8 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Displacement & Force Transformation matrices
(Pulau Pinang)

Displacement Transformation matrix

 In global coordinates each end of the
member can have 2 degrees of freedom or
independent displacement.
 Joint N has DNx and DNy, Figure (a) and
(b).
 Joint F has DFx and DFy, Figure (c) and (d)
 When the far end is held pinned and the
near end is given a global displacement,
the corresponding displacement along
member is DNxcosθx as shown in Figure (a).
 A displacement DNy will cause the member
to be displaced DNycosθy along the x’ axis,
as shown in Figure (b).

d N = D N x cos θ x + D N y cos θ y

d F = D Fx cos θ x + D F y cos θ y

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 9 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Displacement & Force Transformation matrices
(Pulau Pinang)

• Displacement Transformation matrix (cont’d)

Let λ x = cos θ x ; λ y = cos θ y

d N = D N x λ x + D N y λ y ; d F = D Fx λ x + D F y λ y

In matrix form,
DNx 
 d N  = λ x λ y 0 0 DN y 
  eqn 14.7
 d F   0 0 λ x λ y   D Fx 
 D F y 
d = TD eqn 14.8

T transforms the 4 global displacement into 2 local x’ displacement

Hence, T is referred to as the displacement transformation matrix

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 10 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Displacement & Force Transformation matrices
(Pulau Pinang)

Force Transformation matrix

– Refer to Figure (a), If qN is applied to the bar,
the global force components at N are:
Q N x = q N cos θ x ; Q N y = q N cos θ y
– Refer to Figure (b), If qF is applied to the bar,
the global force components at F are: Figure (a)

Q Fx = q F cos θ x ; Q F y = q F cos θ y

– Using λx = cos θx ; λy = cos θy

QNx = qN λx; QNy = qN λy

Q Fx = q F λ x ; Q F y = q F λ y
Figure (b)

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 11 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Displacement & Force Transformation matrices
(Pulau Pinang)

Force Transformation matrix (cont’d)

– In Matrix Form

Q N x  λ x 0 
Q N  λ y 0  q N 
 y= 0 eqn 14.10
Q Fx  λ x   q F 
0 λ y 
 F y 
Q 

Q =TTq eqn 14.11

– In this case, TT transforms the 2 local forces q acting at the ends of the
member into 4 global force components Q
– This force transformation matrix is the transpose of the displacement
transformation matrix

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 12 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Member global stiffness matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

If we subtitute equation 14.8 into equation 14.3, we can determine the member’s
forces q in terms of the global displacement D at its end points.
q = k’TD ---------- eqn. 14.13

Subtitute this equation into equation 14.11 yields the final result:
Q = TTk’TD

or Q = kD ---------- eqn. 14.14

where k = TTk’T ---------- eqn. 14.15

.

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 13 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Member global stiffness matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

Performing the matrix operation yields:

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 14 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Truss stiffness matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

 Once all the member stiffness matrices are formed in the global coordinates, it
becomes necessary to assemble them in the proper order so that the stiffness
matrix K for the entire truss can be found
 This is done by designating the rows & columns of the matrix by the 4 code
numbers used to identify the 2 global degrees of freedom that can occur at
each end of the member
 The structure stiffness matrix will then have an order that will be equal to the
highest code number assigned to the truss since this rep the total no. of degree
of freedom for the structure
 This method of assembling the member matrices to form the structure stiffness
matrix will now be demonstrated by numerical e.g.
 This process is somewhat tedious when performed by hand but is rather easy
to program on computer

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 15 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Determine the structure stiffness matrix for the 2 member truss shown in Figure
below. Take AE as constant.

4m

3m

2 kN

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 16 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 1.
Determine degree of freedom (DOF).
a. Joint 1 and 3 – DOF = 0
b. Joint 2 – DOF = 2

Step 2.
Unknown displacement (DOF>0) need to code
numbered first. If the joints have two unknown
displacement, start with the horizontal
displacement first. The number followed by those at
joints having known displacement (DOF=0) .

Step 3.
 Locate the origin of the global coordinate system
2 kN
(it can be located at any point).
 The members are identified arbitrarily & arrows
are written along 2 members to identify the near
& far ends of each member

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 17 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 4.
XF − XN YF − Y N
Determine λx and λy for every member. λx = ; λy =
L L
Member 1 Member 2

3−0 0−0 3−0 4 −0

λx = = 1; λy = =0 λx = = 0.6; λy = = 0.8
3 3 5 5
Step 5.
Determine member Global Stiffness Matrix, k, for every member.

Member 1 Member 2

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 18 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 1
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 6.
Corresponding elements of those 2 matrices are added algebraically to form the structure
stiffness matrix. As the member global stiffness matrices are generated, they are placed
directly into their respective element positions in the K matrix

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 19 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Application of the Stiffness Matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

 The global force components Q acting on the truss can then be related to its
global displacements D using;
Q = KD ------ eqn. 14.17

 This equation is referred to as the structure stiffness equation

Qk   K 11 K 12   Du 
 =   ------- eqn. 14.18
Qu   K 21 K 22   Dk 

 Expanding eqn 14.18 yields

Qk = K11(Du) + K12 (Dk) ------ eqn. 14.19
Qu = K21(Du) + K22 (Dk) ------ eqn. 14.20

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 20 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Application of the Stiffness Matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

 Often Dk = 0 since the supports are not displaced, eqn. 14.19 becomes ;
Qk = K11(Du) ------- eqn. 14.21

 Using eqn. 14.20 with Dk = 0 yields;

Qu = K21(Du) ------- eqn. 14.22

 The member forces can be determined using equation 14.13. Expanding this
equation yields;
 DNx 
 
q N  AE  1 - 1  λx λy 0 0   DNy 
Qu   =    
 qF  L - 1 1   0 0 λx λ y   DFx 
 
 DFy 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 21 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Application of the Stiffness Matrix
(Pulau Pinang)

 Since with qN = -qF for equilibrium; Only one need to be calculated, lets
determine qF .

 D Nx 
 
AE  D Ny 
qF =
L
[
- λx - λy λx λy ]
 D Fx  ------- eqn. 14.23
 
 D Fy 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 22 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Determine the forces in each member for the 2 member truss shown in Figure
below. Take AE as constant.

4m

3m

2 kN

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 23 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 1.
Determine degree of freedom (DOF).
a. Joint 1 and 3 – DOF = 0
b. Joint 2 – DOF = 2
Step 2.
Unknown displacement (DOF>0) need to code
numbered first. If the joints have two unknown
displacement, start with the horizontal
displacement first. The number followed by those at
joints having known displacement (DOF=0) .

Step 3.
2 kN
 Locate the origin of the global coordinate
system (it can be located at any point). By inspection, it is seen that the
 The members are identified arbitrarily & known external displacement are
arrows are written along 2 members to D3=D4=D5=D6=0
identify the near & far ends of each member Also, the known external loads are
Q1=0, Q2=-2kN

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 24 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 4.
XF − XN YF − Y N
Determine λx and λy for every member. λx = ; λy =
L L
Member 1 Member 2

3−0 0−0 3−0 4 −0

λx = = 1; λy = =0 λx = = 0.6; λy = = 0.8
3 3 5 5
Step 5.
Determine member Global Stiffness Matrix, k, for every member.

Member 1 Member 2

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 25 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 6.
Corresponding elements of those 2 matrices are added algebraically to form the structure
stiffness matrix. As the member global stiffness matrices are generated, they are placed
directly into their respective element positions in the K matrix

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 26 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 7.
Writing equation, Q = KD.
Partition between Known and Unknown Forces / Displacement

Qk   K 11 K 12   Du 
 =   ------- eqn. 14.18
Qu   K 21 K 22   Dk 

0   0.405 0.096 − 0.333 0 − 0.072 − 0.096   D1 

    
−
  2  0.096 0.128 0 0 − 0.096 − 0.128   D2 
 Q3   − 0.333 0 0.333 0 0 0  0 
  = AE   
 Q4   0 0 0 0 0 0  0 
Q   − 0.072 − 0.096 0 0 0.072 0.096   0 
  5
  
Q6  − 0.096 − 0.128 0 0 0.096 0.128   0 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 27 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 8.
From eqn. 14.19, Qk = K11(Du) + K12 (Dk), using Matrix multiplication, solve to determine
the value of D1 and D2.

0  0.405 0.096   D1  0  4 .505 − 19 .003

  = AE  D  +   D1 = ; D2 =
− 2 0.096 0.128   2  0  AE AE

Step 9.
From eqn. 14.20, Qu = K21(Du) + K22 (Dk), using Matrix multiplication, solve to determine
the value of Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6,.

Q3   − 0.333 0  0  Q3 = − 1 .5 kN
    D  
Q
 4  = AE  0 0  
 1 + 0  Q4 = 0 kN
Q5   − 0.072 − 0.096   D2  0  Q5 = 1 .5 kN
      Q6 = 2 .0 kN
Q6  − 0.096 − 0.128  0 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 28 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 2
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 10.
Calculate the member forces using eqn. 14.23.

 D Nx 
 
AE D
λy 
Ny 
qF =
L
[
- λx - λy λx ]
 D Fx  ------- eqn. 14.23
 
 D Fy 
For member 1,

λ x = 1, λ y = 0 , L = 3m ⇒ q1 = − 1 .5 kN

For member 2,

λ x = 0 .6, λ y = 0 .8, L = 5 m ⇒ q 2 = 2 .5 kN

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 29 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Thermal Changes & Fabrication Errors
(Pulau Pinang)

If some of the members of the truss are subjected to an increase or decrease in

length due to thermal changes or fabrication errors, then it is necessary to use the
method of superposition to obtain the solution. This requires 3 steps;

Step 1. - The fixed end forces necessary to prevent movement of the nodes as
caused by temperature or fabrication are calculated

Step 2. - Equal but opposite forces are placed on the truss at the nodes & the
displacement of the nodes are calculated using the matrix analysis

Step 3. - The actual forces in the members & the reactions on the truss are
determined by superposing these 2 results

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 30 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Thermal Changes & Fabrication Errors
(Pulau Pinang)

If a temperature decrease occurs, then ∆T becomes negative & these forces

reverse direction to hold the member in equilibrium. The global coordinates matrix
become; (Q )  λ 
Nx 0 x
   
(Q ) λ
 Ny 0  = AEα∆T  y  ------- eqn. 14.25
(Q Fx )0   - λx 
   
(Q Fy )0  - λ y 

If the member is too short, then ∆L becomes negative & these forces will reverse.
In global coordinates, these forces are
(Q Nx )0   λx 
   
(Q Ny )0  AE∆ L  λ y 
=
(Q Fx )0  L  - λx  ------- eqn. 14.26
   
(Q Fy )0  - λ y 
CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 31 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)
 Thermal Changes & Fabrication Errors
(Pulau Pinang)

With the truss subjected to applied forces, temperature changes and fabrication
errors, the initial force-displacement relationship for the truss then becomes:

Q = KD + Q0 ------- eqn. 14.27

Qo is the column matrix for the entire truss of the initial fixed-end forces caused by
temperature changes & fabrication errors of the member defined in eqn. 14.25 &
14.26
Qk   K 11 K 12   Du  (Qk )0 
 =    + (Q ) 
Qu   K 21 K 22   Dk   u 0 
Expanding the equation yields
Qk = K11(Du) + K12 (Dk) + (Qk)0 ----- eqn. 14.28
Qu = K21(Du) + K22 (Dk) + (Qu)0 ------ eqn. 14.29

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 32 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Thermal Changes & Fabrication Errors
(Pulau Pinang)

Member forces are obtained by superposition. The far end member forces
becomes;

 D Nx 
 
AE  D Ny 
qF =
L
- λx [ - λy λx λy ]
 DFx 
+ (q F )0 ------- eqn. 14.30

 
 DFy 

AE∆L
(q F )0 = − (Fabricati on Error)
L
(q F )0 = − AEα∆T (Thermal Changes)

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 33 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Determine the force in member 1 & 2 of the pin-connected assembly of Figure

below, if member 2 was made 0.01 m too short before it was fitted into place.
Take AE = 8(103)kN

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 34 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 1.
Determine degree of freedom (DOF).
a. Joint 1, 3 and 4 – DOF = 0
b. Joint 2 – DOF = 2
Step 2.
Unknown displacement (DOF>0) need to code
numbered first. If the joints have two unknown
displacement, start with the horizontal
displacement first. The number followed by those at
joints having known displacement (DOF=0) .

Step 3.
 Locate the origin of the global coordinate
system (it can be located at any point). By inspection, it is seen that the
 The members are identified arbitrarily & known external displacement are
arrows are written along 2 members to D3=D4=D5=D6=D7=D8 = 0
identify the near & far ends of each member Also, the known external loads are
Q1 and Q2 =-0

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 35 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 4.
XF − XN YF − Y N
Determine λx and λy for every member. λx = ; λy =
L L
Member 1

4−4 3−0
λx = = 0; λy = =1
3 3
Member 2

0−4 0−3
λx = = −0.8; λy = = −0.6
5 5

Member 3

4 −0 3−3
λx = = 1; λy = =0
4 4

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 36 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 5.
Determine member Global Stiffness Matrix, k, for every member.
Member 1 Member 3
3 4 1 2 7 8 1 2
0 0 0 0 3  0.25 0 − 0.25 0  7
   
0 0.333 0 − 0.333 4 0 0 0 0 8
k1 = AE
0 0 1 k 3 = AE 
0 0 − 0.25 0 0.25 0  1
   
0 − 0.333 0 0.333  2
 0 0 0 0 2
Member 2

1 2 5 6
 0.128 0.096 − 0.128 − 0.096  1
 
 0.096 0.072 − 0.096 − 0.072  2
k 2 = AE
 − 0.128 − 0.096 0.128 0.096  5
 
− 0.096 − 0.072 0.096 0.072  6
CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 37 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)
 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 6.
Corresponding elements of those 3 matrices are added algebraically to form the structure
stiffness matrix. As the member global stiffness matrices are generated, they are placed
directly into their respective element positions in the K matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
 0.378 0.096 0 0 − 0.128 − 0.096 − 0.25 0 1
 
 0.096 0.405 0 − 0.333 − 0.096 − 0.072 0 0 2
 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
 
0 − 0.333 0 0.333 0 0 0 0 4
k = AE 
 − 0.128 − 0.096 0 0 0.128 0.096 0 0 5
 
− 0.096 − 0.072 0 0 0.096 0.072 0 0 6
 − 0.025 0 0 0 0 0 0.25 0 7
 
 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  8

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 38 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 7.
Since the member is short, then ∆L = -0.01m. Applying equation 14.26 to member 2.

(Q1 )0   - 0.8   0.0016 

     
(Q )
 2 0 = AE(-0.001)  - 0.6  = AE  0.0012 
(Q5 )0  5  0.8  - 0.0016 
     
(Q6 )0   0.6   - 0.0012 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 39 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 8.
Writing equation, Q = KD + Q0.
Partition between Known and Unknown Forces / Displacement

0  0.378 0.096 0 0 − 0.128 − 0.096 − 0.25 0   D1   0.0016 

      
0
   0.096 0.405 0 − 0.333 − 0.096 − 0.072 0 0   D2   0.0012 
Q3   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0 
      
Q
 4  = AE  0 − 0.333 0 0.333 0 0 0 0 0  0 
+ AE 
Q   − 0.128 − 0.096 0 0 0.128 0.096 0 0 0  - 0.0016 
 5
    
Q6  − 0.096 − 0.072 0 0 0.096 0.072 0 0 0   - 0.0012 
Q   − 0.025 0 0 0 0 0 0.25 0 0   0 
 7
    
Q8   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0   0 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 40 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 9.
From eqn. 14.28, Qk = K11(Du) + K12 (Dk) + (Qk)0, using Matrix multiplication, solve to
determine the value of D1 and D2.
D1 = − 0 .003704 m
0  0.378 0.096   D1  0  0.0016 
  = AE     + + AE  
0  0.096 0.405   D2  0  0.0012  D 2 = − 0 .002084 m
Step 10.
From eqn. 14.29, Qu = K21(Du) + K22 (Dk) + (Qu)0, using Matrix multiplication, solve to
determine the value of Q3 Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7 and Q8.
Q3   0 0  0   0 
       
Q
 4  0 − 0.333  0
   0 
Q5   − 0.128 − 0.096   D1  0  - 0.0016 
  = AE     
+ + AE  
Q
 6  − 0.096 − 0.072 D
 2    0  - 0.0012 
Q   − 0.025 0  0   0 
 7
     
 8 
Q  0 0   
0  0 

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 41 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 3
(Pulau Pinang)

Step 11.
Calculate the member forces using eqn. 14.30.
 D Nx 
 
AE  D Ny 
qF =
L
- λx [ - λy λx λy ]
 DFx 
+ (q F )0 ------- eqn. 14.30

 
 DFy 
λ x = 0, λ y = 1, L = 3m, AE = 8(10 3 )kN

q 1 = − 5.56kN
λ x = − 0.8, λ y = − 0.6, L = 5m, AE = 8(10 3 )kN

q 2 = 9.26kN
CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 42 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)
 Example 4
(Pulau Pinang)

1. Determine the stiffness matrix K for the truss. Take A = 1000 mm2, E = 200 Gpa.
2. Determine the horizontal displacement of joint 1 and the force in member 2. Take A =
1000 mm2, E = 200 Gpa.
3. Determine the force in member 2 if its temperature is increased by 550C. Take A =
1000 mm2, E = 200 Gpa, α = 11.7 (10-6)/0C

2 kN

4m

4m 3m

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 43 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Example 5
(Pulau Pinang)

A plane truss ABCD is subjected to uniformly distributed load and point loads as shown in
Figure 5. It carries points loads 30 kN, 40 kN and 35 kN at joints A, B and C respectively. The
upper chord ABC has uniformly distributed loads of 3 kN/m acted on it. The truss is pinned at
A and C, while D is on roller. Find all the support reactions
30 kN 40 kN 35 kN
3 kN/m
A C
B

Take modulus of Elasticity (E) = 200

1.5 m
kN/mm2.

Cross Sectional area for members;

D
AB ,BC = 5000 mm2
AD ,DC = 4000 mm2 2m 2m

BD = 3000 mm2
Figure 5

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 44 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 (Pulau Pinang)

Review
Problems

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 45 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Problem 1
(Pulau Pinang)

A plane truss ABC is pinned at A and roller supported at B Figure P1(a). There is a horizontal
load of 50 kN acting at B of the truss. Compounding the external load, member AC is
fabricated 15 mm too long. The numbering of members and the nodal degrees of freedom
(DOF) are shown in Figure P1(b). Given modulus of elasticity, E = 200 kN/mm2 and constant
cross sectional area, A = 400 mm2.

1. Form the global stiffness matrices

of the three members
2. Assemble the relevant stiffness
equations only to determine the
three unknown unconstrained
displacements.
3. Solve the axial forces in the three
members.

Figure P1(a) Figure P1(b)

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 46 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Problem 2
(Pulau Pinang)

A truss ABCD is subjected to an inclined load

of 20 kN as shown in Figure Q3. Given the
axial rigidity, EA is constant for all members.

1. Using the stiffness method, determine the

component displacements at C and the
axial.
2. If in addition to the loads indicated,
member BC experiences a temperature
increase of 90°C, recalculate the
component displacements at C. Given the
coefficient of thermal expansion, α is 5 x
10"6 /°C and the axial rigidity, EA is 2000
kN.

Figure P2

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 47 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 Problem 3
(Pulau Pinang)

A pin-jointed plane truss is shown in Figure P3

with a point load of 60 kN applied vertically at
B. Member 4 is fabricated 12 mm too long. For
all members, A = 200 mm2 and E =
210kN/mm2.

1. State the total number of degrees of

freedom.
2. Develop the element global stiffness
relations.
3. Form the structure global stiffness relations
corresponding to the unconstrained
degrees of freedom and solve for the
unknown displacements.
4. If the truss loses its support at A,
determine the forces in members 1 and 2.
Figure P3

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 48 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)

 References
(Pulau Pinang)

Hibbeler R.C, (2012), “Structural Analysis, 8th Edition in S.I. Units”, Pearson,
Singapore
Hibbeler R.C, (2009), “Structural Analysis, 7th Edition in S.I. Units”, Pearson,
Singapore
Hibbeler R.C, (2006), “Structural Analysis, 6th Edition in S.I. Units”, Pearson,
Singapore
UiTM Structural Division (2003), “Basic Structural Analysis”, Cerdik
Publications Sdn. Bhd.
UiTM Structural Division (2003), “Basic Structural Mechanics”, Cerdik
Publications Sdn. Bhd.
Goh, C. H. et. al. (2012), “Problem and Solution on Stiffness Method for
Structures”, UiTM Press.

CES 521 - INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES Slide 49 of 49 Topic 2 – Stiffness Method (Truss)