EBBEF2p-A Computer Code For Analyzing Beams On Elastic Foundations
EBBEF2p-A Computer Code For Analyzing Beams On Elastic Foundations
net/publication/285530512
CITATIONS READS
4 1,226
1 author:
Iancu-Bogdan Teodoru
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi
20 PUBLICATIONS 52 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
All content following this page was uploaded by Iancu-Bogdan Teodoru on 07 December 2015.
Summary
The development of a finite element computer code for the static structural analysis
of beams on elastic foundation is described. Called EBBEF2p (Euler-Bernoulli
Beams on Two-Parameter Elastic Foundationis) this code is written in the
computer programme package MATLAB and can handle a wide range of static
loading problems involving a one-dimensional beam supported by elastic
foundation. The theoretical basis for the code, its computer implementation, and its
use to solve example problems are discussed too.
KEYWORDS: Beams; Elastic Foundations; Winkler Foundation; Two-Parameter
Elastic Foundation; Vlasov Foundation; Finite Elements; Static Structural
Analysis; Computer Program.
1. INTRODUCTION
The concept of beams on elastic foundations it is extensively used by geotechnical,
pavement and railroad engineers for foundation design and analysis.
Currently, the analysis of beams on elastic foundation is performed by using
special computer programs based on numerical methods, such as Finite Difference
Method (FDM) and Finite Element Method (FEM). However, these programs are
limited in their application, most of them being developed only for a very simple
subgrade model, Winkler's Hypothesis. They cannot be used for other soil models
such as Two-Parameter, Elastic Half-Space or Elastic Layer and others.
This paper describes a finite element computer program, as a toolbox to MATLAB,
developed to analyse the interaction between a beam and its two-parameter elastic
foundation. By considering a linear variation of both foundation parameter,
EBBEF2p can account in a consistent way for the bearing soil inhomogeneity. It
can be used for any practical static loading and support condition including
prescribed displacement.
The numerical model uses a cubic Hermitian polynomial to interpolate nodal
values of the displacements field for a two-node beam elements. The elemental
stiffness matrix and load vector are obtained by using Galerkin’s Residual Method
The Winkler model, which has been originally developed for the analysis of
railroad tracks, is very simple but does not accurately represents the characteristics
of many practical foundations. One of the most important deficiencies of the
Winkler model is that a displacement discontinuity appears between the loaded and
the unloaded part of the foundation surface. In reality, the soil surface does not
show any discontinuity (Figure 1).
Historically, the traditional way to overcome the deficiency of Winkler model is
by introducing some kind of interaction between the independent springs by
visualising various types of interconnections such as flexural elements (beams in
one-dimension (1-D), plates in 2-D), shear-only layers and deformed, pretensioned
membranes [1]. The foundation model proposed by Filonenko and Borodich in
1940 [1] acquires continuity between the individual spring elements in the Winkler
model by connecting them to a thin elastic membrane under a constant tension. In
the model proposed by Hetényi in 1950 [1], interaction between the independent
spring elements is accomplished by incorporating an elastic plate in three-
dimensional problems, or an elastic beam in two-dimensional problems, that can
deforms only in bending. Another foundation model proposed by Pasternak in 1954
acquires shear interaction between springs by connecting the ends of the springs to
a layer consisting of incompressible vertical elements which deform only by
transverse shearing [1].
d2w x d2 w x
p x k s Bw x k1 B kw x k1 , (1)
dx2 dx2
where: B is the width of the beam cross section; w – deflection of the centroidal
line of the beam and k1 is the second foundation parameter with a different
definition for each foundation model. As a special case, if the second parameter k1
is neglected, the mechanical modelling of the foundation converges to the Winkler
formulation. For the case of a (linear) variable subgrade coefficients, Equation (1)
may be written as
d2w x
p x k s x Bw x k1 x B
dx2
. (2)
d2 w x
k x w x k1 x
dx2
Using the last relation and beam theory, one can generate the governing differential
equations for the centroidal line of the deformed beam resting on two-parameter
elastic foundation as [6]
d4 w x d2w x
EI k x w x k1 x q x , (3)
dx4 dx2
where: E is the modulus of elasticity for the constitutive material of the beam; I –
the moment of inertia for the cross section of the beam and q(x) is the distributed
load on the beam.
u1 x,z 0 , (5)
and using variational calculus, Vlasov model parameters are expressed as [3], [4],
[5]
H H
Es 1 s d 2 Es
ks
0
d z , k1
1 s 1 2 s d z 0
2
1 s
2 dz , (6)
were
z
sinh 1
z H , (7)
sinh
is a function defining the variation of the deflection v(x, z) in the z direction, which
satisfy the boundary condition shown in Figure 3, and
2
dw dx
1 2 s
2
dx
. (8)
H 2 1 s
w
2
dx
Since γ is not known apriory, the solution technique for parameters evaluation is an
iterative process which is dependent upon the value of the parameter γ. Therefore,
by assuming an approximate value of γ initially, the values of k and k1 are evaluated
using (6). From the solution of the deflection of the beam, the value of γ is
computed using (8). The new γ value is again used to compute new values of k and
k1. The procedure is repeated until two succesive values of γ are approximately
equal [4], [5].
Figure 4. Nodal degrees of freedom and corresponding nodal forces on a beam element on a
two-parameter foundation.
It must note that Q1 and Q2 from the load vector {Se} are not simply the transverse
shear forces in the beam; they includes also the shear resistance associated with
modulus of the two-parameter foundation [6]. Force Qi (i = 1, 2), is a generalized
shear force defined by
Qi Vi Vi , (9)
d3 w x
were: Vi EI is the usual shear contribution from elementary beam
d x3
dw x
theory; Vi k 1 – the shear contribution from two-parameter elastic
dx
foundation (negative sign arises because a positive slope requires opposite shear
forces in the foundation) [6].
Considering the four boundary conditions and the one-dimensional nature of the
problem in terms of the independent variable, we assume the displacement function
in the form [7], [8]:
we x a0 a1 x a2 x 2 a3 x 3 , (10)
For the both foundation parameters a linear variation is considered [8],
k 2 k1 k1, 2 k1,1
k x k1 x, k 1 x k1,1 x. (11)
l l
The choice of a cubic function to describe the displacement is not arbitrary. With
the specification of four boundary conditions, we can determine no more than four
constants in the assumed displacement function. The second derivative of the
assumed displacement function, we(x) is linear; hence, the bending moment varies
linearly, at most, along the length of the element. This is in accord with the
assumption that loads are applied only at the element nodes [7].
Applying the boundary conditions and solving the constants from (10) and then
substituting the results back into (10) we can obtain the interpolation form of the
displacement as [7], [8]
we x N1 x w1 N 2 x 1 N 3 x w2 N 4 x 2 N i d e ,
T
(12)
where Ni(x), (i = 1, …, 4) are the well-known shape functions of Hermite type that
describe the distribution of displacement in terms of nodal values in the nodal
displacement vector {de}:
x2 x3 x 2 x3
N x 1 3 2 , N x x 2 2
1
l2 l3
2
l l
2 3 2 3
. (13)
N x 3 x 2 x , N x x x
3 l2 l3
4
l l2
As the polynomial (12) represents an approximate solution of the governing
Equations (3), it result the residuum (error or discrepancy):
d 4 we x d 2 we x
x EI k 1 x k x we x q x 0 . (14)
d x4 dx2
The minimizing of this residuum means to the annulment of Galerkin balanced
functional where the weight is considered for each of the four functions, Ni(x). So
the element stiffness matrix resulting are [6]…[11]:
12 6l 12 6l
6l 2l 2
EI 6l 4l 2
ke 3 ; (15)
l 12 6l 12 6l
6l 2l
2
6l 4l 2
kw
24 10k1 3k 2 2l 15k1 7 k 2 54 k1 k 2 2l 7 k1 6k 2
l 2l 15k1 7 k 2 l 2 5k1 3k 2 2l 6k1 7 k 2 3l 2 k1 k 2
;
840 54 k1 k 2 2l 6k1 7 k 2 24 3k1 10k 2 2l 7 k1 15k 2
2l 7 k 6k 3l 2 k k 2l 7 k 15k l 2 3k 5k
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
(16)
is the matrix notation of the governing differential equation (3) and [ke] is the
stiffness matrix of the flexure beam element; [kw] is the stiffness matrix of the first
subgrade parameter (springs layer); [kt] is the stiffness matrix of the second
subgrade parameter.
The vector {Re} depends on the distributed load on the element and, for q(x) = q =
const., it result
.
T
ql ql 2 ql ql 2
Re (19)
2 12 2 12
statement. The procedure used to obtain a complet solution for a beam resting on
two-parameter foundation is indicated below.
A EBBEF2p work session is started with calling the main function file input.m,
from the MATLAB prompt. The functions that are integrated here (draw, write and
user interface controls – mnu function) aids the user in generating data defining the
finite element model, for a given problem, with taking advantage of a fully
functional GUI (Figure 6).
All the finite element data (geometry, material properties, loads, supports, soil
parameters and generated FE mesh) are write in a binary data file input.mat.
Before EBBEF2p solver (processor) initialization (ebbef2p.m function file) are
checked the subgrade conditions:
• if exist ks or (ks and k1) values, the finite element model is analysed with these
one;
• in this case, the user is required to put in distributions of the deformation
modulus Es, the Poisson number ν and a depth of influence zone H along a
beam (if these are not introduced apriory). The program then exploits these
parameters to compute values ks and k1 using the iterative procedure described
foregoing.
In the locations where there is no subsoil, the user can simply set to zero ks and k1
parameters (or Es).
By collecting element data from the input file, development of the elements
stiffness matrices, which are assembling into the global stiffness matrix by using
the direct stiffness approach, is done. Partitioning the global stiffness matrix by
applying boundary condition (forces, displacements, supports), the remain matrix
equation is solved by using Gaussian elimination. With the obtained solution, the
displacements, global and nodal forces are calculated and saved to the binary data
file output.mat.
Finaly, the data stored in output file are visualized by the help of MATLAB build-
in plot function.
The results of the numerical analyses have been summarized in Table 1 (maximum
values) and a typical EBBEFp output for bending moment pattern is shown in
Figure 9.
The computed bending moment pattern is shown in Figure 12. It can be noted that
the obtained solution is fairly close to those by Umanski’s method.
Figure 13. Geometry of the considered example: (a) – EBBEF2p; (b) – 2D FEM.
In both EBBEF2p and 2D FEM models, the beam is modeled with flexure beam
element (Table 2).
The results from both 2D FEM and EBBEF2p technique are shown for comparison
in Figure 14. It can be noted that both solution have almost the same shape and
they are in good agreement. However, a full comparison between these two
technique is not fair, because in the 2D finite element solution, complete
compatibility of displacements at the beam-soil interface is assumed, but only
vertical displacement compatibility exists in Vlasov model [5].
Figure 14. EBBEF2p vs. 2D FEM solution: (a) – settlement; (b) – soil pressure;
(c) – bending moment; (d) – shearing force.
The results of the final computed values of the soil parameters are presented in
Table 3. This demonstrate the versatility of the modified Vlasov foundation model,
programmed in EBBEF2p: solve beam on elastic foundation problems without
having a need to establish the values of foundation parameters.
6. CONCLUSIONS
A computer program called EBBEF2p has been developed in MATLAB
environment in order to performs complete static structural analysis of beams
which rests on one or two-parameter elastic foundation for any loading and
boundary condition. By considering a linear variation of both foundation
parameter, EBBEF2p can account in a consistent way for the bearing soil
inhomogeneity.
The performance and accuracy of EBBEF2p has been carefully tested by carrying
out analyses of problems with known solution or comparing results with solutions
obtained on numerical model more complex. As a general observation, the
obtained EBBEF2p solution are reasonably close to those from theory of beams on
elastic foundation and also in good agreement with more sophisticated finite
element solutions.
References
1. Kerr, A. D., Elastic and Viscoelastic Foundation Models, Journal of Applied Mechanics, vol. 31,
No. 3, p. 491–498, 1964.
2. Hetényi, M., Beams on elastic foundation: theory with applications in the fields of civil and
mechanical engineering, University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1964.
3. Jones, R., Xenophontos, J., The Vlasov Foundation Model, International Journal of Mechanical
Science, vol. 19, No. 6, p. 317–323, 1977.
4. Vallabhan, C. V. G., Das, Y. C., A Parametric Study of Beams on Elastic Foundations, Journal of
Engineering Mechanics Division, vol. 114, No. 12, p. 2072-2082,1988.
5. Vallabhan, C. V. G., Das, Y. C., Modified Vlasov Model for Beams on Elastic Foundations,
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 117, No. 6, p. 956–966, 1991.
6. Zhaohua, F., Cook, D. R., Beam Elements on Two-Parameter Elastic Foundation, Journal of
Engineering Mechanics, vol. 109, No. 6, p. 1390-1402, 1983.
7. Hutton, D. V., Fundamentals of Finite Element Enalysis, McGraw Hill, New York, 2004.
8. Jerca, Şt., Ungureanu, N., Diaconu, D., Metode numerice în proiectarea construcţiilor,
Universitatea Tehnică „Gh. Asachi”, Iaşi, 1997. (in Romanian)
9. Teodoru, I. B., Muşat, V., Beam Elements on Linear Variable Two-Parameter Elastic Foundation,
Buletinul Institutului Politehnic din Iaşi, Tomme LIV (LVIII), Fasc. 2, s. Constr., Archit., p. 69-
78, 2008.
10. Teodoru, I. B., Muşat, V., Vrabie, M., A Finite Element Study of the Bending Behavior of Beams
on Two-Parameter Elastic Foundation, Buletinul Institutului Politehnic din Iaşi, Tomme LII
(LVI), Fasc. 3-4, s. Constr., Archit., p. 7-18, 2006.
11. Jerca, Şt., Vrabie, M., Răileanu, P., et al., Static Analysis of Beams on Elastic Foundation With
Variable Coefficient of Soil Reaction Using the Finite Element Method, Buletinul Institutului
Politehnic din Iaşi, Tomme XLVI (L), Fasc. 1-2, s. Constr., Archit., p. 13-21, 2000.
12. Kwon, Y. W., Bang, H., The Finite Element Method Using MATLAB, 2nd edition, CRC Press
Boca Raton, Florida, 1996.
13. Bowles, J. E., Foundation Analysis and Design, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996.
Caracostea, A. D., Manual pentru calculul construcţiilor, Editura Tehnică,
Bucuresti, 1977. (in Romanian)