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Methods of structural analysis

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Nagendra Kola
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4 views

Methods of structural analysis

Uploaded by

Nagendra Kola
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Structural analysis involves evaluating the stability, strength, and overall performance of a

structure under various loads and conditions. There are several methods used in structural
analysis, each suitable for different types of structures and loading conditions. Here are some
key methods:

1. Static Analysis

 Purpose: It is used to determine the internal forces (such as axial forces, shear forces,
and bending moments) and displacements of a structure under static loads.
 Methods:
o Equilibrium Equations: Based on the conditions of equilibrium (sum of
forces and moments equals zero). Suitable for simple structures.
o Method of Joints: Analyzes the forces in the members of a truss by
considering equilibrium at each joint.
o Method of Sections: A method used to solve for forces in specific members
of a truss by cutting the structure and applying equilibrium to the resulting
sections.

2. Dynamic Analysis

 Purpose: Used for structures subjected to time-varying loads (such as wind, seismic
forces, or moving loads).
 Methods:
o Lagrange’s Equation: A more advanced method used for dynamic problems,
often applied to systems with multiple degrees of freedom.
o Modal Analysis: Determines the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the
structure. It’s useful for understanding how structures will respond to dynamic
forces.
o Time History Analysis: Simulates the response of the structure to a specific
dynamic load over time.

3. Finite Element Method (FEM)

 Purpose: A numerical technique used for solving complex structural problems by


dividing a structure into smaller, simpler parts (elements).
 Process:
o The structure is discretized into finite elements, and equations are solved for
each element, then assembled to form the overall structure’s behavior.
o Used for complex geometries, load conditions, and boundary conditions.

4. Energy Methods

 Purpose: Based on the principle of work and energy, these methods are used to
determine the displacement and forces in a structure.
 Methods:
o Virtual Work Method: Uses the concept of virtual displacements to calculate
internal forces and displacements.
o Castigliano’s Theorem: States that the displacement in a structure can be
found by the partial derivative of the total strain energy with respect to the
force applied.

5. Matrix Method (Structural Matrix Analysis)

 Purpose: A numerical approach used for solving structural systems with a large
number of degrees of freedom.
 Method: Involves the formation of matrices for stiffness and force vectors, and
solving these equations to find the unknown displacements and forces.
 Common methods:
o Direct Stiffness Method: Determines the stiffness matrix of the structure.
o Flexibility Method: Determines the flexibility matrix and uses it to solve for
displacements and forces.

6. Strength of Materials (Mechanics of Materials)

 Purpose: A simplified method used for analyzing stress and strain in materials,
focusing on the relationship between forces and the resulting deformations in solid
bodies.
 Key Concepts:
o Stress: Force per unit area in a material.
o Strain: Deformation of a material due to applied stress.
o Beam Bending Theory: Involves analyzing bending moments and shear
forces in beams subjected to external loads.

7. Theoretical Methods

 Purpose: These methods rely on mathematical models and theories to analyze the
structure’s response.
 Examples:
o Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory: Used to analyze bending in beams.
o Timoshenko Beam Theory: An advanced theory that considers both bending
and shear deformations.

8. Influence Line Method

 Purpose: Used to study how a moving load affects the structure (typically for
bridges).
 Method: Creates a graph showing how a specific point on the structure responds to a
moving load. Helps in understanding how loads affect various parts of the structure.

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