Structural Analysis Methods Explained
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ScribdTranslationsStructural Analysis Methods Explained
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsStructural analysis methods[edit]
Determination of stressesedit]
The type of method used varies according to the complexity and accuracy required by the
calculations:
Classical methods for very simple structures, among which is theory.
The Euler-Bernoulli beam method is the simplest, applicable only to slender bars.
subjected to bending and axial stresses. Naturally, not all structures lend themselves
analyze by this method. When there are two-dimensional structural elements in
In general, methods based on solving differential equations should be used.
Programmable methods:
Thus, to determine stresses on hyperstatic frameworks it is used
frequently thematrix stiffness methodbased on the bar model
long, which models the resistant elements as one-dimensional elements
predominantly subjected toflexion
When it comes to analyzing smaller or irregularly shaped elements
where they can be producedconcentration of tensionsnumerical methods are used
more complex like theFinite Element Method.
Determination of resistance and stiffnessedit]
From the efforts, displacements and stresses can be calculated directly.
In the case of the finite element method, the determination is typically made directly of the
displacement without the need to calculate internal stresses. A structure
correctly designed in addition to being functional and economical must necessarily comply
two reasonable security criteria:
1. The resistance criterion, consisting of verifying that at none of its points
the material exceeds some maximum allowable stresses.
2. The stiffness criterion, which consists of checking that under the forces and demands
the displacements and deformations of the structure do not exceed a
certain limit. This limit is related to functionality criteria, but also
of stability or applicability of linear elasticity theory.1
Material modelsedit]
Within structural analysis, it is important to model the behavior of materials.
employees through an appropriate constitutive equation. The model types of materials
more frequent are:
Elastic modellinear eisotropic, the most used, since the Rivlin's theorem
Ericksenit allows to establish that for sufficiently small deformations all
Elastic solid is asymptotically linear and isotropic.
Linear elastic modelorthotropicis a modification of the isotropic model for
materials whose strength and behavior depend on direction, laminated,
wood elements, etc., require orthotropic models to be adequately
modelizados.
Plasticity modelsand viscoplasticity. Metals from certain values of
tension experiences irreversible plastic deformations, as well as othersno
linearities. The plastic calculation at the cost of complicating the material laws gives a
more accurate prediction of collapse or failure loads of structures, as well as a
savings in materials by being able to take into account the working range of the materials in which
they are undergoing irreversible transformations but not reaching the loads
of failure or collapse.
Damage models.
Analysis of isostatic structures[edit]
Node methodedit]
The node method or knot method consists of the equilibrium approach.
mechanic of each of the nodes or joints of a simple truss. A node is each one
from the points where two or more beams converge. The global equilibrium of the structure implies
that the local equilibrium of each of the nodes. For the node method to be applicable
certain geometric conditions must be met for a specific structure, including:
1. That the structure has articulated nodes or behaves similarly to one.
structure of articulated nodes.
2. That the number of bars is less than a certain amount given by the number of
bars
For two-dimensional structures with work forces on their plane
number of nodes and the number of bars must
satisfy If the number of bars is lower, there is a mechanism.
for which I could not exist in equilibrium, and if the number of bars is higher the
The number of unknown forces exceeds that of linear static equations.
independents.
For a three-dimensional structure, the relationship is .
Zero force elementsedit]
The analysis of trusses by thenode methodit is considerably simplified if
We can first identify those elements that support load. Those elements of
Zero force members are used to increase the stability of the structure during construction and
provide additional support if the applied load is modified. Generally, the elements
Zero-force members of a truss can be found by inspecting each of its
nodes, making a free body diagram of the truss and performing a summation of
forces. Generally, zero force elements can be determined from the following
forms:
If only two elements form a framework and no extra load is applied or
Support reaction at the node, both elements must be zero force elements.
If three elements form a frame node in which two of the elements are
Collinear, the third element is a zero force element as long as it is not applied.
no external force or support reaction at the node.2