Department of Civil Engineering

Faculty of Engineering
SLIIT

Lab 2: CE2042 Structural Analysis II

Linear Analysis using Space Gass

NOTE: Please update your Space Gass Version to 2017 version by visiting
www.spacegass.com/exes/fireplug/student

Exercise 1: Model the following frame using Space Gass and find out shear forces,
bending moments and axial forces acting on members AB, BC and CD. A is a roller
support and D is pin support.
20 kN/m

B
5m C

4m 4m

A D

Plot shear force, bending moment and axial force diagram for members AB, BC and
CD using hand calculations.
Exercise 2: Modify the diagram in exercise 1 such that the supports at A and B are pin
supports.

20 kN/m

B
5m C

4m 4m

A D
Plot shear force, bending moment and axial force diagram for members AB, BC and
CD obtained from the computer analysis and explain the following question.

I. Why are horizontal reactions present and how can the column moments can be
obtained from these reactions?
Exercise 3: Modify the diagram in exercise 1 such that the supports at A and B are
fixed supports.

20 kN/m

B
5m C

4m 4m

A D

Plot shear force, bending moment and axial force diagram for members AB, BC and
CD obtained from the computer analysis and explain the following question.

I. Explain why the bending moment changes from inside to outside of each
column, and compare this with what occurs in Exercise 2?
II. Compare the beam centre deflections with exercises 1 and 2 and try to explain
the differences.