TRUSS ANALYSIS

Stiffness Method

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

 Develop the finite element equation for a

plane truss structure using stiffness method.

 Solve problem regarding plane truss

structural element by using stiffness
method.
 Trusses: Engineering structures
that are composed only of two-
force members. e.g., bridges,
roof supports
 Assumptions
• Ideal truss members are connected only at their ends.
• Ideal truss members are connected by frictionless pins
(no moments)
• The truss structure is loaded only at the pins
• Weights of the members are neglected
 Assumptions These assumptions allow us to idealize each truss
member as a two-force member ;
• Members loaded only at their extremities by equal opposite and
• Collinear forces - Line of action of all the forces acts along the
same line.
 Applying the spring element for a truss system requires that the
forces and displacements be expressed in its local coordinate
system.
In the global coordinate system, the vector of nodal
displacements and loads d  f1x 
1x
d  f 
 1y 
d  d ;  1y 
f  f 
 2x  2x
d2y f2y

The objective is to obtain a relation of the form;

f k d
41 44 41

Where k is the 4x4 element stiffness matrix in global coordinate

system
Need to understand
how the components
of a vector change
with coordinate
transformation
 The plane truss, pin-supported at nodes 1 and 3, has
five elements, and is subjected to a vertical point load
at node 2, as shown in Figure 1. Elements 1-2 and 2-3
are 4m length, elements 1-4 and 3-5 are 5m long while
element 2-4 is 3m long. Assume AE = 3(105) kN for
each member. Using matrix stiffness method,
determine:
 Nodal displacements at nodes 2 and 4.
 Reactions at the supports.
 Internal force in element 2-4.
(symmetry may be consider
to analyse this structure)