STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE: CE-405

CREDIT HOURS: 3+0

INSTRUCTOR: MUHAMMAD HAROON

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT,
WAH ENGINEERING COLLEGE,
UNIVERSITY OF WAH
 ANALYSIS OF
TRUSSES
USING
STIFFNESS METHOD
 PROCEDURE

Member and Node Identification

 One of the first steps when applying the stiffness method is to
identify the elements or members of the structure and their
nodes.
 We will specify each member by a number enclosed within a
square, and use a number enclosed within a circle to identify
the nodes. Also, the “near” and “far” ends of the member
must be identified. This will be done using an arrow written
along the member, with the head of the arrow directed toward
the far end.
MEMBER STIFFNESS MATRIX
 PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW
Before starting, identify the Q and D matrices.
Step 1: Notation
 Establish the x, y global coordinate system. You may take
any joint as an origin
 Identify each joint and element numerically and specify near
and far ends of each member.
 Specify the two code numbers at each joint, using the lowest
numbers to identify degree of freedoms, followed by the
highest degree of freedom to identify constrains.
 From the problem, establish [D] and [Q] matrices.
Step 2:Structure Stiffness Matrix

 For each member of the truss determine λ

x and λ
y

𝑿𝑭 − 𝑿𝑵
λ𝒙 =
𝑳

𝒀𝑭 − 𝒀𝑵
λ𝒚 =
𝑳
 The member stiffness matrix is determined by the following
general matrix

 Assemble these matrices to form the stiffness matrix for the

entire truss (Global Stiffness Matrix as explained earlier on
board).
Note: The member and structure stiffness matrices should be
symmetric
Step 3: Displacement and Loads

 Partition the structure stiffness matrix for easier calculations

 Determine the unknown joint displacement Dx, the support
reactions Qx.
 Using all the unknowns the member forces in each truss
element using basic rules of truss analysis
Determine the structure stiffness matrix for the two-member
truss in the following figure. Also find out the member forces
as well. Consider AE as constant.

(3,4)

(0,0) (3,0)

2- k
2k
1 2 3 4 5 6
The Equation:

Q = K D

1 2 3 4 5 6
PARTITIONING OF STIFFNESS MATRIX

1 2 3 4 5 6