INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICS

Solutions of Beams, Frames and 3D Structures

on Elastic Foundation Using FEM
Karel FRYDRÝŠEK, Roland JANČO, Horst GONDEK

Solution of beam on elastic foundation is a statically

Abstract—This paper contains numerical methods and indeterminate problem of mechanics. In this case, we have the
approaches used in the solution of plane beams and frames and 3D beam with elastic foundation along the whole length and width
structures on an elastic foundation. In the first case, the solution uses or only over some part of the length or width. Detailed
beam element BEAM54 in the program ANSYS and the derivation of explanation of theoretical solution can be found in [2], [3] [4]
the stiffness matrix for this element is presented. The second and [10]. Not all problems can be solved by theoretical
approach uses a beam element in a combination with a contact
approach (i.e. sometimes, the theoretical solution is very
element with the description of the derivative of the stiffness matrix
applied for the frame on elastic foundation. Both solutions are complicated). In solution of these complicated problems, the
compared with theoretical solution. The influence of the number of Finite Elements Method (FEM) can be applied. In this paper,
divisions for the beam element on the accuracy of the solution is FEM is applied for the solution of 2D and 3D beams, frames
shown. There are also presented some other application of structures structures on elastic Winkler's foundation including theory and
on elastic foundation (biomechanics & traumatology – external practice.
fixators for treatment of complicated bone fractures, mining industry
- pressure distributions in the contact between mining supports and II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND FOR 2D BEAM ON ELASTIC
foot-wall, rack-railway and drop-in test as a problem of 3D body on FOUNDATION
elastic foundation).
The Winkler's foundation model is easy to formulate using
Keywords—Elastic foundation, Finite Element Method, beam energy concepts. The analysis of bending of beams on an
element, structures, contact element, theory, applications, elastic foundation (Winkler's model) is developed on the
biomechanics, traumatology, external fixators, mining, mining assumption that:
supports, rack-railway, drop-in test
• The strains are small.
I. INTRODUCTION • The resisting pressure p R = K v / Nm −2 / in the foundation
are proportional at every point to the deflection v = v(x) /m/
S OLUTION of frames and beams on elastic foundation often
occur in many practical cases for example, solution of
building frames and constructions, buried gas pipeline systems
normal to its surface at that point. Displacement and resting
pressure etc. can be expressed as functions of variable
x /m / . The parameter K = K ( x ) /Nm / is the modulus of
−3
and in design of railway tracks for railway transport, etc., see
Fig.1. the foundation.
• The surrounding foundation is utterly unaffected, see
Fig.2a.

Fig. 1 Example of a beam resting on an elastic foundation. This beam

is loaded by force F, couple M and distributed loading q.

Assoc. Prof. M.Sc. Karel FRYDRÝŠEK, Ph.D., ING-PAED IGIP is with

the Department of Mechanics of Materials, Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering, VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172,
708 33 Ostrava, Czech Republic, (corresponding author, phone: +420 Fig. 2 Deflection of structure on elastic foundation under
597323495, e-mail: [email protected]). pressure p or distributed loading q,
Assoc. Prof. M.Sc. Roland JANČO, Ph.D., ING-PAED IGIP is with the
Institute of Applied Mechanics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical
(a) Winkler foundation, (b) elastic solid foundation
Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Nam. Slobody
17, 812 31 Bratislava, Slovak Republic (e-mail: [email protected]). • The general problem of the beam on elastic foundation
Prof. M.Sc. Horst GONDEK, DrSc. is with Department of Production (Winkler's theory) is described by ordinary differential
Machines and Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VŠB – Technical equation. In the most situations, the influences of normal
University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava, Czech
Republic, (e-mail: [email protected]).

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force, shear force, distributed moment and temperature can  13bLK 11bL2 K 9bLK 13bL2 K 
 − 
be neglected (or the beam is not exposed to them). Hence  35 210 70 420 
 11bL2 K bL3 K 13bL2 K bL K 
3

 − . (8)
d 4v k q ,
+ v= (1) [K f ] =  210 105 420 140 
dx 4
EJ EI  9bLK 13bL2 K 13bLK 11bL2 K 
 70 −
 420 35 210 
where k = k ( x ) /Nm −2 / is the foundation stiffness and  13bL2 K bL3 K 11bL2 K bL3 K 
 − 420 −
140
−
210 105 
EI /Nm2/ is the bending stiffness.
An area dA /m2/ of the foundation surface acts like a linear The stiffness matrix of beam without shear deformation can
spring of stiffness k . Hence obtain the formal approach using equation

=k p=
R dA / v K=
v dA / v K dA . (2) [K b ] = ∫ BT EI B dx, (9)

According to the theory of elasticity, the strain energy where B is the strain-displacement matrix, which is defined
U R /N/ in a linear spring is given by eq. 2
for beam by B = d N2 .
dx
UR = k v2 2 . (3) After mathematical solution of equation (9) using equations
(6) and (7), we obtain the stiffness matrix for beam
III. 2D BEAM ON ELASTIC FOUNDATION (FIRST METHOD) considering only bending moment and transversal load at the
nodes
Now considering a structural element, perhaps a plate
bending element or one face of a 3D solid element, which has  12 6 L −12 6 L 
an area A in a contact with the foundation. Lateral deflection  6 L 4 L2 −6 L 2 L2 
of area A normal to the foundation, is v = [ N f ]{df } /m/,
EI
[K b ] = 3  , (10)
L −12 −6 L 12 −6 L 
where {df } /m/ contains D.O.F. of element nodes in contact  2 
 6 L 2 L −6 L 4 L 
2

with foundation. Strain energy U /N/ in foundation over area is

where E /Nm-2/ is modulus of elasticity.
1 1
=U = ∫ {df } [k f ]{df } ,
T
Kv 2 dA (4)
2 2 IV. 2D BEAM ON ELASTIC FOUNDATION (SECOND METHOD)
in which the Winkler's foundation stiffness matrix for the The second method of solving beams and frames is by using
element is beam and contact element. Mechanical contact will be
simulated by spring element between rigid ground and beam as
[K f ] = ∫ K [ Nf ] [ Nf ] dA . shown in the Fig. 3.
T
(5)

For example, if the problem deals with a beam on

Winkler's foundation, [ N f ] is identical to the shape function
matrix [ N ] of the beam, where individual functions N i are

3x 2 2 x3 2x 2 x3
N1 =
1− + , N 2 =−
x + 2 (6)
L2 L3 L L
2 3 2 3
3x 2 x , N = x x Fig. 3 Beam and contact element, see [10]
=
N3 − 3 4 − + 2, (7)
L2 L L L
Stiffness matrix for spring element is as follows
where dA = b dx /m / and b /m/ is the width of the beam face
2

in a contact with the foundation and L /m/ is length of the C −C 

K spring  = 
C 
beam. We input equations (6) and (7) into (5), and get , (11)
 −C
foundation stiffness matrix
where C /Nm-1/is spring stiffness.
Global stiffness matrix for beam and spring element is
given by combining eqn. (10) and eqn. (11), which is

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12 + CM 6L −12 6 L −CM 0  of one-half of beam is L =1.8 m. Beam is made of steel, which
 6L 4L 2
−6 L 2 L2 0 0  has the Young's modulus E = 2x105 MPa with rectangular

EI  −12 −6 L 12 + CM −6 L 0 −CM  , (12) cross-section area by parameters b = 200 mm and
[K bc ] = 3  6 L 2 L2 −6 L 4 L2 0 0 
 h = 400 mm , see Fig. 4, and foundation modulus
L 
 −CM 0 0 0 CM 0  K = 108 Nm-3.
 
 0 0 −CM 0 0 CM 

where CM /1/ is the modified stiffness of spring solved by the

following equation

L3
CM = C. (13)
EI
Fig. 5 Beam on elastic foundation (solved example)

V. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION (SECOND METHOD) There are two approaches for the numerical solution of this
beam. The first approach is using the BEAM54 element in
For numerical solution we use the program environment ANSYS sw, see reference [5]. This approach can be used
ANSYS, which includes a special 2D element. This element is when the foundation is without compression resistance.
BEAM54. Properties and the characteristics of a cross- If we consider compression resistance, we have to apply
sectional area are entered in the real constants. In Fig. 4, the the approach using the contact element, for example
FEM model shows the numbering of nodes and elements. CONTACT52, where compression resistance is prescribed by
a gap. In our example, the gap is equal to zero. Because the
program ANSYS contains beam elements with shear
deformation, only BEAM54 is without shear deformation. For
verification of mechanical contact, the element BEAM54 was
considered and stiffness of elastic foundation is equal to zero.
Of course the accuracy of the result for FEM is influenced
by the number of elements over the length of beam. The
verification examples used only one element over the length of
beam L. Influences of the number of divisions in both
Fig. 4 FE model using BEAM54, see [10]
approaches are illustrated in the Fig. 6 (deflection) and Fig. 7
The theoretical solution of this model using the principle of (bending moment).
FEM can be entered using the eqn. (8), eqn. (10) and boundary
conditions. Boundary conditions are as follows: the
displacement of all nodes in the direction of x is equal to zero.
At point number two the force F in the y direction is applied.
Theoretical solution written in matrix form is as follows

 K1,1 K1,2 K1,3 K1,4 0 0   v1   0 

K K 2 ,2 −K1,4 K 2 ,4 0 0  θ1   0 
 1,2    
 K1,3 −K1,4 2K1,1 0 K1,3 K1,4   v2  −F , (14)
   =  
 K1,4 K 2 ,4 0 2K 2 ,2 −K1,4 K 2 ,4  θ 2   0 
 0 0 K1,3 −K1,4 K1,1 −K1,2   v3   0 
    
 0 0 K1,4 K 2 ,4 −K1,2 K 2 ,2  θ3   0 

where Fig. 6 The influence of number of element divisions along the length
L on the minimum and maximum deflection, see [10]
12 EI 13bLK , 6 EI 11bL2 K ,
=
K1,1 + K= 1,2 +
L3
35 L2 210
12 EI 9bLK , 6 EI 13bL2 K ,
K1,3 =− 3 + K= 1,4 −
L 70 L2 420
4 EI bL3 K , 2 EI bL3 K and
K= .
k
K=
2 ,2 + K=
2 ,4 −
L 105 L 140 b

VI. VERIFICATION OF NUMERICAL SOLUTION

According to the foregoing chapters, let us consider the
beam on elastic foundation shown in Fig. 5, where the length

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+168773.1
Fig. 9 Histogram of input parameter F = 157324.2 N
−75524.2

Fig. 7 The influence of the number of elements division Results parameters (i.e. stiffness of the foundation k ( x ) ,
along the length L on the bending moment, see [10]
see Fig. 10, displacement v( x ) , maximal bending stress
The theoretical solution of beam on elastic foundation in σ MAX , see Fig. 11, factor of safety FS = Re − σ MAX etc.) were
Fig. 4. is described in details in reference [2, chapter 9] or [8]. calculated for 5 × 10 6 Monte Carlo simulations.
From the given parameters theoretical solution is following:
the maximum deflection of beam is 0.00145526 m at the
distance x = 0 m, minimum deflection is 0.00128961 m at the
distance x = L, maximum bending moment is
Mo(x = 0 m) = 44045.7 Nm and minimum bending moment is
Mo(x = L = 1.8 m) = 0 Nm. Maximum shear (transversal)
force is T(x = 0 m) = -50000 N. Minimum shear force is
T(x = L = 1.8 m) = 0 N.

VII. APPLICATIONS OF 2D STRUCTURES ON ELASTIC

FOUNDATION – SPECIAL CASES
In Fig. 8, see [3], [4] and [17], there is solved beam of
length L /m / with free ends. The beam is exposed to one
vertical force F /N / . Modulus of the foundation is given by
linear function K ( x ) = K 0 + K 1 x .

Fig. 8 Solved beam on elastic variable foundation

The approximate solution v = v( x ) can be found in the form

of polynomial function of 6th order. Hence, the approximate
results (i.e. functions of displacement v , slope, bending
moment and shear force of the beam) can be derived. Fig. 10 2D histogram and its sections for output parameter k(x) /Pa/
This example is solved via probabilistic approach by
Simulation-Based Reliability Assessment (SBRA) Method
(stochastic mechanics, direct Monte Carlo approach, i.e. all
inputs are given by bounded histograms, AntHill software, for
example see Fig. 9) which is the modern and new trend of the
solution in mechanics, see [3], [4], [9], [11], [12], [16] and
[17].

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VIII. APPLICATION OF 3D STRUCTURES ON ELASTIC

FOUNDATION – SPECIAL CASES
There are a lot of applications of 3D structures rested on
elastic foundation, for example see references [2], [3], [4], [8]
and [10]:
• Applications in biomechanics & traumatology (i.e. FE
solutions and design of new external fixators for treatment
of complicated fractures of pelvis and its acetabulum), see
Fig. 13, 14, 15 and references [6], [7], [14] and [15].

Fig. 11 2D histogram and its section for output parameter σ(x) /MPa/

Some main results of stochastic quantity are plotted by

histogram in Fig. 12 (distribution of yield stress Re versus Fig. 13 Fracture of pelvis (a) anteroposterior radiograph - transverse
maximum stress σ MAX ). Hence, the probability that the plastic with posterior wall acetabular fracture, (b) application of external
fixator for treatment - two designs “Option 1” and “Option 2”
deformations occurs in the beam is 0.094%. For more
information see [3] and [17].

Fig. 14 External fixator for treatment of pelvis and its acetabulum -

FE model, boundary conditions (A, B is applied elastic foundation,
Ansys sw)
Fig. 12 2D histogram of output parameters (calculation of FS -
probabilistic reliability assessment)

For more applications, examples and information, see [2],

[3], [4], [10], [12], [16] and [17].

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Fig. 15 “Option 2” – Finite Element modelling of the external fixator

for treatment of pelvis and its acetabulum (equivalent von Mises
stresses /MPa/ for tensile loading 100 N)

• Applications in mining (i.e. FE solutions for pressure

Fig. 18 Rack-railway track in mines
distributions in the mechanical contact between mining
supports and foot-wall as a problem of 3D body on elastic
foundation), see Fig. 16 to 20 and references [4], [10] and
[16].

Fig. 19 Problem - Rack-railway track in mines

Fig. 16 Mechanical contact between mining supports and foot-wall

approximated via elastic foundation

Fig. 20 Stresses in the rails and anchor pins of rack-railway track in

mines (ANSYS sw)

• Other applications, see references [2], [3], [4], [8] to [11]

Fig. 17 Mechanical contact between mining supports and foot-wall and for example Fig. 21.
approximated via elastic foundation (total displacement,
MSC.MARC/MENTAT sw)

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[3] Frydrýšek, K. Jančo, R et al, Beams and Frames on Elastic Foundation

2 (Nosníky a rámy na pružném podkladu 2), Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, ISBN 978-80-248-
1743-9, Ostrava, Czech Republic, 2008, pp. 1-516, written in Czech
language.
[4] Frydrýšek, K., Nikodým, M. et al, Beams and Frames on Elastic
Foundation 3, ISBN 978-80-248-2257-0, VŠB – Technical University
of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic, 2010, pp. 1-611, written in
English and Czech languages.
[5] ANSYS Theoretical manual
[6] Frydrýšek, K., Pleva, L, Janečka, M., Klučka, R., Sivera, M., Jořenek, J.,
Report about the New External Fixator for Treatment of Pelvis and
Acetabulum Fractures, In: Latest Advances in Biology, Environment
and Ecology, ISBN 978-1-61804-097-8, North Atlantic University
Union, WSEAS Press, Iasi, Romania, 2012, pp. 144-147.
[7] Frydrýšek, K., Jořenek, J., Koštial, P., Ječmínek, V., Pleva, L.,
Barabaszová, K., Ružiak, I., External Fixators for Treatment of
Complicated Pelvis Fractures, In: World Academy of Science,
Engineering and Technology, pISSN 2012-376X, eISSN 2012-3778,
issue 69, Singapore, 2012, pp. 676-681.
[8] Hetényi, M.: Beams on Elastic Foundation, Ann Arbor, University of
Michigan Studies, USA, 1946, pp. 1-245.
[9] Gottvald, J., Kala, Z., Variance-Based Sensitivity Analysis of Tangential
Digging Forces of the Bucket Wheel Excavator SchRs 1320, In: Recent
Researches in Engineering and Automatic Control, ISBN 978-1-61804-
057-2, North Atlantic University Union, WSEAS Press, Puerto De La
Cruz, Tenerife, Spain, 2011, pp. 204-209.
[10] Jančo, R., FEM in solution of beams and frames on elastic foundation,
Bratislava : STU in Bratislave, 2013, pp. 1-109, ISBN 978-80-227-
3880-4 2013, written in Slovak languages.
[11] Kala, Z., Sensitivity Analysis of Steel Plane Frames with Initial
Imperfections, in Engineering Structures, vol.33, no.8, 2011, pp. 2342-
2349.
[12] Marek, P., Brozzetti, J., Guštar, M., Tikalsky, P., Probabilistic
Assessment of Structures Using Monte Carlo Simulation Background,
Exercises and Software, (2nd extended edition), ISBN 80-86246-19-1,
ITAM CAS, Prague, Czech Republic, 2003.
[13] http://aplmech.vsb.cz/zevni-fixace/
[14] Frydrýšek, K., Pleva, L., Jořenek, J., Ječmínek, V., Klučka, R., Sivera,
Fig. 21 Calculations of dynamic forces in the foundations of a M., New External Fixators for Treatment of Pelvis and Acetabulum
massive drop-tester during impact tests (3D body on elastic Fractures, International Journal of Biology and Biomedical
foundation, MSC.MARC/MENTAT sw) Engineering, Issue 2, Volume 7, 2013, pp. 36-42.
[15] Frydrýšek, K., Pleva, L., Učeň, O., Kubín, T., Šír, M., Madeja, R., Žilka,
L., New External Fixators for Treatment of Complicated Periprosthetic
IX. CONCLUSION Fractures, International Journal of Biology and Biomedical
Engineering, Issue 2, Volume 7, 2013, pp. 43-49.
General solutions of FEM applications (theory and practice) [16] Frydrýšek, K., Monte Carlo Approach Applied in the Design of
for the plane beam structures on elastic (Winkler's) Machine Parts and Structures, International Journal of Mechanics,
ISSN: 1998-4448, vol. 6, issue 4, North Atlantic University Union
foundations were derived, tested and discussed (two ways).
NAUN, 2012, pp. 222-229.
The authors put emphasis on derivation of matrices used in
FEM.
Other own examples (reports), such as applications in
mining and biomechanics, dynamics, drop-in tester etc. and Assoc. Prof. M.Sc. Karel FRYDRÝŠEK, Ph.D., ING-PAED IGIP
(Department of Mechanics of Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
references are mentioned. VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic) - born in
June 27th 1972, married, one daughter.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Study: M.Sc. - 1995, Ph.D. - 1999, Assoc. Prof. - 2009 in the branch of
"Applied Mechanics" all at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering VŠB –
This work has been supported by the Czech projects MPO Technical University of Ostrava. He also studied pedagogy in the branch of
FR-TI3/818 and TA03010804 and the Slovak project SK-CZ- "Academic Pedagogy for Teachers-Engineers According to the European
0028-11. Standards IGIP" at the Centre for Study of Academic Teaching in the Prague -
2003.
Scientific-research activities and cooperation with industry: Theory and
REFERENCES practice of FEM and other numerical methods, strength and elasticity,
[1] Cook, R.D., Malkus, D.S., Plesha, M.E., Witt, R.J., Concepts and plasticity, material tests, fatigue, thermal stresses, creep, comparing of
Applications of Finite Element Analysis, Fourth Edition, WILEY, ISBN experiments and calculations, stress-strain analyses in bodies, proposition of
0-471-35605-0, 2002, pp.719 testing machines and its parts, rock mechanics, geomechanics, mechanics of
[2] Frydrýšek, K., Beams and Frames on Elastic Foundation 1 (Nosníky a composites and structures on elastic foundation. He has a rich cooperation
rámy na pružném podkladu 1), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, with industry (automotive industry, railway industry, civil engineering,
VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, ISBN 80-248-1244-4, Ostrava, mining, metallurgy, forming, casting, heat technology, steel structures, pipe
Czech Republic, 2006, pp. 1-463, written in Czech language. systems, biomechanics etc.). In the last years, he is focused on probabilistic

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reliability assessment (SBRA Method applications) and biomechanics

(problems of design of external & internal fixators for treatment of open and
unstable fractures in traumatology and orthopaedics).

Assoc. Prof. M.Sc. Roland JANČO, Ph.D., ING-PAED IGIP (Institute of

Applied Mechanics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia)
Scientific-research activities and cooperation with industry: Theory and
practice of FEM and other numerical methods, welding, strength and
elasticity, plasticity, material tests, fatigue, thermal stresses, comparing of
experiments and calculations, stress-strain analyses in bodies, structures on
elastic foundation. He has a rich cooperation with industry.

Prof. M.Sc. Horst GONDEK, DrSc. (Department of Production Machines

and Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VŠB – Technical University
of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic).
Scientific-research activities and cooperation with industry: mining,
geomechanics, geology, machines, engineering design. He has a rich
cooperation with industry.

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