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PROKON - Plane Frame - Analysis - Example - Beam

This document provides a step-by-step procedure for analyzing a plane frame using the PROKON software. It includes an example of a simply supported beam with different loads and describes the 38 steps to 1) create and input the model geometry and properties, 2) apply loads and boundary conditions, 3) run the analysis, and 4) review and export the results.

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James Ram
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© © All Rights Reserved
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1K views

PROKON - Plane Frame - Analysis - Example - Beam

This document provides a step-by-step procedure for analyzing a plane frame using the PROKON software. It includes an example of a simply supported beam with different loads and describes the 38 steps to 1) create and input the model geometry and properties, 2) apply loads and boundary conditions, 3) run the analysis, and 4) review and export the results.

Uploaded by

James Ram
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Procedure for Plane Frame Analysis using PROKON

Example: Beam
A simply supported beam of span 6m is subjected to point load of 10KN downward at
distance 1m from support A (left support) and uniformly distributed load of 5kN/m over 4m
as starting at distance 2m from support A as shown below. Assume:
Cross sectional area of the beam A = 0.12m2 (based on 0.3m x 0.4m rectangular section)
Moment of inertia Ixx = 0.0016m4 (based on 0.3m x 0.4m rectangular section)
Material making the beam is concrete with Fcu = 30MPa and E = 26000MPa
Support A (left support) is pinned and support B (right support) is roller

10kN
5kN/m
A B

1m 1m 4m
PROKON Steps for running the problem

1. Open PROKON

2. Click on the PROKON icon


3. Select Prokon Options
4. Select Working Folder (to change the directory where you want to save the files).
5. Click on My Computer, the H Drive (to save Prokon example files in any sub-
directory within H Drive). (N. B: Avoid saving files on demo directory)
6. Click on Frame icon
7. Select File, then Save
8. Type any name without extension in the Filename box (such as Frame 1), then select
Save.
9. Select Settings, XY Plane (Plane Frame), then OK
10. Select View Point (to change the view from 3D to 2D)
11. Select Orthogonal, Z, then Close
12. Select Graphics Options (to change any of the default presentation of the drawing, i.e.
change the appearance of graphics the way you like).
13. For example, Select Element Continuous, and Deselect Show global axis (these are
optional and you can pick or unpick any box you like), then OK
14. Select Input
15. Select Nodes
16. Input Node Number, X and Y coordinates for all nodes (In this case, it is assumed
Node 1 is at the origin, i.e. X = 0 and Y = 0. But, you can choose any node at the
origin). (N.B: Follow the units asked by PROKON)
17. If the node numbers do not appear on the graphic area, then select Replot Structure
and Zoom Extents or Zoom Out
18. Select Beams/Cables
19. Input Beam element definition (element connectivity), and Section Name. (N.B:
element 1-2 defined as B1). All beams have same section and material properties,
hence given same name, i.e. B1. Any name can be used for Section Name, e.g.
Beam1, John, …etc. Note also, though the original structure is one beam, it is divided
into three elements (beams): 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 this is just purely for analysis
purpose.
20. Select Beam Section
21. Input Section Name, Area, Ixx and Material. (N.B. Workout the area and Ixx for
each section. In this case, the beam cross sectional Area = 0.3 x 0.4 = 0.12m2;
Ixx = 0.3 x 0.43/12 = 0.0016m4; and Material Concrete 30MPa).
22. Select Supports
23. Input Node Number and Fixity Xyz. (N. B. Select XY for pin support and type
capital letter Y for roller rests on horizontal plane. In this case, node 1 is pinned and
node 4 is roller). You can also see on the graphic area horizontal and vertical blue
arrows at node 1 which means displacement restrained in X and Y directions (i.e.
reaction forces in X and Y directions) ; and vertical blue arrow at node 4 which means
displacement restrained in Y direction (i.e. reaction force in Y direction).
24. Select Nodal Loads
25. Input Load Case, Node Number and Py. (N.B. Load case can be given any name,
e.g. LC1. In this case, node 2 is loaded by 10kN downward, i.e. Py = -10kN). You
can also see on the graphic area vertical light blue downward arrow with load
magnitude at node 2.
26. Select Beam Loads
27. Input Load Case, Beam element definition, Direction, W (Lo node number) and
W (High node number). (N.B. Load case should be given same name defined at
nodal load step 25 above, e.g. LC1. In this case, element 3-4 is loaded with uniformly
distributed load (udl), w = 5kN/m downward, i.e. in Y direction, W = -5kN/m. You
can also see on the graphic area a set of vertical pink arrows spread over element 3-4).
28. Select File, then Save (to make sure the data are saved before running the problem).
29. Select Analysis
30. Select Start Analysis. (N.B.: if there is any warning window, click yes).
31. If the message Linear analysis completed appears, it means the problem is
successfully run otherwise there is some input error which needs checking.
32. Select View Output
33. Select Deflection, and change Deflection Magnification Factor to larger figure (e.g.
100) for better view of the deflected shape.
34. Select Reaction to view reaction values
35. Select Beam Forces to view axial, shear force and bending moment
36. Select Output File to view all the input data and output results
37. Select Add to Calcsheets to export any of the drawings and output shown to
calcsheets
38. Select Calcsheets to view the imported drawings and results.
39. Select Calcsheets, Right Click the mouse then Select Edit Header (to edit the
header cells as you like).
40. Fill the cells: First Sheet No., Job Number, Job Title …etc. then Select OK.
41. Select Print now (if you want to print the Calsheets)
42. Select All or Pages then OK
43. Select File, then Exit (to leave the Program)

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