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Computer Aided Drafting

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Harold Christ Falculan
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13 views5 pages

Computer Aided Drafting

Uploaded by

Harold Christ Falculan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activity No.

8
Analysis of Structures: Frames using Portal Method and Cantilever Method
Course Code: CE 436 Program:
Course Title: Computer Fundamentals, Date Performed:
Programming, and Applications for CE
Section: Date Submitted:
Name: Instructor: Engr. John Paulo Fernando
Objective(s):
The objective of this lab activity is to apply structural analysis principles by using the
Portal Method and Cantilever Method in an Excel-based program, enhancing their
ability to compute internal forces, moments, and deflections in frames under lateral
loads.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
2.1. Compute internal forces, moments, and deflections in structural frames using
the Portal and Cantilever Methods through an Excel-based program.
2.2. Analyze and compare the results from the Portal and Cantilever Methods to
assess the suitability of each method for different structural configurations under
lateral loads.
Discussion:
In structural engineering, the analysis of frames is a crucial aspect of designing buildings
and bridges. Frames are typically composed of beams and columns arranged in a grid-
like fashion to resist loads such as gravity, wind, and seismic forces. For indeterminate
structures, approximate methods of analysis are often employed for quick assessments.

Two commonly used methods are the Portal Method and the Cantilever Method, both of
which provide simplified approaches to analyze statically indeterminate frames subjected
to lateral loads.

Portal Method
The Portal Method is an approximate analysis technique used for analyzing frames
subjected to lateral loads, such as wind or seismic forces. It is particularly effective for low
to medium-rise buildings where the frame consists of several bays and stories. The
method assumes that the structure behaves in a predictable way under lateral loads,
simplifying the calculations.

Assumptions of the Portal Method


1. Hinge Formation at Mid-Height of Columns: All columns are assumed to develop
hinges at mid-height, dividing the column into two segments with equal moment
distribution.
2. Equal Shear Force Distribution: The lateral shear force is equally distributed
among all the columns of the same frame.
3. Moment Distribution in Beams: The interior columns are assumed to carry twice
the moment of the exterior columns, given their stronger contribution to frame
stability.

Steps for Portal Method Analysis


1. Divide the Frame into Panels: For each floor or story, divide the frame into panels
or bays.
2. Calculate Lateral Forces: Compute the lateral forces acting on each story, such as
wind or earthquake forces.
3. Assign Shear Forces to Columns: Distribute the lateral shear forces equally among
the columns at each level.
4. Determine Moments: Using the assumption that the moment at interior columns is
twice that of exterior columns, calculate the moments in the columns and beams.
5. Compute Member Forces: Calculate the axial forces, shear forces, and bending
moments in each member of the frame.

Application in Excel
In Excel, the Portal Method can be applied by creating tables for lateral loads, shear force
distribution, and moment distribution. Formulas can be used to automate the distribution
of forces and calculate moments based on the assumptions of the method. This allows for
a quick analysis of multi-story frames.

Cantilever Method
The Cantilever Method is another approximate analysis method used for frames
subjected to lateral loads. This method is particularly useful for high-rise structures, where
the lateral deflection of the frame behaves similarly to that of a cantilever beam fixed at
the base. The method assumes that the frame behaves like a tall cantilever, with
moments and shear forces concentrated in the columns.

Assumptions of the Cantilever Method


1. Columns Act as Cantilevers: The columns are assumed to act as vertical
cantilevers fixed at the base, resisting the entire lateral load through bending.
2. Shear Force Proportional to Stiffness: The lateral shear force is distributed among
the columns in proportion to their stiffness. More rigid columns carry a larger
portion of the lateral force.
3. Moment Proportional to Height: The bending moment in each column is assumed
to be proportional to the height of the frame.

Steps for Cantilever Method Analysis


1. Determine Stiffness of Columns: Calculate the stiffness of each column, often
using the formula EI/hEI/hEI/h, where EEE is the modulus of elasticity, III is the
moment of inertia, and hhh is the height of the column.
2. Calculate Lateral Forces: Determine the total lateral forces acting on the frame.
3. Distribute Shear Forces: Distribute the shear forces among the columns based on
their relative stiffness.
4. Compute Moments and Deflections: Calculate the bending moments and
deflections in each column, assuming the frame behaves like a cantilever.

Application in Excel
Using Excel, the Cantilever Method can be applied by creating tables for column stiffness,
shear force distribution, and moment calculation. Formulas can be used to distribute
forces based on stiffness and calculate the resulting moments and deflections.

Comparison of Portal and Cantilever Methods


While both methods are useful for approximating the behavior of frames under lateral
loads, they are best suited to different types of structures:
• Portal Method is ideal for low to medium-rise buildings with several bays and
frames. It provides a quick approximation for interior and exterior columns and is
widely used in buildings where column moments and shear forces are equally
distributed.
• Cantilever Method is more appropriate for tall, slender structures, such as high-rise
buildings, where the frame behaves like a vertical cantilever. It accounts for the
stiffness of individual columns and is better suited for cases where deflection and
bending moments are concentrated at the base of the frame.
Materials and Equipment:
1. Computer
2. Microsoft Excel Software

Procedure:
1. Based on the discussion, create a program which will use the Portal and
Cantilever Method in Microsoft Excel.

Exercise:

1. Solve for the horizontal, vertical and moment reactions at each support of the
frame shown in the figure. Summarize your final answers.
a. Using Portal Method
b. Using Cantilever Method. Cross-sectional area of each column is indicated
below.
a=2m A = 0.2 𝒎𝟐
b=3m B = 0.4 𝒎𝟐
c=3m C = 0.3 𝒎𝟐
d=4m D = 0.5 𝒎𝟐
e=4m
f=3m
L1 = 100 kN
L2 = 200 kN
L3 = 100 kN

Data and Results

7. Conclusion

Using Excel to solve base shear through the cantilever method offers substantial benefits,
especially in structural engineering applications. The software’s automated calculation features
eliminate much of the manual work and reduce the risk of human error by enabling formulas to
handle complex computations. Excel’s flexibility allows engineers to adjust parameters like
height, seismic loads, and material properties, making it easy to test various structural
scenarios. Iterations and optimizations become straightforward, allowing rapid refinement to
achieve the most efficient design. Additionally, Excel’s data visualization tools provide valuable
insights by depicting how base shear changes with different parameters, which aids in
communicating findings clearly. Its structured approach ensures an error-free and auditable
calculation process, essential for design validation. Excel’s ability to integrate data from multiple
sources also improves workflow efficiency, while reusable worksheets save time on future
projects, making it an invaluable tool in structural analysis.
9. Assessment Rubric:

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