Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 1

Matrix analysis

Topic 1 – Matrix analysis

Contents
Topic 1 – Matrix analysis ...................................................................................................... 1

Contents ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Objectives .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 2
1.2.1Subject Overview 2
1.2.2Structural analysis so far 3
1.2.3Assumptions and simplifications 4
1.2.4 Sign conventions 4
1.3 Revisit on member stiffness equations .............................................................. 5
1.3.1Member stiffness equations for axial displacements (truss) 5
1.3.2Member stiffness equations for rotation and sway (beam) 6
1.3.3Member stiffness equations for twisting (rod) 7
1.3.4The complete (2D) member stiffness matrix 8
1.3.5Summary of the member stiffness equations 9
1.4 The direct stiffness matrix method solving ONE member structure with
NODAL actions........................................................................................................... 10
1.5 The direct stiffness method solving TWO members structure (continuous
beam) with NODAL actions ....................................................................................... 15
1.5.1Local and global displacements 15
1.5.2Finding nodal displacement 16
1.5.3Finding the support actions 21
1.5.4Finding the member actions 23
1.6 The direct stiffness method solving TWO members structure (frame) with
NODAL actions........................................................................................................... 26
1.7 The direct stiffness method solving structures with MEMBER actions ......... 32
1.7.1Finding the node displacements 32
1.7.2Finding the support actions 36
1.7.3Finding the member actions 36
1.8 The coordinate transformation method solving structures with INCLINED
member ........................................................................................................................ 49
1.8.1Transforming from local to global axes 49
1.8.2Coordinate transformation and the matrix equations – axial force 50
1.8.3Coordinate transformation and the matrix Eqs – axial, shear and bending 51
1.8.4Forming the structure stiffness matrix 53
1.9 Practice problems ............................................................................................ 60
1.10 Project 1............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.1 Objectives
After working through this topic and attending the associated lectures and tutorials you
should be able to:
• explain the role of structural analysis within the structural design process

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 2
Matrix analysis
• appreciate that matrix structural analysis is just one more technique for structural
analysis
• understand the simplifications and sign conventions adopted in this subject
• explain what a member stiffness matrix is
• write down (by referring to these notes) the member stiffness matrices for axial,
rotation, sway and twisting actions
• use these matrices to solve problems involving force and deformation of individual
members
• form the stiffness matrix for a structure composed of more than one member, by the
direct stiffness method
• solve for the node displacements of a structure under given loads
• find the support actions and member actions for a structure under given loads
• appreciate that the method of matrix structural analysis only deals with the nodes that
connect members together, and therefore does not handle directly any loads that are
applied on the member
• evaluate the fixed end actions corresponding to loads acting on the member
• use these fixed end actions to set up matrix equations and solve for the node
displacements of a structure with loads on the members
• find the support actions and member actions for a structure with loads on the members
• form member stiffness matrices using the coordinate transformation method
1.2 Introduction
1.2.1 Subject Overview
This subject deals with the analysis of structures using matrices.

The matrix structural analysis techniques that are covered in this subject can be used to
determine
• forces, moments and deformations in a structure
• frequencies of vibration of a structure
• loads at which a structure will buckle
The structure can be the chair that you sit on, a building, motor vehicle, yacht, bridge etc.
We can broadly classify these structures into two types – those that are made up of ‘sticks’,
(or bars or rods), which we often call skeletal structures (eg a building frame), and
structures that are made up of continua (eg the body of a dam). Both skeletal and continua
structures are covered in this course.

Structural analysis is one link in the process of designing or checking a structure to ensure
that it is safe and will behave adequately in use. The process can be broken down into
stages as below;

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 3
Matrix analysis

Input the geometry and material

properties

Impose boundary conditions

Prescribe the load conditions

Perform structural analysis

Output displacement, stresses

and strains, etc.

Check whether the displacement, stresses and strains are OK

or too high

Structural analysis is a process of mathematical modelling, but it is always done with a real
feel because we are dealing with real and observable behaviour.

1.2.2 Structural analysis so far

You have been learning techniques of structural analysis since first year. For example,
how do you determine the moments in the beams below?

Statically determinate -
solve using statics only
ΣV = ΣH = ΣM = 0

Statically indeterminate -
need to consider compatibility of
geometry as well as statics

In CIV3221 and CIV3222 you have been introduced to matrix methods for structural
analysis, which are the most common methods used in practice for the analysis of
indeterminate beams.

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 4
Matrix analysis
This subject revises and extend matrix analysis methods, applying them to the finite
element method, and then to dynamics, and to buckling structural analysis.
1.2.3 Assumptions and simplifications
Assumptions and simplifications used in this course include:
1. Connections between members and their supports are either pinned or fixed - no in
between cases are considered.
2. Deflections are small - geometry does not change the forces (eg. a beam span does not
reduce when the beam bends)
3. Structures are categorised as either carrying loads in bending and shear (beams or
frames) or by axial forces (trusses), or in some examples by twisting, eg,

versus

bending axial
and shear
4. The models that we develop are only valid if load is proportional to deflection,

∆
2x∆
w

2w
5. Because the models are linear, superposition is true, ie. we get 3 x ∆ for a load of 3 x W
in the example above.
1.2.4 Sign conventions

force and displacement

positive as shown
right hand screw rule for
moments and rotations

To use the right hand screw rule, place the thumb of your right hand in the positive axis
direction and curl your fingers - the direction of rotation of your fingers is the direction of
a positive moment and rotation.

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 5
Matrix analysis
Note that the axis system itself must obey the right hand screw rule. If the fingers of the
right hand are rotated from x to y, the thumb gives the positive z axis direction; if the
fingers of the right hand are rotated from y to z, the thumb gives the positive x axis
direction; and if the fingers of the right hand are rotated from z to x, the thumb gives the
positive y axis direction.
1.3 Revisit on member stiffness equations
We will initially only consider 2 dimensional structures,

1. axial displacement (translation)

∆

2. θ rotation displacement

3. sway displacement (translation)

φ
4. twist displacement

1.3.1 Member stiffness equations for axial displacements

(truss)
We are concerned with the displacement at each end ∆A and ∆B.
PA PB

A B
∆B
Apply displacement ∆B (keep ∆A = 0), then
PA = -∆B x AE/L (refer ENG 1020 notes for derivation)
PB = ∆B x AE/L
similarly if we apply ∆A with ∆B = 0,

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Matrix analysis
PA = ∆A x AE/L
PB = -∆A x AE/L
So combining these,
PA = ∆A x AE/L - ∆B x AE/L
PB = -∆A x AE/L + ∆B x AE/L
or in matrix form,
 PA   AE / L − AE / L   ∆ A 
 P  =  − AE / L AE / L   ∆ 
 B   B

This is the member stiffness matrix describing axial displacements.

1.3.2 Member stiffness equations for rotation and sway
(beam)
When the end of a beam is rotated, bending moments occur in the beam, and shear forces
occur at the same time. M
M bending

shear V
V rotation

Similarly, when a beam sways (relative transverse displacement of the ends), both shear
M
forces and bending moments occur,

V
V shear

bending
shear sway δ

For this reason, rotation and sway will be considered together.

Apply displacement θA (keep θB, δA, δB = 0), then
MA = 4EI/L x θA (refer 3221 notes for derivation)
MB = 2EI/L x θA
and there are also reactions at A and B (try it with a flexible ruler),
VA = 6EI/L2 x θA
VB = -6EI/L2 x θA
Apply displacement θB (keep θA, δA, δB = 0), then
MA = 2EI/L x θB
MB = 4EI/L x θB
VA = 6EI/L2 x θB
VB = -6EI/L2 x θB
Apply displacement δA (keep δB, θA, θB = 0), then
MA = 6EI/L2 x δA
MB = 6EI/L2 x δA
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Matrix analysis
VA = 12EI/L3 x δA
VB = -12EI/L3 x δA
Apply displacement δB (keep δA, θA, θB = 0), then
MA = -6EI/L2 x δB
MB = -6EI/L2 x δB
VA = -12EI/L3 x δB
VB = 12EI/L3 x δB
Written in matrix form, this is a commonly used stiffness matrix for portal frames, where
we ignore axial deformation and twisting,
 M A   4 EI / L 6 EI / L2 2 EI / L −6 EI / L2  θ A 
V    
 A  =  6 EI / L
2
12 EI / L3 6 EI / L2 −12 EI / L3  δ A 
 M B   2 EI / L 6 EI / L2 4 EI / L −6 EI / L2  θ B 
   3  
 VB   −6 EI / L −12 EI / L −6 EI / L 12 EI / L  δ B 
2 3 2

If we are, for example, considering a continuous beam in which there is no movement of

the supports (ie no sway) and we are only interested in the bending moment diagram (and
not the reactions), then we can consider only a subset of the 4x4 matrix,
 M A   4 EI / L 2 EI / L  θ A 
 M  =  2 EI / L 4 EI / L  θ 
 B   B

1.3.3 Member stiffness equations for twisting (rod)

We are concerned with the twist at each end of the member, φA and φB.

TA
φB

TB
Apply displacement φB (keep φA = 0) then,
TA = -GJ/L φB (refer CIV 2206 notes for derivation)
TB = GJ/L φB
Similarly if we apply φA (keep φB = 0) then,
TA = GJ/L φA
TB = -GJ/L φA
or in matrix form,

This is the member stiffness matrix for twisting.

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Matrix analysis
1.3.4 The complete (2D) member stiffness matrix
All of the displacements and actions can be combined into one matrix if required,

It is unusual to use the entire matrix. In most cases we will only be concerned with some
of the 8 actions listed above, so we will reduce the matrix accordingly. In fact, one of the
important skills that you must develop is the ability to identify which of the 8
displacements (or degrees of freedom) are relevant in any given problem.

Degrees of freedom are the member displacements that we wish to find, ie the
extensions, sways, rotations or twists relevant to the problem

Note,
• complete stiffness matrices are always square - for every action there is a corresponding
displacement
• stiffness matrices are always symmetrical - this is because of the reciprocity between
actions and displacements (Maxwell’s theorem)
• the diagonal elements are always positive and never zero (the displacement at a point is
always in the same direction as the applied force, and the stiffness is never zero)

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Matrix analysis

1.3.5 Summary of the member stiffness equations

PA = AE/L ∆A ∆A
PB = -AE/L ∆A
(T1)
A B
PA = -AE/L ∆B ∆B
PB = AE/L ∆B (T2)
A B

VA = 12EI/L3 δA
VB = -12EI/L3 δA δA
MA = 6EI/L2 δA (B1)
MB = 6EI/L2 δA
A B

VA = -12EI/L3 δB
VB = 12EI/L3 δB
δB (B2)
MA = -6EI/L2 δB
MB = -6EI/L2 δB
A B

VA = 6EI/L2 θA
VB = -6EI/L2 θA
MA = 4EI/L θA θA
(B3)
MB = 2EI/L θA
A B

VA = 6EI/L2 θB (B4)
VB = -6EI/L2 θB θB
A B
MA = 2EI/L θB
MB = 4EI/L θB

TA = GJ/L φA
(R1)
TB = -GJ/L φA A φA B

TA = -GJ/L φB (R2)
TB = GJ/L φB A φB B

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Matrix analysis
1.4 The direct stiffness matrix method solving ONE
member structure with NODAL actions
In most cases we will only be concerned with a few of the many possible member
displacements (degrees of freedom). The easiest method to form the member stiffness
matrix in most cases is using direct stiffnesses. The steps are:
• identify the displacements (degrees of freedom) that are relevant
• apply each displacement (degree of freedom) separately to the member (keeping all
others zero) and calculate the member actions that are needed to keep all the other
displacements (degrees of freedom) zero
• form the member stiffness matrix by combining all of the separate calculations

The process is best illustrated by example.

Example 1
100 kNm

E = 200,000 MPa
410 UB 54
I = 186x106 mm4
8m
cross section

A 410 UB 54 as shown above has a moment applied at the pinned support of 100 kNm.
We need to find the bending moment in the beam, and the rotation at the pin.

First visualise the deflected shape (you should do this for every problem):

1. Deflected shape
identify point of
contra flexure

tension tension on
on top bottom
2. Reaction directions (try with a flexible ruler)

3. Plot BMD on the tension side

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Matrix analysis

A BMD only changes

sign when a load is
applied

By working with 1, 2 & 3 together we can determine the shape of the BMD.

Now calculate the values:

We are only concerned with θA and θB in this problem. ∆ = 0 (no axial forces), δ = 0 (no
sway) and φ = 0 (no twisting). Label these degrees of freedom on the member.

1 2

Apply dof 1 (= θ1) keeping all others zero (ie θ2 = 0),

M1 = (4EI/L)θ1
θ1

M2 = (2EI/L)θ1

Apply dof 2 keeping all others zero,

M1 = (2EI/L)θ2

θ2

M2 = (4EI/L)θ2

Combine these to form the member stiffness matrix,

M1 = 4EI/L θ1 + 2EI/L θ2
M2 = 2EI/L θ1 + 4EI/L θ2

Or

 4 EI 2 EI 
 M1   L L  θ1  EI 4 2 θ1 
 M  =  2 EI 4 EI  θ 2 
=  
L  2 4 θ 2 
 2  
 L L 

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 12
Matrix analysis
It is often useful to remember that in the matrix the first column = the first
degree of freedom, the second column = the second degree of freedom etc.

We now have the member stiffness matrix relevant to this problem. In our case,

M1 = 100 kNm for every dof you will

M2 = ? always know either the
θ1 = ? action or the
θ2 = 0 displacement

Therefore θ1 = 0.00538 rad (0.31o) and hence M2 = 50,000 Nm.

So the BMD is,

100 kNm
50 kNm

Example 2

this support settles

2000

A steel pipe (outside diameter = 220 mm, wall thickness = 4.8 mm) is built into a wall and
supported on a pin support at the far end. Over time the pinned support settles by 20 mm
which causes the end to twist by 5o (=0.0873 rad) but the end does not rotate (θ = 0). Find
the bending, shear and torsion in the pipe.
0.0873 rad twist

20 mm

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 13
Matrix analysis
Visualise the deflected shape:
1. Deflected shape

tension tension
top bottom

2. Reaction directions

3. BMD

Now calculate the values:

We are concerned with θA, θB, δA, δB, φA, and φB. Label the degrees of freedom, (note that
a double headed arrow denotes a moment or torque)

1 4
3 6
2 5

Apply dof 1 (keep 2,3,4,5 & 6 zero) V1

V1 = 12EI/L3 δ1 M3 V4
M3 = 6EI/L2 δ1
V4 = -12EI/L3 δ1 δ1
M6 = 6EI/L2 δ1
M6

Apply dof 2 (keep 1,3,4,5 & 6 zero) φ2,Τ2 φ5,Τ5

T2 = GJ/L φ2
T5 = -GJ/L φ2

Apply dof 3 (keep 1,2,4,5 & 6 zero) M3 M6

V1 = 6EI/L2 θ3
M3 = 4EI/L θ3
θ3
V4 = -6EI/L2 θ3 V1 V4
M6 = 2EI/L θ3

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 14
Matrix analysis

Apply dof 4 (keep 1,2,3,5 & 6 zero) M6

V1 = -12EI/L3 δ4 M3
δ4
M3 = -6EI/L2 δ4
V4 = 12EI/L3 δ4
M6 = -6EI/L2 δ4 V1 V4

φ2,Τ2 φ5,Τ5
Apply dof 5 (keep 1,2,3,4,& 6 zero)
T2 = -GJ/L φ5
T5 = GJ/L φ5

Apply dof 6 (keep 1,2,3,4 & 5 zero) M3 M6

V1 = 6EI/L2 θ6
M3 = 2EI/L θ6
V4 = -6EI/L2 θ6 θ6
V1 V4
M6 = 4EI/L θ6

Combining all of these gives the member stiffness matrix for this problem as,

(E = 200,000 MPa G = 80,000 MPa I = 18.6 x 106 mm4 J = 37.1 x 106 mm4)

Apply the known boundary conditions, δ1 = φ2 = θ3 = 0

δ4 = -0.020
φ5 = 0.0873
θ6 = 0

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 15
Matrix analysis

So, V1 = 112 kN T2 = -130 kNm M3 = 112 kNm

V4 = -112 kN T5 = 130 kNm M6 = 112 kNm

Summary
1. The member actions can be related to the member displacements by a member stiffness
matrix.
2. The member stiffness matrix can be formed by taking each of the degrees of freedom
separately and calculating the corresponding member actions.
3. For each dof either the action or the displacement is always known.
4. The unknown actions or displacements are found by substituting the known values in
the matrix stiffness equations and solving.

1.5 The direct stiffness method solving TWO

members structure (continuous beam) with NODAL
actions
In this section, continuous beam with nodal actions will be analysed using direct stiffness
matrix method. The analytical process is consists of three steps: finding nodal
displacement, solving support action forces and member action forces.
1.5.1 Local and global displacements

2
3
1

Before going through the processes, it is necessary to introduce the concept of local and
global displacements.

In the figure above, each of the three displacements applies to both the left and the right
members. We need to distinguish between the displacement of a member relative to its
own coordinate system, and the displacement of a member relative to a coordinate system
that is common to all members in a structure – a global coordinate system. The global
coordinate system is commonly chosen to be the Cartesian coordinate system.

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• local displacements are relative to the coordinate system of an individual member

• global displacements are relative to the global coordinate system

labeling convention” – local degrees of freedom will be in italics

The selection of Local and global coordinates is critical in the analysis of a continuous
beam because of the differences in DoFs. There are 9 DoFs for a typical two-member
continuous beam in global coordinate system as expressed,

2 5 8
3 6 9
1 4 7

While in local coordinate system, each part should be considered separately and the total
DoFs are 12 (in italics),

2 5 8 11
3 6 9 12
1 4 7 10

More specifically, when finding the support actions, global coordinate is adopted. However,
when it is required to solve the member actions, local coordinate system should be used.
The detailed examples can be seen in later sections.

1.5.2 Finding nodal displacement

This follows a similar procedure to that used for the one member stiffness matrix. The
steps are:
• identify the displacements (degrees of freedom)
• apply each displacement (degree of freedom) separately to the structure (keeping
all others zero) and calculate the actions that are needed to keep all the other
displacements (degrees of freedom) zero
• form the structure stiffness matrix by combining all of the separate calculations
The process is best illustrated by examples.
Example 1 (using all DoFs)

500 kN

4m 6m

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 17
Matrix analysis
The 200 UB 25 shown above (E = 200,000 MPa, I = 23.6 x 106 mm4, A = 3230 mm2) is
subjected to an axial force of 500 kN at the same time as the centre support settles by 20
mm. Find the support reactions.

1. Identify the degrees of freedom.

2. Apply each dof in turn.

2 5 8
3 6 9
1 4 7

P41 = the action at 4 due to the displacement at 1

Apply dof 1 = ∆1 keeping all others zero

P11 = AE/L1 ∆1
P41 = -AE/L1 ∆1
V21 = M31 = V51 = M61 = P71 = V81 = M91 = 0

Apply dof 2 = ∆2 keeping all others zero

V22 = 12EI/L13 ∆2
M32 = 6EI/L12 ∆2
V52 = -12EI/L13∆2
M62 = 6EI/L12 ∆2
P12 = P42 = P72 = V82 = M92 = 0

Apply dof 3 = θ3 keeping all others zero

V23 = 6EI/L12 θ3
M33 = 4EI/L1 θ3
V53 = -6EI/L12 θ3
M63 = 2EI/L1 θ3
P13 = P43 = P73 = V83 = M93 = 0
Apply dof 4 = ∆4 keeping all others zero
P14 = -AE/L1 ∆4 ∆4
P44 = AE/L1 ∆4 + AE/L2 ∆4
P74 = -AE/L2 ∆4
V24 = M34 = V54 = M64 = V84 = M94 = 0
Apply dof 5 = ∆5 keeping all others zero
V25 = -12EI/L13 ∆5 ∆5
M35 = -6EI/L12 ∆5
V55 = 12EI/L13 ∆5 + 12EI/L23 ∆5
M65 = -6EI/L12 ∆5 + 6EI/L22 ∆5
V85 = -12EI/L23 ∆5
M95 = 6EI/L22 ∆5

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 18
Matrix analysis
P15 = P45 = P75 = 0

Apply dof 6 = θ6 keeping all others zero

V26 = 6EI/L12 θ6 θ6
M36 = 2EI/L1 θ6
V56 = -6EI/L12 θ6 + 6EI/L22 θ6
M66 = 4EI/L1 θ6 + 4EI/L2 θ6
V86 = -6EI/L22 θ6
M96 = 2EI/L2 θ6
P16 = P46 = P76 = 0

Apply dof 7 = ∆7 keeping all others zero

P47 = -AE/L2 ∆7
P77 = AE/L2 ∆7
P17 = V27 = M37 = V57 = M67 = V87 = M97 = 0

Apply dof 8 = ∆8 keeping all others zero

V58 = -12EI/L23 ∆8
M68 = -6EI/L22 ∆8
V88 = 12EI/L23 ∆8
M98 = -6EI/L22 ∆8
P18 = V28 = M38 = P48 = P78 = 0

Apply dof 9 = θ9 keeping all others zero

V59 = 6EI/L22 θ9
M69 = 2EI/L2 θ9
V89 = -6EI/L22 θ9
M99 = 4EI/L2 θ9
P19 = V29 = M39 = P49 = P79 = 0

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 19
Matrix analysis
Combine these to give the structure stiffness matrix for this problem;

P1 AE/L1 0 0 -AE/L1 0 0 0 0 0 ∆1
V2 0 12EI/L13 6EI/L12 0 -12EI/L13 6EI/L12 0 0 0 ∆2
M3 0 6EI/L12 4EI/L1 0 -6EI/L12 2EI/L1 0 0 0 θ3
AE/L1
P4 -AE/L1 0 0 + 0 0 -AE/L2 0 0 ∆4
AE/L2
12EI/L13 -6EI/L12
-
V5 = 0 -12EI/L13 0 + + 0 -12EI/L23 6EI/L22 ∆5
6EI/L12
12EI/L23 6EI/L22
-6EI/L12 4EI/L1
M6 0 6EI/L12 2EI/L1 0 + + 0 -6EI/L22 2EI/L2 θ6
6EI/L22 4EI/L2
P7 0 0 0 -AE/L2 0 0 AE/L2 0 0 ∆7
V8 0 0 0 0 -12EI/L23 -6EI/L22 0 12EI/L23 -6EI/L22 ∆8
M9 0 0 0 0 6EI/L22 2EI/L2 0 -6EI/L22 4EI/L2 θ9

161,500 0 0 -161,500 0 0 0 0 0 ∆1
0 885 1770 0 -885 1770 0 0 0 ∆2
0 1770 4720 0 -1770 2360 0 0 0 θ3
-161,500 0 0 269,200 0 0 -107,700 0 0 ∆4
= 106 0 -885 -1770 0 1147 -983 0 -262 787 ∆5
0 1770 2360 0 -983 7867 0 -787 1573 θ6
0 0 0 -107,700 0 0 107,700 0 0 ∆7
0 0 0 0 -262 -787 0 262 -787 ∆8
0 0 0 0 787 1573 0 -787 3147 θ9

Apply the boundary conditions,

∆1 = ∆2 = θ3 = ∆7 = ∆8 = θ9 = 0
∆5 = -0.020
P4 = 500,000
M6 = 0

Solving,
500,000 = P4 = (269,200 ∆4) x 103
so ∆4 = 1.9 mm
and
0 = M5 = (-983 x -0.020 + 7867 θ6) x 109
so θ6 = -0.0025
therefore,
P1 = -161,500 x 0.0019 x 103 = -300 kN
V2 = (-885 x -0.020 + 1770 x -0.0025) x 103 = 13.3 kN
M3 = (-1770 x -0.020 + 2360 x -0.0025) x 103 = 29.5 kNm
P4 = 500 kN
V5 = (1147 x -0.020 -983 x 0.0025) x 103 = -20.5 kN
M6 = 0
P7 = -107,700 x 0.0019 x 103 = -200 kN
V8 = (-262 x -0.020 -789 x -0.0025) x 103 = 7.2 kN
M9 = (787 x -0.020 + 1573 x -0.0025) x 103 = -19.7 kNm

As a final check, ensure equilibrium is satisfied, ie ΣV = ΣH = ΣM = 0.

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 20
Matrix analysis
Example 2 (using only non-zero displacements)
You may have noticed that the solution above involved forming equations for many
degrees of freedom where we knew that the displacement was zero. The solution is more
efficient if we only consider the non-zero displacements, ie, kinematic indeterminancies.
kinematic = displacements
indeterminancies = unknowns
(Contrast this with static indeterminacies which are the unknown forces).

So in our example the kinematic indeterminacies or non-zero displacements (renumbering

from 1) are;
2
3
1

Apply each of these global dof’s in turn, keeping the other dof’s at zero.

∆1

Apply dof 1 = ∆1 keeping all others zero

P11 = AE/L1 ∆1 + AE/L2 ∆1
V21 = 0
M31 = 0

∆2

Apply dof 2 = ∆2 keeping all others zero

P12 = 0
V22 = 12EI/L13 ∆2 + 12EI/L23 ∆2
M32 = -6EI/L12 ∆2 + 6EI/L22 ∆2

θ3

Apply dof 3 = θ3 keeping all others zero

P13 = 0
V23 = -6EI/L12 θ3 + 6EI/L22 θ3
M33 = 4EI/L1 θ3 + 4EI/L2 θ3

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 21
Matrix analysis
Combine these to give the structure stiffness matrix in terms of the global forces and
displacements:

 P1   AE / L1 + AE / L2 0 0  ∆ 1 
V  =  0 12 EI / L1 + 12 EI / L2
3 3
− 6 EI / L1 + 6 EI / L2  ∆ 2 
2 2
 2 
 M 3   − 6 EI / L1 + 6 EI / L2 4 EI / L1 + 4 EI / L2  θ 3 
2 2
0

From the boundary conditions,

P1 = 500,000 N
∆2 = -0.020 mm
M3 = 0
so we can solve for
∆1 = 1.9 mm
V2 = -20.5 kN
θ3 = -0.0025 rad

all as before. So the shape of the member is now completely defined, but we have not
found values for all of the support actions. This is the price that we pay for adopting the
more efficient solution method.

The matrix equation above, describing the relationship between forces or moments (ie
actions) and displacements (or degrees of freedom), in the shortened form where only the
kinematically indeterminate displacements are included, can be written as,

[FD] = [K] x [U]

where:
FD = the matrix (or vector) of actions corresponding to the non-zero displacements
K = the structure stiffness matrix
U = the matrix (or vector) of non-zero displacements

The unknown displacements are solved from this equation.

1.5.3 Finding the support actions

We solved for the displacements using the reduced structure stiffness matrix, which
included only the non-zero displacements. Therefore we now have to find values for all of
the support actions. We have split the solution of the problem into two parts – using two
‘sub matrices’:
• part 1 – find the non-zero displacements
• part 2 – find the support actions

To find the support actions we need to obtain expressions for them in terms of the non-zero
displacements, which we have just found. We already know 3 support actions; P1, V2 and
M3. We will label the others in a similar manner, remembering that we are dealing with
global degrees of freedom, and so the numbers will NOT be italicised.
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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 22
Matrix analysis

5 2 8
6 3 9
4 1 7

Apply each of the 3 dof in turn, exactly as we did above:

Apply dof 1 = ∆1
P11 = AE/L1 ∆1 + AE/L2 ∆1 (as before)
V21 = 0
M31 = 0
P41 = -AE/L1 ∆1
V51= 0
M61= 0
P71 = -AE/L2 ∆1
V81= 0
M91= 0

Apply dof 2 = ∆2
P12 = 0
V22 = 12EI/L13 ∆2 + 12EI/L23 ∆2 (as before)
M32 = -6EI/L12 ∆2 + 6EI/L22 ∆2 (as before)
P42 = 0
V52 = -12EI/L13 ∆2
M62 = -6EI/L12 ∆2
P72 = 0
V82 = -12EI/L12 ∆2
M92 = 6EI/L22 ∆2

Apply dof 3 = θ3
P13 = 0
V23 = -6EI/L12 θ3 + 6EI/L22 θ3 (as before)
M33 = 4EI/L1 θ3 + 4EI/L2 θ3 (as before)
P43 = 0
V53 = 6EI/L12 θ3
M63 = 2EI/L1 θ3
P73 = 0
V83 = -6EI/L22 θ3
M93 = 2EI/L2 θ3

We can now assemble the matrix describing the support actions in terms of the
displacements,

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 23
Matrix analysis
 P1  − AE/L1 + AE/L2 0 0 
V   0 12 EI/L1 + 12 EI/L2
3 3
− 6 EI/L1 + 6 EI/L2 
2 2
 2 
M 3   − 6 EI/L1 + 6 EI/L2 4 EI / L1 + 4 EI / L2 
2 2
0
   
 P4   − AE/L1 0 0 ∆1 
 V5  =  0 − 12 EI/L1
3
6 EI/L1
2
 ∆ 2 
    
− 6 EI/L1  θ 3 
2
M 6   0 2 EI/L1
P   − AE/L2 0 0 
 7  
− 12 EI/L2 − 6 EI/L2
3 2
 V8   0 
M   0 6 EI/L2
2
2 EI/L2 
 9  

From which we get,

P1 = 500,000 N
V2 = -20.5 kN
M3 = 0
P4 = -300 kN
V5 = 13.3 kN
M6 = 29.5 kNm
P7 = -200 kN
V8 = 7.2 kN
M9 = -19.7 kNm

This matrix equation, describing the relationship between support forces or moments (ie
actions) and displacements (or degrees of freedom), in the shortened form where only the
kinematically indeterminate displacements are included, can be written as,

[FS] = [FSD] x [U]

where FS = the matrix (or vector) of actions at the supports
FSD = the matrix of support actions due to unit displacements
U = the matrix (or vector) of non-zero displacements
1.5.4 Finding the member actions
Having solved for the global displacements using the structure stiffness matrix, we can find
the internal member actions.
To find the member actions we need to obtain expressions for them in terms of the global
displacements, which we have already found. To label the member degrees of freedom,
think of each member separately, and label all the degrees of freedom separately for that
member. The member degrees of freedom are in the local axes system – so generally they
will be different to the previous degrees of freedom which were in the global axes system.
To highlight this, I have numbered these degrees of freedom in italicise in this example.

2 5 8 11
3 6 9 12
1 4 7 10

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 24
Matrix analysis

Apply each of the 3 global dof in turn.

∆1
Apply global dof 1 = ∆1 keeping all others zero
P1 = -AE/L1 ∆1
V2 = 0
M3 = 0
P4 = AE/L1 ∆1
V5 = 0
M6 = 0
P7 = AE/L2 ∆1
V8 = 0
M9 = 0
P10 = -AE/L2 ∆1
V11 = 0
M12 = 0

Apply global dof 2 = ∆2 keeping all others zero

P1 = 0 ∆2
V2 = -12EI/L13 ∆2
M3 = -6EI/L12 ∆2
P4 = 0
V5 = 12EI/L13 ∆2
M6 = -6EI/L12 ∆2
P7 = 0
V8 = 12EI/L23 ∆2
M9 = 6EI/L22 ∆2
P10 = 0
V11 = -12EI/L23 ∆2
M12 = 6EI/L22 ∆2

Apply global dof 3 = θ3

P1 = 0
V2 = 6EI/L12 θ3 θ3
M3 = 2EI/L1 θ3
P4 = 0
V5 = -6EI/L12 θ3
M6 = 4EI/L1 θ3
P7 = 0
V8 = 6EI/L22 θ3
M9 = 4EI/L2 θ3
P10 = 0
V11 = -6EI/L22 θ3
M12 = 2EI/L2 θ3

We can now assemble the matrix describing the member actions in terms of the global
displacements,

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 25
Matrix analysis
 P1   − AE / L1 0 0 
V   0 − 12 EI / L1
3 2 
6 EI / L1 
 2  
M3   − 6 EI / L1 2 EI / L1 
2
0
   
 P4   AE / L1 0 0 
 V5   0 12 EI / L1
3
− 6 EI / L1 
2

    ∆ 
− 6 EI / L1
2
M6   0 4 EI / L1   1 
=
 P   AE / L  ∆ 2 
0 0
 7   2
 θ 
6 EI / L2   3 
3 2
 V8   0 12 EI / L2
M   0 6 EI / L2
2
4 EI / L2 
 9  
 P0  − AE / L2 0 0 
   2
− 12 EI / L2 − 6 EI / L2 
3
 V11   0
 M 12   0 6 EI / L2
2
2 EI / L2 

From which we get,

P1 = -300 kN
V2 = 13.3 kN
M3 = 29.5 kNm
P4 = 300 kN 13. 3 7 .2
V5 = -13.3 kN
M6 = 23.6 kNm
P7 = 200 kN 2 3 .6 2 3 .6 20 0
V8 = -7.2 kN 300
M9 = -23.6 kNm 30 0 1 9 .7
P10 = -200 kN 2 9 .5 2 00
V11 = 7.2 kN
M12 = -19.7 kNm kN and kNm
1 3 .3 7 .2

[FM] = [FMD] x [U]

where FM = the matrix (or vector) of actions at the supports
FMD = the matrix of support actions due to unit displacements

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 26
Matrix analysis
1.6 The direct stiffness method solving TWO
members structure (frame) with NODAL actions
Note that for a structure, a translation can cause sway of one member and axial
displacement of another member, for example a frame

sway displacement

axial
displacement

Therefore we will not distinguish between sway and axial displacements in a structure. All
translations will be denoted ∆. This frame structure with nodal actions can be solved using
the direct stiffness method as well. The following example gives the best explanations of
the process..

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 27
Matrix analysis

Example
Another example will help to illustrate the process.

250 UB 31 30 kNm
6m

250 UB 31
E = 200,000 MPa
5m
I = 44.4 x 106 mm4

(i) Label the global degrees of freedom. This frame carries its load by bending, without
sway (neglect axial shortening), so the only non-zero displacements are rotations. Label
these.
2 1

L1
(ii) Form the K matrix.
Apply dof 1 θ1
M11 = 4EI/L1 θ1
M21 = 2EI/L1 θ1 L2

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 28
Matrix analysis

Apply dof 2
M12 = 2EI/L1 θ2
M22 = 4EI/L1 θ2 + 4EI/L2 θ2 θ2

So the K matrix is,

 M 1  4 EI / L1 2 EI / L1  θ1 
 M  = 2 EI / L 4 EI / L1 + 4 EI / L2  θ 2 
 2  1

Putting M1 = 30 kNm and M2 = 0 gives,

θ1 = 0.00572 rad
θ2 = -0.00130 rad
The shape of the structure is now defined. 30 kNm

(iii) Label the support actions - continue the 6

numbering system from (i) (in this example
I have only included the support actions that
I need to find) 7

4
5
3

(iv) Form the FSD matrix

Apply dof 1
θ1
V31 = 0
P41 = 6EI/L12 θ1
M51 = 0
V61 = -6EI/L12 θ1
P71 = 0

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 29
Matrix analysis

Apply dof 2
V32 = -6EI/L22 θ2 θ2
P42 = 6EI/L12 θ2
M52 = 2EI/L2 θ2
V62 = -6EI/L12 θ2
P72 = 6EI/L22 θ2

So the FSD matrix is,

 V3   0 − 6 EI / L2 
2

P   2 2 
 4   6 EI / L1 6 EI / L1 
θ 1 
M 5  =  0 2 EI / L2   
   θ
2  2 
 V6  − 6 EI / L1 − 6 EI / L1 
2

 P7   0 6 EI / L2 
2


From which,
V3 = 2.77 kN
P4 = 6.54 kN
M5 = -4.62 kNm
V6 = -6.54 kN
P7 = -2.77 kN

(v) Label the member degrees of freedom. We could include moment, shear and axial
force in the member degrees of freedom, but let us think before we rush in. We already
know the axial forces (because we know the support actions), and likewise we know the
shears. In fact the only unknown member actions are the moments at the beam/column
junction. So let us consider only moments, and reduce our effort.

3 4

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 30
Matrix analysis

(vi) Form the FMD matrix.

Apply dof 1 θ1
M1 = 0
M2 = 0
M3 = 2EI/L1 θ1
M4 = 4EI/L1 θ1

Apply dof 2
M1 = 2EI/L2 θ2
M2 = 4EI/L2 θ2 θ2
M3 = 4EI/L1 θ2
M4 = 2EI/L1 θ2

So the FMD matrix is

M 1   0 2 EI / L2 
M   0 4 EI / L2  θ 1 
 2 = 
 M 3  2 EI / L1 4 EI / L1  θ 2 
   
 M 4  4 EI / L1 2 EI / L1 

From which,
M1 = -4.62 kNm (agrees with the support action!)
M2 = -9.23 kNm
M3 = 9.23 kNm
M4 = 30 kNm (agrees with the applied load!)

This is the complete solution.

9.23

30

kNm

U = the matrix (or vector) of non-zero 4.62

displacements

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 31
Matrix analysis
Summary
1. The structure actions can be related to the structure displacements by a structure
stiffness matrix.
2. The most convenient and recommended way to obtain a solution is to break the
solution into several stages as follows:
i. Label the non-zero displacements (the global degrees of freedom)
ii. Form the structure stiffness matrix K relating the actions corresponding to the
non-zero displacements to those displacements, FD = K x U, and solve for the
non-zero displacements, U.
iii. Label the support actions as global degrees of freedom, continuing the
numbering system from (i).
iv. Form the FSD matrix relating the support actions to the non-zero displacements,
FS = FSD x U, and solve for the support actions.
v. Label the member degrees of freedom in the local axes system.
vi. Form the FMD matrix relating the member actions to the non-zero
displacements, FM = FSD x U, and solve for the member actions.

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 32
Matrix analysis

1.7 The direct stiffness method solving structures

with MEMBER actions
The method outlined so far will only deal with loads that are applied at nodes on the structure.
It is not always convenient to place a node at every load (e.g. for continuous loads) so we
need to be able to analyse structures with loads applied between nodes.
1.7.1 Finding the node displacements
Remember that the matrix method of solution describes the displacement of a member in
terms of the displacement of its two ends only, so the essence of our problem is to relate
member end displacements (and actions) to the loads applied along the member.

TREAT THE SOLUTION IN 2 PARTS

Consider the following 2 span beam,

actual shape actual loads actual BMD

EQUALS

"fixed end" shape "fixed end" loads "fixed end" BMD

PLUS

"released shape" "released" loads "released" BMD

In other words, any applied loading on a structure can be broken up into

[F] = the actual applied load
[Part A] = the applied member load, plus the member end actions necessary to prevent end
displacements of the member (i.e. to make the structure kinematically determinate)

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 33
Matrix analysis

[Part B] = the node loads necessary to ensure that equilibrium is maintained, i.e. such that
[Part A] + [Part B] = [U]

The [Part A] solution is concerned with the member only, and the solution of this is always
the same for the same pattern of loading (i.e. it is independent of the configuration of the
structure), thus standard solutions can be used.

Every member can be considered separately (no end rotation implies that there is no
interaction between members).

The matrix, listing the actions corresponding to displacements caused by loads on the
kinematically determinate structure is called FDL.

The [Part B] solution is concerned with loads on a structure applied at nodes only, so this
solution can be found using the matrix method previously outlined,
[node actions] = K x U
Add [Part A] + [Part B] to get the actual loads (i.e. to satisfy equilibrium),

FD = FDL + K x U

This important equation is the basic equation of the matrix stiffness method of analysis, using
the direct stiffness method. From it we can determine the non-zero displacements by solving
the matrix equation,

U = K-1 x (FD - FDL)

Example
30 kNm
10 kN/m
E = 200,000 MPa
10 m 8m I = 186 x 106 mm4
410 UB 54
Determine the displacement at each of the supports.

The first thing to do is to decide on the degrees of freedom that are relevant to this problem.
We are not interested in axial or twist displacements (these are all zero), and the sway is zero,
so only the non-zero rotations at the 3 supports are relevant.
1 2 3

[Part A] - actions at the GLOBAL DEGREES OF FREEDOM due to the member loads

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 34
Matrix analysis
Split the structure into its members, and look at each member separately. What are the
actions necessary to prevent end rotation?

0 0 53.3 53.3 53.3 53.3

"fixed end" shape "fixed end" loads "fixed end" BMD

Summing the fixed end actions at each node gives us the fixed end actions corresponding to
each global reference as
 0 
 53.3 
 
− 53.3

This matrix, listing the actions corresponding to displacements caused by loads on the
kinematically determinate structure is called FDL.

[Part B] - actions in the structure due to the node loads

Proceed as described earlier in these notes to construct the structure stiffness matrix by the
direct stiffness method.

Apply DoF 1 = θ1
M11 = 4EI/L1 θ1
M21 = 2EI/L1 θ1
M31 = 0

Apply DoF 2 = θ2
M12 = 2EI/L1 θ2
M22 = (4EI/L1 + 4EI/L2) θ2
M32 = 2EI/L2 θ2

Apply DoF 3 = θ3
M13 = 0
M23 = 2EI/L2 θ3
M33 = 4EI/L2 θ3

So the matrix describing node actions in terms of node displacements is,

  4 EI / L1 2 EI / L1 0  θ 1 
node actions  = 2 EI / L 4 EI / L1 + 4 EI / L2 2 EI / L2  θ 2 
   1

   0 2 EI / L2 4 EI / L2  θ 3 
i.e.,

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 35
Matrix analysis

[node actions] = [K] x [U]

Add [Part A] + [Part B]

In words we are saying,

"(the actual applied load) = (the applied member loads plus member end actions to prevent
end displacements) + (the node loads needed to maintain equilibrium)"
or
[F] = [Part A] + [Part B]

In numbers, the actual applied load matrix FD is (look at the original problem),
 0 
− 30,000
 
 0 

The [Part A] actions are

 0 
 53,300 
 
− 53,300

and the [Part B] actions are

4 EI / L1 2 EI / L1 0  θ 1 
2 EI / L 4 EI / L + 4 EI / L 2 EI / L2  θ 2 
 1 1 2

 0 2 EI / L2 4 EI / L2  θ 3 
So the full equation is,

 0   0  4 EI / L1 2 EI / L1 0  θ 1 
− 30,000  =  53,300  + 2 EI / L 4 EI / L1 + 4 EI / L2 2 EI / L2  θ 2 
     1

 0  − 53,300   0 2 EI / L2 4 EI / L2  θ 3 

or
FD = FDL + K x U
From which,
U = K-1 x (FD - FDL)
Making the necessary substitutions for this example,

θ1  14.88 7.44 0  0−0 

θ  = 10 6  7.44 33.48 9.3  − 30,000 − 53,300
 2   
θ 3   0 9.3 18.6  0 + 53,300 

From which,

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 36
Matrix analysis
θ1 = 0.00219 rad θ2 = -0.00438 rad θ3 = 0.00504 rad

1.7.2 Finding the support actions

The support actions can also be thought of in two parts,

[Part A] = the support actions in the kinematically determinate (fixed) structure caused
by the member loads
[Part B] = the support actions due to the node loads that have been applied so that
equilibrium is maintained

The [Part A] solution is concerned with the member only, and the solution of this is always
the same for the same pattern of loading (i.e. it is independent of the configuration of the
structure), thus standard solutions can be used.

Every member can be considered separately (no end rotation implies that there is no
interaction between members).

The matrix, listing the actions at supports caused by loads on the kinematically determinate
structure is called FSL.

The [Part B] solution is concerned with loads on a structure applied at nodes only, so this
solution can be found using the matrix method previously outlined,

[support actions] = FSD x U

Add Part [A] + Part [B] to get the actual support actions,

FS = FSL + FSD x U

1.7.3 Finding the member actions

The member actions can also be thought of in two parts. Remember we are now working in
local coordinates.

[Part A] = the member actions in the kinematically determinate (fixed) structure caused
by the member loads

[Part B] = the member actions due to the node loads that have been applied so that
equilibrium is maintained

The [Part A] solution is concerned with the member only, and the solution of this is always
the same for the same pattern of loading (i.e. it is independent of the configuration of the
structure), thus standard solutions can be used.

Every member can be considered separately (no end rotation implies that there is no
interaction between members).

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 37
Matrix analysis
The matrix, listing the actions in the members caused by loads on the kinematically
determinate structure is called FML.

The [Part B] solution is concerned with loads on a structure applied at nodes only, so this
solution can be found using the matrix method previously outlined,

[member actions] = FMD x U

Add [Part A] + [Part B] to get the actual member actions,

FM = FML + FMD x U

Example
Determine the support reactions and the bending moment diagram for the previous example
of a two span beam.

(a) Support reactions

Label the support actions that we need to obtain, continuing with the global degrees of
freedom numbering system,
4 5 6

[Part A] - find the FSL matrix (actions at the supports due to loads on the statically
determinate structure)

Treat each member separately and obtain the member end actions from standard solutions.

0 0 40 40 kN

Adding the actions at each node gives,

 0 
FSL = 40,000
40,000

[Part B] - find the FSD matrix (actions at the supports due to the displacements)
Apply DoF 1 = θ1
V41 = 6EI/L12 θ1
V51 = -6EI/L12 θ1
V61 = 0
Apply DoF 2 = θ2 V4 V5 V6

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 38
Matrix analysis
V42 = 6EI/L12 θ2
V52 = -6EI/L12 θ2 + 6EI/L22 θ2
V62 = -6EI/L22 θ2
Apply DoF 3 = θ3 V4 V5 V6
V43 = 0
V53 = 6EI/L22 θ3
V63 = -6EI/L22 θ3
V4 V5 V6
So the FSD matrix is
 6EI / L1 2 6EI / L1
2
0 
 2 
− 6EI / L1 − 6EI / L1 + 6EI / L1
2 2 2
6EI / L 2 
 0 − 6EI / L 2
2
− 6EI / L 2 
2


Substituting in the equation FS = FSL + FSD x U,

 0   2.232 2.232 0   0.00219 
  6
FS = 40,000 + 10 − 2.232 1.255 3.487  − 0.00438
40,000  0 − 3.487 − 3.487  0.00504 

So the support reactions are -4.9 kN (left), 47.2 kN (centre), 37.6 kN (right).

4.9 47.2 37.6 kN

Check equilibrium,
Σ reactions = -4.9 + 47.2 + 37.6 = 79.9 = Σ applied loads (nearly!)
(b) Member actions

Label the member actions that we need to obtain, using member degrees of freedom in local
coordinates.

1 2 3 4

[Part A] - find the FML matrix (actions at the supports due to loads on the statically
determinate structure)

Treat each member separately and obtain the member actions from standard solutions.
0 0 53.5 53.5

So the matrix is

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 39
Matrix analysis
 0 
 0 
FML = 
 53,500 
 
− 53,500

[Part B] - find the FMD matrix (member actions due to the displacements)
Apply DoF 1 = θ1
M1 = 4EI/L1 θ1
M2 = 2EI/L1 θ1
M3 = 0
M4 = 0
Apply DoF 2 = θ2
M1 = 2EI/L1 θ2
M2 = 4EI/L1 θ2
M3 = 4EI/L2 θ2
M4 = 2EI/L2 θ2
Apply DoF 3 = θ3
M1 = 0
M2 = 0
M3 = 2EI/L2 θ3
M4 = 4EI/L2 θ3

So the FMD matrix is

4EI / L1 2EI / L1 0 
2EI / L 4EI / L1 0 
 1

 0 4EI / L 2 2EI / L 2 
 
 0 2EI / L 2 4EI / L 2 

Substituting in the equation FM = FML + FMD x U,

 0  14.88 7.44 0 
 0   7.44 14.88 0   0.00219 
FM =   + 10 6   − 0.00438
 53,300   0 18.6 9.3   
     0 . 00504 
− 53,300  0 9.3 18.6 
 0 
− 48.9
=  48.9 kNm
 18.9 
 
 0  18.9 kNm

So the bending moment diagram is,

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 40
Matrix analysis
Summary
The complete process of structural analysis using the direct stiffness approach can be
summarised in a flowchart

First find the displacements (i.e. find the shape):

IDENTIFY THE GLOBAL DEGREES OF FREEDOM (NON-ZERO

DISPLACEMENTS)

APPLY EACH GLOBAL DEGREE OF FREEDOM IN TURN AND USE THE STIFFNESS
EQUATIONS TO OBTAIN THE STRUCTURE STIFFNESS MATRIX, K, COLUMN BY
COLUMN

WRITE THE MATRIX OF EXTERNAL ACTIONS (LOADS) AT THE GLOBAL DEGREES OF FREEDOM, FD

WRITE THE MATRIX OF FIXED END ACTIONS AT THE GLOBAL DEGREES OF

FREEDOM, FDL

SOLVE FD = FDL + K x U [OR U = K-1 x (FD - FDL)]

Find the support actions:

CHOOSE THE DEGREES OF FREEDOM NEEDED TO DEFINE THE SUPPORT

ACTIONS

APPLY EACH GLOBAL DEGREE OF FREEDOM IN TURN

AND USE THE STIFFNESS EQUATIONS TO OBTAIN THE FSD MATRIX

WRITE THE MATRIX OF FIXED END ACTIONS AT THE SUPPORTS, FSL

EVALUATE THE SUPPORT ACTIONS, FS = FSL + FSD x U

Find the member actions:

CHOOSE THE DEGREES OF FREEDOM NEEDED TO DEFINE THE MEMBER

ACTIONS (IN LOCAL COORDINATES)

APPLY EACH GLOBAL DEGREE OF FREEDOM IN TURN

AND USE THE STIFFNESS EQUATIONS TO OBTAIN THE FMD MATRIX

WRITE THE MATRIX OF FIXED END ACTIONS IN THE MEMBERS, FML

EVALUATE THE MEMBER ACTIONS, FM = FML + FMD x U

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 41
Matrix analysis
More examples
1. Find the support reactions; shear force and bending moment diagrams for the two span
continuous beam below:
30 kN 10 kNm

4m 6m
200 UB 25

E = 200,000 MPa I = 23.6 x 106 mm4

The steps to a solution are:

(a) Solve for the unknown displacements from FD = FDL + K x U
(b) Substitute for the support reactions in FS = FSL + FS x U
(c) Substitute for the member actions in FM = FML + FM x U

(a) Choose the global degrees of freedom (non-zero displacements). Neglect axial forces.
1 2

(i) Find K
Apply DoF 1
θ1
M1= (4EI/4 + 4EI/6) θ1 = 7.867 x 106 θ1
M2 = 2EI/6 θ1 = 1.573 x 106 θ1
Apply DoF 2
M1 = 2EI/6 θ2 = 1.573 x 106 θ2
M2 = 4EI/6 θ2 = 3.147 x 106 θ2
θ2
So,
7.867 1.573 
K = 10 6  
1.573 3.147 

(ii) Find FD
 0
FD =  
 0
30 x 4/8 = 15 kNm 15 30 10 x 62/12 = 30 kNm
(iii) Find FDL

− 15,000 + 30,000  15,000 

FDL =   = − 30,000
 − 30,000   

(iv) Solve FD = FDL + K x U, or

U = K-1 x (FD - FDL)

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 42
Matrix analysis
−1
θ 1  6 7.867 1.573  0 − 15,000  − 0.00424 
θ  = 10 1.573 3.147  0 + 30,000  =  0.01165 
 2      

(b) Choose the degrees of freedom to define the support reactions

4 5 6

3 1 2

(i) Find FSD

Apply DoF 1
M3 = 2EI/4 θ1 = 2.36 x 106 θ1
V4 = 6EI/42 θ1 = 1.77 x 106 θ1
V5 = (6EI/42 + 6EI/62) θ1 = -0.98 x 106 θ1
V6 = -6EI/62 θ1 = -0.79 x 106 θ1
Apply DoF 2
M3 = 0
V4 = 0
V5 = 6EI/62 θ2 = 0.79 x 106 θ2
V6 = -6EI/62 θ2 = -0.79 x 106 θ2
So,
 2.36 0 
 1.77 0 
FSD = 10 6 
− 0.98 0.79 
 
− 0.79 − 0.79

(ii) Find FSL

15 kNm

30/2 = 15 kN 15 30 10 x 6/2 = 30 kN

So,

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 43
Matrix analysis
15,000 
15,000 
FSL =  
45,000
 
30,000

(iii) Evaluate FS = FSL + FSD x U

M 3  15,000   2.36 0   5,000 
 V  15,000   0  − 0.00424  7,500 
 4=  + 10 6  1.77 =
 V5  45,000 − 0.98 0.79   0.00165  58,333
       
 V6  30,000  − 0.79 − 0.79 24,167

So the support reactions are,

5 kNm

7.5 58.3 24.2 kN

(c) Choose the member degrees of freedom to define the member actions. The only member
actions still left to find are the moments and shears at the centre support.

1 2

3 4
(i) Find FMD
Apply DoF 1
V1 = -6EI/42 θ1 = -1.77 x 106 θ1
V2 = 6EI/62 θ1 = 0.79 x 106 θ1
M3 = 4EI/4 θ1 = 4.72 x 106 θ1
M4 = 4EI/6 θ1 = 3.15 x 106 θ1
Apply DoF 2
V1 = 0
V2 = 6EI/62 θ2 = 0.79 x 106 θ2
M3 = 0
M4 = 2EI/6 θ2 = 1.57 x 106 θ2

So,
− 1.77 0 
 0.787 0.787 
FMD = 10 6  
 4.72 0 
 
 3.15 1.57 

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 44
Matrix analysis
(iii) Find FML
15 30

15 30
So,
 15,000 
 30,000 
FML = 
− 15,000
 
 30,000 

(iv) Evaluate FM = FML + FMD x U

 V1   15,000   1.77 0   22,500 
 V   30,000  0.787 0.787  − 0.00424  
 2=  + 10 6     35,833 
=
 M 3  − 15,000  4.72 0   0.00165  − 35,000
       
M 4   30,000   3.15 1.57   35,000 

So the shear forces are,

35.8
30

7.5

7.5 22.5 35.8 24.2 kN 22.5 24.2

And the bending moments are,

35
5

5 35 35 kNm 10
27.5

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 45
Matrix analysis
2. Set up the FDL, K, FSL, FML, FSD, FMD & FD matrices for the portal frame illustrated.
Ignore
axial deformation and twist – include bending and sway only. Use the degrees of freedom
shown. Write down the matrix equations that would use these matrices to analyse the
framework.

2 3

Global degrees of freedom 1 L

(non-zero displacements
and support actions) L L
P
8 9

6 7
4 5

2 3

Member degrees of freedom 1 4

(only those that are needed to
plot the BMD have been
included) P

(i) Find K = the structure stiffness matrix. Apply non-zero displacements (1, 2 and 3)
Apply DoF 1
V11 = (12EI/L3 + 12EI/L3) ∆1 = 24EI/L3 ∆1
M21 = 6EI/L2 ∆1
M31 = 6EI/L2 ∆1

Apply DoF 2
V11 = 6EI/L2 θ2
M21 = (4EI/L + 4EI/L)θ2 = 8EI/L θ2
M31 = 2EI/L θ2

Apply DoF 3
V11 = 6EI/L2 θ3
M21 = 2EI/L θ3
M31 = (4EI/L + 4EI/L) θ3 = 8EI/L θ3
So

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 46
Matrix analysis
24EI / L3 6EI / L2 6EI / L2 
 
K =  6EI / L2 8EI / L 2EI / L  symmetric

 6EI / L2 2EI / L 8EI / L 


(ii) Find FD = matrix of actions corresponding to the non-zero displacements

 0
FD = 0 (no applied loads at the nodes)
0

(iii) Find FDL = matrix of fixed end actions at the non-zero displacements due to member
loads
P/2 PL/8
 −P/2 
FDL =  0  P
− PL / 8

(iv) Find FSD = matrix relating support actions to the non-zero displacements,
Apply DoF 1
P41 = 0
P51 = 0
V61 = -12EI/L3 ∆1
V71 = -12EI/L3 ∆1
M81 = 6EI/L2 ∆1
M91 = 6EI/L2 ∆1

Apply DoF 2
P42 = 6EI/L2 θ2
P52 = -6EI/L2 θ2
V62 = -6EI/L2 θ2
V72 = 0
M82 = 2EI/L θ2
M92 = 0

Apply DoF 3
P43 = 6EI/L2 θ3
P53 = -6EI/L2 θ3
V63 = 0
V73 = -6EI/L2 θ3
M83 = 0
M93 = 2EI/L θ3

So

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 47
Matrix analysis
 0 6EI / L2 6EI / L2 
 
 0 − 6EI / L2 6EI / L2 
− 12EI / L − 6EI / L2 0 
FSD = 
− 12EI / L 0 − 6EI / L2 
 6EI / L2 2EI / L 0 
 
 6EI / L 2EI / L 
2
0

(v) Find FMD = matrix relating member actions to the non-zero displacements
Apply DoF 1
M1 = 6EI/L2 ∆1
M2 = 0
M3 = 0
M4 = 6EI/L2 ∆1
Apply DoF 2
M1 = 4EI/L θ2
M2 = 4EI/L θ2
M3 = 2EI/L θ2
M4 = 0
Apply DoF 3
M1 = 0
M2 = 2EI/L θ3
M3 = 4EI/L θ3
M4 = 4EI/L θ3

6EI / L2 4EI / L 0 
 
0 4EI / L 2EI / L
FMD =
 0 2EI / L 4EI / L
 
6EI / L 4EI / L
2
0

(vi) Find FSL = matrix of fixed end actions at the supports due to the member loads.
There are six values, corresponding the global references 4 to 9.

 0 
 0 
  P
 0 
FSL =   PL/8
− P / 2 P/2
 0 
 
 PL / 8 

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 48
Matrix analysis
(vii) Find FML = matrix of fixed end actions in the members due to the member loads
There are four values, corresponding the local references 1 to 4.

 0  PL/8
 0 
FML =  P
 0 
 
− PL / 8

(viii) To analyse the framework,

(a) solve FD = FDL + K x U for the non-zero displacements

(b) evaluate FS = FSL + FSD x U for the support actions
(c) evaluate FM = FML + FMD x U for the member actions

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 49
Matrix analysis

1.8 The coordinate transformation method solving

structures with INCLINED member
1.8.1 Transforming from local to global axes
In the previous lecture we distinguished between the displacement of a member relative to
its own coordinate system, and the displacement of a member relative to a coordinate
system that is common to all members in a structure – a global coordinate system. The
global coordinate system is commonly chosen to be the Cartesian coordinate system.

• local displacements are relative to the coordinate system of an individual member

• global displacements are relative to the global coordinate system

labeling convention” – Local degrees of freedom will be in italics

The importance of this is illustrated when a member is inclined to the global axes system,
as below:

FyB
FyB FxB

LOCAL
GLOBAL FxB B
B
θ
FyA θ
FyA FxA
y
y x
FxA A
A x
Always measure θ anticlockwise with the direction of the member taken from node 1 to
node 2:
θ
2 1

1 2

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 50
Matrix analysis
The forces and displacements in the local axes system have to be converted into equivalent
forces and displacements in the global axes system (and vice versa).

FxA = FxA cos θ + FyA sin θ

FyA = -FxA sin θ + FyA cos θ

and

FxB = FxB cos θ + FyB sin θ

FyB = -FxB sin θ + FyB cos θ

or in matrix form,

 Fx A   cos θ sin θ 0 0  Fx A 

 Fy  − sin θ cos θ 0 0   Fy A 
 A = 
 Fx B   0 0 cos θ sin θ   Fx B 
    
 Fy B   0 0 − sin θ cos θ  Fy B 
local global

or
[F] = [T][F]
where [T] is the coordinate transformation matrix.

Repeating the same process for displacements rather than forces gives the same
relationship, that is
[U] = [T][U]

1.8.2 Coordinate transformation and the matrix equations –

axial force
From before we know that in local coordinates, the axial forces and displacements are
related by
 FA   AE / L − AE / L  ∆A 
 F  = − AE / L AE / L   ∆ 
 B   B 

This can be expanded to

 Fx A   AE / L 0 − AE / L 0  ∆x A 
 Fy   0 0 0 0  ∆y A 
 A = 
 Fx B  − AE / L 0 AE / L 0  ∆x B 
    
 Fy B   0 0 0 0  ∆y B 
local local

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 51
Matrix analysis
Transforming the forces and displacements to global coordinates

Fx A   AE / L 0 − AE / L 0 ∆x A 
 Fy   0 0 0 0 ∆y A 
[T] A  =  [T]
 Fx B  − AE / L 0 AE / L 0  ∆x B 
     
 Fy B   0 0 0 0  ∆y B 
global global

The coordinate transformation matrix T is an orthogonal matix, so the inverse equals the
transform, [T]-1 = [T]T.

Pre-multiplying by [T]-1 gives

Fx A   AE / L 0 − AE / L 0 ∆x A 
 Fy   0 ∆y A 
 A  = [T ]T  0 0 0
[T]
 Fx B  − AE / L 0 AE / L 0  ∆x B 
     
 Fy B   0 0 0 0  ∆y B 
or
[F] = [T]T[K][T] [U]
This is the matrix stiffness equation for the member, written in global coordinates.

[K] is the member stiffness matrix in local coordinates.

[T]T[K][T] is the member stiffness matrix in global coordinates.

[K global] = [T]T [K ][T]

cos θ − sin θ 0 0   AE / L 0 − AE / L 0  cos θ sin θ 0 0 
 sin θ cos θ 0 0   0 0 0  
0 − sin θ cos θ 0 0 
= 
 0 0 cos θ − sin θ − AE / L 0 AE / L 0  0 0 cos θ sin θ 
   
 0 0 sin θ cos θ   0 0 0 0  0 0 − sin θ cos θ
 cos 2 θ cos θ sin θ − cos 2 θ − cos θ sin θ
 
 cos θ sin θ sin θ
2
− cos θ sin θ − sin 2 θ 
= AE / L
 − cos 2 θ − cos θ sin θ cos 2 θ cos θ sin θ 
 
− cos θ sin θ − sin θ cos θ sin θ sin 2 θ 
2

1.8.3 Coordinate transformation and the matrix Eqs – axial,

shear and bending
It is a simple matter to expand the coordinate transformation matrix to cater for shear and
bending, in addition to axial force. The equations for transforming the shear force have

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already been included in the coordinate transformation matrix, [T], and the moments are
the same in both the local and the global axes.

In local axes the member stiffness matrix is

 AE / L 0 0 − AE / L 0 0   ∆x A 
 Fx A  
 Fy A   0 12EI / L3 6EI / L2 0 − 12EI / L3 6EI / L   ∆y A 
2
M   0 6EI / L2 4EI / L 0 − 6EI / L2 2EI / L   θ A 
 A =   
 Fx B  − AE / L 0 0 AE / L 0 0   ∆x B 
 Fy B  
M   0 − 12EI / L3 − 6EI / L2 0 12EI / L3 − 6EI / L2   ∆y B 
 B  0  
 6EI / L2 2EI / L 0 − 6EI / L2 4EI / L   θ B 

The transformation matrix, which includes the rotation, is

 cos θ sin θ 0 0 0 0
− sin θ cos θ 0 0 0 0

 0 0 1 0 0 0
[T] =  
 0 0 0 cos θ sin θ 0
 0 0 0 − sin θ cos θ 0
 
 0 0 0 0 0 1

and the matrix stiffness equation for the member, written in global coordinates is, as
before,

[F] = [T]T[K][T] [U]

[K] is the member stiffness matrix in local coordinates.
[T]T[K][T] is the member stiffness matrix in global coordinates.

For simplicity, we often use the notation that cos θ = C and sin θ = S, so the coordinate
transformation matrix is written as,

C S 0 0 0 0
− S C 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0
[T] =  
0 0 0 C S 0
0 0 0 −S C 0
 
 0 0 0 0 0 1 

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1.8.4 Forming the structure stiffness matrix
Up to this point, we have formed the structure stiffness matrix using the DIRECT
STIFFNESS METHOD, that is we form the stiffness matrix one column at a time – by
applying one degree of freedom at a time.

With the coordinate transformation method, the emphasis has shifted to forming the
complete member stiffness matrix first. So the previous direct stiffness method will not
work very well with that approach.

We need a new way to form the structure stiffness matrix that is based on combining all
the member stiffness matrices – where each member stiffness matrix has been formed
using the coordinate transformation method.

How shall we do it?

The output from the coordinate transformation method is a member stiffness matrix where
the forces and displacements are expressed in the global axes system. So all members in
the structure have a common set of references. So all we will do is add up the combined
effects of all the individual member stiffness matrices to form one structure stiffness
matrix.

Once the displacements have been solved for (in the global coordinate system) by inverting
the stiffness matrix, it is necessary to transform the displacements back into the local
coordinate system in order to find the member actions. This is done using,
[U] = [T][U]
and substituting the local displacements into the local stiffness matrix,
[F] = [K][U]
Some examples will help explain this.
Example 1
Find u1 and v1, and find reactions at node 2.

The structure has axial force only, no bending or shear, so we can use the reduced form of
the transformation matrix,

 Fx A   C S 0 0  Fx A 
 Fy  − S C 0 0   Fy A 
 A = 
 Fx B   0 0 C S   Fx B 
    
 Fy B   0 0 −S C  Fy B 

which leads to the following expression for the member stiffness matrix (from before),

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 C2 CS − C 2 − CS
 
S2 − CS − S 2 
[K global] = [T] [K ][T] = AE / L  2
T  CS
− C − CS C 2 CS 
 
 − CS − S S 2 
2
CS

which leads to the following matrix equation for the structure,

Fx A   C2 CS − C 2 − CS ∆x A 

 Fy    
 A  = AE / L  CS S2 − CS − S 2  ∆y A 
 Fx B   − C 2 − CS C 2 CS   ∆x B 
    
− CS − S S 2   ∆y B 
2
 Fy B  CS

Because the only non-zero displacements are u1 and v1 (which are equivalent to ∆xA and
∆yA), we can simplify the calculations by only including those displacements in the
member and structure stiffness matrices – that is we only need to deal with the top 2x2 out
of the 4x4 matrix.

2 3 4
2

1 45 45 3 h
v1
AE for all 1 P
u1
members
2P

1. Form member stiffness matrices using coordinate transformation method.

−1 1
Member (1): θ = 135 o , C = ,S=
2 2
1 1
 (1) (1)
  2
  − 
k k AE C CS AE 2 2
[k ](1) =  11 = =
12
 2 
 
(1) (1)
k 21 k 22  2h CS S  2h  1 1
−
 2 2 

Member (2): θ = 90 o , C = 0, S = 1
k 11
(2) ( 2)
k 12  AE 0 0
[k ] ( 2)
=  (2) =
k 21 k (222)  h 0 1 

1 1
Member (3): θ = 45 o , C = , S=
2 2

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1 1 
 k ( 3)
k ( 3)
 AE 2 2 
=  11 =
12
[ k ] ( 3) ( 3)
  
k (223) 
k 21 2h  1 1
 2 2 
2. Combine the three member stiffness matrices into the structure stiffness matrix.

k 11
(1)
+ k 11
(2)
+ k 11
( 3) (1)
k 12 + k 12
( 2)
+ k 12
( 3)
 AE 1 0 
[K ] =  (1)  =  
k 21 + k 21 + k 21
( 2) ( 3)
k (221) + k (222) + k (223)  2 h 0 1+ 2

3. Write the matrix equation for the structure, [F] = [K][U] and solve for the non-zero
displacements
 P  AE 1 0  u 1 
− 2P  =   
  2 h 0 1 + 2   v 1 
u  2 Ph  1 
∴  1 =  2 
 v1  AE − 
 1+ 2 

4. Solve for the reactions at node 2.

To do this we have to revert to the full 4x4 member stiffness matrix for member 1,

Fx A   C2 CS − C 2 − CS ∆x A 

 Fy    
 A  = AE / L  CS S2 − CS − S 2  ∆y A 
 Fx B  − C 2 − CS C 2 CS  ∆x B 
    
− CS − S S 2   ∆y B 
2
 Fy B  CS

Fy 21

Fx 21
2

Select 3rd and 4th rows (forces at the end of element)

Select 1st and 2nd columns (non-zero displacement at beginning of element)

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Fx(12)  AE − C 2 − CS u 1  1 1
 (1)  =    v  where C = − ,S =
Fy 2  2 h − CS − S 2   1 2 2
2Ph − 2 2Ph
∴ u1 = , v1 =
AE AE(1 + 2 )
Fx(12) = −0.914P , Fy(12) = 0.914P

d5 d8
Example 2
Find u2, v2, θ2 and reactions at support 1. d6 d4 d9 d7
M 2
3
2
2 1

1 AE/L
EI/L3=1 d2
1
d3 d1

d1 = d2 = d3 = d7 = d8 = d9 = 0
d4 = u2, d5 = v2, d6 = θ2
d 4  0
Only three non-zero displacements, d 5  and corresponding forces 0
 
d 6  M 

K 44 K 45 K 46 

So the structure stiffness matrix will be of the form, [K ] = K 54 K 55 K 56 

K 64 K 65 K 66 

The transformation matrix is a 3x3 subset of the 6x6 matrix,

 cos θ sin θ 0
[T] = − sin θ cos θ 0
 0 0 1

1. Form member stiffness matrices using coordinate transformation method.

Member (1): θ = 90o, C = 0, S = 1

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 0 1 0
[T] = − 1 0 0
 0 0 1

Member stiffness matrix in local coordinates is

AE / L 0 0  12 0 0 
 0 12EI / L3 6EI / L  =  0 12 6L 
2  

 0 6EI / L2 4EI / L   0 6L 4L2 

12 0 6L 
[k ] (1)
=  0 12 0 
6L 0 4L2 

The member stiffness matrix in global coordinates is [T]T[K][T].

Member (2): θ = 0o , C = 1 , S = 0

1 0 0
[T] = 0 1 0
0 0 1

Member stiffness matrix in local coordinates is

AE / L 0 0  12 0 0 
 0 12EI / L3 6EI / L  =  0 12 6L 
2  

 0 6EI / L2 4EI / L   0 6L 4L2 

12 0 0 
[k ] (2)
=  0 12 6L 

 0 6L 4L2 

The member stiffness matrix in global coordinates is [T]T[K][T].

2. Combine the two member stiffness matrices into the structure stiffness matrix.

12 0 6L  12 0 0  24 0 6L 

[K ] = [k ] ( (1)
+ [k ] (2)
)     
= 0 12 0  + 0 12 6L = 0 24 6L 

6L 0 4L2  0 6L 4L2  6L 6L 8L2 
     

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3. Write the matrix equation for the structure, [F] = [K][U] and solve for the non-zero
displacements

 0  24 0 6L  u 2 
 0  = 0 24 6L   v 
    2 
M  6L 6L 8L  θ 2 
2

 
u2  −1
  M  
∴  v2  =  − 1
20 L  4 
θ 2   
L

4. Solve for the reactions at support 1.

To do this we have to revert to the full 6x6 member stiffness matrix,

 12 0 0 − 12 0 − 6L 
 0 12 6L 0 − 12 0 

 0 6L 4L2 6L 0 2L2 
[k ] ( 2) = 
 − 12 0 6L 12 0 0 
 0 − 12 0 0 12 6L 
 
− 6L 0 2L2 0 6L 4L2 

Select rows 1, 2 and 3 (corresponding to forces to be calculated), select columns 4, 5 and 6

(corresponding to non-zero displacement)

1
M1
1
1 Fx1
1
Fy1

 Fx(11 )  − 12  
0 − 6L  u 2  − 1
 (1)     v  = 3M  1 
 Fy1  =  0 − 12 0   2  5L  L 
M 1(1)   6L 2L2  θ 2 
   0  
6

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 59
Matrix analysis

3M
5L
M
10 3M
M 5L

M
10 3M
5L

3M
5L

5. Check (using symmetry)

M M 3 3
ΣM 1 = M + + − M− M
10 10 5 5
=0
OK

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 60
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1.9 Practice problems

1. Assume E = your student ID x 104 Pa and G = 80,000 MPa in problem 1 and 2.
Remember to visualise the deflected shape first.

10 kNm

5m

Construct the member stiffness matrix, and draw the shear force and bending moment
diagrams for the beam shown (200 UB 25, I = 23.6 x 106 mm 4) (use 4 degrees of freedom)

2. A flagpole of 101.6 mm outside diameter with 4.0 mm wall thickness pipe sways 200
mm and twists 200 due to wind on the flag. Construct the stiffness matrix for the
flagpole, and find the shear and torque exerted at the top of the pole (I = 1.46 x 106
mm4, J = 2930 x 103 mm4) (use 3 degrees of freedom)

6m

3. Draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams for the beam shown below. Find the
vertical deflection at the centre of the second span. 250 UB 31. E = your student ID x
104 Pa. I = 44.4 X 106 mm4

80 kN
20 kN/m

1m 1m 6m

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4. Draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams for the frame shown below. 250 UB
31. E = your student ID x 104 Pa. I = 44.4 X 106 mm4

2 kN/m

5m

4m
10 kN

5. For the truss shown in Figure 3.1, using AE for all members, find
- the expressions for the displacements u2 and v2
- the expressions for the reactions Fx1 Fy1 Fx3 Fy3
in terms of AE and L.

Fy2


L
Fx2
1  2

Figure 3.1
6. A plane truss is located as shown in Figure 3.2. Find the displacement at point 2 and
point 3. Find the reactions at point 1 and point 4. (Assume E = your student ID x 104 Pa
and a 219.1 x 8.2 CHS for all elements and L = 2 metres).
2
P

1 3
2
45 3 45

1 4 5 4
2P

L L
F

Figure 3.2
Model the structure in Spacegass and confirm your answers.

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Unit CIV5136: Structural Analysis Topic 1: 62
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7. A two-member frame is loaded as shown in Figure 3.3. Find the deflection at point 2.
Find the reactions at point 1 and point 3. Assume EA and EI for all elements, EA/L = 12,
EI/L3 =1, L = 1.
1 2 M
1
2
45 3

L L

Figure 3.3
Model the structure in Spacegass and confirm your answers.
8. A two-member frame is loaded as shown in Figure 3.4. Find the deflection at point 2,
Find the reactions at point 1 and point 3. Assume: E = your student ID x 104 Pa and a
250 x 150 x 9 RHS for all elements, L = 5 metres.

6m
q 10
= kN/m
L2
M = 10 kNm
1 1 2
2

45 3

L L

Figure 3.4

Model the structure in Spacegass and confirm your answers.

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