Higher institute of engineering & technology in El-Arish
Civil Department
FRAME ANLYSIS USING
STIFFNESS METHOD
Structural Analysis
حممود مسري حممد جوده/االسم
الفرقة الثالثة
حممود مسك.د
Contents
1. Introduction: ......................................................................................... 2
2. Direct stiffness method and the global stiffness matrix ............................ 3
3. Example: ............................................................................................... 5
pg. 1
1. Introduction:
1.1. Global Stiffness Matrix Assembly:
The individual member stiffness matrices are assembled into a single global stiffness
matrix representing the entire frame. This process involves considering member
connectivity at joints. Compatibility conditions ensure that displacements at connected
nodes are consistent. For example, if two members are joined at a node, the horizontal
displacement of one member at that node must be equal to the horizontal displacement
of the other member at the same node.
Assembly techniques like direct stiffness method and skyline method are used to
efficiently construct the global stiffness matrix, considering the sparsity of the
individual member stiffness matrices (many entries are zero).
1.2. Solving the System of Equations:
The global stiffness matrix equation, along with the load vector representing all applied
forces and moments, forms a system of linear equations. Solving this system using
matrix inversion techniques or iterative methods provides the nodal displacements of
the entire frame.
1.3. Advanced Considerations:
• Geometric Non-linearity: For large deformations, the geometry of the structure
can change, affecting the stiffness matrix. The stiffness method can be extended
to handle geometric non-linearity through iterative procedures.
• Material Non-linearity: In some cases, material behavior might not be linear
(e.g., plastic deformation beyond a certain stress level). The stiffness method
can be modified to incorporate material non-linearity through specialized
material models.
1.4. Member Stiffness Matrix Formulation:
Formulating the stiffness matrix for a member requires considering its geometry
(length, cross-sectional area, moment of inertia), material properties (Young's
modulus), and end conditions (fixed, hinged, roller). Different member types have
distinct stiffness matrix formulations. Here are some common examples:
pg. 2
• Axial Member: Represents a member experiencing only axial tension or
compression. The stiffness matrix relates the applied axial force (P) to the axial
displacement (δ) at each end.
• Beam: Represents a member subjected to bending moment and shear forces.
The stiffness matrix relates applied loads (transverse forces and moments) to the
resulting bending deflection and shear displacements along the member's length.
• Column: Similar to a beam, but additionally considers the axial force and its
influence on bending behavior. The stiffness matrix incorporates both axial and
bending effects.
These formulations involve applying principles of mechanics and material behavior to
derive relationships between forces, moments, and displacements for each member
type.
2. Direct stiffness method and the global stiffness matrix
Although there are several finite element methods, we analyses the Direct Stiffness
Method here, since it is a good starting point for understanding the finite element
formulation. We consider first the simplest possible element – a 1-dimensional elastic
spring which can accommodate only tensile and compressive forces. For the spring
system shown, we accept the following conditions:
• Condition of Compatibility – connected ends (nodes) of adjacent springs have
the same displacements.
• Condition of Static Equilibrium – the resultant force at each node is zero.
• Constitutive Relation – that describes how the material (spring) responds to the
applied loads.
The constitutive relation can be obtained from the governing equation for an elastic bar
loaded axially along its length:
pg. 3
The spring stiffness equation relates the nodal displacements to the applied forces via
the spring (element) stiffness. The minus sign denotes that the force is a restoring one.
From inspection, we can see that there are two degrees of freedom in this
model, ui and uj. We can write the force equilibrium equations:
In matrix form:
pg. 4
The order of the matrix is [2×2] because there are 2 degrees of freedom. Note also that
the matrix is symmetrical. The ‘element’ stiffness relation is:
3. Example:
pg. 5
pg. 6
pg. 7
pg. 8
pg. 9
