MATRIX METHODS
There are several matrix methods used in the analysis of structures, however, two of them
stand out:
Stiffness matrix
Flexibility matrix (force method)
Stiffness Matrix Method
Stiffness analysis is a very useful approach to the analysis of both statically determinate and
indeterminate beams and frames and is utilized in most computer softwares.
What is stiffness?
It is defined as the force required to cause a unit displacement (whether horizontal or vertical)
in a structural element.
What is a node?
A node is a particular point in a structure where members intersect or connect. They can also
be referred to as joints
What is compatibility?
Displacements and rotations of members connected at a node are said to be compatible if they
are consistent with each other
What is redundancy?
Redundancy is the ability of a structure to withstand loads even if one or more of its members
fails or are removed. To make a support or element redundant simply means that, it is to be
plugged out or removed.
What is local stiffness matrix?
Local stiffness is the local coordinate system used in determining the deformations within a
particular member in a structural system.
What is global stiffness matrix?
Global stiffness is the global coordinate system used in determining the deformations within
a whole structural system. Consider Hooke’s law which states that provided the elastic limit
of a material is not exceeded, the force applied to it is directly proportional to the
deformation caused in the material.
The force, F causing the deformation u will have a global stiffness matrix K. I.e. F=KU. For
a local system, f=ku.
4.1 Consider a beam element with 2 spans. The first span is 5 m long while the second span is
4 m long. The first span carries a uniformly distributed load of intensity 10 kN/m. The second
span carries a central point load.
a) Compute all bending moments and shear reactions
b) Draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams
Consider EI as constant
Step 1: Establish a coordinate system by labelling all nodes
Step 2: Lock all joints (restrict all joints that have a degree of freedom). In this case, the
system has 2 degrees of freedom (the rotations at support B and C)
Step 2: Release support B and C in succession. Support A cannot be released. Why? (it is
permanently clamped and has no degree of freedom)
Support B is released
Support C is released
Step 3: Compute all stiffness values
k11 = 0
k 21 = 0
k 31 = 0
k12 = 0
4EI 4𝐸𝐼
k 22 = + = 1.8𝐸𝐼
5 4
2EI
k 32 = = 0.5𝐸𝐼
4
k13 = 0
2EI
k 23 =
4
4EI
k 33 = = 𝐸𝐼
4
Step 4: Compute all fixed end moments
F
10(5)2
MAB = − = −20.833 𝑘𝑁𝑚
12
F
10(5)2
MBA = = 20.833 𝑘𝑁𝑚
12
F
5(4)
MBC = − = −2.5𝑘𝑁𝑚
8
F
5(4)
MCB = = 2.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚
8
Step 5: Assemble local stiffness matrix
(To assemble the local stiffness matrix, use Hooke’s law such that f=ku)
To obtain f, negate the net moment which is acting at a particular node. For node 2, it is being
F F
subjected to two fixed moments, namely MBA and MBC . Similarly, for node 3, it is being
F
subjected to one fixed moment namely MCB .
Also apply all boundary conditions
−(20.833 − 2.5) 1 1.8 0.5 𝜃𝐵
( )= ( )( )
−(2.5) 𝐸𝐼 0.5 1 𝜃𝐶
𝜃 1 1.8 0.5 −1 −18.333
( 𝐵) = ( ) ( )
𝜃𝐶 𝐸𝐼 0.5 1 −2.5
𝜃 1 −11.02
( 𝐵) = ( )
𝜃𝐶 𝐸𝐼 3.01
Step 6: Assemble the global stiffness matrix
𝜃𝐴
𝑀𝐴𝐵 2 3 1 −3 𝛿𝐴
𝑉𝐴 ⋅ 𝐿 2𝐸𝐼 −3 −6 −3 −6
( 𝑀 )= ( ) 𝐿
𝐵𝐴 𝐿 1 3 2 −3 𝜃𝐵
𝑉𝐵(𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑡) 3 6 3 −6 𝛿𝐵
(𝐿)
