CIVL 435-537- Assignment 1, Direct Stiffness Method

Due Date: Mon Oct 4

1- Take the following steps to set-up and solve the following truss problem using
the direct stiffness method:
- Number the nodes, elements and degrees of freedom
- Write the stiffness matrix for each member in its local co-ordinate system
- Transform the stiffness matrices to the global co-ordinate system
- Assemble the stiffness matrices and build the structure’s stiffness matrix
- Apply the effect of supports and calculate the free part of the stiffness
matrix
- Write the system of equation and solve it for unknown displacements
- Discuss your observation and suggest some remedies to solve the issue.

E, A, L

E, A, L
E, A, 1.414L

2- Assume that a spring is attached to the structure of problem 1 as shown

below. The spring is perpendicular to the hypotenuse.
- What would be the effect of this spring in the stiffness matrix of the
structure?
- Build the stiffness matrix and solve the problem.
- Find the reactions at the supports

P
E, A, L

Ks=3EA/L

E, A, L
E, A, 1.414L

U:\Teaching\2010- CIVL435-537\Assignments\Assignment 1\Assignment1.doc

 3- Use the direct stiffness method to set-up and solve the problem for the
following beam structure:

P
E, I, L

Rigid link
E, I, L

Note: Use MATLAB or MathCad programs to set-up the matrices and equations
and solving them.

U:\Teaching\2010- CIVL435-537\Assignments\Assignment 1\Assignment1.doc