Computer Analysis Of Skeletal Structures

This book presents five computer programs in FORTRAN together with descriptions of how to use them for static analysis of skeletal structures. It includes several worked examples, including pin-jointed plane and space trusses, continuous beams, and two and three dimensional rigid-jointed frames.

First published in 1981. Computers are now increasingly used by structural engineers to speed up the lengthy calculations involved in the analysis of structures. This book by an author who has already published a series of similar manuals on ALGOL programs, presents computer methods for the analysis of skeletal structures. The main feature of the book is that it contains five full programs in FORTRAN, ready for use. An introductory text and a range of worked examples show how the programs can be used in practise. In addition to its value in design offices this book will also find a place in college and university departments of civil engineering and computer science as a means to introducing studnets to computer techniques.

Linear Analysis of Skeletal Structures meets the demands of a typical prominent structural engineering educator who aims to: "teach students how to model, how to use computer packages in real contexts, to validate models, verify results and carry out parameter studies. Hand analysis is now only for very simple problems and for back-of-envelope checks". The checks referred to are usually statically based and it is therefore presumed that the reader has a firm background in statics. This unique book principally: - tackles statically indeterminate structures - replaces traditional hand analysis teaching of indeterminate structures by a workbook format approach based on qualitative and quantitative (computer analysis) studies - provides comprehensive coverage of the behavior of skeletal structures - beams, plane trusses arches, plane frames, space trusses, grids and space frames - uses case studies to provide experience of, using computer packages in real contexts; worksheets to develop qualitative understanding; and computer based problems to carry out parameter studies - emphasises computer modeling and the validation of computer models and solutions. A workbook approach is used with individual chapters covering fundamentals, beams, plane trusses, arches, plane frames, space trusses, grids, and space frames. Each chapter describes the fundamental behavior of a particular structural form, which is supplemented by qualitative examples and problems. The book will make essential reading for all levels of structural, civil, mechanical and aerospace engineers. The book will be an invaluable aid for all students of structural and civil engineering, from the later years of an undergraduate course through to postgraduate work and the early stages of graduate training within the field.

This book deals with finite element analysis of structures and will be of value to students of civil, structural and mechanical engineering at final year undergraduate and post-graduate level. Practising structural engineers and researchers will also find it useful. Authoritative and up-to-date, it provides a thorough grounding in matrix-tensor analysis and the underlying theory, and a logical development of its application to structures.

Graph theory gained initial prominence in science and engineering through its strong links with matrix algebra and computer science. Moreover, the structure of the mathematics is well suited to that of engineering problems in analysis and design. The methods of analysis in this book employ matrix algebra, graph theory and meta-heuristic algorithms, which are ideally suited for modern computational mechanics. Efficient methods are presented that lead to highly sparse and banded structural matrices. The main features of the book include: application of graph theory for efficient analysis; extension of the force method to finite element analysis; application of meta-heuristic algorithms to ordering and decomposition (sparse matrix technology); efficient use of symmetry and regularity in the force method; and simultaneous analysis and design of structures.

Matrix analysis of structures is a vital subject to every structural analyst, whether working in aero-astro, civil, or mechanical engineering. It provides a comprehensive approach to the analysis of a wide variety of structural types, and therefore offers a major advantage over traditional metho~ which often differ for each type of structure. The matrix approach also provides an efficient means of describing various steps in the analysis and is easily programmed for digital computers. Use of matrices is natural when performing calculations with a digital computer, because matrices permit large groups of numbers to be manipulated in a simple and effective manner. This book, now in its third edition, was written for both college students and engineers in industry. It serves as a textbook for courses at either the senior or first-year graduate level, and it also provides a permanent reference for practicing engineers. The book explains both the theory and the practical implementation of matrix methods of structural analysis. Emphasis is placed on developing a physical understanding of the theory and the ability to use computer programs for performing structural calculations.

We three editors of this volume are former Ph. D. students of Professor Mircea Cohn at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Donald Grierson obtained his Ph. D. degree in 1968, Alberto Franchi in 1977, and Paolo Riva in 1988, and as such, we span almost the entire career of Professor Cohn at Waterloo. Even though we graduated during different decades in his life, we share similar views of Mircea Cohn as an educator, researcher and man. Together we recall that he was very firm in his resolve that we get the most out of the education he was facilitating for us. Together we agree that he was inspirational in his desire to have us carry out the very best research work we were capable of. Together we feel particularly fortunate to have had such a dedicated and distinguished individual as Professor Cohn as our Ph. D. research advisor. It is with great pleasure that we ack nowledge him as our mentor and friend. We began in 1989 to plan this volume as a tribute to Professor Cohn on the occasion of his 65th birthday in 1991. Upon contacting his many former students and research associates from around the world, we were not surprised to find that they too shared our feelings of respect and admiration for Mircea Cohn as an educator, researcher and man.

Significant changes have occurred in the approach to structural analysis over the last twenty years. These changes have been brought about by a more general understanding of the nature of the problem and the develop ment of the digital computer. Almost all s~ructural engineering offices throughout the world would now have access to some form of digital computer, ranging from hand-held programmable calculators through to the largest machines available. Powerful microcomputers are also widely available and many engineers and students have personal computers as a general aid to their work. Problems in structural analysis have now been formulated in such a way that the solution is available through the use of the computer, largely by what is known as matrix methods of structural analysis. It is interesting to note that such methods do not put forward new theories in structural analysis, rather they are a restatement of classical theory in a manner that can be directly related to the computer. This book begins with the premise that most structural analysis will be done on a computer. This is not to say that a fundamental understanding of structural behaviour is not presented or that only computer-based tech niques are given. Indeed, the reverse is true. Understanding structural behaviour is an underlying theme and many solution techniques suitable for hand computation, such as moment distribution, are retained. The most widely used method of computer-based structural analysis is the matrix stiffness method.