RÉPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON

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PAIX – TRAVAIL – PATRIE PEACE – WORK – FATHERLAND
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MINISTÈRE DES TRAVAUX PUBLICS MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS
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ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DES NATIONAL ADVANCED SCHOOL OF PUBLICS
TRAVAUX PUBLICS WORKS
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UNIVERSITE DE PADOVA UNIVERSITY OF PADOVA
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DEPARTEMENT DE GENIE CIVIL DEPARTEMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Civil Engineering Third Year Project

Theme:
Finite element analysis (fem) of a frame

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NAME SURNAME REGISTRATION NUMBER
MAMA YEMELI Amadou Rufin 18TP21695
TCHACHOU NJATCHA Neville 18TP21549
YAMTCHEU MONTHE Ernest Rudi 18TP21711
NOUTCHUIME JONJEU Christian V. 18TP21650

Supervisors:
Ing. BEATRICE POMARO
Assistant:
Ing. Beaudin Freinrich DONGMO
Head of department of civil engineering:
Pr. Michel MBESSA
 Table of content
1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 3
2 ANALYTICAL RESOLUTION OF THE HYPERTSTATIC STUCTURE ..................................................................................... 3
2.1 Generalities ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Nature of the structure ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Equivalent isostatic structure ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.4 M-T-N diagrams .................................................................................................................................................. 7
3 NUMERICAL RESOLUTION .......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Modeling the frame structure .......................................................................................................................... 10
4 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................................. 23

Bibliography………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………25

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1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION
A structure is a system interconnected elements use to carry load safely and transfer them to the
earth. Basically in building structures there are two types of structures: frame structure and load bearing
structures. Talking about frame structure: it is a network of beams and columns joint up to form a skeleton
frame work of a building. load bearing structure is a structural system where loads of the building itself and
the live loads get transferred to the subsoil
Structural analysis is the determination of the effect of loads on physical structures and their components.
Before the digital age simple and complex structures were solve by using simplified assumptions and method
of computations which was energy consuming and time costly.
In following paragraphs, we will use both analytical method using virtual work; and numerically (finite
element approach) using a software: STRAUS 7 in solving a frame structure.

2 ANALYTICAL RESOLUTION OF THE HYPERTSTATIC STUCTURE

2.1 Generalities
Also called statically indeterminate structures, a hyperstatic structure is a structure in which the
number of degrees of freedom is greater than the number of constraints. The static equilibrium equations-
fog<g<rce and moment equilibrium conditions- are insufficient for determining the internal forces and
reaction on the structure. Special methods like moment distribution method, column method, virtual work
method, matrix method, force method, displacement method, influence line method etc. are used for
analysis. In our case we will use the force based method (the constraints reactions are the unknowns), then
apply the virtual work principle to determine the hyperstatic unknown.

1 2

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F IGURE 2-1 : HYPERSTATIC STRUCTURE

2.2 Nature of the structure

Total number of degrees of freedom: 3𝑛 = 3 ∗ 3 = 9
Total number of constraints: 𝑐 = 3 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 10

We have 3𝑛 − 𝑐 = −1 < 0 then our structure is Hyperstatic.

B A and D, we have built-in support, so beam (1) and (3) are fixed (see Figure 2-2
At points
above). Since (2) is between (1) and (3) and is hinged to beam 1, we conclude that (2) is also
fixed; so all the structure is fixed: 𝑙 = 0
We have 3𝑛 − 𝑐 = 𝑙 − 𝑖 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑙 = 0 → 𝑖 = −(3𝑛 − 𝑐) = −(−1) = 1
As i = 1, the structure has 1 degree of hyperstaticity, or one additional constraint.
A
Conclusion: The structure is hyperstatic fixed with one additional constraint.

2.3 Equivalent isostatic structure

By liberating one constraint and replacing it by a force X, we obtain an equivalent isostatic
structure as seen in figure 2

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FIGURE 2-2: EQUIVALENT ISOSTATIC STRUCTURE

2.3.1 Resolution of the Isostatic structure

The reactions are as shown in FIGURE 2-3

FIGURE 2-3: CONSTRAINT REACTIONS

Equilibrium equations:
𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
 ∑ 𝑉𝐶 =0 → 𝑉𝐷 = 0
𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡
 ∑ 𝑉𝐶 =0 → 𝑉𝐴 = 0
 ∑ 𝑀𝐵𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 = 0 → 𝑀𝐴 + 𝑉𝐴 . 𝐿 − 𝑋𝐿 − 𝑀 = 0 → 𝑀𝐴 = 𝑀 + 𝑋. 𝐿
 ∑ 𝑀𝐷𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 0 → 𝑀𝐷 + 2𝐿. 𝑉𝐷 − 𝐿. 𝐻𝐷 = 0 → 𝑀𝐷 = 𝑋. 𝐿

Finally we obtain : → 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐷 = 0 → 𝐻𝐷 = 𝑋
→ 𝑀𝐷 = 𝑋. 𝐿 → 𝑀𝐴 = 𝑀 + 𝑋. 𝐿
Let’s plot the Moment’s diagram of the equivalent isostatic structure

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F IGURE 2-4

2.3.2 Fictitious structure

F IGURE 2-5
1. We can obtain the fictitious moment diagram by removing the moment M and resolving the structure with
𝑋 = 𝑋 ∗ = 1 (see figure 2-6 ).

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F IGURE 2-6

Applying he theorem of virtual work we obtain:

𝑀
∆𝛷𝐴 (𝑀, 𝑋) = ∫ 𝑀∗ ( + 𝜇) 𝑑𝑍 , 𝜇 = 0
𝐸𝐼
1 𝐿 1 √2𝐿 𝑧2 𝑋𝑧2
= ∫ 𝑧 (𝑀
𝐸𝐼 0 1
+ 𝑋𝑧1 )𝑑𝑧1 + 𝐸𝐼 ∫0 −
√2
(−
√2
) 𝑑𝑧2

𝐿
𝑧1 2 𝑋𝑧1 3 𝑧2 3 √2𝐿 3𝑀 −1
Then 0 = [ 𝑀+ ] + [ ] → 𝑋 = − 2𝐿 (1 + √2)
2 3 0 6 0

→ 𝑋 = 1242.6406 𝑁
2.4 M-T-N diagrams
From the equation of equilibrium of the equivalent isostatic structure, we obtain the following reactions:
𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐷 = 0 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐷 = 0𝑁
𝐻𝐴 = 𝑋 𝐻𝐴 = −1242.640N
𝑀𝐴 = 𝑀 + 𝑋𝐿 𝑀𝐴 = 2272.078𝑁𝑚
𝐻𝐷 =X 𝐻𝐷 = −1242.640N
𝑀𝐷 =XL 𝑀𝐷 = 3727.92Nm

The final resolved structure is as shown below;

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 𝑀𝐷 = 3727.92Nm

𝐻𝐷 = 1242.640N

𝐻𝐴 = 1242.640N

𝑀𝐴 = 2272.078𝑁𝑚

2.4.1 Moment diagram

3727.922N

6000.000N

2272.078N

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 2.4.2 Shear diagram

878.679N

1242.078N

2.4.3 Axial (normal) force diagram

878.679N

1242.078N

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3 NUMERICAL RESOLUTION
3.1 Introduction
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a procedure for the numerical solution of the equation that govern the
problems in nature. Usually the behavior of nature can be described by equations expressed in integral or differential
form. For this reason, the FEM is understood in mathematical circles as a numerical technique of solving partial
differential or integral equations.
Generally, the fem allows users to obtain the evolution in space and/or time of one or more variables representing the
behavior of as system.
When we refer to the analysis of structures the fem is a powerful method of computing the displacement, stress and
strains in a structure under a given set of loads. This precisely what is the aim of this journey.

3.2 Modeling the frame structure

We start by launching the software by double clicking the strand 7 icon in figure below

The software home window is presented as follows:

Our frame structure is made up of 2 fixed joints at the edges, a hinge, a double connecting rod, 3
beams.

3.2.1 File creation:

 Click on file/new: first icon on the bar menu;
 Define the units in the dialogue box. For example: length(m), mass(Kg), force (N), pressure and stress in Pa;
 Click on OK.

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3.2.2 Node creation
Nodes are starting points in strand 7. They serve as attachment points for element. They are inserted
by entering their coordinates based on the length and orientation of the beam.
 Click create/node in the menu bar;

 Enter the coordinates of the nodes and apply. The system below is obtained:

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3.2.3 Beam creation:
Beams are created as follows
 Click create/element in the menu bar
 In the dialogue box at the left corner, unroll the arrow under type and select beam 2
 Select the nodes in a way so as to obtain the required structure
So we obtain:

3.2.4 Definition of constraints at joints

The constraints are either internal or external:

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 - external constraints are defined using node attributes. Our structure is made of 2 fixed joint
constraints located at the ends. To define node constraints, we:
 click attributes/node/restraint, on the menu bar;
 select the desired node we want to constraint;
 free or fix the rotation and/or translation in the respective directions, then;
 apply.
From the above steps we obtain:

- the internal constraints are defined by releasing the end of one of the adjacent elements(beams)
in rotation or translation following its axis. In our structure we can identify a hinge(rotation) and a
double connecting rods (vertical translation).
To define an internal constraint, we
 click attributes/beams/end release;
 then we choose rotation for the hinge and translation for double connecting rods;

 select the required beam end;

 then, we release the rotation or translation following the axes indicate in the dialogue box
in accordance with the required end release;

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  finally, we click apply.
the results are as shown below:

Rotation about axis 1

Translation in axis 2

The constraints defined, the next is to define the loading.

3.2.5 loading condition

we have a point moment M = 6KN at 𝐵 on the body one. To assign the moment to point 𝐵, we:
 click on attributes/node/moment
 enter 6000 (since our unit for moment was set in Nm) in the Z –axis since our frame is in XY-
plane
 select the node at B then apply

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 a) properties of the beam
The material chosen for this project is structural steel. The following steps shows how to define it;
 click on in the menu bar property/beam;

 we click on material… in window, choose steel (structural) /steel/ok

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Our steel already has default properties (Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio etc.) provided by the software. The elastic
property (the young’s modulus) of our structure was not given but can be obtained from the bending stiffness EI. So we
need determine I the moment of inertia of cross section. We obtain it by defining the geometry of the cross section.
 In the property window, click on geometry /library. We then choose a defined section in the software
library/SHS/ Square Hollow Section: 100 x 100 x 6.0 SHS.

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We obtain the following section:

 Next, we click on section;

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  The software computes automatically the moment of inertia 𝐼 = 3.04𝑒 − 4 𝑚4 . Hence,
𝐸𝐼 3 ∗ 106
𝐸= = = 986842105263.157 𝑃𝑎
𝐼 3.04𝑒 − 4
 We can replace the default value of the modulus provided by strand 7 with E computed above as seen
below:

All the input set, the next step is solving.

b) Verifying and solving the structure:

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  Click solver/linear static/solve in the menu bar;

The solving starts and the structure is verified. Number of error will be signal if any.

The structure is correct since no error is signaled. The structure is solved.

c) Results
After verification and solving, the results can be obtained:
 Click on results/open results file/open on the menu bar;

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  In the tool bar, the result setting change from grey to colored
 Click on results settings/diagram/force/moment/bending moment/ok;

Result settings

 Moment diagram (M)

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  Shear diagram (T)

 Normal force diagram (N)

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  The reactions at the nodes can also be obtained in the same way;

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 The value of the reactions at A and D are presented in the table below;

Node Moment (Nm) Vertical force (N) Horizontal force (N)

1 2278.785 0000.000 1240.068
5 3720.205 0000.000 1240.068

Here the structure has been completely solved, the next is to compare the result by the one obtained by hand.

3.2.6 Results interpretation

The table below shows the maximum values of the results obtain in strand 7 and hand solving
Method Hyperstatic Bending Shear force (N) Axial force (N)
unknown (N) moment (Nm)
Software 1240.068 6000.000 3720.205 1240.068 1240.068
Hand 1242.640 6000.000 3727.922 1242.640 1240.640
Difference 2.572 0.000 7.717 2.572 2.572
(absolute)
We observe a difference in the order less than one tens (<10). That is, less than 0.001Kunit
Perhaps, the error is in the order of 10−4 .

4 Conclusion
Finally, here is the end of the work in the aim was to solve a statically indeterminate structure using
the “traditional” method learnt in MEng II and the FEM by using a software: strand 7. Various results
were obtained from different approach which were then compared in a table. The differences (error)
in the corresponding results of numerical and analytical approach were of order of 10−4 which is very
insignificant as compared to the computed values.
. This difference can result from:
- Approximations during computation by hand;

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 - Incorrect definition of constraint at node or at beam end in the software;
- The definition of geometry, material, load, modulus etc. in the software can also be a source of
error;
In terms of efficiency the computation by machine is faster and more precise since it takes into account the structure
and its material parameters which are not considered during analytical solving. There’s the need of a certain master of
software in order to inter the exact parameters given and well define the constraint, load, boundary conditions,
elasticity parameters, geometry.
Hence, for a civil engineer in particular and all engineers in general, the use of computer software
to solve life situations saves time and energy than by hand solving which takes more time and is sometimes
cumbersome. Hence, difficult or impossible to solve. Nevertheless, the necessity of the traditional method is not to
neglect. if well solved can be a good reference for the result in the software.

4.1.1 Drawbacks
Some of our limits during this exercise was:
- The absence of a good collaboration between members.
- The learning of the software took most of the time with various number of unsuccessful trials

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Bibliography
 MEng II NOTES OF STRENGTH OF MATERIALS 2019/2020
 Strand 7 user manual
 CAPENTERI TEXTBOOK
 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/9786-1-4020-8733-2-1
 https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9I%C3%A9ments_finis

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