MATRIX CES001

1.1 Definition and Scope of Structural Analysis

Structural analysis is defined by Kassimali (2022) as "the process of
predicting the performance of a given structure under a prescribed loading
condition". In this definition, loading conditions refer to applied forces and
other external conditions such as support displacements and temperature
changes, while performance refers to:

 forces and stresses at any point in the structure;

 displacements, including translational (deflections) and rotational
(slope) displacements; and
 support reactions.

In actual practice, before designing a structure, structural analysis must be

performed in order to be able to characterize the performance of the entire
structure and its individual components or members. The structural analysis
process flow typically follows an input-process-output configuration, as
shown below.

Typical Structural Analysis Process Flow (Tadiosa, 2022)

The structural configuration involves defining the geometry, section and
material properties, and support conditions of the structure. After defining its
configuration, loads and other actions are applied on the structure. These
two steps comprise the structural modeling process. After the structural
modeling process is completed, the structural analysis proper is
implemented. For simple structures, classical methods such as, but not
limited to, double integration method, work-energy methods, and moment
distribution method are performed. However, in most real-world cases,
commercial-grade softwares are used, which normally use modern methods
of structural analysis. After performing structural analysis, the performance
factors or outputs are determined and evaluated.
In line with this course, it is to be noted that for most structures, modern
methods are used to analyze them. One of the most commonly used
methods of structural analysis implemented in computer softwares
are matrix methods, which express the properties and performance of a
structure in terms of matrices. This course mainly deals with this particular
method.

1.2 Introduction to Matrix Methods of

Structural Analysis
Matrix methods of structural analysis started to develop with the following
classical methods:

 Method of Consistent Deformations: This method was

introduced by James C. Maxwell in 1864. This may also be
called force method in other books or references. It involves
reducing a statically indeterminate structure into a statically
determinate structure called a primary structure by releasing
enough support reactions, then reapplying them as forces such that
the original support conditions are satisfied. This method is most
useful on structures with low degrees of statical indeterminacy (i.e.
around first to third degrees) but becomes more tedious with higher
degrees.
 Slope-Deflection Method: This method was introduced by George
A. Maney in 1915. It involves solving the rotational displacements of
the nodes of a structure before solving for its internal forces (shear
and bending moment). Similar with method of consistent
deformations, the slope-deflection method is most useful on
structures with low degrees of statical indeterminacy but becomes
more tedious with higher degrees.

Before the development of computers, these methods are normally used,

together with other classical methods, to analyze structures. However, with
the invention of computers during the late 1940s, these methods became
the starting point to develop more generalized methods since solving
systems of equations with many unknowns became possible. Around this
time, two main matrix methods of structural analysis were developed, as
follows:

 Flexibility Method: This method is a generalization of the method

of consistent deformations in matrix form. It involves determining
the redundant forces first before solving for the other performance
parameters; and
 Stiffness Method: This method is a generalization of the slope-
deflection method in matrix form. It involves determining the
 displacements first before solving for the other performance
parameters.

Either methods may be used to analyze structures, but stiffness method is

more commonly implemented in computer softwares due to ease of
programming and implementation. This course is more focused on a
particular version of the stiffness method known as the direct stiffness
method.
Matrix methods are actually included in a more general method of structural
analysis called finite element methods. Finite element methods are
normally used for more sophisticated structure geometries with other
considerations, such as floor systems (slabs) and structural walls. It involves
discretization of a domain into several small components called elements,
then analyzing these individual components and combining them to form a
more general matrix equation considering the entire structure. Finite
element methods are more general and normally yield better results.
However, implementation of finite element methods is more tedious, both in
mathematical and programming contexts. Thus, for simpler structures with
no special considerations such as trusses and frames, matrix methods are
more than enough to get performance results close to reality.

1.3 Classification and Analytical Modeling of

Framed Structures
Classification of Framed Structures
Matrix methods of structural analysis is best performed for frame structures.
Framed structures are mainly classified into six basic categories, as follows:

 Plane Trusses: A truss is an assembly of straight members

connected at their ends with flexible connections, and with loads
only applied at its joints. These connections are usually pinned.
Thus, truss members are only capable of carrying axial loads,
whether in tension or compression. Plane trusses are a class of
trusses with its members that lie on a single plane. These are
normally used for roofs and bridges.
 Beams: A beam is a long straight structural member with its
loads applied perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. It is always
assumed that these loads are normally applied along the plane of
symmetry of the beam cross-section, which causes shears and
bending moments to develop.

 Plane Frames: Frames are structures that are made of straight

members connected either with rigid or flexible connections. Loads
are applied usually at either its joints or along its members. Its
members develop a combination of axial force, shear, and bending
moment. Plane frames are a class of frames with its members lying
on the same plane. These are normally used in most building
structures.

 Space Trusses: These are a class of trusses with its members lying
in three-dimensional space. Space structures such as this are
normally analyzed using classical methods in vector form. These are
normally used in more sophisticated roof systems.
 Grids: Grids are plane frames with loads applied perpendicular to
the plane where its members lie. These are normally used in floor
systems.
 

 Space Frames: These are a class of frames with its members lying
in three-dimensional space. These are considered to be the most
general type of framed structure since all possible internal loads
such as axial load, torque, shear, and bending moment may
develop. All other types of framed structures enumerated above are
simplifications of space frames.

Analytical Modeling of Framed Structures

Matrix methods of structural analysis involves proper modeling of a given
structure, meaning building its analytical model. An analytical model of a
structure is an idealized representation of a given structure, which captures
its configuration and loading conditions that is closest to its real
representation. A real structure is seen as a three-dimensional object, even if
it is designed as a plane structure because its individual members are solids,
meaning they have length, width, and thickness or depth, which are its three
fundamental dimensions. However, representing a structure as an assembly
of solids require more tedious methods such as finite element methods to be
analyzed, and this is impractical since it is shown that the three-dimensional
variation of internal loads on typical structural members (i.e. with cross-
sectional dimensions much smaller than its length) does not significantly
vary, thus simplifying them with analytical models are necessary to make
analysis easier.
SUMMARY:

1. Definition and Scope of Structural Analysis

 Structural analysis predicts the performance of a structure under loading conditions

(forces, displacements, temperature changes).
 Performance factors include:
o Forces and stresses.
o Displacements (translational and rotational).
o Support reactions.
 Structural analysis process: Define configuration → Apply loads → Perform analysis →
Evaluate performance.
 Modern methods of structural analysis, such as matrix methods, are commonly used in
software.

2. Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis

 Classical Methods as Foundations:

o Method of Consistent Deformations (Maxwell, 1864): Simplifies a statically
indeterminate structure, useful for low degrees of indeterminacy.
o Slope-Deflection Method (Maney, 1915): Focuses on node rotation and internal
forces, also suited for low degrees of indeterminacy.
 Matrix Methods:
o Flexibility Method: Generalizes consistent deformations, solves for redundant
forces first.
o Stiffness Method: Generalizes slope-deflection, solves displacements first.
Commonly used in software.
 Finite Element Methods: For complex geometries, discretizes structures into smaller
elements, more accurate but tedious.

3. Classification and Analytical Modeling of Framed Structures

 Types of Framed Structures:

o Plane Trusses: Assemblies of straight members connected at joints, only carrying
axial loads (tension/compression).
o Beams: Long, straight members with perpendicular loads causing shear and
bending moments.
o Plane Frames: Straight members connected rigidly or flexibly, develop axial
forces, shears, and moments.
o Space Trusses: Trusses in three-dimensional space, used for sophisticated
structures like roofs.
o Grids: Plane frames with perpendicular loads, commonly used in floor systems.
o Space Frames: Three-dimensional frames that develop all possible internal
forces.
 Analytical Modeling:
o Simplifies the real 3D structure into a model that captures geometry, loads, and
support conditions.
o Matrix methods simplify analysis for typical structures like trusses and frames,
without needing full finite element modeling.