Finite-element Design of Concrete Structures

global stiffness matrix [K], from which the unknown nodal displacements {u} can be
calculated.
[K] . {u}={F}
where:
[K] is the global stiffness matrix [K] [K]e
{u} is the vector of nodal displacements
{F} is the vector of nodal forces (loading).
The main task is to nd form functions that can approximate the behaviour of a special
structural element and satisfy the compatibility condition. For simple elements such as
the two-noded truss element shown in Figure 1.3, the relation between the nodal

Figure 1.3 Two-noded plane truss element (without torsion)

u2

u5
u6

u1
u3

u4

x
l
EA : axial stiffness
EI: bending stiffness
V
M

stresses
ec s N s M t
N

Nodal degrees of freedom

F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6

E .A
l

.
-E A
l

12EIx
l3

6EIx
l2

x
- 12EI
l3

6EIx
l2

6EIx
l2

4EIx
l

x
- 6EI
l2

2EIx
l

.
-E A
l

E .A
l

12EIx
l3

x
- 6EI
l2

x
- 6EI
l2

4EIx
l

x - 6EIx
- 12EI
l2
l3

6EIx
l2

2EIx
l

Element stiffness matrix

u1
u2
u3
u4
u5
u6