Professional Documents
Culture Documents
25 kN
50 kN
100 kN
50 kN
15 m
15 m
displacement
displacement
75 kN
50 kN
shear force
FEM
analytical results
integration point
75 kN
10 kN/m
50 kN
real loading
35m
Finite Element model
25 kN
=0
25 kN FE-nodal forces
Furthermore, loads on xed nodes are mostly neglected in the design and hence in the
results. The total support force is only the sum of the loads on the unrestrained nodes.
This has to be considered when support forces from FE analyses are used for the loading
of other members. Loads on columns and walls, which may be fully restrained in the
numerical model, are neglected by some structural software.
The nodal forces result from the chosen element with respect to its shape functions and
not from engineering experience. Figure 1.6 shows the nodal forces for a four-noded
and an eight-noded plate element under constant vertical loading. For the four-noded
element, the load is distributed equally to the nodes, whereas the eight-noded element
shows uplifting forces at the edge nodes.
9