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THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

Anyaegbunam, A.J.a and Osadebe, N.N.b
a. Graduate Assistant, Dept. of Civil Engineering Enugu State University of Science and
Technology, P.M.B. 01660, Enugu, Nigeria, B.Eng.
b. Snr. Lecturer Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT
A simple and direct approach is presented for the formulation of the dynamic stiffness matrix of a
beam-column element. The traditional approach for analysis of a beam-column considers the mass as
being lumped and then considers the system as having a single degree of freedom (SDOF). In this
work the author considers the model as a system with distributed mass thereby treating the system as
having an infinite number of degrees of freedom. The differential equation of motion of this system,
in which the axial compressive force is accounted for, is derived by applying Newton's second law of
motion. By imposing the appropriate boundary conditions the dynamic stiffness matrix which
includes the effect of axial compressive force is synthesized. Using this matrix an existing result was
reproduced, namely that for a simply supported beam-column 1N = 1(1-) where 1N = the
fundamental vibration frequency of a beam-column, 1 =the fundamental vibration frequency of
vibration of an ordinary beam element and =the ratio of the actual axial load to the critical buckling
load. This formula is shown to be exact for a beam-column with simply supported ends but not less
than 98% accurate for beam columns with other end conditions. The dynamic stiffness matrix
derived herein is very useful for the dynamic analyses of arch bridges which carry both large
transverse loads and axial compressive forces. By a suitable modification it also applicable to
suspension bridges which carry both large transverse loads and axial tensile forces.

NOTATIONS
a

acceleration

C1

1N / 1

vector of nodal displacements

modulus of elasticity

moment of inertia

stiffness matrix

Length of element

Bending moment dependent on x only

Mt

Bending moment varying with x and t

17

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Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

applied axial load

Ncr

Critical or buckling load of a beam element

Shear force dependent on x only

Qt

Shear force varying with x and t

dimensionless factor = NcrL2/EI

translational displacement dependent on x only

vt

translational displacement varying with x and t

N/Ncr

dimensionless factors as defined

rotational displacement dependent on x only

dimensionless factor = 1L2(/EI)1/2

mass per unit length of element

dynamic-stability function; r = 3, 4,..

angular frequency

fundamental angular frequency of vibration of a beam element

1N

fundamental angular frequency of vibration of a beam-column element

INTRODUCTION
There exist some civil engineering structures which carry substantial transverse loads and are
subject to considerably high axial compressive forces. And example of such a structure is the arch
bridge. In such structures it is necessary to account for the axial forces in the dynamic analysis unless
the natural frequency obtained via the usual procedure would be in significant error. The normal
method for evaluating the natural frequency of a structure is to use a distributed mass model or a
multi- degree of freedom lumped mass model. This latter procedure is simpler but with the increased
use of computers analysis via the distributed mass approach has become realistic. The partial
differential, equation governing the vibration of a beam subjected to a tensile force is given in page
453 of [8]. The effect of tensile force is given for the case of a simply supported beam but the
solutions for other end conditions are lacking. There appears to be no derivation of the dynamic
stiffness matrix for a beam subject to axial force in the literature. In this paper the vibration of a
beam column subjected to axial compressive force is considered. It is note worthy that the solution
provided in this paper is applicable to a beam subjected to tension if a simple modification made,
namely the interchanging of and in the given expression and the replacement of N by N.
The aims of this paper can be summarized as follows:
1. To derive the dynamic stiffness matrix for a beam- column
5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

2. To determine the natural frequencies of a beam-column with different end conditions and
thereafter to formulate the effect of axial compressive force on the response of a beam-column.
It is assumed that the beam considered is straight and of uniform cross-section and that the material
follows Hookes Law. Additionally the deflections are assumed to be small.
The governing differential equation of the free vibration of a beam-column element

Mt + (Mt/x)dx

y
a

N + N/x)dx
Mt
(Vt/x)dx
N
dx
Qt

Qt+(Q/t)dx

Fig. 1 Element of Vibrating beamColumn

In Fig.1 is shown an element of a vibrating beam-column at the moment shown has a vertical
acceleration of a m/s2 upwards. By Newtons second law of motion: Resultant force = mass x
acceleration
Then - Qt + Qt + (Qt/x)dx = adx = dx(2vt/t2)
Qt/x = (2Vt/t2)

(1)

Taking moments about the center of mass of the element (in order to eliminate the inertial force)
(Mt/x)dx + Nt (Vt/x)dx + Qtdx = 0
Qt

= - Mt/dx - N(Vt/x)

(2)

From the elementary theory of beams with the vertical upward deflection positive and the convention
that sagging bending moment positive
Mt = EI(2Vt/x2)

(3)

Substituting Eq. (3) into Eq. (2) it is obtained that

Qt = - EI(3Vt/x3) N(Vt/x)

(4)

Substituting Eq. (4) into Eq. (1) gives

EI(4Vt/x4) + N(2Vt/x2)+ (2Vt/t2) = 0
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Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

This is the P.D.E governing the free flexural vibration of a beam-column element.
For the motion of the beam to be simple harmonic with zero initial velocity at time t = 0 it is taken
that vt(x,t) = V (x) cost, where is the angular frequency of vibration and on substitution into Eq.
5 this yields.
EI(d4V/dx4) + N(d2V/dx2) - 2V

=0

(6)

This is the linear O.D.E with constant coefficients governing the free vibration of a beam-column
element. It is solved by the substitution V(x) = Dex (where D is an arbitrary constant) to obtain the
characteristic equation
EI4 + N2 - 2 = 0

(7)

Eq. (7) has the solutions

= j/L and = /L
where

(8a)

j = (-1) and

= L{(N/2EI) + [(N/2EI)2 + 2/EI] }

(8b)

= L{-(N/2EI) + [(N/2EI)2 + 2/EI] }

(8c)

Consequently, the solution of Eq. (6) is

V(x) = D1cos (x/L) + D2 sin (x/L) + D3Cosh (x/L) + D4Sinh(x/L)

(9)

It is easily verified that = [2 - NL2/ EI]

(10)

Eq. (9) would be used to define the dynamic stiffness matrix of a beam-column element.

DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX FOR A BEAM COLUMN ELEMENT

Fig. 2 shows a beam-column element in its deflected shape. The sign convention used for end actions
is that clockwise moments and rotations are positive, and also upward shear forces and translations
are positive. The constants D1 D4 in Eq. (10) can be evaluated by the application of the following
boundary values:
.

V(0) = V1

V1(0)

= - 1

(11a)

V(L) = V2

V1( L) = - 2

(11b)

The bending moment M(x) is evaluated from Eq. (3) by putting Mt (x,t) = M(x) cos t and Vt (x, t)
= V(x) cos t (so that the response of the element is simple harmonic) to obtain
M(x) = EI(d2 V/dx2) = EI V11(x)

(12a)

In Fig. 2, M1 are M2 are end actions that are clockwise and in a positive sense. However, with respect
to the sign convention that sagging moments are positive, M1 is positive and M2 is negative.
The shear force Q(x) is obtained from Eq. (4) in a similar way to give
Q(x) = - EI(d3V/dx3) - N(dV/dx) = - EIV111 (x) - NV1(x)
5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

(12b)

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THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

The shear force given by Eq. (12b) is positive when it is as shown in Fig.3.

M2

Q2

M1

V2

N1

V1

-2
N2

-1

Q1
x
L
Fig. 2: Deformed beamcolumn

Q
Q

M
dx

Fig. 3: Positive directions of internal forces (shear forces and moments)

As consequence in Fig. 2, Q1 is negative and Q2 is positive. It is always important to bear in mind
the difference between an end action and an internal force.
The dynamic stiffness matrix for a beam- column element is obtained by the imposition of the
following boundary values:
- Q1

M(0)

Q (L) = Q2

M(L)

Q (0)

M1

(13a)

= - M2

(13b)

11

111

The expressions for V (x), V (x), V (x) are:

V(x) = D1cos(x/L) + D2 sin(x/L) + D3Cosh(x/L)+ D4Sinh (x/L)

(14a)

V1(x) = (/L)[-D1sin (x/L) + D2cos (x/L)] + (/L)[D3Sinh(x/L)+D4Cosh(x/L)]

(14b)

V11(x) = - (2/L2)[D1cos(x/L)+D2sin (x/L)]+(2/L2)[D3Cosh(x/L) + D4Sinh(x/L)]

(14c)

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

V111(x) = -(3/L3)[D1sin(x/L)+D2cos (x/L)]+(3/L3)[D3Sinh(x/L)+D4Cosh(x/L)]

(14d)

So that M(x) and Q(x) are given by

M(x) = -(EI2/L2)[D1cos(x/L)+D2Sin(x/L)+ (EI2/L2)[D3cosh(x/L)+D4Sinhx/L)]

(14e)

Q(x) = (EI3/L3)[-D1sin(x/L)+D2cos(x/L)] (EI3/L3)[D3Sinh(x/L)+D4 Cosh (x/L)]

- (N/L) [-D1sin(x/L) + D2cos(x/L)] (N/L)[D3 Sinh (x/L)+ D 4Cosh (x/L)]
= (/L) (EI2-N) [-D1sin(x/L)+D2cos(x/L)] - (/L)(EI2+N)[D3Sinh(x/L)-D4 Cosh (x/L)]
But EI2 + N = EI2 and EI2 - N = EI2 so that a result the following expression is obtained
Q(x) = (EI2/L3)[-D1sin(x/L)+D2cos(x/L)] - (EI2/ L3)[D3Sinh(x/L) + D4Cosh(x/L)]

(14f)

Using the boundary conditions of Eqs. (11a, b) together with Eqs. (14a, b) the following set of
simultaneous equations in D1, D2, D3, D4 are obtained
V(0) = D1 + D3 = - V1

(15a)

V1(0) = D2/L+ D4/L = - 1

(15b)

V(L) = D1cos + D2sin + D3cosh + D4Sinh = V2

(15c)

V1(L) = (/L)(-D1sin + D2cos) +(/L)(D3Sinh + D4Cosh) = 2

(15d)

The solution set of the above equations is

D1 = (-cosCosh + sinSinh)V1 + L(cosSinh-sinCosh)1 + (Cosh-cos)V2
- L(Sinh- sin)2

(16a)

D2 = -(cosSinh + sincosh)V1 - L(-cosCosh- sinSinh)1 +(sin + Sinh)V2

+ L(cosh - Cosh)2

(16b)

D3 = (-coshCosh - sinSinh )V1 - L(cosSinh-sinCosh)1+ (Cosh - cos)V2

+ L(Sinh - sin) 2

(16c)

D4 = (cosSinh +sin Cosh)V1 - L(-cosCosh+ sinSinh)1 - (sin +Sinh)V2

- L(Cosh - cos)2

(16d)

Where
= 2(1 cosCosh) (2 - 2)sinSinh

(16e)

Imposing the boundary conditions of Eqs. (13a, b) on Eqs. (14e, f) it is obtained that
M1 = M(0) = (EI/L2)(2D3 - 2D1)

(17a)

Q1 = - Q(0) = (EI/ L3)(D4 - D2)

(17b)

M2 = - M(L) = EI(2/L2)(D1cos + D2sin) - (EI2/L2 )(D3Cosh + D4Sinh)

(17c)

Q2 = Q(L) = EI(/L3)(-D1sin + D2cos D3Sinh -D4Cosh)

(17d)

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

Substituting for D1, D2, D3, D4 in the above equations gives:

M1L2/EI = - [2sinSinh + (2 -2)(1-cosCosh)]V1 + L(2+2)[sinCosh - cosSinh] 1
+ (2 + 2)(Cosh - cos) V2 + L(2+ 2)(Sinh- sin)

(18a)

Q1L3/EI = (2+2)(cosSinh+sinCosh )V1 -L[2sinSinh+( 2- 2)(1-cos Cosh)]1

- ( 2 + 2)(sin + Sinh)V2 - L(2 + 2)(Cosh - cos ) 2

(18b)

M2L2 /EI = - (2 +2) (Cosh - cos)V1 + L(2 + 2) (Sinh-sin )1

+ [2sinSinh + (2 -2)(1-cos Cosh )]V2 + L(2 +2)(sinCosh-cosSinh )2 (18c)
Q2L3/EI = - (2 +2)(sin +Sinh)V1 + L(2 + 2)(Cosh -cos) 1
+ (2 +2)(cos Sinh +sinCosh)V2+ L[2sinSinh +(2 -2)(1- cosCosh)]2 (18d)
On writing eqns (18a) to (18d) in matrix from the dynamic stiffness matrix for beam-column element
is obtained namely:

Q1

EI3
L3

-EI4
L2

-EI6
L3

-EI7
L2

V1

M1

-EI4
L2

EI5
L

EI7
L2

EI8
L

(19)

=
Q2

-EI6
L3

EI7
L2

EI3
L3

EI4
L2

V2

M2

-EI7
L2

EI8
L

EI4
L3

EI5
L2

Where the s are defined as

3 = (/) (2 + 2)(cosSinh + sinCosh )

(20a)

4 = (/) [(2 - 2)(1- cosCosh) +2Sin sinh ]

(20b)

5 = (1/) (2 +2)(sinCosh - cosSinh)

(20c)

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

6 = (/) (2 +2)(sin + Sinh)

(20d)

7 = (/) (2 +2)(Cosh - cos)

(20e)

8 = (1/) (2 +2)(Sinh - sin )

(20f)

and = 2(1 - cos Cosh) - ( 2 - 2)sinSinh

(20g)

= L{N/2EI + [(N/2EI)2 + 2/EI] }

(20h)

= [2 - NL2/ EI]

(20i)

The 4 by 4 matrix in Eq.(19) is the dynamic stiffness matrix of a beam-column element on Local
axes. The symbols 1 and 2 have been reserved for coefficients found in the longitudinal vibration
of bars.
Limiting values of the dynamic - functions
Case I ( N = 0, axial force absent)
In this case, = = L [2/EI]1/2, and Eq.(19) will contain the dynamic stiffness coefficients of an
ordinary beam element with the following -values as given with different symbols in page 466 of
[4].
3 = (3/) (cosSinh + sinCosh)
4 = (2/)sinSinh
5 = (/)( sinCosh - cosSinh )

(21)

6 = (3/)(Sinh + sin)
7 = (2/)(Cosh - cos )
8 = (/) (Sinh - sin )
Where = 1 - cosCosh
Case II ( = 0 , axially loaded non vibrating beam)
In this case = L(N/EI) and = 0, and, in the limit as tends to zero, Eq.(19) will contain the
static stiffness coefficients of a beam-column element (i.e. stability functions) with the following
values:
3 = 6 = (3/) Sin
4 = 7 = (2/) (1 - cos )
5 = (/) (sin - cos)
8 = (/) ( - sin )
Where = 2 - 2cos - sin
5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

Case III (N = 0 and = 0, static case)

In this case both and equal zero, and in limit as , tend to zero Eq. (19) will contain the static
stiffness coefficients of an ordinary beam element with the well known values:
3 = 6 = 12
4 = 7 = 6

(23)

5 = 4
8 = 2
Natural Vibration Frequencies of Beam-Columns with Different End Conditions
The natural frequency of vibration of a beam-column element, for any specified boundary
conditions, can be derived from the stiffness matrix of Eq. (19).
Eq. (19) takes the from
F = Kd

(24a)
M1

Where F = vector of end forces = (Q1

Q2

M2 ) T

(24b)

K = the stiffness matrix on Local axes that is defined by the 4 by 4 matrix on the RHS of Eq.(19).
d = vector of end displacements = ( V1
From Eq. (19)

V2

2)T

(24c)

K11 = (EI/L3)3 ; K13 = - (EI/ L3)6; K22 = (EI/L)5 etc.

Case I : Fixedended (clamped, clamped) beam column

2,M2

1,M1
1

N
2

V1,Q1

V2,Q2

Fig. 4. Fixed-ended beam-column

Method 1
The boundary values are V1= 1= V2 = 2 = 0 (i.e vector d = 0)
Now F = Kd
But F = [Q1, M1, Q2, V2]T 0
For non- zero value of F then it is necessary that = 0 where is defined by Eq. (20g)
Hence the characteristic equation defining the frequency of vibration of a fixedended beam-

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

column is given by
2(1- cosCosh) - (2 -2)sinSinh = 0

(25a)

Method 2
An alternative procedure is to consider half the beam as shown in Fig. 5. From the symmetry of the
deformation of the element (L/2) = Q(L/2) = 0. In addition, 1 = V1 = 0. However; it is obvious
that V(L/2) 0 and hence V(L/2) is the only degree of freedom. Utilizing Eq. (19), but taking
cognizance of the fact that the length of the element under consideration is L/2, it is obtained that
Q (L/2) = K33(L/2)V(L/2) =

EI
( / 2, / 2)V ( L / 2) = 0
( L / 2) 3

For V(L/2) to be nonzero implies that 3 (/2, /2)

= 0.

M(L/2)
N
1
N

M1

V(L/2)

Q1

L/2
Fig.5. Half of fixed-ended beam-column

Making use of Eq. (20a) the following alternative characteristic equation is obtained
(/2)cos /2)Sinh (/2) + (/2)sin(/2)Cosh(/2) = 0

(25b)

or

(25c)

(/2)tanh((/2) + (/2) tan(/2) = 0

Case II: Propped cantilever (clamped, simply-supported) beamcolumn

M2

Q1

N
Q2

Fig.6. Propped-cantilever beam-column

The boundary values are V1 = M1 = V2 = 2 = 0 ; 1 0
The only degree of freedom is 1. From Eq. (19) M1 = (EI/ L)5 1 = 0. Hence, for nonzero value of
1, 5 should equal zero.
5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

Using Eq.(20c) it is obtained that the characteristic equation is

sinCosh - cosSinh = 0
tan - tanh

or

(26a)

= 0

(26b)

Case III: Simply supported beam-column

N

L
Fig. 7. Simply-supported beam-column
The boundary values are V1= M1 = V2 = M2 = 0. But 1 0 and 2 0.
From Eq. (19) it can be deduced that
M1

EI5
L
=

M2

EI 8
L

=
EI8
L

EI5
L

(27a)
2

For 1 and 2 to have non-zero values the determinant of the 2 by 2 matrix in Eq. (27a) shall equal
zero, i.e. 52 - 82 = 0
Substituting the expressions for 5 and 8 from Eqs. (20c) and (20f) respectively it is obtained that
(sinCosh - cosSinh)2 - (Sinh- sin) 2 = 0
which on simplication yields
sinSinh[2(1- cosCosh) - (2 -2)sinSinh ] = 0

(27b)

The expression in the square brackets above represents the characteristic equation of a fixed ended
beam-column element, hence the characteristic equation of a simply supported element is given by
sin = 0
Which has the solution = n where n is any positive integer. The fundamental frequency of
vibration is obtained taking = . Thus for a simply supported beam the value of is independent
of N, the axial load.

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

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Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

Case IV: Cantilever (clamped, free) beamcolumn

1
N

V1

M2
Q2

L
Fig. 8. Cantilever beam-colum
The boundary values are V 2 =

2 = Q1 = M1 = 0 ; V1 0, 1 0.

Making use of Eq. (19) the following is obtained:

Q1

EI3
L3

-EI4
L2

V1

=
M1

0
=

-EI4
L2

EI 5
L

(28a)
0

And for nonzero values of V1 and 1 it is necessary for the 2 x 2 matrix in Eq. (28a) to have a zero
determinant, i.e. 35 - 42 = 0

(28b)

Utilizing Eq. (19), but taking cognizance of the fact that the length of the element under consideration is L/2, it is obtained that Q (L/2) = K33(L/2) V (L/2) = 0
For V(L/2) to be nonzero K33 (L/2) = EI 3 (/2, /2) = 0, that implies that 3 (/2, /2) = 0
.
(L/2)3
Substituting the expressions for 3, 4 and 5 from Eqs. (20a), (20b) and (20c) respectively into the
above and simplifying, it is obtained that
[2(1- cosCosh)-( 2- 2)sinSinh][(4+4)cosCosh) - (2 -2)sinSinh +22 2 ] = 0
(28c)
The first factor in Eq. (28c) is the characteristic equation of a fixedended beam-column, hence, the
characteristic equation for a cantilever beam-column is
(4 +4)cosCosh - (2 - 2)sinSinh +22 2 = 0

(28d)

Recalling that = (2 - NL2/ EI) ( see Eq. 11), the various transcendental characteristic Eqs. (25a)
or (25c), (26a) or (26b), and (28d), can be solved for for various values of the axial compressive

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

29

force N. It should be noted that the solution for a simply supported beam column is known and
equals = n, where n is any positive integer.
From Eq. (9b) = L{(N/2EI) + [(N/2EI)2 + 2/EI]1/2 }1/2
Making the subject of the formula the result is
= ( /L)2 [ (EI/) (1 - NL2/EI2)]1/2

(29)

Having obtained for a given N, Eq. (29) can then be used to calculate the angular frequency of
vibration of the beam-column. However, it is advantageous if these calculations are done in a
systematic manner. The buckling or critical bad of a beam element can be written as
Ncr = S(EI/L2)

(30a)

where S is a factor which depends on the end conditions of the beam and is given in Table 1 below.
Then S = Ncr L2 /EI

(30b)

The fundamental frequency of vibration of an ordinary beam element can be written as

= (1/L2) (EI /)1/2

(31)

where 1 is a factor which is dependent on the end conditions of the beam and are listed in Table 1
also.
Table 1 : Values of S and 1 for an ordinary beam element
Beam element
Fixed ended

S
4

1
22.37

Propped cantilever

20.19

15.42

Simply supported (Pin ended)

Cantilever

2/4

2
3.516

Any axial force can be expressed as N = Ncr

So that

NL2/EI = NcrL2/EI = S

(32)

Introducing the symbol 1N for the fundamental frequency of vibration of a beam- column element
and using Eqs. (29), (31) and (32) it is obtained that
1N = 12(1 - S/2)1/2
.
1
Where is the least positive root of the appropriate characteristic equation.

(33)

Consequently the fundamental frequency of vibration, 1N, of a beam-column element can be

expressed as
.

IN = C1 1
5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

(34a)

30

Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

Where 1 = the fundamental frequency of vibration of a corresponding beam element and C1 is a

coefficient given by
.
.

C1 = 2 (1- S/2)1/2
1

(34b)

where is the ratio of the given axial force to the critical (buckling) axial force, i.e.
.

= N/ Ncr

(34c)

It should be observed that by virtue of Eq. (32) that

.

= ( 2 - S)1/2

(34d)

NUMERICAL CALCULATIONS
The effect of axial compressive force on the frequency of vibration of beam element is measured by
the factor C1 given in Eq. (34b). This factor is obtainable in a closed form for a simply supported
beam but in order cases a transcendental equation needs to be solved. A simple computer program
was developed for getting the required solutions and calculating C1.

Simply supported beam-column

From Table 1, S = 1 = 2, = min
.

= . Consequently, from Eq. (34b)

C1 = 1

.
(35a)

Fixed ended beam column

From table 1, S = 42 and 1 = 22.37
.

C1 =

2
22.37

4 2

(36)

where is the smallest positive root of Eq. (25a) or (25c) with = 2 4 2 .

Propped cantilever beam Column
From Table 1, S = 20.19 and 1 = 15.42, so that
.

C1 =

2
15.42

20.19

Where is the smallest positive root of Eq. (26b) with = 2 20.19 .

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

(37)

31

THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

Cantilever BeamColumn
From table 1, S = 2/4 and 1 = 3.516 so that

2
C1 =
1
3.516
4 2

(38)

Where is the smallest positive root of Eq. (28d) with = 2 2 / 4 .

Values of and C1 for the various beam-column types are tabulated in Table 2 for various values of
. .
Table 2
Beam
Element

Fixed-endend

Cantilever

C1

Propped cantilever Simply

supported

C1

C1

4.730

1.0

3.927

1.0

3.142

1.0

1.875

1.0

0.1

4.829

0.949

3.961

0.950

3.142

0.949

1.864

0.952

0.2

4.940

0.896

3.998

0.896

3.142

0.894

1.851

0.901

0.3

5.064

0.840

4.040

0.840

3.142

0.837

1.835

0.846

0.4

5.200

0.779

4.087

0.778

3.142

0.775

1.817

0.786

0.5

5.350

0.712

4.138

0.711

3.142

0.707

1.796

0.721

0.6

5.514

0.638

4.195

0.637

3.142

0.632

1.770

0.647

0.7

5.691

0.554

4.259

0.553

3.142

0.548

1.739

0.563

0.8

5.879

0.453

4.329

0.452

3.142

0.447

1.699

0.462

0.9

6.077

0.321

4.408

0.320

3.142

0.316

1.647

0.328

1.0

6.283

0.0

4.493

0.0

3.142

0.0

1.571

0.0

C1

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
It has been shown that

1N = C1 1

(39)

Where 1N = fundamental frequency of vibration of a beam - column and 1 = fundamental

frequency of vibration of a beam.
Specifically, for a simply supported beam-column it was shown that (Eq. 35)
C1 = 1

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

(40)

32

Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

Where = N/Ncr, N = axial compressive load acting on element, Ncr = critical axial load of the
element. Eq. (35) indicates that as increases, C1 decreases. But varies directly as N, the
compressive axial force. Thus, the presence of axial compressive force tends to reduce the frequency
of vibration of an element. This reduction becomes very significant when the axial load approaches
the critical load. An examination of Table 2 will show that for each value of the corresponding
values of C1 for the different elements are almost equal.
Thus, for = 0.5, C1 = 0.712 for a fixed-ended beam
= 0.711 for a propped cantilever beam
= 0.707 for a simply supported beam
= 0.721 for a cantilever beam.
The only difference is that these C1 values occur for different - values for the different elements.
The greatest value 0.721 differs from the least value 0.707 by just 2%. Consequently, Eq. (40) can be
said to be applicable to all elements with a high degree of l of accuracy. It should be emphasized that
Ncr is the critical load for the element in question and not the Euler load for a simply supported
element. Finally from Eq. (40) it is easily shown that the frequency of vibration is reduced by 50%
when the axial compressive load reaches 75% of the critical buckling
load, and that when N = Ncr then IN = 0. Shown in Fig. 8 is the graph of CI = 1N / 1 versus =
N/Ncr in accordance with Eq. (40).

CONCLUSION
In this paper the O.D.E. governing the flexural vibrations of a beam-column element with
distributed mass has been developed and solved. Using this solution the dynamic stiffness matrix of
a beam-column element has been formulated. It has been shown that in the absence of vibration the
elements of the stiffness matrix become stability functions while in the absence of axial force they
become the dynamic stiffness coefficients of an ordinary beam element. The expressions for the
vibration frequencies of beam-columns with different end conditions have also beam derived
together with the characteristic equations which yield the dimensionless -factors. Numerical
calculations carried out showed that the frequency of vibration reduces as the axial compressive load
increases in accordance with Eqs. (39) and (40). The author thereby suggest that the effect of axial
fore be considered in the evaluation of the frequency of vibration of arch bridges which carry
substantial transverse and axial compressive loads. By so doing it is believed that a more realistic

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

THE DYNAMIC STIFFNESS MATRIX OF A BEAM-COLUMN ELEMENT

33

estimate of the frequency response could be obtained. In this paper Ncr had been taken to be the
theoretical buckling load of an initially straight concentrically loaded element. In reality the actual
buckling load is a fraction of Ncr. As a consequence it is proposed that Ncr be replaced by the actual
buckling load; in which case the frequency response of an element or structural frame would be
much more markedly influenced by axial load than indicated heretofore.

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.

34

Anyaegbunam, A.J. and Osadebe, N.N.

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1. Biggs, J.M. (1964) Introduction to structural Dynamics, McGraw-Hill Int.
2. Clough, R.W.et.al. (1982) Dynamics of Structures, McGraw-Hill Int.
3. Darkov et.al. (1983) Structural Mechanics, Mir Publishers, Moscow (English Translation)
4. Marshall, W.T. and Nelson, H.M. (1990) Structures, Longman Publishers, Singapore, 3rd.ed.
(Revised by Bhatt, P.), pp. 453 - 500.
5. Osadebe, N.N. (1990) Dynamic Analysis of Mass-Loaded Axially Compressed clamped
Timoshenko Beam, 2nd Int. Conf. Struct. Eng. Analysis and modeling, 17-19 July 1990,
Kumasi , Ghana.
6. Paz, M. (1985) Structural Dynamics: Theory and Computation, Van Nostrand, Berkshire, 2nd.ed.
7. Smith, J.W. (1988) Vibration of Structures: Application in Civil Engineering Design, Chapman
and Hall.
8. Timoshenko, S. P. and Young D.Y. (1972) Vibration problems in Engineering, 4th ed. John Wiley
and Sons, New York, pp.. 363 - 502.
9. Verbanov, C. P. (1976) Stability and Dynamics of Elastic Systems, Technika Press, Sofia, 2nd. ed.

5th Inter. Conf. on Struct. Eng. Analysis and Modeling (SEAM5), Sept., 2002. Accra, Ghana, vol. 1.