Faculty of Environment and

Technology
Academic Year: 14/15
Examination Period: Summer

Module Leader: Ghassan Nounu

Module Code: UBGMM3-15-3
Module Title: Advanced Structural Modelling
Work Item Code: CC1

Duration: 2 Hours

Standard materials required for this examination:

Examination Answer Booklet Yes

Multiple Choice Answer Sheet No

Type of paper e.g. G3, G14 G3
Graph Paper
Number of sheets per student 0

Additional materials required for this examination:

Details of additional material supplied by UWE:

This exam is to be held in a computer room with internet access. Each student is allowed to
access one web site only which is: http://www.bluebit.gr/matrix-calculator/
Access to any other web site or software is not permitted.

To be collected with Answer Booklet (please delete as appropriate) No

Details of approved material supplied by Student: None

To be collected with Answer Booklet (please delete as appropriate) No

University approved Calculator Yes

Candidates permitted to keep Examination Question Paper Yes

Candidates are NOT permitted to turn the page

over until the exam starts

UBGMM3-15-3 Page 1 of 8
Instructions to Candidates:
Candidates must answer THREE questions only.
Maximum possible mark is 75
Show your method of calculations in support of any answer.

Question 1

Produce the full three-part solution of qualitative analysis for each of the
following structures. Show your detailed working in producing this three-part
solution which includes:
- Deflected shape.
- Reactions
- Bending moment diagram (25 marks)

Frame (a) Frame (b)

5 marks 5 marks

Frame (c) Frame (d)

7 marks 8 marks

UBGMM3-15-3 Page 2 of 8
Question 2

The stiffness matrix for an axially loaded member of cross-sectional area A,

length L and Young’s modulus E and which is inclined at an angle  to a
global x y axis system, as shown in Figure Q2 (a), is

2  -2 -
AE
K=  2 - -2
L -2 - 2 
- -2  2

Where  = cos  and  = sin 

Form the matrices required to solve completely the plane truss shown in
Figure Q2 (b) and determine the force in the member DE. All members have
the same axial rigidity. (25 marks)

Figure Q2 (a) 100kN

Figure Q2 (b)

UBGMM3-15-3 Page 3 of 8
Question 3

Use the matrix displacement (stiffness) method to calculate the principal

bending moments for the rigidly jointed frame shown in Figure Q3. Sketch the
bending moment diagram and the deflected shape of the frame.

The relative flexural rigidities of the members are as shown. (25 marks)

Figure Q3

UBGMM3-15-3 Page 4 of 8
Question 4

(a) Suggest two different geometric shapes of elements and give their
relevant polynomials (mathematical functions) for displacement for two-
dimensional finite element analysis. (5 marks)

(b) Derive the stiffness matrix of a constant strain triangular element 123, of
thickness t, and having coordinates (0,0), (4,0), and (0,3) respectively, to
be used for plane stress problems. The elements of the elasticity
(rigidity) matrix [D] are given as follows:
D11 = D22 = a
D12 = b
D13 = D23 = 0
D33 = c
Where a, b, and c are material constants. (20 marks)

Note: element stiffness matrix [ke]=[A-1]T [B]T [D] [B] [A-1] V

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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UBGMM3-15-3 Advanced Structural Modelling
Data sheet 1

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UBGMM3-15-3 Advanced Structural Modelling
Data sheet 2

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UBGMM3-15-3 Advanced Structural Modelling
Data sheet 3

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