• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.129-139
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• 2019

This paper develops a new method for estimating the elastic-plastic buckling strength of the truss structures under the static and seismic loads. Firstly, a new method for estimating the buckling strength of the truss structures was derived based on the buckling strength of the representative member considering the parameters, such as the structure configurations, boundary conditions, etc. Secondly, the new method was verified through the buckling strength estimation and the finite element method (FEM) analysis of the single member models, portal frame models and simple truss models. Finally, the method was applied to evaluate the buckling strength of a simple truss structure under seismic load, and the failure loads between the proposed method and the FEM were analyzed reasonably. The results show that the new method is feasible and reliable for structure engineers to estimate the buckling strengths of the truss structures under the static loads and seismic loads.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.77-87
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• 2024

Analytical methods for assessment of the out-of-plane buckling of unbraced top chords of truss bridges may look obsolete while comparing them to finite element analysis. However they are, usually, superior when rapid assessment is necessary. Analytical methods consider the top chord as a bar on elastic supports provided by bracing (Holt, Timoshenko). Correct assessment of the support elasticity (stiffness) is crucial. In the case of truss bridge spans of traditional structural layout (cross-beams at the truss chord nodes only), the elasticity may be set based on the analysis of the, so called, U-frame stiffness. Here the analyses consider the U-frame itself (a pair of verticals and a cross-beam) or the U-frame with adjacent diagonals or the pair of diagonals (in the absence of verticals) and the members of the bottom chord in the adjacent panels. For all the cases, the stability analysis of the chord as a bar in compression is necessary. Unfortunately, the method cannot be applied to contemporary truss bridges without verticals, that usually have independent cross-beam decks (the cross-beams attached to truss chords at their nodes and between them). This is the motivation for the analysis resulting in the method of setting the stiffness of the equivalent U-frame for the aforementioned truss bridges. Truss girders of both, gussetless and gusseted, joints are taken into account.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.75 no.5
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• pp.585-594
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• 2020

Detecting the damage of indeterminate trusses is of major importance in the literature. This paper proposes a quick approach in this regard, utilizing a precise mathematical approach based on Finite Element Method. Different to a general two-step method defined in the literature essentially based on optimization approach, this method consists of three steps including Damage-Suspected Element Identification step, Imminent Damaged Element Identification step, and finally, Damage Severity Detection step and does not need any optimizing algorithm. The first step focuses on the identification of damage-suspected elements using an index based on modal residual force vector. In the second step, imminent damage elements are identified among the damage-suspected elements detected in the previous step using a specific technique. Ultimately, in the third step, a novel relation is derived to calculate the damage severity of each imminent damaged element. To show the efficiency and quick function of the proposed method, three examples including a 25-bar planar truss, a 31-bar planar truss, and a 52-bar space truss are studied; results of which indicate that the method is innovatively capable of suitably detecting, for indeterminate trusses, not only damaged elements but also their individual damage severity by carrying out solely one analysis.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.13-25
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• 2018

The main objective of this study is to develop a dual approach for geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of plane truss structures. The geometric nonlinearity is considered using the Total Lagrangian formulation. The nonlinear solution is obtained by introducing and minimizing an objective function subjected to displacement-type constraints. The proposed method can fully trace the whole equilibrium path of geometrically nonlinear plane truss structures not only before the limit point but also after it. No stiffness matrix is used in the main approach and the solution is acquired only based on the direct classical stress-strain formulations. As a result, produced errors caused by linearization and approximation of the main equilibrium equation will be eliminated. The suggested algorithm can predict both pre- and post-buckling behavior of the steel plane truss structures as well as any arbitrary point of equilibrium path. In addition, an equilibrium path with multiple limit points and snap-back phenomenon can be followed in this approach. To demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency and robustness of the proposed procedure, numerical results of the suggested approach are compared with theoretical solution, modified arc-length method, and those of reported in the literature.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.20 no.2 s.69
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• pp.16-21
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• 2006

This paper discusses the behavior of post-tensioned and shaped hypar space truss, with consideration of the influence of removing some web members. Hypar space truss is post-tensioned at the bottom chords of one diagonal on the ground; the essential behavior characteristic of shape formation is discussed by using a small-scale test model. Results of experiments and nonlinear finite-element analysis indicate that a planar, rectangular- arranged structure can be deformed to a predicted hyper shape, by the proposed shape formation method. Also the feasibility of the proposed method for furnishing of a hypar shaped face truss has been presented, under the condition of both non-removed and partially removed web members. It follows that a nonlinear finite element analysis method can be used in predicting the behavior of the space shape and the post-tensioning force in sharing of hypar space truss. Further, in comparison to the other cases, the results of test and analysis show that the active diagonal shaping in the non-removed web members and passive diagonal shaping of partially removed web members are in relatively good agreement.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.367-381
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• 2007

A transmission tower was designed using the structural methodology to assume a simple truss behavior. However, there is a big difference between a simple truss behavior and a real one. A suitable explanation of structural stability is that it is a semi-rigid connection and not the assumed hinged connection. This study proposes an alternative structural-analysis modeling strategy for the transmission tower design. The element models that were considered were the truss element model, the beam element model, and the combined beam-truss element model. This study includes linear static analysis, free-vibration analysis, and elastic buckling analysis with respect to the design load. The results of the analysis indicate that the axial forces, axial stresses, and maximum displacements of the three analytical models are very similar. However, the bending moments and stresses of the beam element model and of the combined beam-truss element model are significantly high. The results of the free-vibration and elastic buckling analyses show that the beam-truss model can be conservatively used for the transmission tower design.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.111-126
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• 2000

Truss type structures are attractive to a variety of engineering applications on earth as well as in space due to their high stiffness to mass ratios and ease of construction and fabrication. During the service life, an individual member of a truss structure may lose load carrying capacity due to many reasons, which may lead to collapse of the structure. An analytical and computational procedure has been developed to study the response of truss structures subject to member failure under static and dynamic loadings. Emphasis is given to the dynamic effects of member failure and the propagation of local damage to other parts of the structure. The methodology developed is based on nonlinear finite element analysis technique and considers elasto-plastic material nonlinearity, postbuckling of members, and large deformation geometric nonlinearity. The pseudo force approach is used to represent the member failure. Results obtained for a planar nine-bay indeterminate truss undergoing sequential member failure show that failure of one member can initiate failure of several members in the structure.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers Conference
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• 1998.10a
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• pp.119-123
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• 1998

New design automation method of R/C beam based on the finite element method and the nonlinear truss model approach has been presented. The proposed method can substitute inaccurate existing method, which has limitation in its application, provide accurate and efficient design results for any type of R/C beam.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 1993

Finite element analyses are conducted with stochastic elastic moduli when truss structures are subjected to static loads of a deterministic nature. Stochastic stiffness matrix is derived from stochastic shape functions and numerical analyses are performed within the framework of the Monte Carlo method. Analysis methods are verified for the space truss and applied to cable stayed bridge for determining the cable force.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.5 no.5
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• pp.599-608
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• 1997

The concrete stiffness matrices of membrane elements used in the finite element analysis of wall-type structures are reviewed and discussed. The behavior of cracked reinforced concrete membrane elements is first described by summarizing the constitutive laws of concrete and steel established for the two softened truss models (the rotating-angle softened-truss model and the fixed-angle softened-truss model). These constitutive laws are then related to the concrete stiffness matrices of the two existing cracking models (the rotating-crack model and the fixed-crack model). In view of the weakness in the existing models, a general model of the matrix is proposed. This general matrix includes two Poisson ratios which are not clearly understood at present. It is proposed that all five material properties in the general matrix should be established by new biaxial tests of panels using proportional loading and strain-control procedures.