13. DIRECT STIFFNESS METHOD

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the purpose of structural idealization in the Direct Stiffness Method?

   Hint

   Think about why we can't analyze every detail of a structure.

2. 2.

   Define local and global coordinate systems.

   Hint

   Consider what coordinates are used for overall structure vs individual parts.

3. 3.

   What is structural idealization?

   • A method of approximating structural behavior
   • An exact representation of a structure
   • A technique used in art

   Hint

   Think about how engineers deal with complexity.

4. 4.

   True or False: Sign conventions are not important in structural analysis.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the implications of inconsistency.

5. 5.

   Design a simplified structural model for a complex building and identify two key assumptions made.

   Hint

   Focus on the structure's main support areas.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the implications of using the wrong sign convention in a stiffness matrix analysis.

   Hint

   Consider what happens if moments are calculated incorrectly.