Abstract

When applying the novel finite element for beam and column analysis presented at a structures seminar last year, there were requirements near point loads and reaction points that required special procedures to produce accurate predictions. This special attention is no longer needed as a more general solution of including clamping stresses has been tested and implemented. Thus this analysis method is now a simpler and more general method of solving structural analysis problems with shear and can “automatically” find the critical section for shear, determine the plastic hinge length and account for increased shear strengths observed for short shear span members. Normally this latter benefit is only possible by using a strut-and-tie model but the method presented is consistent with sectional analysis and thus more amenable for use in practical problems that have hundreds to thousands of load combinations. Examples will be shown.