Stiffness of column when fixed versus pin fixed

In summary, the stiffness of a column in a frame with a lateral load at the joint is determined by its end deflection under a unit load. For a fixed-fixed column with translation at the joint, this stiffness is equivalent to that of a fixed-guided beam, resulting in a stiffness of 12EI/L^3. For a fixed-pinned column, the stiffness is equivalent to a cantilever with a point load at the joint, resulting in a stiffness of 3EI/L^3. This is due to the equivalent deflected shape of the joint under the applied load.
  • #1
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Guys when i study earthquake , they told me that the column stiffness is 12EI/L3 if column is fixed -fixed and 3EI/L3 if column is pin -fixed, so how they get this, i try to study stiffness Matrix and it gives you big matrix for frames not Only one factor like 12EI/L3
please explain
 
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  • #2


They are not talking about the stiffness of the joints, just the stiffness of the member framing into the joint with a lateral load is applied at the joint. If both ends are fixed at the joints (translation but no relative rotation), K = 12EI/L^3, which is the inverse of its end deflection for a fixed-guided beam subject to point load at the joint, and if it's fixed pinned, then K = 3EI/L^3, the inverse of the deflection of a cantilever with a point load at joint
 
  • #3


PhanthomJay said:
They are not talking about the stiffness of the joints, just the stiffness of the member framing into the joint with a lateral load is applied at the joint. If both ends are fixed at the joints (translation but no relative rotation), K = 12EI/L^3, which is the inverse of its end deflection for a fixed-guided beam subject to point load at the joint, and if it's fixed pinned, then K = 3EI/L^3, the inverse of the deflection of a cantilever with a point load at joint

Thank you very much. i didnt get it ,could uou provide me with something to read , in order to understand it.Please
 
  • #4


What do you mean by the inverse of the deflection of a cantilever with a point load at joint?? and how it is equivelent please expalin
 
  • #5


The deflection of a cantilever with a point load F at the free end is FL^3/3EI. It's stiffness, K, or spring constant if you will, per Hooke's Law F=kx, is

F=kx

k = F/x
k = F/(FL^3/3EI)
k = 3EI/L^3
which is the inverse of the deflection under a unit load.
You are asking why, I think, you use the cantilever stiffness for a fixed pinned column in a frame with a load applied at the joint. That's because the joint translates, and the deflected sahpe is equivalent to the cantilever's deflected shape. For the fixed-fixed case with joint translation, the stiffness is equivalent to that of a beam fixed at one end and free to translate but not rotate at the other, in which case K = 12EI/L^3, which youcan find in beam tables.
 
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1. What is the difference between a fixed and pin fixed column?

A fixed column is one that is fully restrained at both ends, while a pin fixed column is only partially restrained at one end. This means that a fixed column is able to resist both axial and lateral loads, while a pin fixed column can only resist axial loads.

2. How does the stiffness of a fixed column differ from a pin fixed column?

The stiffness of a fixed column is higher than that of a pin fixed column. This is because the fixed column is able to resist lateral loads, which increases its overall stiffness.

3. What factors affect the stiffness of a fixed or pin fixed column?

The stiffness of a column is affected by its material properties, cross-sectional area, length, and boundary conditions. A fixed column will have a higher stiffness if it has a larger cross-sectional area and shorter length compared to a pin fixed column.

4. How does stiffness affect the structural stability of a column?

The stiffness of a column is directly related to its ability to resist lateral loads, which are forces acting perpendicular to the axis of the column. A stiffer column will have a higher resistance to these forces and therefore be more structurally stable.

5. Can a pin fixed column be designed to have the same stiffness as a fixed column?

No, a pin fixed column will always have a lower stiffness compared to a fixed column due to its inability to resist lateral loads. However, pin fixed columns can be designed to have a higher stiffness by using materials with higher strength and increasing the cross-sectional area and/or decreasing the length of the column.

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