Stiffness of column when fixed versus pin fixed

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the stiffness of columns in structural engineering, specifically comparing fixed-fixed and pin-fixed column configurations. Participants explore the derivation of stiffness values, K = 12EI/L^3 for fixed-fixed and K = 3EI/L^3 for pin-fixed columns, and seek clarification on the underlying principles and calculations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the stiffness values are derived, noting a discrepancy with stiffness matrices that provide more complex results.
  • Another participant explains that the stiffness values refer to the member's stiffness when subjected to lateral loads at the joints, distinguishing between fixed and pin connections.
  • A participant reiterates the explanation of stiffness values, emphasizing the fixed-fixed case corresponds to a fixed-guided beam and the pin-fixed case to a cantilever beam.
  • One participant requests additional reading materials to better understand the concepts discussed.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the term "inverse of the deflection" and its equivalence in the context of cantilever beams.
  • Another participant provides a detailed mathematical derivation of the stiffness for a cantilever beam under a point load, linking it to the stiffness of a pin-fixed column in a frame.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the stiffness values for fixed-fixed and pin-fixed columns, but there is some confusion regarding the terminology and the derivation process, indicating that the discussion remains partially unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the terminology used, particularly regarding the "inverse of the deflection" and its implications for understanding column stiffness. There is also mention of the complexity of stiffness matrices, which may not align with the simplified stiffness values discussed.

Sadeq
Messages
103
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org


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
 


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
 


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


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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: EngRanaFr

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
23K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K