Finite Element Formulations for Thin-walled Members

Conventional techniques introduce several modeling complications and limitations for the analysis of thin-walled members when the incorporation of the shear deformation effects are needed, eccentric supports or abrupt cross-sectional changes exist or external loads are offset from the member centroid or the shear centre. This state of the art study introduces novel techniques to overcome these difficulties and provides easy-to-use finite element formulations for engineers and researchers. Case studies show the efficacy and accuracy of the developed formulations for the analysis of slender as well as squat members with non-symmetric cross-sections, rectangular holes, coped flanges or longitudinal stiffeners. Comprehensive literature review and rigorous analyses of the convergence characteristics and accuracy of the proposed finite elements are included.

Autorentext

R. Emre Erkmen received his PhD from University of Ottawa in 2006. He is a research associate at the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and Safety, the University of New South Wales. Magdi Mohareb received his PhD from University of Alberta in 1995. He is an Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa.