ABSTRACT
The semi analytical finite strip method discussed so far is very efficient for analysis of prismatic structures under distributed loading, especially for structures with both ends simply supported. Nevertheless, the use of this method can sometimes lead to difficulties. For instance, because the beam functions are continuously differentiable, it is difficult to use such functions to simulate the abrupt changes of bending moment at internal supports or at loaded cross-sections of point forces. In addition, the beam functions must satisfy the end conditions of a strip a priori; hence, these functions cannot deal with discrete supports at strip ends.
