ABSTRACT
The matrix displacement method is one of the most powerful computer methods for analysing complex structures and associated problems in continuum mechanics, providing that access to the required computer program is available. This chapter uses the matrix displacement method to analyse plane pin-jointed trusses and continuous beams. The method can easily be extended to solve three-dimensional pin-jointed trusses, together with rigid-jointed space frames in both statics and dynamics. The chapter shows to: understand what a load vector is for a truss and beam, understand what a displacement vector is for a truss and beam, understand what a stiffness matrix is for a truss and beam. It also shows to: understand how to analyse statically determinate and statically indeterminate plane pin-jointed trusses, understand how to analyse statically determinate and statically indeterminate continuous beams under lateral loading. The chapter also gives a description of free software that can be used via Smart Phones or iPads, or laptops.
