Computer Analysis of Pin-Jointed Frames
- The assumption of restrained structure (lock joints) is a simple approach compare to redundant forces (released structure) in flexibility approach, which has limitation in case of a complex and large structure.
- A Displacement given at any one joint deforms only those members which are connected directly to the joint.
- The development of the stiffness matrix involves lesser computations


Figure 1(a) Figure 1(b)
similarly 1* and 2* are the element coordinates and 1 to 6 are the system coordinates for a member of a space truss/frame as shown in figure 1 (b)
In this method for writing the computer program, the coordinates are assigned to all unrestrained as well as restrained displacement components, thus ensuring that there are two coordinates in the direction of X and Y axes at both ends of member in plane truss/frame. Similarly there are coordinates in the direction X, Y and Z axes at each end of member in space truss/frame. Thus total number of system coordinates are;
Plane truss/ frame ---- 2j
Space truss/frame ---- 3j
where j is number of joints
The numbering of coordinates are done starting from unconstrained displacement components first, followed by the constrained displacement components, to facilitate the partitioning of the matrices in force-displacement relationship. The matrix proportioning gives two matrix equations one of them gives the unconstrained displacement, while other gives the support reactions.
for example:
The degree of freedom = Number of unconstrained displacement component (13)
Number of constrained displacement = 3 (14, 15, 16)
N-12: Determine the resultant of the following force system shown in figure
Design of shallow foundations