Matrix Structural Analysis and the Finite Element Methods Using Scilab and Octave: A Problem Solving Approach

This book covers code development for structural analysis throughout all the chapters and includes topics from Finite Element Methods such as modeling and analysis of continuum structures. It explains the concepts showing derivation of necessary equations, relationships, and steps in solving structural analysis problems. It contains worked examples; problem sets and ample Scilab and Octave codes to teach structural analysis techniques using these softwares.

Features:

• Enables readers to distinguish between the flexibility and the stiffness methods of structural analysis.
• Clarifies the procedures in the direct stiffness methods as applied to discrete structures and use these for the analysis 2D and 3D structures.
• Presents treatment of the FEM as a logical extension of the Direct Stiffness Method.
• Provides sufficient solved examples and didactic problems (with solution) focusing on the analysis of statically indeterminate structures.
• Treats discrete and continuum structural analysis using similar matrix analysis procedure.

Focused on problem solving through programming, this book guides senior undergraduate and graduate students in structural and civil engineering.

Bedilu Habte completed his BSc and MSc studies in Civil and Structural Engineering from the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. He accepted an academic position at the university as a lecturer of structural analysis and design courses in 1983. He completed his PhD in Informatics in Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany. He then worked as a software developer and consultant in different companies in Germany for the following three years. Since 2004, he returned to Ethiopia where he continued his academic career with the rank of Associate professor at the Addis Ababa University. He has been teaching Matrix Structural Analysis and Finite Element Methods for post graduate students at the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology and some other universities in Ethiopia. His long time interest and inclination in solving engineering problems through computer programming has offered him the opportunity to be engaged in the development and implementation of eLearning and web based applications for local and international projects.