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Appropriate Stiffness Values 2

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hsn199

Civil/Environmental
Joined
Oct 18, 2012
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28
Location
SA
Hey,

I was wondering is the value to be used to define the stiffness of linked elements in ETABS, SAP, ...

Thanks
 
depends on ??!!
 
The stiffness of a member in a structure is normally given by the expression 4EI/L. In most computer programs, the value of E, I and L are normally input separately so that the necessary manipulations are made within the program. If the program is calling for individual member stiffness, the EI value is likely what is meant.

BA
 
Are you referring to a rigid element/link? If so, one reference I have recommends a stiffness value of 10 to 1000 times the stiffness of adjacent (flexible) elements. It also recommends against using an element that it is too stiff because of “truncation errors” [in the software].

 
Bending or axial or torsional stiffness? The equation describing each is different.


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