Definition of Stability

 Structural stability is the ability of a structure to resist

loading.
ENCE 710
 Loss of such ability instability is a state in which the
Advanced Steel Structures structure is no longer in equilibrium with change in
geometry of a structure or structural component under
loads.
Stability  One phenomenon of structural failure led by instability is
excessive structural displacements or component
deformations.
C. C. Fu, Ph.D., P.E.  The underlying causes are the loss of stiffness in some
particular degrees of freedom due to geometric and/or
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department material constitutional reasons, i.e. geometric and material
University of Maryland nonlinearities.

Definition of Stability Buckling vs. Stability

 Buckling is a phenomenon that can occur for structures under
compressive loads.
A structure is in  The structure deforms and is in stable equilibrium in state-1.
equilibrium when the  As the load increases, the structure suddenly changes to deformation
total energy no longer state-2 at some critical load Pcr.
changes, or the first  The structure buckles from state-1 to state-2, where state-2 is orthogonal
order derivative of total (has nothing to do, or independent) with state-1.
energy to displacements
equals to zero.  What has buckling to do with stability?
 Is the equilibrium in state-2 stable or unstable?
 Usually, state-2 after buckling is either neutral or unstable equilibrium
 Two topics will be discussed
 Buckling – Sudden change in deformation from state-1 to state-2
 Stability of equilibrium – As the loads acting on the structure are increased,
when does the equilibrium state become unstable?
 The equilibrium state becomes unstable due to:
Ref: Fu, C.C. and Wang, S.Q., “Computer Analysis and Design of Bridge Structures” 2014 by CRC Press  Large deformations of the structure
 Inelasticity of the structural materials
 Types of Instability Buckling – Symmetric and Axisymmetric Bifurcation

Structure subjected to compressive forces can undergo:

1. Buckling – bifurcation of equilibrium from deformation state-1 to
state-2.
 Bifurcation buckling occurs for columns, beams, and symmetric
frames under gravity loads only
2. Failure due to instability of equilibrium state-1 due to large
deformations or material inelasticity
 Elastic instability occurs for beam-columns, and frames subjected
to gravity and lateral loads.
 Inelastic instability can occur for all members and the frame.
 We will study all of this in this course because we don’t want
our designed structure to buckle or fail by instability – both of
which are strength limit states.

Types of Instability Instability Failure

Bifurcation Buckling
 Member or structure subjected to loads. As the load is
increased, it reaches a critical value where:
 The deformation changes suddenly from state-1 to state-2.
 And, the equilibrium load-deformation path bifurcates.
 Critical buckling load when the load-deformation path
bifurcates
 Primary load-deformation path before buckling
 Secondary load-deformation path post buckling
 Is the post-buckling path stable or unstable?
 There is no bifurcation of the load-deformation path. The
deformation stays in state-1 throughout
 The structure stiffness decreases as the loads are increased.
The change is stiffness is due to large deformations and / or
material inelasticity.
 The structure stiffness decreases to zero and becomes negative.
 The load capacity is reached when the stiffness becomes zero.
 Neutral equilibrium when stiffness becomes zero and unstable
equilibrium when stiffness is negative.
 Structural stability failure – when stiffness becomes negative.
 Instability Failure Instability Failure

 Failure of Beam-Column  Snap-through buckling

P M K=0 P
M

K<0 Snap-through


M

P
No bifurcation.
Instability due to material
and geometric nonlinearity

Instability Failure Methods of Stability Analysis

 Shell Buckling failure – very sensitive to imperfections
 Bifurcation approach – consists of writing the equation of
equilibrium and solving it to determine the onset of buckling.
 Energy approach – consists of writing the equation expressing
the complete potential energy of the system. Analyzing this total
potential energy to establish equilibrium and examine stability of
the equilibrium state.

 Think-walled structure failure – linear vs nonlinear postbuckling  Dynamic approach – consists of writing the equation of dynamic
path equilibrium of the system. Solving the equation to determine the
natural frequency () of the system. Instability corresponds to
the reduction of  to zero. (not covered here)
 Stability Analysis Bifurcation Analysis
 Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. In fact,
you can use different methods to answer different questions Example Prob. – Three rigid bar system with two rotational springs

 The bifurcation approach is appropriate for determining the P k k P

critical buckling load for a (perfect) system subjected to loads. A B C
D

 The deformations are usually assumed to be small. L L L

 The system must not have any imperfections.

 It cannot provide any information regarding the post-buckling load- Assume deformed state that activates all possible d.o.f.
deformation path. Draw FBD in the deformed state
 The energy approach is the best when establishing the
equilibrium equation and examining its stability P k k P
1 2
 The deformations can be small or large. A L sin 2 D
L sin 1 1 – 2) L
L
 The system can have imperfections. C
B 1 – 2)
 It provides information regarding the post-buckling path if large
deformations are assumed
Assume small deformations. Therefore, sin=
 The major limitation is that it requires the assumption of the
deformation state, and it should include all possible degrees of
freedom.

Bifurcation Analysis Bifurcation Analysis

Write equations of static equilibrium in deformed state  Equations of Static Equilibrium
P
2k  PL  k  1  0
P k k
2 k (21   2 )  P L 1  0
1 L sin 2
   
2k  PL   2  0
A D
L sin 1 1 – 2)
 k
L
L
C  k (2 2  1 )  P L  2  0
B 1 – 2)

k P
 Therefore either 1 and 2 are equal to zero or the determinant of the
2 coefficient matrix is equal to zero.
P L sin 2 D
1 – 2) L
A 1
L sin 1 C  When 1 and 2 are not equal to zero – that is when buckling occurs –
L k(22-1)
the coefficient matrix determinant has to be equal to zero for equil.
B 1+(1-2)
k(21-2)  Take a look at the matrix equation. It is of the form [A] {x}={0}. It can
also be rewritten as [K]-[I]){x}={0}
M B 0  k (21   2 )  P L sin 1  0  k (21   2 )  P L 1  0
  2k k 
       0
M 0  k (2 2  1 )  P L sin  2  0  k (2 2  1 )  P L  2  0
  L
1 0
0 1    0
L P 1
2k 
C

  k   
  2   

 L L  
 Bifurcation Analysis Bifurcation Analysis
 This is the classical eigenvalue problem. [K]-[I]){x}={0}.  Each eigenvalue or critical buckling load (Pcr) corresponds to a buckling shape
that can be determined as follows
 We are searching for the eigenvalues () of the stiffness matrix [K].
These eigenvalues cause the stiffness matrix to become singular  Pcr=k/L. Therefore substitute in the equations to determine 1 and 2
 Singular stiffness matrix means that it has a zero value, which means that k (21   2 )  P L 1  0  k (2 2  1 )  P L  2  0
the determinant of the matrix is equal to zero. Let P  Pcr  k Let P  Pcr  k
L L
 k (21   2 )  k1  0  k (2 2  1 )  k 2  0
2k  PL k
0  k1  k 2  0  k1  k 2  0
k 2k  PL
1   2 1   2
 (2k  PL) 2  k 2  0
 All we could find is the relationship between 1 and 2. Not their specific
 (2k  PL  k )  (2k  PL  k )  0 values. Remember that this is a small deflection analysis. So, the values are
 (3k  PL)  (k  PL)  0 negligible. What we have found is the buckling shape – not its magnitude.

3k k  The buckling mode is such that 1=2  Symmetric buckling mode

 Pcr  or P k k P
L L 1 2=1
A D
L
L
 Smallest value of Pcr will govern. Therefore, Pcr=k/L
B C

Bifurcation Analysis Energy Method

 Second eigenvalue was Pcr=3k/L. Therefore substitute in the equations to  We will currently look at the use of the energy method for an
determine 1 and 2 elastic system subjected to conservative forces.
k (21   2 )  P L 1  0  k (2 2  1 )  P L  2  0
 Total potential energy of the system –  – depends on the work
Let P  Pcr  3k Let P  Pcr  3k
L L done by the external forces (We) and the strain energy stored in
 k (21   2 )  3k1  0  k (2 2  1 )  3k 2  0 the system (U).
 k1  k 2  0  k1  k 2  0
1   2 1   2
 = U - We.
 All we could find is the relationship between 1 and 2. Not their specific  For the system to be in equilibrium, its total potential energy 
values. Remember that this is a small deflection analysis. So, the values are must be stationary. That is, the first derivative of  must be
negligible. What we have found is the buckling shape – not its magnitude. equal to zero.
 The buckling mode is such that 1=-2  Antisymmetric buckling mode
C
 Investigate higher order derivatives of the total potential energy
L to examine the stability of the equilibrium state, i.e., whether the
P k k 2=-1 P
equilibrium is stable or unstable
A 1 D
L

B
 Energy Method Energy Method
 The energy method is the best for establishing the equilibrium
 Example 1 – Rigid bar supported by rotational spring
equation and examining its stability
 The deformations can be small or large.  Assume small deflection theory
 The system can have imperfections. k P Rigid bar subjected to axial force P
 It provides information regarding the post-buckling path if large
Rotationally restrained at end
deformations are assumed L

 The major limitation is that it requires the assumption of the

deformation state, and it should include all possible degrees of Step 1 - Assume a deformed shape that activates all possible d.o.f.
freedom.

L P

k


L cos
L (1-cos)

Energy Method –Small Deflections Energy Method –Small Deflections

L P
 The energy method predicts that buckling will occur at the same load
k
 L sin Pcr as the bifurcation analysis method.

L cos
 At Pcr, the system will be in equilibrium in the deformed.
L (1-cos)
 Write the equation representing the total potential energy of system  Examine the stability by considering further derivatives of the total
  U  We potential energy
1 This is a small deflection analysis. Hence  will be  zero.
U  k2


2  In this type of analysis, the further derivatives of  examine the stability of

We  P L (1  cos  ) the initial state-1 (when  =0)
1
  k  2  P L (1  cos  )
2 1
d  k  2  P L (1  cos  ) d2 
 k   P L sin  2 When P  Pcr  0 Stable equilibrium
d d d 2
d  k   P L sin   k   P L  d2 
For equilibrium; 0 d When P  Pcr  0 Unstable equilibrium
d d2  d 2
Therefore, k   P L sin   0  k  PL d2 
d 2 When P  Pcr  0  Not sure
For small deflections; k  P L  0 d 2
k
Therefore, Pcr 
L
 Energy Method –Small Deflections Energy Method –Large Deflections
 In state-1, stable when P<Pcr, unstable when P>Pcr  Example 1 – Large deflection analysis (rigid bar with rotational spring)

 No idea about state during buckling.   U  We

1
 No idea about post-buckling equilibrium path or its stability. U  k2 L P
2
P We  P L (1  cos  ) k
 L sin
Unstable 1
  k   P L (1  cos  )
2

2 L cos
Indeterminate d L (1-cos)
Pcr  k   P L sin 
d
d
For equilibrium; 0
d
Therefore, k   P L sin   0
Stable k
Therefore, P for equilibrium
L sin 
The post  buckling P   relationship is given above

Energy Method –Large Deflections Energy Method –Large Deflections

 Large deflection analysis  Large deflection analysis – Examine the stability of equilibrium using
 See the post-buckling load-displacement path shown below higher order derivatives of 
 The load carrying capacity increases after buckling at Pcr 1
 k  2  P L (1  cos  )
 Pcr is where   0 2
Rigid bar with rotational spring d
1.2  k   P L sin 
d
d2 
1 k  k  P L cos 
P for equilibrium d 2
L sin 
 k
0.8

P
 But , P 
Pcr sin  L sin 
Load P/Pcr

d2  k
0.6
 k L cos 
d 2 L sin 
0.4 d2  
  k (1  )
d 2 tan 
0.2 d 
2
  0 Always (i.e., all values of  )
d 2
0  Always STABLE
-1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
d2 
End rotation  But ,  0 for   0
 d 2
 Energy Method –Large Deflections Energy Method –Large Deflections
 At  =0, the second derivative of =0. Therefore, inconclusive.
 Consider the Taylor series expansion of  at =0 1.2
Rigid bar with rotational spring

d 1 d2  1 d3  1 d4  1 dn 
    0   2  3   4  .....  n 1
STABLE
d   0 2! d  0
2
3! d  0
3
4! d  0
4
n! d n  0 STABLE
0.8
 Determine the first non-zero term of ,

Load P/Pcr
1   0  0 1 d4  1 0.6
 k  2  P L (1  cos  )  4  k4 0
2 d 4! d 4  0 24 STABLE
d 0
 k   P L sin  d   0 0.4
d d 
2

d 
2
0
 k  P L cos  d 2   0 0.2
d 2
d3  d3 
 P L sin   P L sin   0
d 3 d 3  0 0
d 
4
d4  -1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
 P L cos   P L cos   PL  k
d 4 d 4  0 End rotation 


 Since the first non-zero term is > 0, the state is stable at P=Pcr and =0

Energy Method – Imperfect Systems Energy Method – Imperfect Systems

L P
 Consider example 1 – but as a system with imperfections
 The initial imperfection given by the angle 0 as shown below
k( L sin


0
k 0 L P
  U  We
1 L cos
U k (   0 ) 2 L (cos0-cos)
2
L cos(0)
We  P L (cos  0  cos  )
The free body diagram of the deformed system is shown below 1

 k (   0 ) 2  P L (cos  0  cos  )
2
L P
d
 k (   0 )  P L sin 
d
k( L sin
 d
For equilibrium; 0
0
d
L cos Therefore, k (   0 )  P L sin   0
L (cos0-cos)
k (   0 )
Therefore, P for equilibrium
L sin 
The equilibrium P   relationship is given above
 Energy Method – Imperfect Systems Buckling Analysis
k (   0 ) P   0 of A Box Girder
P  
L sin  Pcr sin  Bridge
P   relationsh
g p gof  0 shown below :
ips for different values
1.2

0.8
Load P/Pcr

0.6

0.4

0.2

0 Ref: Fu, C.C. and Wang, S.Q., “Computer

-1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Analysis and Design of Bridge Structures” 2014
by CRC Press
End rotation 
    

Buckling Analysis of A Pony Truss Bridge Buckling Analysis of A Simple Arch

 1st buckling load = 3146.8 kips 

 2nd buckling load = 3417.1 kips

Ref: Fu, C.C. and Wang, S.Q., “Computer Analysis and Design
of Bridge Structures” 2014 by CRC Press Ref: Fu, C.C. and Wang, S.Q., “Computer Analysis and
Design of Bridge Structures” 2014 by CRC Press
 MASTAN2 Module 1 and Module 2
Module 1: Elastic Column Buckling and the effect of End Restraint
Column Theoretic Analysis % Theoretic Analysis % Sort
Cas End Restraints al Pcr differenc al K differenc Orde
e Pcr e K e r
a fixed—fixed
b fixed—pinned
c fixed—free
d pinned—
pinned
e fixed—free
f pinned—no
rot.

Module 2: Factors
Influencing the Buckling