Assumptions and Limitations

Many components of structures may be logically idealized as laterally loaded, rectangular plates (or slabs). By identifying not only the loading condition but also the type of edge supports it is possible to use classical plate theory as one method to annalise a structure in smaller more manageable idealised sections. Classical plate theory assumes the following independent conditions:

• The in-plane plate dimensions are large compared to the thickness.
• Loads act transverse to the longitudinal axis and pass through the shear centre eliminating any torsion or twist.
• Self-weight of the plate has been ignored and should be taken into account in practice.
• The material of the beam is homogeneous and isotropic and has a constant Young's modulus in all directions in both compression and tension.
• The centroidal plane or neutral surface is subjected to zero axial stress and does not undergo any change in length.
• The response to strain is one dimensional stress in the direction of bending.
• Deflections are assumed to be very small compared to the overall length of the beam.
• The cross-section remains planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis during bending.
• Membrane strains have been neglected.
• Poisson's ratio has been assumed to be 0 unless stated otherwise in the notation section.

A note about bending moments: In structural engineering the positive moment is drawn on the tension side of the member allowing beams and frames to be dealt with more easily. Because moments are drawn in the same direction as the member would theoretically bend when loaded it is easier to visualise what is happening. StructX has adopted this way of drawing bending moments throughout.

Refer bottom of page for boundary conditions and loading Notation.