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Finite
Element Structural Analysis on an Excel Spreadsheet
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Attention New York Engineers:
This course cannot be taken to fulfill your
continuing education requirements in the state of New York since the course does
not fall under the category of "Areas of Practice" or "Law/Ethics".
For more information, check the
New
York State Board Requirements.
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Richard Campbell, P.E.
Overview
Finite element software and spreadsheet software are two essential tools for structural
engineers. This course combines the two into a FE spreadsheet that puts the power of FE
method into the versatility of a spreadsheet.
The user is provided with a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that solves FE two dimensional
(2D) frame-type structural engineering problems. This spreadsheet is simplistic in
comparison to commercial software and much more limited in capabilities, but is completely adequate for many structural building frame-type problems. Most of the
course is about how to use the spreadsheet, with a one-chapter overview of underlying
theory. I have used the FE spreadsheet for years and it has been invaluable. It is easy to
learn if the user is already familiar with spreadsheets and it is much less expensive than
commercial FE software.
This course includes:
- Finite Element (FE) Spreadsheet
- Instruction on and examples of spreadsheet use
- A cursory review of underlying theory
- Discussion of applications, advantages, and limitations of the FE spreadsheet
- A multiple-choice 20-question quiz to obtain PDH
credits
A typical user would be a structural design engineer working with a beam, truss, frame or
elastic foundation problems. The user should:
- Have Excel 5.0 or higher software
- Have a working understanding of spreadsheet formulas (Visual Basic [VBA]
programming and macro skills are not necessary)
- Be able to create a structural 2D frame model with nodes and
members
- Be aware of matrix mathematics (addition, multiplication and inversion of
matrices), although detailed knowledge of matrices is not needed
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and
skills:
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Ability to solve structural frame problems using the provided FE spreadsheet
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Difference between truss, beam and frame-type members
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Node vs. member data
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Local vs. global coordinates
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Boundary conditions (supports) for stability
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Analysis of structural truss problems
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Methods to check calculated results
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Basic theory used to solve a FE problem, especially use of matrices
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Linking spreadsheets for progressive analyses
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Benefits, uses and limitations of the provided FE software spreadsheet
Course
Click on the link below to review the course
prior to taking a quiz for credit. Also, you will need to download both of
the Excel spreadsheets for use during the course.
Finite
Element Structural Analysis on an Excel Spreadsheet
Excel
Worksheet #1 to be Used For Course Calculations
Excel
Worksheet #2 to be Used for Course Calculations
Having Trouble Downloading the PDF File?
Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..."
Then save on your desktop. To view the file, double click the icon on your
desktop and return to this page to take the quiz.
You may need Acrobat Reader to view the
PDF documents provided above.
Click on the link below to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.
To obtain PDH credits for this course, you will need to take a quiz for
credit. Click on the link below.
(To take the quiz,
your web browser must be set to accept cookies. See how to
check your cookie settings.)
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