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Section 5
5-95
Sign convention for joint displacements
The displacements of the nodes of the curved member are along
the global axis system just as in the case of straight members.
Sign convention for member end forces
The member end forces for curved members are quite similar to
that for straight members. The only distinguishing item is that they
are normal and tangential to the local axis at the corresponding
ends. For example, FX at the start is tangential to the curve at the
start node, and FX at the end is tangential to the curve at the end
node. Similarly, FZ is along the radial direction at the two ends.
Member releases, offsets, tension/compression, truss and cable
may not be specified for curved beams.
F
Global Y is Vertical
Y
Z
Y1
F
Z1
F
X1
F
Y2
F
X2
F
Z2
Z
Y
X1
M
M
Y1
M
Z1
M
Y2
M
X2
M
Z2
Figure 5.13g