An Electrical Analyser for Rigid Frameworks

THE analysis of the simpler types of rigid rectangular framework may be undertaken quite satisfactorily by employing such methods as those of slope-deflection and moment distribution. As has been shown by tests carried out by the Steel Structures Research
Committeel, it is possible to obtain a very good estimate of the stresses occurring in a structure by such methods. When, however, it is necessary to analyse the usual size of building frame, these methods prove to be impracticable owing to the excessive amount of computation involved. This difficulty has been overcome in the conventional method of design by making use of simplifying assumptions which considerably ease the burden of computation. Unfortunately stresses calculated on the basis of this method bear little relation to those occurring in practice, and the designs produced cannot be regarded as really economic. There is an obvious need for some method of obtaining rigorous analyses without the usual excessive amount of work. The analyser described in this paper is designed for just this purpose. It is simple to set up and apply and gives rapid and accurate solutions to rigid frame problems.

J. W. Bray