Analysis of a 4-span continuous plate in one direction using Matlab programming

The present study presents a computer approach based on polynomial shape functions application for analysis of continuous plate in one direction using Matlab. A 4-span continuous plate in the x-direction comprises of boundary conditions SSSC, SCSC, SCSC and SCSS single panels’ plate was analyzed. It was assumed that, the external edges were simply supported while the internal edges of each panel were clamped. The bending moments of the clamped edges were calculated for each panel using appropriate boundary conditions which formed the fixed end moments (FEMs). Stiffness method was used based on beam analogy to analyze the continuous plate. Matlab codes were applied to develop a computer program for this analysis. To validate the results of this present study, the values of the moments obtained were compared with those of earlier studies using manual method. The percentage difference for fixed end moments were all 0.00% and that of support moments had the maximum value of 0.016%. Thus, it was concluded that the present study program based on Matlab is adequate and a faster approach for a 4-span continuous plate in one direction analysis. Keywords: Matlab Programming, Continuous Plate, Polynomial Shape Functions, Beam Analogy, Fixed Edge Moment.