An Equivalent Truss Model by Discretizing Continuum Structure

Generally, structures are analyzed as continuum. However, sometimes it is more efficient to analyze structure as a discrete model rather than as a continuum model in case of the structure has complex shape or loading condition. This study, therefore, suggests an improved analysis discrete model, named Equivalent Truss Model (further as "ETM"), which can obtain similar results with analyzing continuums analysis. ETM adopts a lattice truss to compose the members of the model, and analyses the structures. As a consequence, the ETM produced the identical outcome with the continuums analysis in section force of different structures and loading conditions. Similar results have been shown in internal stress analysis as well. Make use of that ETM is discrete, fractural path of beam was analyzed by ETM and the result was reasonable.