BEA-7-494 Finite Element and Stress Analysis Coursework 2 (CW2) Brief 2025-26

BEA-7-494 COURSEWORK(2) BRIEF

Finite Element and Stress Analysis

2 - ANSYS Modelling 1 — Reinforced Concrete Beam under UDL

1.Objective

Simulate a simply supported reinforced concrete (RC) beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load (UDL) in ANSYS Workbench. Evaluate linear elastic deflection and stresses.

2.Geometry, Materials and Loading

• Geometry (mm–N–s): L = 6000 mm; b = 300 mm; h = 500 mm; concrete cover = 35 mm.
• Reinforcement: 2 diamtre 20mm bottom, 2 diametre 16mm top (layout as in the section schematic, 200 mm apart).
• Materials: Concrete C30 (E = 30 GPa, ν = 0.2, density 2400 kg/m³, fctm
  ≈ 2.9 MPa); Steel B500 (E = 200 GPa, fy = 500 MPa).
• Loading: Uniformly distributed load w = 25 kN/m along the full span (self- weight optional).
• Boundary conditions: Left support pinned, right support roller (see schematic).

3.Modelling Tasks

A. Beam Element Model:

• Create a line body with rectangular section (b × h).
• Case A1: linear elastic.
• Case A2: Nonlinear, adding UDL load till rebar plasticity.
• In Case A1, extract mid-span deflection, bending stress at extreme fibre, reactions; compare with hand calculations.
• Crack check: identify zones where principal tensile stress exceeds fctm and comment on serviceability.
• Present a short table comparing deflection for different cases.

4.Deliverables

• Detailed report, with diagrams on how you go through the modelling key processes.

• E.g., geometry
• Material
• Part modelling
• Meshing
• Loads
• Boundary conditions
• Calculation steps
• Extraction of data
• Etc.

• Deformed shapes and stress contour plots with legends and units.
• Load–deflection value at mid-span for all cases; summary table of reactions/moments.
• 1–2 pages of discussion on modelling assumptions, boundary idealisation, and discrepancies vs hand results – to show your conceptual understanding in FEM.
• Archive the ANSYS project (*.wbpz). Save this file for the examiner to check in case.

5.Schematics

Use these diagrams to set up your model:

3 ANSYS Modelling 2 — Steel Frame Structure with and without Bracing

1.Objective

• Model in 3D, a two-storey, two-bay steel frame in ANSYS Workbench. Analyse both an unbraced frame and a frame with X-bracing in the left bay. For each configuration, carry out:
  1)(L) Linear static analysis,
  2)(E) Eigenvalue buckling modes,
  3)(P) Pushover (incremental lateral force),
  4)(ND) Nonlinear displacement-controlled analysis at the roof.

2.Geometry, Materials and Loading

• Bays: 2 × 5× 5 m; Storeys: 2 × 3 m; Base: fixed; Units: mm–N–s.
• Sections: Columns HEA 200, Beams IPE 200, Braces CHS 114.3×6.3
  (or similar).
• Steel S355: E = 205 GPa, ν = 0.3, density 7850 kg/m³, fy = 355 MPa.

3.Schematics

Unbraced frame:

Unbraced frame (elevation)

Braced frame (X-bracing in left bay):

4.Analysis Cases (for BOTH configurations)

• L — Linear Static: Apply 50 kN horizontal load at roof; report roof displacement, inter-storey drifts, ground floor member forces, and reactions.
• E — Eigenmodes: Extract the first three eigen-buckling modes and critical factors; comment on sway vs brace-dominated modes.
  P — Pushover: Ramp the lateral load to reach 500 mm roof drift. Use bilinear steel (fy = 355 MPa, Et = 2 GPa). Record base shear vs roof drift.
• ND — Nonlinear Displacement Control: Impose roof displacement to 150 mm with large-deflection on and bilinear steel; extract column shear force reaction vs displacement at point 1.

5.Required Outputs

• In case L for two configurations, comparative tables (braced vs unbraced) for roof displacement, base shear.
• Mode shape images and critical factors (top three for two configurations).
• In case P and ND, for two configurations, draw curves: column shear force reaction vs displacement at point 1.
• Mesh sensitivity discussion.
• Engineering discussion on stiffness, stability and capacity; identification of governing mechanisms.
• Archive the ANSYS project (*.wbpz). Save this file for the examiner to check in case.

Contents

1. Introduction 
2. Assessment of the Module
3. Feedback 
4. Marking Scheme

Submission Requirements and Deadline

1.Introduction

This report should detail the application of finite element analysis (FEA) in solving complex structural problems, focusing on beams, and structural frames. The report emphasizes the use of FEA packages for structural modelling, ensuring that the results obtained are both reliable and accurate. It should also highlight the complexities and potential pitfalls associated with using commercial engineering software for design and analysis, providing meaningful interpretations of the computer-generated analysis output. The findings aim to offer insights into how FEA can be effectively employed in advanced structural engineering.

2.Assessment of the Module

The assessment of this module consists of component as listed in the table below. This is CW2

The CW1 covers stress analysis topics and consists of in-class test. The CW2 covers finite element analysis topics and consists of report.
To pass the module, a minimum mark of 40% must be achieved in each courseworks (CW1 and CW2) AND a minimum weighted module mark of 50%.

In the event of the module failure, any component(s) below 40%, you must resit those component(s) in the resit period April / July 2026.

3.Feedback

Feedback will normally be given to students 15 working days (3 calendar weeks) after the final submission of an assignment or as advised by their module leader.

General feedback, applying to all students, will also be provided within 15 working days.

4.Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for CW2 is as follows in the table below.