Finite element solution of an elastically connected double Bernoulli-Euler beam system on Winkler-Kerr foundation

Resumo

In the last decades, studies on the double-beam system, which consists of two parallel beams connected
by an elastic layer, have been focus of much researches and applied to a wide variety of engineering problems
such as, adhesively bonded joints, rail on geocell-reinforced earth bed and many others. Different models of one,
two and three parameters have been used to represent the inner connecting layer of the beams and the support
base. In this paper, a finite element formulation is derived assuming the Euler-Bernoulli beam hypotheses to
represent the beams, the Winkler foundation model to idealize the inner layer, and the Kerr elastic foundation
assumptions to model the support base. The double beam finite element has ten degrees of freedom and its stiffness
matrix and equivalent load vector are explicitly shown. Numerical bending analysis for many different load cases,
beam properties, and foundation parameters is done and compared with analytical solution or numerical responses,
according to their availabilities.