Abstract:
An exact analytical solution of a harmonically vibrating beam-column element resting on an elastic Winkler foundation is derived. The solution covers four cases comprised of constant compressive or tensile axial force with the restrictions k(s) - m omega(2) < 0 and k(s) - m omega(2) > 0. The proposed solution is not restricted to a particular range of magnitudes of the foundation parameter. Closed form solutions of dynamic shape functions are explicitly derived for each sub-case to obtain frequency-dependent dynamic stiffness terms that constitute the exact dynamic stiffness matrices. Four numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the merits of the present study.