Application of three nodded finite eleme

The convergence of numerical solution based on two nodded beam finite element require considerable number of iterations and time; and is also plagued with shear locking. To address these deficiencies a three nodded beam element is proposed in this study to simulate the behavior of beams on elastic foundation. The analytical formulation of the model and development of shape functions are achieved with assumption of Winkler hypothesis for beam on elastic foundation A Matlab programme was developed to determine the combined beam and foundation stiffness as well as the load vector. The proposed model reliably simulates the deformations and stress resultants of beam on elastic foundation under general loading conditions. The result showed faster convergence devoid of shear locking. The maximum deflection and bending moment differ from the classical solution by about 5 percent