Free Vibration Analysis of Multi-span Timoshenko Beams on Elastic Foundation Using Dynamic Stiffness Method

Abstract

In this study, the exact first five natural frequencies of three-span Timoshenko beams on Winkler foundation are calculated using dynamic stiffness formulation. Different elastic foundation spring constants and different beam cross-sections are used to reflect their effects on natural frequencies. Moreover, the natural frequencies are also calculated via structural analysis software SAP2000 and tabulated with exact results. It is seen that the influence of elastic foundation spring stiffness in inner span is high in comparison with outer spans. The cross-section of the beam plays an important role on natural frequencies of multi-span Timoshenko beams on Winkler foundation.