Improved finite-element-based stress analysis method for cylindrical orthotropic members with arbitrary cross-sections considering ring orientation

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to develop a novel finite element analysis (FEA) method for the stress analysis of cylindrical orthotropic members with arbitrary cross-sections made of timber and then extend it to engineered bamboo. These materials exhibit complex mechanical behavior described by both material anisotropy induced by ring orientation and geometric complexity associated with arbitrary cross-sectional shapes. The proposed approach introduces an orthotropic constant strain triangle (OCST) element, which offers high adaptability in meshing arbitrary shape of cross-secftions while considering material anisotropy of cylindrical orthotropic members. The cross-sectional characteristic of timer is distinguished by an advanced cylindrically orthotropic material model. The torsional and shear properties of the orthotropic member are derived based on the assumption of Saint-Venant while considering complex loading conditions. The proposed methods have been programmed into the latest edition of the educational structural analysis software, MSASect2. The results of the present study are compared with established analytical and numerical solutions, followed by two sets of case studies to examine the effects of ring orientation and cross-sectional shape on the distribution of the stress.