Three-dimensional Non-prismatic Beam-columns

This paper is concerned with three-dimensional straight beam-columns with no warping whose cross sections vary along the axis in a uniform manner with respect to the principal directions. The basic four coupled differential equations governing the behavior of 3D beam-columns are first rederived using the method of perturbations. These equations are reformulated to include varying cross sections. Finally, a 6 × 6 stiffness matrix (which is sufficient to describe 3D behavior) is computed by solving the equations 6 times for a sequence of appropriate discontinuities. The finite difference method is employed for that purpose. Timoshenko's closed form solution for the buckling load of a tapered column is chosen for comparison with that obtained by the proposed formulation. Effects of twist are also presented.