Versatile Finite Strip Method for Plate Bending

A versatile finite strip model for plate bending capable of dealing with plates continuous over igid supports, in both directions, is developed. The model considers a rectangular finite strip with two iegrees of freedom at each of the four corner nodes. The displacements in x-direction are represented by polynomials while in y-direction by specially developed series functions which afford the desired con-inuity of the plate over rigid supports. The interpolation surfaces for each degree of freedom are defined is products of appropriate functions in each direction. Beyond this, virtual work formulation yields the stiffness matrix equation of the structure. The results of analysis from the model are compared with those available in literature and ones obtained from finite element models. The method affords accurate results with a coarse mesh size