Abstract
This paper describes a procedure for taking into account distributed loads in the dynamic stiffness matrix formulation, also known as the continuous element method. In that formulation, concentrated or linearly distributed loads are taken into account by considering the necessary number of elements in such a way that these loads are applied on element boundaries. As for distributed loads such as pressure and surface forces, they were not provided for in the formulation. The validation is achieved by comparison of accuracy and computational time of harmonic response calculations performed by the continuous element model and a finite element model. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.