Revision 1/Nov 2014

MINISTRY OF MANPOWER
AL MUSANNA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING

CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURAL (C&A) ENGINEERING SECTION

CECE 2110
THEORY OF STRUCTURES 1

1
UNIT 1 THEORY OF STRUCTURES

At the end of the chapter, the student shall be able to:

1. Identify types of structures, supports and load conditions

2. Describe the various types of beams
3. Explain the difference between dead load, live load and environmental load.

Definition, Types of Structures, Supports and Loading Conditions

Theory of Structures is the process by which the structural engineer determines how a
structure responds to specified loads or actions.

The response is usually measured by establishing the forces and deformations throughout the
structure.

The analysis is based on engineering mechanics theory, laboratory research, research, model
and field experimentation, experience, and engineering judgment.

Due to serious limitations on computational capabilities in the past, Classical Methods were
developed such as Moment Area and virtual work method, Slope deflection and Moment
Distribution method among others.

1.1 Types of Structures and Structural Models

What is a structure?

It refers to a system of interconnected parts of a building (beam, column, slab, roof,

walls etc) that can support loads (gravity or lateral) while performing its primary
function.

Types of Structure

1. Truss structure
2. Cable supported structures
3. Arch structures
4. Frames
5. Surface structures

2
Figure 1 Reinforce Concrete Building is interconnected parts of beams, columns, slabs, footing and
roof trusses

3
 Type 1 :Trusses

Roof Truss Bridge trusses

4
Type 2: Cables and Arches

Golden Gate Cable suspension bridge

Type 3 : Arches

5
Type 4: Frames (Building Frames)

6
Type 5 : Surface Structures (Domes and Shells)

Mosque is a dome structure

1.2 Types of Supports

The three common types of connections which join a built structure to its foundation
are; roller, pinned and fixed. A fourth type, not often found in building structures, is known
as a simple support. This is often idealized as a frictionless surface).

All of these supports can be located anywhere along a structural element. They are found at
the ends, at midpoints, or at any other intermediate points.

The type of support connection determines the type of load that the support can resist.

The support type also has a great effect on the load bearing capacity of each element, and
therefore the system.

7
Types of Supports in Structures

8
1.3 Beams

Beams are long and slender structural elements, differing from truss elements in that they are
called on to support transverse as well as axial loads

A beam is a structural member designed to support various loading applied at points along the
member. When a beam is loaded it will bend and this bending is measured in newton millimetre
or multiples of the units (e.g. kNm.).

Structural beam subject to bending due to transverse loading

wooden beams

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TYPES OF BEAMS:-There are five types of beams as under:-

1.Cantilever Beam:-A cantilever beam is one whose one end is fixed and the
other end carries a point or concentrated load.

2. Simply Supported Beam:-A simply supported beam is one which carries

two reaction forces at its two ends & a point load at its mid-point.

3.Overhanging Beam:-It is a type of simply supported beam which

overhangs from its supports.An overhanging beam may overhang on one side
only or on both sides of the supports.

simply supported beam with two overhanging

ends

10
4. Rigidly Fixed Or Built-In-Beam:-It is a type of beam in which both ends
are fixed and carries a point load at its centre.

5. Continuous Beam:-It is a type of overhanging beam which consists of a

numerous reaction forces and point loads.

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 1.4 Two (2) General Types of Loadings in Structures

LOADING:-It is a type of weight put on the beam which causes the beam to deflect or
bend in shape

(1) Dead load: - Dead load is the load on a building due to its own components, such as

walls, partitions, columns, beams, slabs, floors, roofs and all permanent constructions and parts

of the building. Clearly, the dead load remains constant, and it does not change under different

conditions.

Weigth of column, slabs and beams are examples of dead load

(2) Live load: - Live load (also called superimposed load or imposed load) is the load due to

the weight of occupants, furniture, machineries, temporary partitions and all other movable items

in the building. The value of live load changes under different conditions and different uses of

the building. Most of the live load acts on floors and roofs.

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A truck on top of a bridge structure is an example of a live load

Other examples of Live loads are “environmental Loads such as wind load, snow load

and earthquake loads:

Another Special Type of Live loads is Environmental loads

Environmental loads- are Live loads also

Environmental loads-These are loads that act as a result of weather, topography and other
natural phenomena.

Wind loads
Snow, rain and ice loads
Seismic loads
Temperature changes leading to thermal expansion cause thermal loads
Frost heaving
Lateral pressure of soil, groundwater or bulk materials

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Loads from fluids or floods
Ash or Dust loads

Wind is an environmental load that must be considered in building design

Earthquake load is a Lateral environmental load that acts randomly on a structure

In engineering, the earthquake load is considered as a base shear force acting laterally on

the base /graound.

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1.5 Loading types in beams and frames

Beams are subjected to uniformly distributed loads (UDL), point (concentrated) loads or a
combination of both. The various loading conditions to which a beam may be subjected to are
shown below.

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Exercise problems For Chapter 1

1. What type of structure is shown below ? Explain why .

2. The girder beam bridge shown below is supported by what type of support?
Why should it not be supported using fixed support? Explain your answer

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3. What type of support is shown below?

___________________

_______________________

_______________________

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 UNIT 2 INTERNAL FORCES PRODUCED IN STRUCTURES

(AXIAL FORCE, SHEAR FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT)

At the end of the chapter, the student shall be able to:

1. Enumerate the internal forces or stresses acting on a beam (Free body diagram)
2. Solve beam problems using the (3)static equilibrium equations
3. Draw and analyze a shear and moment diagram of a beam

2.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members

A beam structure is subject to External loads, External reactions (acting on supports) and
Internal forces.

Consider the overhanging beam shown below,

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When an imaginary CUTTING PLANE (a-a) cuts the beam at 1 meter from point A, there
are 3 internal forces acting at (a-a) to maintain “Balance or equilibrium”, these are:

1. Axial force (F or A)- force acting on the longitudinal axis of beam and resist tension or
compression

axial force

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2. Shear force (V)- force acting parallel to the CUTTING PLANE or also is the force in the
beam acting perpendicular to its longitudinal (x) axis.

shear force

3. Bending moment (M) - resists the sagging deformation characteristic of a beam experiencing
bending.

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2.2 Static Equilibrium Equations

Determining internal loads of beam

structures requires a good understanding of
static equilibrium equations and how to
apply boundary conditions. For any static
equilibrium problem, all forces and moments
in all directions must be equal to zero. This
is summarized in equation form as

ΣF = 0 and ΣM = 0
Most situations require only the 2D form of
these equations, or
Typical Loading on Beam

ΣFx = 0 ΣFy = 0 ΣMz = 0

2.3 CALCULATION OF BEAM EXTERNAL REACTIONS BY STATIC

EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS

1.Determination of the reactions of a simple beam with a point load

Use the sum of the moments must be zero (Σ M = 0) equation to calculate the magnitude of the
reactions

Sign convention: clockwise moments positive (+ve), anti-clockwise moments negative

(-ve).

There are to unknowns (RL and RR) and one must be eliminated to be able to calculate the
reaction. We select the rotation point at RR because reaction RR times distance is then zero.
To find RL take the moment about RR (now there is only one unknown in our equation)

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 Sum of the moments about RR equals zero (Σ M RR =
0)

RL × 8.00 - 8 × 3.50 = 0
8RL = 28.00
RL = 3.50 kN

To find RR you could use the sum of the vertical

forces must be zero. (Σ FV = 0)

If this formula is used, you must be certain that RL is correctly calculated. At this stage it is better
to calculate RR as well.

Sum of the moments about RL equals zero. (Σ M RL =

0)

-RR × 8.00 + 8 × 4.50 = 0

8RR = 36.00
RR = 4.50 Kn

2. Determination of the reactions of a simple beam with a uniformly distributed load

The principle to calculate the reaction is similar to

the example above. The uniformly distributed load
can be substituted by a concentrated load acting in
the centre of gravity of the UDL.

The total load on beam is the UDL multiplied by the

length of the beam, i.e.
Figure 9 5 kN/m × 8.00 m = 40 kN.
The centre of gravity of the UDL is at
½ of 8.00 m = 4.00 m

As symetrie exists there is no need to calculate the

reaction. From inspection it can be seen that
RL = RR = 40 kN/2 = 20 kN

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Figure 10

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. SOLVE THE EXTERNAL REACTIONS AT THE SUPPORTS OF THE

OVERHANGING BEAM.

2. CANTILEVER BEAM
SOLVE THE EXTERNAL REACTIONS AT THE FIXED SUPPORT IF LENGTH OF
CANTILEVER IS 4 METERS AND LOAD IS 50 KN.

W=50 KN

4M

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 2.4 SHEAR and BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAMS

Shear force diagrams are simply plots of the shear force (on the y-axis) versus the position of various
points along the beam (on the x-axis)

Bending moment diagrams are simply plots of the bending moment (on the y-axis) versus the
position of various points along the beam (on the x-axis).

Sign convention for shear force and bending moment

The sign shear force (S) and bending moment (M) are positive (+) or negative (-) as shown
below.

Internal forces at the section (negative

shear and positive bending)

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Figure 5
Effect of external forces

Important Rules in Drawing Shear and Moment Diagrams

1. Force that acts upward is drawn upward and force that is acting downward is drawn
downward in the shear diagram
2. The open space between two succeeding forces in a beam is drawn as a straight line in
the shear diagram
3. The shear diagram starts with zero and ends with zero to satisfy equilibrium condition.
4. The degree of the curve of the shear diagram is 1 degree higher than that of the load
diagram

0 DEGREE CURVE 1 DEGREE CURVE 2 DEGREE OR HIGHER

5. Forces that act upward are considered positive(+) and forces that act downward are
considered negative(-) in the cumulative computation of NET shear forces in the beam.

Computation of NET Shear force is cumulative and algebraic(must consider sign

conventions).

6. A DECREASING LOAD ordinate in the Load diagram yields a DECREASING curve in

the Shear diagram, CONVERSELY, An INCREASING LOAD ordinate yields an
INCREASING CURVE in the shear diagram

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Rules in Drawing the Moment Diagrams:

1. The area under the shearing force curve between the same two points. Is equal to the
change in bending moment between two points on a beam.
Simply, the area of a shear diagram between 2 points is equal to the NET bending
moment between the two points on the beam.

2. Area ABOVE the shear diagram is considered as (+) area or (+) moment and area
BELOW the shear Diagram is considered as (-) area or (-) moment

Computation of areas/moments is cumulative and algebraic(must consider sign

conventions)

3. Moment start with ZERO and ends with ZERO in the moment diagram to satisfy
EQUILIBRIUM requirements. (EXCEPT when the end supports are fixed supports.)

4. The slope of the curve in a segment in the moment diagram is 1 degree HIGHER than
that in the Shear diagram

2.5 AREAS OF COMMON GEOMETRIC SHAPES

(USED IN CALCULATING NET BENDING MOMENT IN THE MOMENT DIAGRAM)

1.RECTANGLE

Area=bh

2.TRIANGLE

Area = bh
2

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 3. GENERAL SPANDREL WITH
DEGREE OF CURVE (N)

Area= bh
N+1

2.6 Example problem on Drawing a Shear and Moment Diagram

Example 1

Draw the shear and moment diagram

for the simple beam loaded by 120
KN force 6 m from left support

120 Kn

ΣMA = 0
120 kn (10 ft) RB - (6 ft)(120 lb) = 0
RB = 72 kn

ΣFy = 0
RA - 120 lb + 72 lb = 0
RA = 48 kn

The shear and moment diagram is shown below

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2.Draw the shear and moment diagram for the simple supported beam 4 m long and with
uniform load of 3 kn per meter.

3.Draw the Shear and Moment diagram

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 Summing moments about the left end of the beam

MA = 7RC - 2 [ 4 × 10 ]
- 4(16) - 9(19) = 0
gives
RC = 45 kN
Then, summing forces in the vertical direction
F = RA + RC - 4 × 10 - 16 - 19 = 0
gives
RA = 30 kN

Shear Diagram

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 Moment Diagram

REVIEW problem (Re-solve at Home)

4. Draw the shear and moment diagram for the beam shown below. Beam is simply
supported and loaded by uniform load 10kn per m and point load of 80 kn, 2 meters from
left support

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Maximum moment is 217.8 kn –m (positive) and max shear is 114 kn acting at left
support

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. Draw the Shear and Moment diagram for the beam shown

2. Draw the Shear and Moment diagram for the beam shown

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3. Draw the shear and moment diagram for the beam shown below.

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UNIT 3 THE AREA-MOMENT / MOMENT-AREA METHODS:

At the end of the chapter, the student shall be able to:

1. Draw correctly moment diagram by parts of various simple beams.

2. Calculate the deviation, slope and deflections in a beam using the Moment Area theorems

The Moment Area Method

The area moment method is a semi graphical method of dealing with problems of deflection of
beams subjected to bending. This is applied to cases where the equation for bending moment to
be written is cumbersome and the loading is relatively simple.

Another method of determining the slopes and deflections in beams is the area-moment method,
which involves the area of the moment diagram.

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3.1 Moment Diagram by Parts

Basic Principles The bending moment caused by all forces to the left or to the right of any section is
equal to the respective algebraic sum of the bending moments at that section caused by each load
acting separately.

1. Moment Load

Draw moment diagram by parts if C= 20 kn-m and L= 4 meters

2. Concentrated Load

Draw moment diagram by parts if P= 20 kn-m and L= 4 meters

3. Uniform load

Draw moment diagram by parts if Wo= 20 kn-m and L= 4 meters

36
 4. Uniformly varying load

Draw moment diagram by parts if Wo= 20 kn-m and L= 4 meters

37
3.2 Theorems of Area-Moment Method

Theorem 1
The change in slope between the tangents drawn to the elastic curve at any two points A and B is
equal to the product of 1/EI multiplied by the area of the moment diagram between these two points.
-

Theorem II

The deviation of any point B relative to the tangent drawn to the elastic curve at any other point A, in
a direction perpendicular to the original position of the beam, is equal to the product of 1/EI
multiplied by the moment of an area about B of that part of the moment diagram between points A
and B.

or

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Example Number 1

The cantilever beam shown in Fig. P-636 has a rectangular cross-section 200 mm high by 150
mm wide. Find the deflection at point A . Use E = 200,000 MPa.

Draw Moment Diagram by parts about B

39
The moment diagram by parts with reference to point B.

40
 2.Solve Deviation of point D with respect to tangent at Point A

Solve also deflection at point B . if Inertia= 200x10^ 6 mm^4 and E= 200,000 Mpa

Moment diagram by parts with reference to point D

41
3.Solve Deviation of A with respect to tangent at Point C

42
Exercise problems in Chapter 3

1. For the simple beam shown below; solve the following;

a. Reaction at A and C
b. Deviation of point B wrt point B
c. Deviation of point C wrt point B

2. What is the value of deviation of free end (c ) wrt point A for the cantilever beam
shown?

43
UNIT 4 ANALYSIS OF TRUSSES

At the end of the chapter, the student shall be able to:

1.Analyze a truss structure by the Method of Joints .

2.Calculate the deflections at any point in a truss by the Method of Virtual work.

Trusses-Definition

Trusses- are used commonly in Steel buildings and bridges. Truss is a structure comprising one
or more triangular units constructed with straight members whose ends are connected at joints
referred to as nodes. External forces and reactions to those forces are considered to act only at
the nodes and result in forces in the members which are either tensile or compressive forces.
Moments (torques) are explicitly excluded. It provide support for a roof.

44
Assumptions:

1. All members are straight.

2. Members are connected at their extremities only (joints). No member is continuous
through a joint.
3. All joints are pinned (No moment).
4. All members carry loads only in their direction (No transverse force).
5. All loads are applied at joints.

6. Weghts of individual members are negligible

7. All forces must add up to zero (balance of forces/equilibrium)

Bridge Truss Roof Truss

45
4.1 Some common types of Truss

4.2 Forces in acting on a Truss member

External forces and reactions to those forces are considered to act only at the nodes and result in
forces in the members which are either tensile or compressive forces. Moments (torques) are

considered zero

46
If for example , a Free Body Diagram (FBD) is drawn for Joint or Node D, E and B, the figure
below will show all external reactions and internal force, (Internal forces in a truss member is
either Compression or Tension Only) , No Moment acts on the Joint of truss

4.3 Analysis of Truss by Method of Joints

One of the basic methods to determine loads in individual truss members is called the Method of
Joints. Like the name states, the analysis is based on joints. Each joint is treated as a separate
object and a free-body diagram is constructed for the joint.

47
Because each and every joint must be in equilibrium, the basic force equations can be applied to
each joint,

ΣFx = 0
ΣFy = 0

Summation of forces meeting at a joint is zero for equilibrium

Each joint will only have two equations to solve for member forces since there is no moment at
the joint. The means only two unknown member forces can be solved at a single joint and the
order in which the joints are solved is important.

48
PROBLEM 1. ANALYZE THE FORCES IN THE TRUSS SHOWN USING METHOD
OF JOINTS

49
50
SUMMARY

51
52
PRACTICE PROBLEMS

SOLVE THE TRUSS MEMBER FORCES BY METHOD OF JOINTS

53
4.4 Deflection of a Truss by Virtual Work (Unit Load ) Method

The virtual work method can be used to determine the deflection of trusses.

We know from the principle of virtual work for trusses that the deflection can be calculated by

the equation with n equal to the virtual force in the member and equal to the
change in length of the member.

Therefore, the deflection of a truss due to any condition that causes a change in length of the
members can be calculated. This change in length can be caused by the applied loads acting on
each member, temperature changes, and by fabrication errors.

Truss deflection experiment in a fabrication site

54
Axial Deformation:

From statics we know how to determine member forces in a truss by using either the method of
joints or the method of sections. Once these forces are known we can determine the axial
deformation of each member by using the equation:

For Trusses with many members , (m), the calculation of total deflection or deformations is
given by the formula below known as Unit Load or Virtual work Formula

The equation for the deflection with (m) members can be modified with this value for .

55
where

m is equal to the number of members,

n is the force in the member due to the virtual load (1 unit load),

N is the force in the member due to the applied load,

Note: N is (+ ) if tension and (-) if compression force

L is the length, A is the area, and

E represents Young's Modulus of Elasticity.

The above equation is the Virtual Work Formula(Unit Load Formula) to determine truss
deflections.

4.5 Application of Virtual Work Method in Calculating Truss Deflection

Problem :

Solve the Horizontal deflection of the Truss structure at point “C”. Member lengths are shown
in meters and cross sectional area of truss members are 2000 sq mm for all members EXCEPT
the diagonal with cross sectional area of 2500 sq. mm. Modulus of Elasticity for all members is
200,000 N/mm^2

56
Solve external reactions of support

Therefore

Ah= 5 kn

Av= 5 kn (downward)

Dv= 15 kn (upward)

Solve N the forces in the member due to the applied load,

Therefore , N values are:

AB=0

BC=0

CD= -15 kn (compression)

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DA=0

AC= +7.07 kn (tension)

Next ,

Solve the values of (n) , the force in the member due to the virtual load (1 unit load),

In this case a HORIZONTAL 1 unit load applied at point C.

(Apply a 1 unit horizontal load at point C)

Solving values of (n), values of member forces due to a (1) unit horizontal load
applied at Point C.

Therefore values of ( n) are,

AB=0

BC=0

CD= -1 (compression)

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DA=0

AC= +1.414 (tension)

Solve for the Horizontal Deflection at point C of the truss

Member N n L A E

(newton) (no (mm) (mm^2) N/mm^2

unit)

AB 0 0 4000 2,000 200,000 0

BC 0 0 4000 2,000 200,000 0

CD -15,000 -1 4000 2,000 200,000 0.15 mm

DA 0 0 4000 2,000 200,000 0

AC 7,070 1.414 5657 2,500 200,000 0.1131 mm

TOTAL HORIZONTAL DEFLECTION AT POINT “C” 0.2631 mm

Therefore TOTAL HORIZONTAL deflection of truss at point C is 0.2631 mm to the right

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Practice Problem

1.For this same problem, what is the value of VERTICAL deflection at point C?

2. For the truss shown , solve vertical deflection at C. All cross sectional areas are
2500 sq. mm and all E= 200,000 N/mm^2. Prepare a chart for your computations.

60
3.Consider problem number 2, all properties and load remains the same, solve for the
HORIZONTAL defelction at point C.

All cross sectional areas are 2500 sq. mm and all E= 200,000 N/mm^2. Prepare a
chart for your computations.

61
UNIT 5 STATICALLY INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES

At the end of the chapter, the student shall be able to:

1.Differentiate between a statically determinate and statically indeterminate structure

2.Determine by calculation the statical indeterminacy of a beam, truss or building frame system

Statically Determinate VS Statically Indeterminate Structures

It is customary to divide structures into statically determinate and statically

indeterminate. By a statically determinate system we mean a system for which

all the reactions of supports can be determined by means of equations of

equilibrium,

These (3 ) equations of equilibrium are;

Σ Fx = 0 , Σ Fy = 0 , Σ Mz = 0

The building frame below is an example of statically Indeterminate system

62
5.1 Examples of Statically Determinate Beams

1. Simply supported

three external reactions only

2. Cantilever beam

three external reactions

only

5.2 DEFINITION OF STATICALLY INDETERMINATE SYSTEM

A statically indeterminate system means that the reactions and internal forces cannot be analyzed
by the application of the (3) equations of static alone.

The indeterminacy of the structure may be either external, internal, or both.

The number of reactions is excess of the number of equilibrium equations is called the degree of
statical indeterminacy redundancy.

To determine the forces is a statically indeterminate beam, account must be taken of the
deflections of the beam from which, or the basis of compatibility, supplementary equations
needed to calculate the reactions are obtained.

63
Examples of statically Indeterminate Structures

a. Statically Indeterminate Beams

Propped beam

continuous beam

Restrained or Fixed end beam

64
B. Statically Indeterminate Trusses

Two support are hinges(Externally Redundant

truss)

Four support are hinges

Example of Internally Redundant truss

(Joint number 3 has 5 members)

65
C. Statically Indeterminate Frames

Two supports fixed

One support fixed and one support hinge

66
2 hinge supports and one fixed support

multi span building frames

67
5.3 Examples: Calculating the Indeterminacy of a Structure

Determine the number of indeterminacy for the shown three frames (a), (b) and (c) shown in the
figures using the formula

i = (3 m + R) – 3 j

where:

i= degree of indeterminacy

m= number of members

R= number of external support reactions

j= number of joints

5.3.1 Figures of Indeterminate frames

a) For the plane frame shown in figure (a);

i = (3 m + R) – 3 j

= (3 * 3 + 6) - 3 * 4 = 3

Then it is a three times statically indeterminate frame.

68
b) For the plane frame shown in figure (b);

i = (3 m + R) – 3 j

= (3 * 7 + 4) - 3 * 6 = 7

Then it is a seven times statically indeterminate frame.

c) For the plane frame shown in figure (b);

i = (6 m + R) – 6 j

= (6 * 8 + 24) - 6 * 8 = 24

Then it is 24 times statically indeterminate frame.

Note :

R= 24 since for each column, there are 6 reactions total for both the XY and XZ planes,
therefore , 6x 4 columns= 24

5.3.2 Truss Degree of Indeterminacy

For truss use degree of indeterminacy is

I=(m + R) - 2j.

M= number of member

R= number of external reactions

J = number of joints

69
5.4 Problem Solving in Structure Indeterminacy

Solve the Indeterminacy of the trusses shown.

Truss 1

Truss 2

Solution

I=(m + R) - 2j.

For truss number 1

I=(19+ 3)- 2(11)=0 therefor truss 1 is statically determinate

For truss number 2

I= (15+4)- 2(9)= 1 , therefore it is 1st degree indeterminate

70
Practice Problems in Indeterminacy
1. Solve the degree of indeterminacy for the truss

2. 1. Solve the degree of indeterminacy for the beam

71
3. Solve degree of indeterminacy for the building frame

72
UNIT 6 Analysis of Indeterminate Structure (Continuous Beams)

At the end of the chapter, the student shall be able to:

1. Explain the concept of the various classical methods in analyzing continuous

indeterminate beams.
2. Calculate the shear forces and bending moments of a continuous beam by;
 Slope deflection method
 Moment distribution method
3. Draw the shear and moment diagram of a continuous beam

6.1 Two Classical Methods in Analyzing Continuous Beams

1. Moment Distribution method by hardy Cross

The moment distribution method structural analysis method for statically

indeterminate beams and frames developed by Hardy Cross. It was published in 1930 in
an ASCE journal. The method only accounts for flexural effects and ignores axial and shear
effects. From the 1930s until computers began to be widely used in the design and analysis of
structures, the moment distribution method was the most widely practiced method.

Hardy Cross

73
2. Slope Deflection method by George Maney

The slope deflection equations express the member end moments in terms of rotation angles and
deflections. The slope deflection method is used for analysis of statically indeterminate
structures such as beams and frames. This method was introduced by Prof.George A. Maney,in
1915.

6.2 Sign Convention:

1. The counter clock wise moments, and counter clock wise rotations/slopes are taken as positive
ones.
2. The down ward displacements of the right end with respect to the left end of horizontal
member is considered as positive.
3. The right ward displacement of upper end with respect to lower end of a vertical member is
taken as positive.

74
Assumptions in the slope- deflection method:
1. The material of the structure is linearly elastic.

Linearly elastic material -Material that returns to its original length or shape after the force f is removed

2. The structure is loaded with in elastic limit.

75
3. Axial displacements, Shear displacements are neglected.

Truss members are assumed not to shorten or lengthen.

4. Only flexural deformations are considered

Bending deformations are considered, axial deformation are NOT.

76
The Slope Deflection Equations:

The slope deflection equations of member AB of flexural rigidityEabIab and length Lab and the
four parts represent by:

Mab = Fab + Kab( 2  + 

Mba = Fba + Kba( 2  + 

77
6.3 Absolute and Relative Stiffness

Stiffness is the rigidity of an object — the extent to which it resists deformation in response to an
applied force.

The complementary concept is flexibility: the more flexible an object is, the lesser its stiffness as
shown in the beam figure above.

78
Stiffness of a member depends upon material properties and geometry. Stiffness is the resistance
of an elastic body to deflection or deformation by an applied force .(rigidity)

The stiffness of a structural element of a given material is the product of the material's Young's
modulus and the element's second moment of area (moment of inertia).

Stiffness is measured in force per unit length (newtons- millimeter)

The deflection of a structure under loading is dependent on its stiffness. A structure with high
stiffness has low value of deflection.

Absolute Stiffness (Ka) = 2EI (n-mm)

L

When the material of beam is constant , relative stiffness Kr may be used for simplicity
in computations,

Relative Stiffness(Kr) = I
L

Where I= moment of Inertia of the beam cross section (mm^4)

E= modulus of elasticity of beam material (n/mm^2)

L= Length of beam segment (mm)

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 6.4 Joint Equilibrium
Joint equilibrium conditions imply that each joint with a degree of freedom should have no
unbalanced moments i.e. be in equilibrium. Therefore,

Consider the continuous beam above,

(Mb)left = (Mb) right or

Algebraic sum of two moments at any joint in the continuous beam is ZERO, i.e.

(Mb) left + (Mb)right = 0

Take note also that the Moments at points A and B are also zero since the supports are hinge and roller
respectively i.e
Ma=0
Mb= 0

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Joint equilibrium on a building Frame, the summation of moments at beam 1 , beam 3 and
column 2 should be Zero .

The general procedure using slope- deflection method:

1. Draw the separate the parts of the beam in between supports.

2. Compute the fixed end moments
3. Compute relative stiffness (K)
4. Write the moment equations for each beam segment.

For example slope deflection equations for Segment AB only are:

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 Mab = Fab + Kab( 2  + 

Mba = Fba + Kba( 2  + 

5. Write the compatibility condition/boundary conditions. The joints are

combined to get zero moment, end conditions (moment = 0 or slope, = 0).

6. Solve the moment equations.

7. Solve for the reactions for the beam. By using the forces and the moments to
find the individual components.

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6.5 Fixed End Moments(FEM)
Fixed end moments are the moments produced at member ends by external loads when the joints
are fixed or restrained.

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Problem number 1

Analyze the end moments and column reactions on the continuous beam shown by the Slope
Deflection method.

The continuous beam is two spans , span AB has length of 6 m and span BC has length of 5
meters. Cross sectional area is constant with moment of inertia taken as I as shown

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Problem number 2

Analyze the end moments and column reactions on the continuous beam shown by the Slope
Deflection method.

Draw the Shear and Moment Diagram for this continuous beam.

The continuous beam is two spans , span AB has length of 5 m and span BC has length of 7.5
meters. Moment of Inertia for segment AC is (I) and for segment CD is (3I)

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6.6 MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD (MDM)

The moment distribution method is a structural analysis method for statically

indeterminate beams and frames developed by Hardy Cross. It was published in 1930 in
an ASCE.

The method only accounts for flexural effects and ignores axial and shear effects. From the
1930s until computers began to be widely used in the design and analysis of structures, the
moment distribution method was the most widely practiced method.

Bending moments on a statically indeterminate building frame and continuous beam such
as shown above can be obtained by the Moment distribution method

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 Essentially it consists in solving the linear simultaneous equations that were obtained in the
slope-deflection method by successive approximations or moment distribution. Increased number
of cycles would result in more accuracy. However, for all academic purposes, three cycles may
be considered sufficient.

Fixed end moment

Fixed end moments are the moments produced at member ends by external loads when the joints
are fixed.
Table of Fixed End Moments

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Flexural stiffness (K)
The absolute flexural stiffness (EI/L) of a member is represented as the product of the modulus
of elasticity (E) and the second moment of area (I) divided by the length (L) of the member.
What is needed in the moment distribution method is not the exact value but the ratio of flexural
stiffness of all members or just the relative K value(I/L).

Distribution factors (DF)

When a joint is released and begins to rotate under the unbalanced moment, resisting forces
develop at each member framed together at the joint. Although the total resistance is equal to the
unbalanced moment, the magnitudes of resisting forces developed at each member differ by the
members' flexural stiffness. Distribution factors can be defined as the proportions of the
unbalanced moments carried by each of the members. In mathematical terms, distribution factor
of member framed at joint is given as:

where n is the number of members framed at the joint.

or simply using relative K value,

DF= Kseg
∑ Kjoint

Important Notes for K rel values

K= ∞ if joint is fixed
K= 0 for cantilever beams

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Distributed Moment

(DM)= ∑ FEM at joint (-DF)

Carryover factors (CO)

When a joint is released, balancing moment occurs to counterbalance the unbalanced

moment which is initially the same as the fixed-end moment. This balancing moment is then
carried over to the member's other end. The ratio of the carried-over moment at the other end
to the fixed-end moment of the initial end is the carryover factor.

Determination of carryover factors (Cab or C ba)

Let one end (end A) of a fixed beam be released and applied a moment while the other
end (end B) remains fixed. This will cause end A to rotate through an angle .

Once the magnitude of developed at end B is found, the carryover factor of this member
is given as the ratio of over :

In case of a beam of length L with constant cross-section whose flexural rigidity is ,

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 therefore the carryover factor

Sign convention
Once a sign convention has been chosen, it has to be maintained for the whole structure. The
traditional engineer's sign convention is counterclockwise is positive moment and clockwise
direction is negative moment.

Problem number 1

Analyze the end moments and column reactions on the continuous beam shown by the Moment
Distribution method.

The continuous beam is two spans , span AB has length of 6 m and span BC has length of 5
meters. Cross sectional area is constant with moment of inertia taken as I as shown

From previous example, the values of K and Fix End moments have been computed and placed
on the MDM table below

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Kjoint ∞ 11 6
Joint A B C
Segment AB BA BC CB
K seg 5 5 6 6
DF 0 0.4545 0.5454 1
FEM 44.44 -88.89 41.67 -41.67
1 DM 0 21.46 25.753 41.67
CO 10.73 0 20.835 12.876
2 DM 0 -9.47 -11.363 -12.876
CO -4.735 0 -6.438 -5.68
3 DM 0 2.926 3.511 5.68
CO 1.463 0 2.84 1.755
4 DM 0 -1.29 -1.548 -1.755
CO -0.645 0 -0.8775 -0.774
5 DM 0 0.399 0.4786 0.774
FINAL 51.235 -74.865 74.861 0
MOMENT

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Practice Problem in Moment Distribution Method

1.Analyze the continuous beam shown by the Moment Distribution Method

2.Analyze the continuous beam shown by the Moment Distribution Method and Draw the Shear
and Moment Diagrams

3. Analyze the continuous beam shown by the Moment Distribution Method and Draw the
Shear and Moment Diagrams

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References

1. Structural Analysis (8th Edition) Hardcover –( 2011)

by Russell C. Hibbeler (Author) ISBN-13: 978-0132570534

2. Structural Analysis by Aslam Kassimali 4th Edition

3. Elementary Structural Analysis 3rd ed - By John Wilbar ,Charles Norris, senol Utku and
Mc Graw Hill 1976

4.- Title: Structural Analysis

Author: Mc Cormac, J
ISBN: 9780470036082
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons,
USA

5.- Title: Theory of Structures

Author: S.Ramamrutham
ISBN: 818743354X
Publisher: Dhanpat Rai and Sons,India

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OUTCOMES

1. Explain types of structures, structural models, types of supports, types of loadings.

2. Explain types of internal forces produced in different types of structures including beams,
frames and trusses.
3. Analyze determinate beams and frame using equilibrium conditions and draw shear
force and bending moment diagrams.
4. Calculate deflections for determinate beams and frames using area moment method or
virtual work method.
5. Analyze determinate trusses, internal forces in the trusses using equilibrium conditions.
6. Calculate deflection of determinate trusses using unit load method.
7. Discuss basics of analysis of indeterminate structures including indeterminate beams,
frames and trusses, calculate degree of indeterminacy of these structures.
8. Apply moment distribution method to solve indeterminate beams and draw shear force
and bending moment diagrams.

9.Apply slope deflection method to solve indeterminate beams and draw shear force and bending
moment diagrams

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