INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES

METHOD OF CONSISTENT DEFORMATIONS

(FORCE METHOD)
If all the support reactions and internal forces (M, Q, and N) can not be determined by using equilibrium
equations only, the structure will be referred as STATICALLY INDETERMINATE. A statically
indeterminate structure is also referred as a REDUNDANT STRUCTURE, because of redundant reaction
components (or redundant members in trusses) which are not necessary for stability considerations.
Statically determinate
doi=0
Statically indeterminate
to the first degree
doi=1
Statically indeterminate
to the third degree
doi=3
Additional equations to solve statically indeterminate structures come from prescribed conditions of translations and
rotations, commonly called conditions of compatibility or consistent displacements. A statically determinate
structure which can be obtained by removing enough reaction force possesses no redundant, and will be referred as
primary structure. All methods used to analyze indeterminate structures employ equations that relate the forces
acting on the structure to the deformations of the structure. If these equations are formed so that the
deformations are expressed in terms of the forces, then the forces become independent variables or unknowns in
the analysis. Methods of this type are referred to as force methods.
Statically indeterminate structures may be considered as a primary structure with redundant forces. Redundant
forces will have values so that the deformations of the primary structure must be equal to the deformations of the
actual statically indeterminate structure. Using the principle of superposition we may divide the loading into several
cases. At each case only one load will be considered.
ACTUAL STRUCTURE
q
R
1
R
2 R
3
q
PRIMARY STRUCTURE
WITH REDUNDANT
FORCES
R
1
R
2 R
3
q
3 3
2 2
1 1
0
.
R M
R M
R M
M
M
+
+
+
=
q
R
1
x
1 kN.m
R
2
x
1 kN
R
3
x
1 kN
Bending moment at an arbitrary section of the actual structure (M) can be written as
.... .
3 3 2 2 1 1 0
+ + + + = R M R M R M M M
Where
M
0
= Bending moment at the corresponding section of the primary structure due to the external forces
M
1
= Moment at the same section of the primary structure due to a unit load in the direction of the first redundant
M
2
= Moment at the same section of the primary structure due to a unit load in the direction of the second redundant
M
3
= Moment at the same section of the primary structure due to a unit load in the direction of the third redundant
R
1
= Value of the first redundant force
R
2
= Value of the second redundant force
R
3
= Value of the third redundant force
Most of the deflection for beams and frames due to bending moment, for trusses due to axial force. Castiglianos
first theorem states that the partial derivative of the strain energy with respect to one of the forces on the
structure will give the deflection in the direction of that force.
) (
2
0
2
i
L
i
i i
dx
EI
M
P P
U
=

To reduce the mathematical work we can change the order of the signs.
i
L
i
L
i i
EI
dx
M
P
M
dx
EI
M
P P
U
=

=
|
|
.
|

\
|

0
2
0
2
The bending moment is a function of the redundant forces. If we take the partial derivatives of the strain energy
with respect to the redundant forces and equate them to the deflections in the direction of the redundant forces.
.... .
3 3 2 2 1 1 0
+ + + + = R M R M R M M M
3
3
2
2
1
1
.... ..... .... M
R
M
M
R
M
M
R
M
M
R
M
i
i
=

( )
i
L
i
L
i i
EI
dx
R M R M R M M M
EI
dx
M
R
M
R
U
= + + + + =

0
3 3 2 2 1 1 0
0
...
A set of linear equation will be obtained to determine the redundant forces.

= + + + +

nt rtSettleme GivenSuppo
dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R
U
L L L L
0
... . . .
0
3 1
0
3
2 1
2
0
1 1
1
0
0 1
1

= + + + +

GSS
dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R
U
L L L L
0
... . . .
0
3 2
0
3
2 2
2
0
1 2
1
0
0 2
2

= + + + +

GSS
dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R dx
EI
M M
R
U
L L L L
0
... . . .
0
3 3
0
3
2 3
2
0
1 3
1
0
0 3
3

We can write the equations in the following form

= + + + +
GSS
R R R
0
...
3 13 2 12 1 11 10

= + + + +
GSS
R R R
0
...
3 23 2 22 1 21 20

= + + + +
GSS
R R R
0
...
3 33 2 32 1 31 30

ELASTIC EQUATIONS
OF THE STRUCTURE
This set of linear equation is referred as Elastic Equations of the structure. Each equation will give the deflection
in the direction of the redundant due to external loading and redundant forces respectively. The right hand side of
the equation will be either zero or given support settlement.

=
L
j i
ij
dx
EI
M M
0

Deflection in the direction of the i

th
redundant due to a unit load in the
direction of the j
th
redundant
Steps in the analysis of a statically indeterminate structure by the force method may be distinguished
as follows
- Determine the number of redundant forces (the degree of indeterminacy doi)
- Remove enough redundant forces to obtain primary structure
- Calculate the coefficients of the elastic equations
- Solve the redundant forces
- Use equilibrium equations to determine remaining reaction forces
- Draw the diagrams
Example : Draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the propped cantilever beam
q
L
EI
Primary Structure
Vertical reaction at roller support taken
as a redundant force
qL R
R
EI
L
EI
qL
L
L L
L
ik
L
EI
qL
L
qL L
ik
L
EI
R
8
3
0
3 8
3
.
3 3
8 2 4 4
0
1
1
3 4
3
11
4 2
10
1 11 10
=
= +
= = =
= = =
= +

8
2
qL
q
1
0
M
M
qL
2
____
2
-
qL
8
5
qL
8
3
qL
8
3
Shear Force Diagram
+
+
-
-
L
8
5
2
128
9
qL
1 kN
qL
8
5
+ L
8
2
qL
Bending Moment Diagram
Example : Draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the propped cantilever beam
Primary Structure
q
L
EI
Bending moment at fixed end support
taken as a redundant force
q
-
1
0
M
M
8
2
qL
+
8
0
3 24
3
1 . 1
3 3
24 8 3 3
0
2
1
1
3
11
3 2
10
1 11 10
qL
R
R
EI
L
EI
qL
L L
ik
L
EI
qL qL L
ik
L
EI
R
=
= +
= = =
= = =
= +

q
8
2
qL
qL
8
5
qL
8
3
qL
8
3
Shear Force Diagram
+
+
-
-
L
8
5
2
128
9
qL
1
qL
8
5
1
8
2
qL
Bending Moment Diagram
Example : Draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the two-span continuous beam
67 kN
Primary Structure
Vertical reaction at
roller support C taken
as a redundant force
3 m 3 m 3 m
kN R
ik
L
EI
ik
L
EI
R
... 75 . 16
27 3 . 3
3
9
3
25 . 452 3 * 5 . 100
2
3
6
6
) 1 (
6
0
1
11
10
1 11 10
=
= = =
= = + =
= +

Negative sign indicates
the redundant will be
opposite to the unit force
67 kN
100.5 +
0
M
3 +
1 kN
1
M
25.125
67 kN
58.625
16.75
42.875
+
25.125
16.75
+
-
75.375
50.25
-
Solve the same problem
by taking the
redundant as vertical
reaction at support A
and B respectively
-
Shear force
diagram (kN)
Moment diagram
(kN/m)
Example : Draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the two-span continuous beam
kNm R
EI
EI
R
... 61 . 102
067 . 3
67 . 314
0
1
11
10
1 11 10
=
=
=
= +

40 kN/m
40 kN
20 kN
1.6 EI EI
2.6 2.6
1.5
Take bending
moment at
internal
support as
redundant
6.40
Primary
Structure
Pin
40 kN/m
20 kN
40 kN
40 kN
40 kN/m
20 kN
204.8
+
-
+
-
144
34
156.8
102.61
14.21
-
Bending Moment
+
+
-
0
M
52
6
-
112
20
30
1 kN.m
Shear Force
-
1
M
30
1
SUPPORT SETTLEMENT
If one of the supports of a simply supported beam settles by a small amount, no major changes occur in the external
and internal forces acting on the member. However if one of the supports of a multi-span beam settles a small
amount significant changes occur in both the reactions and the bending moments. The problem of support settlement
is far more serious for indeterminate structures than it is for determinate ones.
Example : Determine the reactions and draw the bending moment diagram for the beam in the figure, assuming that the
center support settles 5 cm. and compare the results thus obtained with those corresponding to zero settlement.
15 kN/m
6 m 6 m
The degree of indeterminacy is one. Redundant must
be chosen as a vertical reaction at the internal support.
kN R
R
EI EI
kN R
R
EI EI
ik
L
EI
ik
L
EI
GSS R
m
... 5 . 112
0
36 4050
... 70 . 52
05 . 0
36 4050
36
3
4050 ) 1 (
3
1
1
1
1
11
10
1 11 10
=
= +

=
= +

= =
= + =
= +

Right hand side is taken
zero for zero settlement
Negative sign
indicates the
settlement is
opposite to the
unit load
Primary Structure
270
+
0
M
1 kN
-
1
M
3
0.05 m
15 kN/m
15 kN/m
63.65
33.75 33.75
63.65
112.5
52.70
63.65 33.75
63.65
33.75
56.25
-
-
+
+
26.35
26.35
Shear
Force
Diagram
56.25
134.94 134.94
37.97 111.9
+
37.97
Bending
Moment
Diagram
67.5
+ +
-
Comparison of the two moment diagrams indicates that the maximum bending moment at B increases from -67.5 to
111.9 kNm as a result of the support settlement. The support settlement can give rise to significant increases in
stress in an indeterminate structure.
C
6 m
3 m
A B
5 kN
Example : Determine the support reactions
and draw the shear force and bending moment
diagrams of the given structure.
Cable
E=200 GPa
A=20 mm
2
L= 10 m
Beam
I=100.10
-6
The beam is statically indeterminate to the
first degree. Let the force in the cable (T) be
the redundant. Point B moves down by an
amount equal to the elongation of the cable.
kN T
EA
T
T
EI EI
EI
ik
EI
L
EI
i k k
EI
L
cable the of Elongation T
... 164 . 5
10 72 630
72
3
630
) 2 (
6
. . .
11
2 1 10
11 10
=
= +

= =
= + =
= +

5 kN
5.164 kN
Primary Structure
5 kN
45
1 kN
-
1
M
+
6
0
M
-
5
Shear Force Diagram
0.164
Bending Moment Diagram
14.016
-
15
Example : Determine the horizontal reaction component and draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the given
portal frame
A
4m
D C B
2 m
4 m
50
kN
F
66.67
16.67
33.33
50 +
-
1
M
0
M
kN R
EI EI
k i L ik
EI
L
EI EI
ik
L
R
m
... 412 . 4
67 . 90
2
1
. .
3
2
02 . 400
2
1
) 2 (
6
0
1
11
10
1 11 10
=
= + =
= + + =
= +

16.67
33.33
4
.
4
1
2
4
.
4
1
2
+
-
+
Shear
Force
diagram
16.67
33.33
4.412
4.412
Primary Structure
And External loading
17.648
17.648
49.03
Moment diagram
+
2EI
EI EI
4 4
1
Primary Structure
And Unit loading
Example : Determine the bending moment at B and draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the frame
A
4m
D C B
2 m
4 m
50
kN
F
2EI
EI EI
-
1
M
66.67
50 +
0
M
16.67
33.33
Primary Structure
And External loading
1
1 kNm
0.25
10 11 1
10
11
1
0
100
5.667
17.648... .
R
EI
EI
R kNm

+ =
=
=
=
16.67
33.33
4
.
4
1
2
4
.
4
1
2
+
-
+
Shear
Force
diagram
16.67
33.33
4.412
4.412
Each term in elastic
equation becomes
relative rotation
17.648
17.648
49.03
Moment diagram
+
0.25
PS And Unit loading
Example : It is required to evaluate the redundant forces and to draw the bending moment diagram of the continuous
beam under the given loading. The stiffness is constant throughout the beam.
The beam is statically indeterminate to the second degree. Let
the bending moment at support B be the first redundant and the
bending moment at support A be the second redundant.
34 kN/m
A
B
C
Primary Structure
6.90
7.50
34 kN/m
kNm R kNm R
R R
R R
EI EI
EI EI
EI EI
EI EI
R R
R R
73 . 70 ........ 46 . 141
0 30 . 2 15 . 1
0 15 . 1 8 . 4 66 . 597
30 . 2
1 * 1 *
3
90 . 6
15 . 1
1 * 1 *
6
90 . 6
80 . 4
1 * 1 *
3
50 . 7 90 . 6
0
66 . 597
) 1 ( * 06 . 239
3
5 . 7
0
0
2 1
2 1
2 1
22
12
11
20
10
2 22 1 21 20
2 12 1 11 10
= =
= +
= + +
= =
= =
=
+
=
=
= =
= + +
= + +

+
239.06
1 kN/m
0
M
1 kN/m
-
1
1
M
- 1
2
M
34 kN/m
A
B
C
70.73
30.75 146.36 108.64
108.64
-
+
3.19 m
Shear Force Diagram
30.75
+
146.36
-
+
+
141.46
173.57
70.73
Bending Moment Diagram
Example: It is required to evaluate the redundant forces and to draw the bending moment diagram of the portal frame.
100 kN The structure is statically indeterminate to the second degree. Let
the horizontal reaction at left-end support and the bending moment
at right-end support are be the redundant forces.
1.8 EI
EI 6 m
8 m
EI
12 m
0
M
800
100 kN
Primary Structure
100
1
M
1
2
M
1
66.67
66.67
8
6 -
1
1/12
1 kN
1/12
1/6 1/6
10 11 1 12 2
20 21 1 22 2
1 2
0
0
35.14 ........ 293
R R
R R
R kN R kNm


+ + =
+ + =
= =
EI EI EI
EI EI EI
EI EI EI EI
EI EI EI
EI EI EI
22 . 10
1 * 1 * 8
1
1 * 1
3
12
8 . 1
1
44 . 56
1 * 8
2
8 1
1 * ) 8 * 2 6 (
6
12 1
56 . 571
8 * 8
3
8 1
) 8 * 2 8 * 6 * 2 6 * 2 (
6
12
8 . 1
1
6 * 6
3
6 1
78 . 4977
1 * 800
2
8 1
800
3
12
8 . 1
1
22 . 36622
8 * 800
3
8 1
800 * ) 8 * 2 6 (
6
12
8 . 1
1
22
12
2 2
11
20
10
= + =
= + + =
= + + + + =
= + =
= + + =

86 . 64 ) 0 ( * ) 293 ( ) 1 ( * ) 14 . 35 ( 100
4 . 36 )
12
1
( * ) 293 ( )
6
1
( * ) 14 . 35 ( 67 . 66
4 . 36 )
12
1
( * ) 293 ( )
6
1
( * ) 14 . 35 ( 67 . 66
293 ) 1 ( * ) 293 ( ) 0 ( * ) 14 . 35 ( 0
88 . 255 ) 1 ( * ) 293 ( ) 8 ( * ) 14 . 35 ( 800
84 . 210 0 * ) 293 ( ) 6 ( * ) 14 . 35 ( 0
0
2 2 1 1 0
= + + =
= + + =
=

+ + =
= + + =
= + + =
= + + =
=
+ + =
X
Y
Y
D
C
B
A
D
D
A
M
M
M
M
M R M R M M
293
+
MOMENT
DIAGRAM IS
DRAWN ON
COMPRESSION
SIDE
225.88 210.84
35.14
64.86
36.4 kN
36.4 kN
Bending Moment Diagram
20 kN/m
Example : Draw the shear force and moment diagrams of the frame.
A
2.4 EI
D
C
B
8 m EI
14 m
The frame is statically indeterminate to the third degree. Let chose the
redundant forces as the bending moments at A and D, and the horizontal
reaction at support D.
20 kN/m
1
A
D
EI
+
490
0
M
2.4 EI C
B
8 m
1
M
+
1
2
M
3
M
1
+
97 . .......... 97 ....... 35 . 36
78 . 952
78 . 952
44 . 15244
94 . 9 972 . 0 33 . 55
972 . 0 94 . 9 33 . 55
33 . 55 33 . 55 67 . 714
0
0
0
3 2 1
3
2
1
3 33 2 32 1 31 30
3 23 2 22 1 21 20
3 13 2 12 1 11 10
= = =
(
(
(

=
(
(
(

(
(
(

= + + +
= + + +
= + + +
R R R
R
R
R
R R R
R R R
R R R



+ 8 8
1
1
8 . 193 ) 0 ( * 97 ) 1 ( * 97 ) 8 ( * ) 35 . 36 ( 0
8 . 193 ) 1 ( * 97 ) 0 ( * 97 ) 8 ( * ) 35 . 36 ( 0
97 ) 1 ( * 97 ) 0 ( * 97 ) 0 ( * ) 35 . 36 ( 0
3 3 2 2 1 1 0
= + + + =
= + + + =
= + + + =
+ + + =
C
B
A
M
M
M
M R M R M R M M
MOMENT
DIAGRAM IS
DRAWN ON
TENSION SIDE
D
C
B
+
193.80
193.80
296.20
A
97 97
Bending Moment Diagram
STRUCTURES WITH INTERNAL REDUNDANTS
(STATICALLY INDETERMINATE TRUSSES)
A
B C
D
E
F
P Q
N
A
B C
D
E
F
P Q
o
N
2
R
A
B C
D
E
F
2
N
1
1
A
B C
D
E
F
1
N
1
R
Internal force at an arbitrary member of a statically indeterminate truss can be written as
0 1 1 2 2 3 3
. .... N N N R N R N R = + + + +
Where
N
0
= Force at the same member due to the external forces on the primary structure
N
i
= Force at the same member due to a couple of unit load in the direction of the ith redundant member on the primary
structure
R
i
= Force at the i
th
redundant member
Strain energy for an axially loaded member
2
2
N L
U
A E
=
2
2
i i
i i i
U N L N L
N
R R AE R AE


= = =


According to the Castiglianos theorem
1 2 3
1 2 3
.... ..... ....
i
i
N N N N
N N N N
R R R R

= = = =

( )
0 1 1 2 2 3 3
...
i i
i i
U N L L
N N N N R N R N R
R R EA EA


= = + + + + =


1 0 1 3 1 1 1 2
1 2 3
1
0
. . . ...
N N L N N L N N L N N L U
R R R
GivenElongation R EA EA EA EA

+ + + + =

2 0 2 3 2 1 2 2
1 2 3
2
0
. . . ...
N N L N N L N N L N N L U
R R R
GE R EA EA EA EA

+ + + + =

3 0 3 1 3 2 3 3
1 2 3
3
0
. . . ...
N N L N N L N N L N N L U
R R R
GE R EA EA EA EA

+ + + + =

10 11 1 12 2 13 3
0
... R R R
GivenElongation


+ + + + =

20 21 1 22 2 23 3
0
... R R R
GivenElongation


+ + + + =

30 31 1 32 2 33 3
0
... R R R
GivenElongation


+ + + + =

This set of linear equation is

referred to as ELASTIC
EQUATIONS of the truss
Example: Calculate the member forces of the truss if the roller support settles down by 1 mm. Chose the force in
member AD and the vertical reaction at support E as the redundant forces. E=200 GPa, A=5000 mm
2
.
80 kN
A
B
D
E
C
80 kN
D
0
0 0
80
-
1
1
3
.
1
3
7
C
A
80
4 m
0
N
E
B
4 m 4 m
-
1
.
4
1
4
1
1
0
1
.
4
1
4
2
N
C
A
B
D
-2
A
0
0 -0.707
-0.707 1
1
1
1
N
C
-0.707
B
D
1 kN
46.64 10.83 17.32 -1545.46 -1092.85 Sum/EA
4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 DE
11.32 0 0 0 0 -1.414 0 0 5.66 CE
0 0 2 0 -226.24 0 -0.707 80 4 CD
4 -2.83 2 0 0 1 -0.707 0 4 BD
11.32 8 5.66 -905.46 -640.37 1.414 1 -113.137 5.66 BC
16 5.66 2 -640 -226.24 -2 -0.707 80 4 AC
0 0 5.66 0 0 0 1 0 5.66 AD
LN
2
2
LN
1
N
2
LN
1
2
LN
2
N
0
LN
1
N
0
N
2
N
1
N
0
L Member
1 2
1 2
1
2
1092.85 17.32 10.83
0
1545.96 10.83 46.64
0.001
65.26
3.46
R R
EA EA EA
R R m
EA EA EA
R kN
R kN

+ + =

+ + =
=
=
10 11 1 12 2
0 R R + + =
20 21 1 22 2
R R GivenSupportSettlement + + =
Solving redundant forces, the bar forces can be obtained
-3.46
4.89
33.86
-49.60
-52.77
40.78
65.26
N
+ 65.26
+R
1
0
0
-0.707
-0.707
1
-0.707
1
N
1
1 0 DE
-1.414 0 CE
0 80 CD
1 0 BD
1.414 -113.137 BC
-2 80 AC
=
0
- 3.46
0 AD
N
2
+R
2
N
0
Member
Example: Compute the forces in diagonals BF and CE. All members are 2000 mm
2
. in area. E=200 GPa, What would be the
effect on these forces of a rise in temperature of 20 degrees of Celsius in member EF relative to other members. Take
the coefficient of thermal expansion as 12.10
-6
1/
o
C
Let Force in member BF be the redundant force.
F E
D
240 kN
240 kN
A
C B
D
E
-80
80
160
80
-
1
1
3
.
1
3
7
0
N
F
160
1
1
3
.
1
3
7
-
1
1
3
.
1
3
7
5 m
A
B C
5 m 5 m 5 m
-
0
.
7
0
7
A
C B
D
E
-0.707
0
-0.707
-
0
.
7
0
7
1
1
N
F
0
0
0
1
1
24.14/EA -1365.6/EA SUM
7.07 -800 1 -113.14 7.07 CE
2.5 282.8 -0.707 -80 5 EF
0 0 0 -113.14 7.07 DF
2.5 -282.8 -0.707 80 5 CF
0 0 0 80 5 CD
7.07 0 1 0 7.07 BF
2.5 0 -0.707 0 5 BE
2.5 -565.6 -0.707 160 5 BC
0 0 0 113.14 7.07 AE
0 0 0 160 5 AB
LN
1
N
1
LN
1
N
0
N
1
N
0
Length Mem
10 11 1
1
0
1365.6
56.57
24.14
56.57
113.14 56.57 *1 56.57
R
R kN
BF kN
CE kN
+ =
= =
=
= + =
Let force in member EF be the redundant force. Elongation of member EF due to the temperature rise of 20 degrees
6 3
6 6
. . 5*20*12.10 1.2*10
200.10 *2000.10 400000
L L T m
EA kN

= = =
= =
1
A
B
D
E
1
0
1
-
1
.
4
1
4
1
N
F
0
0
0
1
-
1
.
4
1
4
B 1
C
48.28/EA 0 SUM
14.136 0 -1.414 0 7.07 CE
5 0 1 0 5 EF
0 0 0 0 7.07 DF
5 0 1 0 5 CF
0 0 0 0 5 CD
14.136 0 -1.414 0 7.07 BF
5 0 1 0 5 BE
5 0 1 0 5 BC
0 0 0 0 7.07 AE
0 0 0 0 5 AB
LN
1
N
1
LN
1
N
0
N
1
N
0
Length Mem
10 11 1
3
1
1
48.28
0 1.2*10
9.942
1.414*( 9.942) 14.06
. .
56.57 14.06 42.51
56.57 14.06 70.63
R GivenElongation
R m
EA
R kN
BF CE kN
External load Temperature Change
CE kN
BF kN

+ =
+ =
=
= = =
+
= + =
= + + = +
THREE MOMENTS EQUATION (CLAPEYRONS EQUATION)
A general equation based on the force method can be developed for continuous beams. The
equation relates the moments at the three consecutive support points to the loading on the
intermediate support. This theorem was represented by Clapeyron in 1857 for the analysis
of continuous beams.
Now consider m span continuous beam, the degree of indeterminacy will be m-1 . If the
moments at the internal supports are chosen as the redundant forces the primary structure
will be m simple beams.
P
i
j
k
j
L
i
L
Relative rotation at support j will be the function of external forces at the two adjacent
span ( L
i,
, L
j
)and the support moments at i, j and k. Loading over the other spans and the
other support moments will not contribute to the relative rotation at support j. Summation
of the relative rotations at j due to the external load and the redundant moments M
i
, M
j
and M
k
must be equal to the relative rotation of the actual continuous beam at j which is
zero.
i
j
k
P
The relative rotation due to the external forces can be
written by using Moment Area Theorem.
0 0 0
, .. , ..
6 3 3 6
j j L R
i k i i
j j j
i j i i j j
j j
i i
ji jj jk
i i j j
A x
t t A x
L L L EI L EI
L L
L L
EI EI EI EI


= + = + = +
= = + =
j
L
i
L
j
A +
i
A +
i
x j
x
Relative rotation is in clockwise direction (positive)
i
t
k
t
i
k
j
0
L
j

0
R
j

0 j

6 3 6
j j k j j j
i i i i i
i i j j i i j j
M L M L A x
M L L A x
EI E I I EI L EI L EI
| | | |
+ + + = +
| |
| |
\ . \ .
Rearranging the last equation
6
2
j k j j j
i i i i i
j
i i j j i i j j
L M L A x
M L L A x
M
EI EI EI EI E L I L I
| | | |
+ + + = +
| |
| |
\ . \ .
1
*
i
M
ji

1
jj

*
j
M
If EI is constant throughout the beam. The equation
simplifies to
( )
2 6
j j
i i
i i j i j k j
i j
A x
A x
M L M L L M L
L L
| |
+ + + = +
|
|
\ .
Application of the three moments equation to a
continuous beam results in a set of simultaneous
equations with the moments over the supports as the
unknowns.
1 jk

*
k
M
In applying the three moments equation to a particular beam, we locate the interior supports successively and write
as many equations as the unknown redundant support moments. A simultaneous solution of the equations for the
unknown moments yields the required results.
3 2 1
1
0 M = 3
0 M =
2
? M =
1
One redundant moment (M
2
)
3
2 1
1
M 3
M
2
? M =
M
1
and M
3
can be calculated
1
1
0 M =
2
? M =
3
? M =
4
0 M =
2 1
Two redundant moments and two equations
1
0 M =
2
? M =
3
? M =
4
? M =
5
0 M =
Unknowns M
2
, M
3
, M
4
. Three equations
can be written
3 1 2
Example: It is required to draw shear and bending moment diagrams of the two span continuous beam. I is constant.
24 kN/m
1
2
3
20 kN/m
3 1
2
6 5 5 6 6 208.33* 2.5 432*3
2
5 6
M M
M
EI EI EI EI E I I
| | | |
+ + + = +
| |
\ . \ .
5 m 6 m
1 3
2
2
0; .... 0
22 1921
87.32
M M
M
M kNm
= =
=
=
2
62.5
8
qL
=
2
108
8
qL
=
+
+
87.32
1
2
62.5*5 208.33
3
A = =
2
2
108*6 432
3
A = =
50 72 50
72
32.54
67.46
86.55
57.45

+ +

1.63m
2.39m
87.32
17.46
5
=
87.32
14.55
6
=
68.76
26.47

+
+
87.32
Example: It is required to determine the support moments and reactions for a continuous beam fixed at one end and
having an overhang at the other as shown.
20kN 20kN 8. / kN m
1.5EI
EI
A
B
C
',... ' L I =
' A
10kN The beam is statically indeterminate to
the second degree and requires two
equations. For the purpose of writing
three moments equations an imaginary
span to the left of fixed support A having
an arbitrary length L and moment of
inertia I= may be considered.
1
3*2.20 6.60 m m = 5
+
+
44
25
193.6 A =
83.33 A =
'
' 6.60 ' 6.60 6 193.6*3.3
2
1.5 1.5 1.5 *6.6
5 6.6 6.60 5 6 193.6*3.3 83.33*2.5
2
1.5 1.5 1.5 *6.6 5
A B
A
C A
B
M L M L
M
EI EI E I
M M
M
EI EI EI EI E I I
| | | |
+ + + =
| |

\ . \ .
| | | |
+ + + = +
| |
\ . \ .
8.80 4.40 387.2
4.40 18.8 587.19
10 ,..... 32.14,.... 23.71
A B
A B
C A B
M M
M M
M kNm M M
+ =
+ =
= = =
23.71
20
8
10
32.14
10
20 20
1.28
20 30
2.74
20
18.72 17.26
+

1.28
10
21.28 22.74
23.71
8.64
32.14

+
+
14.67
16.96
10
Three moments equation can be modified to take into account the support settlements. For example consider that
supports i, j, and k settle downward by amount
i
,
j
,
k
respectively.
i

i
j
k
j i
i
L

j k
j
L

R
j

Settlement of support j decrease the relative rotation at j

( )
j i j k ss sL sR
j j j
i j
L L

| |

= + = +
|
|
\ .
If we substitute this expression of relative rotation
into the equation of consistent deformation.
0
6 3 6
j j k j j j j i j k
i i i i i
i i j j i i j j i j
M L M L A x
M L L A x
EI E I I EI L EI L EI L L
| | | | | |

+ + + + + + =
| | |
| | |
\ . \ . \ .
If I is constant throughout the beam, this expression simplifies to
( )
2 6 6
j j j i j k
i i
i i j i j k j
i j i j
A x
A x
M L M L L M L EI
L L L L
| | | |

+ + + = + + +
| |
| |
\ . \ .
The support B of the previous example settles down by 20 mm under the loading. E=200 GPa=200 10
6
kN/m
2
I=80.10
6
mm
4
'
'
' 6.60 ' 6.60 6 193.6*3.3 0.02
2 6 0
1.5 1.5 1.5 *6.6 6.60
5 6.6 6.60 5 6 193.6*3.3 83.33*2.5 0.02 0.02
2 6
1.5 1.5 1.5 *6.6 5 6.60 5
A B
A
C A
B
M L M L
M
EI EI E I
M M
M
EI EI EI EI E I I

| | | | | |
+ + + = + +
| | |

\ . \ . \ .
| | | | | |
+ + + = + + +
| | |
\ . \ . \ .
8.80 4.40 678.11
4.40 18.8 87.71
10 ,..... 89.91,.... 25.70
A B
A B
C A B
M M
M M
M kNm M M
+ =
+ =
= = =
SYMMETRICAL STRUCTURES WITH SYMMETRICAL LOADING
If the structure and loading are both symmetrical, symmetrical joints rotate by the same amount but in opposite
direction and the structure will have a skew-symmetrical shear force and a symmetrical bending moment diagrams.
Rotation at the symmetry axis is always zero. If symmetry axis passes from a common member and there is no
concentrated load at the symmetry axis the shear force at the same section be zero. Otherwise the shear at the
symmetry axis is equal to the half of the concentrated load. By choosing the internal forces at the symmetry axis as
redundant forces one half of the structure may be analyzed.
0
0
Q

=
=
/ 2
0
Q P

=
=
Symmetry axis passes
from a common member
P
0
0
=
=
0
0
=
=
Symmetry axis passes
from a support or column
Fixed end
support
Fixed end
support
Example: Draw the bending moment diagram of the given frame. EI is constant.
60 KN/m
A
D
C
B
4 m
8 m
1
R
2
R
A
B
B
Q=0
A
A
D
C
B
+
1 2
1 2
1
2
8 8 2560
8 21.33 3840
223.98
96.02
R R
R R
R kNm
R kN
=
+ =
=
=
MOMENT
DIAGRAM IS
DRAWN ON
TENSION SIDE

0
M
480
1
M
+
1
+
256.02 256.02
1

4
223.98
2
M
Bending Moment Diagram
128.06
128.06
SYMMETRICAL STRUCTURES WITH SKEW-SYMMETRICAL LOADING
If a symmetrical structure is subjected to a skew- symmetrical loading, symmetrical joints rotate by the same
amount in the same direction and the structure will have a symmetrical shear force and a skew-symmetrical bending
moment diagrams. If symmetry axis passes from a common member horizontal force and bending moment at the
symmetry axis is always zero and a roller support may be considered at the center section to analyze half of the
structure. If symmetry axis passes from a column, half of the moment of inertia of that vertical member must be
considered to analyze half of the structure.
Symmetry axis passes
from a common member
Symmetry axis passes
from a support or column
0
0
0
M
N
=
=
=
I
Roller support
2
I
Example: Draw the bending moment diagram of the given frame. EI is constant.
A
D
C B
4 m
10 m
10 KN
1
R
A
B

1
M
5
5
0
M

20
5
1
A
D
12.94
12.94
+
C
B
7.06
7.06
Bending Moment Diagram
MOMENT
DIAGRAM IS
DRAWN ON
TENSION SIDE
10
11
1
200/
141.67 /
1.412
EI
EI
R kN

=
=
=
A
D
D
C
5
C B
4 m
A
B
4 m
10 m
5 5
5
Neglecting axial
deformation
No bending
Moment
ANY LOAD SYSTEM CAN BE CONSIDERED ONE SYMMETRICAL AND
THE OTHER SKEW-SYMMETRICAL LOADINGS
A
P
A
2
P
A
2
P
2
P
2
P
Skew-
Symmetrical
loading
B
C
D
D
C B
D
C B
Symmetrical
loading
1
R
A
B
1
R
2
R
B
A
A
D
C
B
P
A
D
C
B
2
P
A
D
C B
2
P
2
P
2
P
Symmetrical
loading
Skew-
Symmetrical
loading
q
2
q
2
q
2
q
2
q
Example: Draw the bending moment diagram of the given frame
70
2 4 4 2
3
6
70
70
0
M
280
70
1
M
1
1
1
97.8
49.07
121.4
85.6
1
2
M
3
1 2
1 2
1
2
12.71 46.065 2305.8
46.065 254.13 11540.2
49.07
36.52
R R
R R
R kNm
R kN
=
+ =
=
=
9
FIXED-END MOMENTS & FIXED-END FORCES
If a member is fixed at its ends, the moments at the ends of the member are referred as the fixed-ends moments.
q
L
A B
The member is assumed to be subjected transverse loading and the effect
of the axial deformation will be neglected therefore change in length will
be zero and R
3
=0. Fixed end moments will be determined by the force
method.
q
1
R
2
R
q
Primary structure
Redundant Forces
External loading
3
R
2
qL
+
q

2
1 2
q L 2
1 2
q L
2
qL
2
1 2
q L
2
1 2
q L
2
2 4
q L
2
qL
2
qL
2
1 2
2
1 2
2
1 2
0
3 8 3 6
0
3 8 6 3
12
L qL L L
R R
EI EI EI
L qL L L
R R
EI EI EI
qL
R R
+ + =
+ + =
= =
+
2
8
q L
0
M
+
1
1
M
+
1
2
M
Example: It is required to determine the fixed end moments by using three moments equation.
A B
b
a
P
A B
B

I = I =
Pab
L
+
( )
1
( )
2
L
'
2 2
2 2
6 2
2
2 3 2 3
6 2
2
2 3 2 3
.....
A B
A
A B
B
A B
M M L L L Pab a a b b
M b
EI EI EIL L
M L M L L L Pab a a b b
M a
EI EI EIL L
Pab Pa b
M M
L L
| |
| | | |
+ + + = + +
| | |

\ . \ .
\ .
| |
| | | |
+ + + = + +
| | |

\ . \ .
\ .
= =
2
2
Pab
L
2
2
Pa b
L
P
+
2
2
Pa b
L
2
2
Pab
L

2
2 2
1
Pab ab a b
L L L L
| |
+
|
\ .
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MEMBER END FORCES AND MEMBER END DISPLACEMENTS
Example: It is required to determine a) fixed end moment at the left end support, b) rotation at end B for the
propped cantilever beam as shown.
Let bending moment at A be the redundant force.
A
B
B
M
10 11 1
1
1
0
0
6 3
2
B
B
R
L L
M R
EI EI
M
R
+ =
+ =
=
L
EI is constant
+
B
M
0
M
0
3 *
3 2 2 2
4
L
B B
B
B
B
M M M M L L
dx
EI EI EI
M L
EI

= =
=

+
1
1
M

+
3
2
B
M
+
B
M
=
+
2
B
M

2
B
M
+
1
M

4 2
,...
B A
EI EI
M M
L L
= = For unit rotation at B
Example: It is required to determine the fixed end moments due to the settlement of right end support () by
using three moments equation.
A
B
A

( )
1
( )
2
I =
I =

Draw the tangent

from the left side
of the center
support
A
B
L

2
6
A
EI
M
L
=
2
6
B
EI
M
L
= +
0
3 6
0
6 3
A B
A B
M L M L
EI EI L
M L M L
EI EI L

+ + =

+ =
2
2
6
6
A
B
EI
M
L
EI
M
L
=
= +
A
B
I =
L

A
B
2
3
B
EI
M
L
=
2
0
3
3
B
B
M L
EI L
EI
M
L

+ =
=
B