STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020

Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Module 01: What is a Statically INDETERMINATE

STRUCTURES?

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s):

This topic generally introduces the students what is a statically indeterminate

structures. Specifically, at the end of the topic the students shall be able to:

1. Differentiate statically determinate, indeterminate, stable and unstable

structures;
2. List the advantages and disadvantages of indeterminate structures;
3. Discuss the fundamentals involve in the analysis of indeterminate structures.

Exclusive Textbook:

R.C. Hibbeler, Structural Analysis, 8th Edition (Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson
Prentice Hall,Pearson Education, Inc., , 2012)

Chapter References:

Chapter 2 & 3
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

ILO 1.1: Differentiate Statically Determinate and Indeterminate

and Unstable Structures

1.1. Simple Recall: Determinacy and Stability of Structures

(Suggested reading: Structural Analysis by R.C. Hibbeler, Determinacy of Beams
and Frames Chapter 2 page 48 and Determinacy of Truss Chapter 3 page 87).

1.1.1. Determinacy and Stability for Beams

In Structural Theory 1, determinacy and stability of structures were discussed.

When all the forces in a structure can be determined strictly from the equations of
equilibrium (Fx=0, Fy=0 and M=0) the structure is referred to as statically
determinate. Structures having more unknown forces than available equilibrium
equations are called statically indeterminate. As a general rule, a structure can be
identified as being either statically determinate or statically indeterminate by drawing
free-body diagrams of all its members, or selective parts of its members, and then
comparing the total number of unknown reactive force and moment components with
the total number of available equilibrium equations. If we let “n” as the number of
part/member a particular beam has and “r” for the number of reactions then;

r = 3n ---- Statically Determinate

r > 3n ---- Statically Indeterminate

The difference between r and 3n represents the degree of indeterminacy of the
structure. Consider the examples below.

Example No. 1:

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows an overhanging beam, with pinned support at one end and roller
support near the over-hang. To easily determine the number of reactions “r” it is better
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

to draw the free-body diagram (FBD) of the structure. The FBD is shown in the next
figure.

Figure 2

Hence pinned support has two forces along x and y and roller support with only
one reaction force as shown the number of reaction “r” will be 3. On the other hand,
there is only part/member is present therefore n = 1. We apply the relationship as
shown as follows:

r = 3n
3 = 3(1)
3=3
Therefore; the structure is considered to be a statically determinate structure.

Example No. 2:

A B C

The structure shown is composed of three (3) elements connected by a series of

hinges at the center and fixed supported at both ends. This means that the number of
parts/member of the structure “n” be equal to 3. On the other hand, to determine the
number of reaction a free-body diagram with its corresponding support reaction being
reflected should be drawn first.

A C

B
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

The red arrows represent the support reactions. As shown there are eight (8)
force reaction and two (2) moment reactions. Take note that reactions at the right end
of segment A and at the left end of segment B are the same forces but opposite in
direction and thereby shall be counted as one. This is also true for the reaction at the
right end of segment B and left end of segment C. This brings a total support reactions
r = 10. Applying the equation as presented;

r = 3n
10 = 3(3)
10 > 9

Therefore; the structure is considered to be a statically indeterminate structure to the

first degree.

Exercise 01

Apply this concept by drawing the free-body diagram (FBD) of each structure
shown in the next page. Count the number of members/parts (n) and reactions (r) and
satisfy the equation above to determine the determinacy of the structure.

No. Actual Beam Free Body Diagram Counts

Example: r=3
0.0 n=1
SD

1.0

2.0

3.0
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

4.0

5.0

From the beams shown in the previous table; beams in number 2.0 and 3.0 are
statically determinate structure, while beams in number 1.0, 4.0 and 5.0 are statically
indeterminate structures.

Is your answers correct? If not please recheck your solution.

To ensure the equilibrium of a structure or its members, it is not only necessary

to satisfy the equations of equilibrium, but the members must also be properly held or
connected with each other by their supports. Proper connection of each members from
one another and by their supports is also termed “proper constraint”. If the structure is
not properly constraint the structure will be unstable. In general, then, a structure will
be geometrically unstable—that is, it will move slightly or collapse— if one of the
following cases is satisfied:
 Case 1: When the number of reaction “r” is lesser than the available equation of
equilibrium.

In the figure shown, the pinned and roller support at both ends of the structure
will be represented by three reactions. While there are 2 members connected to
from the structure then;
r = 3n
3 = 3(2)
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

3<6
Notice that, the number of reaction “r” is relatively lower than the available
equation of equilibrium “2n”. Then, the structure is unstable.

 Case 2: If the line of action of the reactive forces intersect at a common point.

Notice that the line of action of each reactive force meet at common point or are
concurrent as shown in its FBD, therefore the structure is considered to be
unstable. Take note that the line of action of all reactive force should be
concurrent or should meet at a common point, otherwise when one or more
reactive force whose line is not concurrent to the others then the structure will
not be considered as unstable.

 Case 3: If the reactive forces are parallel to one another.

Here, all of the reactive forces are parallel. Take note that all reactive force
should be parallel otherwise when one or more reactive force is not parallel to
any of one of the reactive force of the structure it will not be considered as
unstable.

 Case 4: When some of the components form a collapsible mechanicsm.
When a structure cannot hold its position when a load is applied it will collapse.
Such structure is considered to be unstable.
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

These cases can be mathematically express as follows:

r < 3n unstable
r ≥ 3n unstable if member reactions are
concurrent or parallel or some of
the components form a collapsible
mechanism.

If the structure is unstable, it does not matter if it is statically determinate or

indeterminate. In all cases such types of structures must be avoided in actual
practice.

1.1.2. Determinacy and Stability for Trusses

To determine the determinacy of trusses, it should be realized that the total

number truss members “b” and unknown external support reactions “r” should be
determined first. Since the truss members are all straight axial force members lying in
the same plane, the force system acting at each joint is coplanar and concurrent . Thus,
moment equilibrium is automatically satisfied at the joint (or pin) of the truss. Which
further means that the moment at the joint of the truss member is assumed as equal to
zero. This is only necessary to satisfy and to ensure translational or force equilibrium.
Therefore, only two equations of equilibrium can be written for each joint (Fx=0 and
Fy=0), and if there are “j” number of joints, the total number of equations available
for solution is 2j. By simply comparing the total number of unknowns with the total
number of available equilibrium equations, it is therefore possible to specify the
determinacy of any particular trusses. The equation below shows this relationship;

(b + r) = 2j ---- Statically Determinate

(b+ r) > 2j ---- Statically Indeterminate

The difference between (b + r) and 2j represents the degree of indeterminacy of

the structure. Consider the example below.
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Example No. 1:

The structure shown is composed of seven (7) members and five (5) joints. On
the other hand, the number of reactions are as shown in the next figure.

The red arrows represent the support reactions. As shown there are a total of
four reactions as both supports are pinned. Applying the equation as presented then
gives;
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

b + r = 2j
7 + 4 = 2(5)
11 > 10

Therefore; the structure is considered to be a statically indeterminate structure to the

first degree.

Exercise 02

Determine the determinacy of the truss shown.

No. Actual Beam Free Body Diagram Counts

Example: b = 11
0.0 j=7
r=3
SD

1.0

2.0
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

3.0

4.0

5.0

Truss in number 1.0 and 5.0 are statically determinate while truss in number 2.0,
3.0 and 4.0 are statically indeterminate.

Are your answers correct? If not please recheck your solution.

If b + r < 2j, a truss will be unstable, that is, it will collapse, since there will be
an insufficient number of bars or reactions to constrain all the joints. Also, a truss can
be unstable if it is statically determinate or statically indeterminate. In this case the
stability will have to be determined either by inspection or by a force analysis.
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Two cases of stability shall be considered for trusses namely; external and
internal stability. As stated previously, a structure (or truss) is externally unstable if all
of its reactions are concurrent or parallel. Example of this case is shown in the next
figures:

The internal stability of a truss can often be checked by careful inspection of the
arrangement of its members. Notice that a simple truss will always be internally stable, since by
the nature of its construction it requires starting from a basic triangular element and adding
successive “rigid elements,” each containing two additional members and a joint. The truss in
shown in the next figure do not demonstrate this situation.

Notice that there is no fixity is provided between joints C and F or B and E, and so the
truss collapse under load. Therefore, this truss is considered to be unstable. Another
situation is demonstrated by the compound truss shown in the next figure.

Notice that inner simple truss ABC is connected to the outer simple truss DEF using
three bars, AD, BE, and CF, which are concurrent at point O. In this case the truss is
unstable.
The situation stated can be mathematically express as follows:

(b+r) < 3j unstable

(b +r ≥ 3j unstable if member reactions are
concurrent or parallel or some of
the components form a collapsible
mechanism.
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

ILO 1.2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Indeterminate

Structures
(Suggested reading: Structural Analysis by R.C. Hibbeler, Chapter 10 page 396).

Consider the following beams shown with the same external uniformly
distributed load of magnitude “w” over its entire length.

(a) Simply Supported Beam (b) Fixed-end Beam

Figure 2.1

What have you observed in its bending moment diagram? Are the maximum
stresses developed in the fixed-end beam (2.1.b) generally lower than in the simply
supported beam (2.1.a)?

Stresses developed in the indeterminate structures is generally lower than the

determinate structures.
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Let us consider the deflection of the two beams shown. The deflection is
represented by the elastic curve (dashed line). What have you observed? Is the
maximum deflection developed in the simply supported beam lower than the fixed
beam?
Statically indeterminate structures has greater stiffness compared to statically
determinate beam. This is evident as the maximum deflection developed in the
simply supported beam as shown is 5 times greater than in the fixed beam.

Figure 2.2

Consider a simply supported (2.2.b) and fixed-end beam (2.2.a) loaded with a point
or concentrated load P as in the figure above. In the fixed-end beam (2.2.a) as the load
P is increased, the beam’s material at the walls and at the center of the beam begins to
yield and which causes the beam to deflect as if it were hinged or pin connected at
these points. Although the deflection becomes large, the walls will develop horizontal
force and moment reactions that will hold the beam and thus prevent it from totally
collapsing. This is very important when a sudden increase of the load is present as in
the case of wind and seismic load. In the case of the simply supported beam, (2.2.b) an
excessive load P will cause the “plastic hinge” to form only at the center of the beam,
and due to the large vertical deflection, the supports will not develop the horizontal
force and moment reactions that may be necessary to prevent total collapse.

Although, the analysis for statistically indeterminate structures are more tedious
than the statically determinate structures the application is much greater. Imagine an
actual building or look at the structure frames of your house or any other structures in
your surroundings, many of these structures are statically indeterminate ones.

However, although statically indeterminate structures can support a loading with

thinner members and with increase stability compared to their statically determinate
counterparts, there are cases when these advantages may instead become
disadvantages. Because statically indeterminate structures has often redundant
supports the cost of fabrication will then be higher. Also, fabrication of these supports
must be done carefully to prevent differential deflection which may cause internal
stresses to the structure. To understand this, imagine a fixed-end beam as in figure
2.2.a if one end of the beam will settle stress will then developed at the beam because
of the “force” deformation. On the other hand, in the case of the simply supported
beam (2.2.b) any settlement of its end would not cause the beam to deform, and
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

therefore no stress would be developed in the beam. In general, then, any deformation,
such as that caused by relative support displacement, or changes in member lengths
caused by temperature or fabrication errors, will introduce additional stresses in the
structure, which must be considered when designing indeterminate structures.

ILO 1.3: Fundamentals Involve In the Analysis of Indeterminate

Structures

Regardless of whether a structure is statically determinate or indeterminate, its

complete analysis requires the use of three types of relationships, namely; Equilibrium
equations, Compatibility conditions and Member force-deformation relations. The
equilibrium equations are expresses as the summation of all forces and bending
moment should be equal to static condition or zero ((Fx=0, Fy=0 and M=0). This
relates that the forces acting on the structure remain equilibrium. This is necessary
hence in actual scenario stability of structure must be avoided. The compatibility
conditions relate the displacements of the structure so that its various parts fit together;
and the member force deformation relations, which involve the material and cross-
sectional properties (E; I, and A) of the members, provide the necessary link between
the forces and displacements of the structure. These three concepts will then be further
discussed by the different method of analysis for indeterminate structures.
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

M1: Summative Assessment

Instruction:

1. Read and analyse each question/problem/case carefully;

2. Show complete free body diagram.
3. Solve the required parameters. Show complete solutions;
4. Answer essay question technically.
5. Assume values or data if deemed necessary;
6. Each question/problem/case is classified as Easy, Moderate and Difficult with the
corresponding assigned weight.
7. This exam is worth 100 points.
8. Passing rate is 70%.
9. Submit your answers in softcopy upon the deadline set by the instructor.
10. Submit your report to the email address [email protected], with subject
title as <Structural Theory 2> <Module 1><Your Name>. Also, the file name shall
be; <Your Name: Module No.>.
11.Any late submission shall be deducted by 20% of the acquired total points.
12.Send your copies to the email address/any equivalent stipulated by the
instructor.

EASY QUESTIONS: (5 POINTS EACH)

Problem 1: A beam fixed at both ends and has an internal hinge along a span. Classify
the beam as either unstable, statically determinate or statically indeterminate and
indicate the degree of indeterminacy. Assume all loads can act anywhere in any
direction of the beam.
Problem 2: A beam supported which is fixed at one end and roller-supported at one
end. An internal roller support is installed along the span. Classify the beam as either
unstable, statically determinate or statically indeterminate and indicate the degree of
indeterminacy. Assume that a load P is acting in between the roller supports.
Problem 3: Indicate from the given structure if it is unstable, statically determinate or
statically indeterminate and indicate the degree of indeterminacy.
STRUCTURAL THEORY 2 00/04292020
Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Problem 4: Determine the determinacy of the given structures:

Figure P4

Figure P5

Figure P6
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Figure P7

Problem 5: Determine the determinacy of the given trusses:

Figure P8

Figure P9
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Figure P10

MODERATE QUESTIONS (10 POINTS EACH)

Problem 6. Compare a statically determinate, indeterminate and unstable/stable

structures? Answer this with corresponding examples.

Problem 7. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a statically indeterminate

structure over a statically determinate structure by citing your own example for each.

DIFFICULT QUESTIONS (Points will be As Specified)

Problem 8 (15 points). Four stick are pinned at its end forming four corners A, B, C
and D. If corners A & C, and B & D are connected by an additional sticks also pinned on
each corners. What is the determinacy of the structure formed if the supports are in A
pinned and D also a pinned.

Problem 9 (15 points). (Case)

Supposed that you are applying for a position in a design and consultancy firm to
design a large bridge project and asked to whether use a statically determinate or
statically indeterminate bridge. What answer would be best for you to be hired?
Support your answer technically. Provide illustration if deemed necessary.
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Engr. Mark Heintje A. Cuanan

Problem 10 (15 points). (Actual Application)

Observe the structure in your surrounding and take at least 2 picture of a beam and a
truss structure. Draw the free-body diagram of chosen structures and identify whether
the structure is statically determinate, indeterminate or unstable. If the structure is
indeterminate indicate the degree of indeterminacy.

Problem 11 (10 points). (Learning Experiences and Reflections)

Cite all your learning experiences and/or reflections about this topic. There is no specific
format required; just simply state them and expound. This is to assure that you learn
something on this topic.