INFLUENCE LINES FOR

STATICALLY INDETERMINATE
STRUCTURES

1
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•Consider the continuous beam shown in Fig. 4.1(a).

•Suppose that we wish to draw the influence line for the

vertical reaction at the interior support B of the beam. The
beam is subjected to a downward-moving concentrated load of
unit magnitude, the position of which is defined by the
coordinate x measured from the left end A of the beam, as
shown in the figure.
2
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•To develop the IL for the reaction By, we need to determine

the expression for By in terms of the variable position x of the
unit load.

•We select the reaction By to be the redundant.

•The roller support at B is then removed from the actual

indeterminate beam to obtain the statically determinate
primary beam shown in Fig. 4.1(b).

•Next, the primary beam is subjected, separately, to the unit

load positioned at an arbitrary point X at a distance x from
the left end, and the redundant By, as shown in Fig. 4.1(b)
and (c), respectively.

3
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Figure 4.1
4
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•The expression for By can now be determined by using the

compatibility condition (i.e the deflection of beam at must be
equal to zero). Thus:

in which the flexibility coefficient fBX denotes the deflection

of the primary beam at B due to the unit load at X (Fig.
4.1(b)), whereas the flexibility coefficient fBB denotes the
deflection at B due to the unit value of the redundant By
(Fig. 4.1(c)). 5
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•We can use Eq. (4.1) for constructing the influence line for
By by placing the unit load successively at a number of
positions x along the beam, evaluating fBX for each position of
the unit load, and plotting the values Fig. 4.1(d) of the ratio
fBX/fBB.

•However, a more efficient procedure can be devised by

applying Maxwell’s law of reciprocal deflections (Strength of
materials), according to which the deflection at B due to a
unit load at X must be equal to the deflection at X due to a
unit load B; that is, fBX = fXB.

6
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•Thus, Eq. (4.1) can be rewritten as

which represents the equation of the influence line for By.

Note that the deflections fXB and fBB are considered to be
positive when in the upward direction (i.e., in the positive
direction of the redundant By)

7
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•Equation (4.2) is more convenient to apply than Eq. (4.1) in

constructing the influence line, because according to Eq. (4.2),
the unit load needs to be placed on the primary beam only at
B, and the deflections fXB at a number of points X along the
beam are to be computed.

•The influence line can then be constructed by plotting the

values of the ratio fXB/fBB as ordinates against the distance x,
which represents the position of point X, as abscissa.

•The equation of an influence line, when expressed in the

form of Eq. (4.2), shows the validity of Müller-Breslau’s
principle for statically indeterminate structures

8
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•It can be seen from Eq. (4.2) for the influence line for By that
since fBB is a constant, the ordinate of the influence line at
any point X is proportional to the deflection fXB of the primary
beam at that point due to the unit load at B.

•Furthermore, this equation indicates that the influence line

for By can be obtained by multiplying the deflected shape of
the primary beam due to the unit load at B by the scaling
factor -1/fBB.

•Note that this scaling yields a deflected shape, with a unit

displacement at B, as shown in Fig. 4.1(d).

• The foregoing observation shows the validity of Müller-

Breslau’s principle for indeterminate structures.
9
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•According to this principle, the influence line for By can be

obtained by removing the support B from the original beam
and by giving the released beam a unit displacement in the
direction of By.

•Also, note from Fig. 4.1(d) that, unlike the case of statically
determinate structures considered previously, the removal of
support B from the indeterminate beam does not render it
statically unstable; therefore, the influence line for its
reaction By is a curved line.

•Once the influence line for the redundant By has been

determined, the influence lines for the remaining reactions
and the shears and bending moments of the beam can be
obtained through equilibrium considerations.
10
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Influence Lines for Structures with multiple degree of

indeterminacy

•The procedure for constructing the influence lines for

structures with multiple degrees of indeterminacy is similar
to that for structures with a single degree of indeterminacy.

•Consider, for example, the three-span continuous beam

shown in Fig. 4.2(a).

Figure 4.2
11
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•Because the beam is statically indeterminate to the second

degree, we select the reactions By and Cy to be the
redundants.

Figure 4.2
12
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•To determine the influence lines for the redundants, we

place a unit load successively at a number of positions X
along the beam; and for each position of the unit load, the
ordinates of the influence lines for By and Cy are evaluated
by applying the compatibility equations (see Fig. 4.2(a)
through (d))

•Once the influence lines for the redundants have been

obtained, the influence lines for the remaining reactions and
the shears and bending moments of the beam can be
determined by statics.
• As discussed previously, the analysis can be considerably
expedited by the application of Maxwell’s law of reciprocal
deflections, according to which fBX = fXB and fCX= fXC. 13
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Thus, the unit load needs to be placed successively only at

points B and C, and the deflections fXB and fXC at a number of
points X along the beam are computed instead of computing
the deflections fBX and fCX at points B and C, respectively, for
each of a number of positions of the unit load.

14
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
Example 4.1
Draw the influence lines for the reaction at support B and the
bending moment at point C of the beam shown in Fig.4.3 (a).

Figure 4.3
Solution
The beam has one degree of indeterminacy. We select the
vertical reaction By at the roller support B to be the
redundant
15
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

•The ordinates of the influence lines will be computed at 3-m

intervals at points A through E, as shown in Fig. 4.3(a).

•Influence Line for Redundant By: The value of the

redundant By for an arbitrary position X of the unit load can
be determined by solving the compatibility equation (see Fig.
4.3(b) and (c))

16
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Figure 4.3

17
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
Since by Maxwell’s law of reciprocal deflections, fBX - fXB, we
place the unit load at B on the primary beam (Fig. 15.3(d))
and compute the deflections at points A through E by using
the beam-deflection formulas given inside the front cover of
the book. Thus,

18
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
in which the negative signs indicate that these deflections
are in the downward direction. Note that the flexibility
coefficient in Eq. (1) denotes the upward (positive)
deflection of the primary beam at B due to the unit value of
the redundant By (Fig. 4.3(c)), whereas the deflection fBB
represents the downward (negative) deflection at B due to
the external unit load at B (Fig. 4.3(d)). Thus,

19
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
The ordinates of the influence line for By can now be
evaluated by applying Eq. (1) successively for each position
of the unit load. For example, when the unit load is located
at A, the value of By is obtained as

The remaining ordinates of the influence line for By are

calculated in a similar manner. These ordinates are
tabulated in Table 15.1, and the influence line for By is
shown in Fig. 15.3(e)

20
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Influence Line for MC: With the influence line for By known, the
ordinates of the influence line for the bending moment at C can now be
evaluated by placing the unit load successively at points A through E on
the indeterminate beam and by using the corresponding values of By
computed previously. For example, as depicted in Fig. 4.3(f), when the
unit load is located at point A, the value of the reaction at B is By-1:5
kN/kN. By considering the equilibrium of the free body of the portion of
the beam to the left of C, we obtain
21
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

22
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

23
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Example 4.2

Draw the influence lines for the vertical reactions at the

supports and the shear and bending moment at point C of
the two-span continuous beam shown in Fig. 4.4(a).

Figure 4.4 24
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Solution

The beam is indeterminate to the first degree. We select the

vertical reaction Dy at the interior support D as the
redundant.
The influence line ordinates will be evaluated at 10-ft
intervals at points A through F shown in Fig. 4.4(a).
Influence Line for Redundant Dy The value of the
redundant Dy for an arbitrary position X of the unit load
can be determined by solving the compatibility equation
(see Fig. 4.4(b) and (c))

From which

25
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Since fDX - fXD in accordance with Maxwell’s law, we place

the unit load at D on the primary beam (Fig. 15.4(d)) and
compute the deflections at points A through F by using the
conjugate-beam method. The conjugate beam is shown in
Fig. 15.4(e), from which we obtain the following:

26
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

in which the negative signs indicate that these deflections

occur in the downward direction. Note that the flexibility
coefficient in Eq. (1) denotes the upward (positive)
deflection of the primary beam at D due to the unit value of
the redundant Dy (Fig. 4.4(c)), whereas the deflection fDD
represents the downward (negative) deflection at D due to
the external unit load at D (Fig. 4.4(d)). Thus

27
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Figure 4.4

28
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

The negative signs indicate that these deflections occur in

the downward direction.

29
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

The flexibility coefficient in Eq. (1) denotes the

upward (positive) deflection of the primary beam at D
due to the unit value of the redundant Dy (Fig. 4.4(c)),
whereas the deflection fDD represents the downward
(negative) deflection at D due to the external unit load
at D (Fig. 4.4(d)). Thus

30
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Figure 4.4 31
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Figure 4.4 32
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

Figure 4.4 33
INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

34
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES

The ordinates of the influence line for Dy can now be

computed by applying Eq. (1) successively for each position
of the unit load. For example, when the unit load is located
at B, the value of Dy is given by

The remaining ordinates of the influence line for Dy are

computed in a similar manner. These ordinates are tabulated
in Table 2, and the influence line for Dy is shown in Fig. 4.4(f)

35
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
Influence Lines for Ay and Fy
Knowing the IL for Dy, the IL for the remaining reactions
can be determined by applying the equations of
equilibrium. For the position of the unit load at point B as
shown in Fig. 4.4(g), the value of the reaction Dy is
0.492k/k. By applying the equilibrium equations, we
determine the values of the reactions Ay and Fy:

The values of the remaining influence line ordinates are computed in a

similar manner. These ordinates are listed in Table 2, and the influence
lines for Ay and Fy are shown in Fig. 4.4(h) and (i), respectively. 36
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
Influence Lines for SC and MC

The ordinates of the influence lines for the shear and

bending moment at C can now be evaluated by placing the
unit load successively at points A through F on the
indeterminate beam and by using the corresponding values
of the reactions computed previously. For example, as
shown in Fig. 4.4(g), when the unit load is located at point
B, the values of the reactions are Ay = 0:603 k/k; Dy =
0:492 k/k; and Fy = -0:095 k/k. By considering the
equilibrium of the free body of the portion of the beam to
the left of C, we obtain

37
 INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND TRUSSES
The values of the remaining ordinates of the influence lines
are computed in a similar manner. These ordinates are
listed in Table 2, and the influence lines for the shear and
bending moment at C are shown in Fig. 4.4( j) and (k),
respectively.

38
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE
Recall that Müller-Breslau’s principle can be stated as
follows:

•The influence line for a force (or moment) response function

is given by the deflected shape of the released structure
obtained by removing the restraint corresponding to the
response function from the original structure and by giving
the released structure a unit displacement (or rotation) at the
location and in the direction of the response function, so that
only the response function and the unit load perform external
work.

39
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE
•The procedure for constructing qualitative influence lines for
indeterminate structures is the same as that for determinate
structures. The procedure essentially involves:

1) removing from the given structure the restraint

corresponding to the response function of interest to
obtain the released structure;

2) applying a small displacement (or rotation) to the released

structure at the location and in the positive direction of
the response function; and

3) drawing a deflected shape of the released structure

consistent with its support and continuity conditions. The
influence lines for indeterminate structures are generally
curved lines 40
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

•Once a qualitative influence line for a structural response

function has been constructed, it can be used to decide
where to place the live loads to maximize the value of the
response function.

•The value of a response function due to a uniformly

distributed live load is maximum positive (or negative)
when the load is placed over those portions of the structure
where the ordinates of the response function influence line
are positive (or negative).

41
QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

•Because the influence-line ordinates tend to diminish

rapidly with distance from the point of application of the
response function, live loads placed more than three span
lengths away from the location of the response function
generally have a negligible effect on the value of the
response function.

•With the live-load pattern known, an indeterminate

analysis of the structure can be performed to determine
the maximum value of the response function.

42
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

•Example

Draw qualitative influence lines for the vertical reactions at

supports A and B, the bending moment at point B, and the
shear and bending moment at point C of the four-span
continuous beam shown in Fig. 4.5(a). Also, show the
arrangements of a uniformly distributed downward live load
wl to cause the maximum positive reactions at supports A and
B, the maximum negative bending moment at B, the
maximum negative shear at C, and the maximum positive
bending moment at C.

Figure 4.5
43
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

•Solution

Influence Line for Ay.

To determine the qualitative influence line for the vertical

reaction Ay at support A, we remove the vertical restraint at
A from the actual beam and give the released beam a small
displacement in the positive direction of Ay. The deflected
shape of the released beam thus obtained (Fig. 4.5(b))
represents the general shape of the influence line (i.e., the
qualitative influence line) for Ay.

Note that the deflected shape is consistent with the support

conditions of the released beam; that is, points B;D;E, and F
of the released beam, which are attached to roller supports,
do not displace. 44
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

To maximize the positive value of Ay, the live load wl is

placed over spans AB and DE of the beam, where the
ordinates of the influence line for Ay are positive, as shown
in Fig. 4.5(b).

Influence Line for By

The qualitative influence line for By and the live-load

arrangement for the maximum positive value of By are
determined in a similar manner and are shown in Fig. 4.5(c).

45
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

Influence Line for MB.

To determine the qualitative influence line for the bending

moment at B, we insert a hinge at B in the actual beam and
give the released beam a small rotation in the positive
direction of MB by rotating the portion to the left of B
counterclockwise and the portion to the right of B clockwise,
as shown in Fig. 4.5(d).

The deflected shape of the released beam thus obtained

represents the qualitative influence line for MB.

To cause the maximum negative bending moment at B, we

place the live load wl over spans AB;BD, and EF of the
beam, where the ordinates of the influence line for MB are
46
negative, as shown in Fig. 4.5(d).
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

Figure 4.5 47
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

Figure 4.5 48
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

Figure 4.5 49
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE
Influence Line for SC
The qualitative influence line for SC is determined by
cutting the actual beam at C and by giving the released
beam a small relative displacement in the positive direction
of SC by moving end C of the left portion of the beam
downward and end C of the right portion upward, as shown
in Fig. 4.5(e).

To obtain the maximum negative shear at C, the live load is

placed over span DE and the portion BC of the span BD of
the beam, where the ordinates of the influence line for Sc are
negative, as shown in Fig. 4.5(e).
Influence Line for MC
The qualitative influence line for the bending moment at C
and the live-load arrangement for the maximum positive
value of MC are shown in Fig. 4.5(f ). 50
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE
Example

Draw qualitative influence lines for the bending moment

and shear at point A of the building frame shown in Fig.
4.6(a). Also, show the arrangements of a uniformly
distributed downward live load wl that will cause the
maximum positive bending moment and the maximum
negative shear at A.

Figure 4.6
51
 QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE
Solution. Influence Line for MA

The qualitative influence line for the bending moment at A

is shown in Fig. 4.6(b). Note that since the members of the
frame are connected together by rigid joints, the original
angles between the members intersecting at a joint must be
maintained in the deflected shape of the frame. To obtain
the maximum positive bending moment at A, the live load
wl is placed over those spans of the frame where the
ordinates of the influence line for MA are positive, as shown
in Fig. 4.6(b). This type of live-load pattern is sometimes
referred to as a checker board load pattern

Influence Line for SA

The qualitative influence line for the shear at A and the live-
load arrangement for the maximum negative value of SA are
52
shown in Fig. 4.6(c).
QUALITATIVE INFLUENCE LINES BY MULLER-
BRESLAU’S PRINCIPLE

53
Figure 4.6