Chapter 2

Fundamentals of the Flexibility

Method of Structural Analysis
Objectives
• To present the fundamental ideas of the flexibility method of analysis
• To derive the flexibilities of prismatic members, leading to formalized
approach for the flexibility method
 The Flexibility Method
Illustration case 1 𝑅𝐵 𝐿3
Δ𝐵𝑄 =
48𝐸𝐼

Since there is no support displacement

at B (compatibility condition),
5𝑤𝐿4 5𝑤𝐿
Δ𝐵𝐿 = Δ𝐵𝐿 = Δ𝐵𝑄 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 =
384𝐸𝐼 8

2
 The Flexibility Method
Illustration case 1 (Systematic)

𝐿3
𝛿𝐵 =
48𝐸𝐼

Δ𝐵𝐿 + 𝛿𝐵 𝑅𝐵 = 0
5𝑤𝐿4 𝐿3
5𝑤𝐿4 − + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
Δ𝐵𝐿 = 384𝐸𝐼 48𝐸𝐼
384𝐸𝐼
5𝑤𝐿
⇒ 𝑅𝐵 =
8 3
 The Flexibility Method
Illustration case 2

Displacements and flexibility

Released structure alternatives coefficients on the released structure
4
 The Flexibility Method
Illustration case 2
Superposition leads to the compatibility equations:
𝐷𝑄𝐿1 + 𝐹11 𝑄1 + 𝐹12 𝑄2 = 0 Generally, 𝐷𝑄1 = 𝐷𝑄𝐿1 + 𝐹11 𝑄1 + 𝐹12 𝑄2

𝐷𝑄𝐿2 + 𝐹21 𝑄1 + 𝐹22 𝑄2 = 0 𝐷𝑄2 = 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 + 𝐹21 𝑄1 + 𝐹22 𝑄2

𝐷𝑄1 𝐷𝑄𝐿1 𝐹11 𝐹12 𝑄1

= + Or, 𝐷𝑄 = 𝐷𝑄𝐿 + 𝐹𝑄
𝐷𝑄2 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 𝐹21 𝐹22 𝑄2

The solution of this system is 𝑄 = 𝐹 −1 𝐷𝑄 − 𝐷𝑄𝐿

For the present case, 𝑄 = −𝐹 −1 𝐷𝑄𝐿

5
 The Flexibility Method
Illustration case 2 Let: 𝑃1 = 2𝑃, 𝑀 = 𝑃𝐿, 𝑃2 = 𝑃, 𝑃3 = 𝑃

13𝑃𝐿3 97𝑃𝐿3
𝐷𝑄𝐿1 = 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 =
24𝐸𝐼 48𝐸𝐼

𝑃𝐿3 26
𝐷𝑄𝐿 =
48𝐸𝐼 97

𝐿3 5𝐿3 8𝐿3
𝐹11 = ; 𝐹12 = 𝐹21 = ; 𝐹22 =
3𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼

𝐿3 2 5 −1
6𝐸𝐼 16 −5
𝐹= ⇒𝐹 = 3
6𝐸𝐼 5 16 7𝐿 −5 2

6
 The Flexibility Method
Illustration case 2 Again, for this case, 𝑄 = −𝐹 −1 𝐷𝑄𝐿

3
6𝐸𝐼 16 −5 𝑃𝐿 26
𝑄=− 3
7𝐿 −5 2 48𝐸𝐼 97
Simplifying,
𝑃 69
𝑄=
56 −64

Meaning
69 64 8
⇒ 𝑄1 = 𝑃 and 𝑄2 = − 𝑃 = − 𝑃
56 56 7

7
 The Flexibility Method
Example 1
The beam AB is fixed at both ends and is subjected to a concentrated load P and a
couple M at the midpoint. It is assumed that the beam has constant flexural rigidity EI.

Using the flexibility method, the vertical reaction and the reactive moment at end B of
the beam are selected as redundants, Q1 and Q2, respectively, as shown.

8
 The Flexibility Method
Example 1 5𝑃𝐿3 3𝑀𝐿2 𝑃𝐿2 𝑀𝐿
𝐷𝑄𝐿1 =− − ; 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 = +
48𝐸𝐼 8𝐸𝐼 8𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼

𝐿 −5𝑃𝐿2 − 18𝑀𝐿
𝐷𝑄𝐿 =
48𝐸𝐼 6𝑃𝐿 + 24𝑀
𝐿3 𝐿2 𝐿
𝐹11 = ; 𝐹12 = 𝐹21 = − ; 𝐹22 =
3𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝐿 2𝐿2 −3𝐿 −1
2𝐸𝐼 6 3𝐿
𝐹= ⇒𝐹 = 3
6𝐸𝐼 −3𝐿 6 𝐿 3𝐿 2𝐿2
Substituting and solving 𝑄 = −𝐹 −1 𝐷𝑄𝐿
𝑃 3𝑀 𝑃𝐿 𝑀
𝑄1 = + and 𝑄2 = +
2 2𝐿 8 4
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 The Flexibility Method
Example 2
The three-span continuous beam has constant flexural rigidity EI and is acted upon by
a uniform load w in span AB and concentrated loads P at the midpoints of spans BC
and CD

Using the flexibility method, the bending moments at joints B and C of the beam are
selected as redundants, Q1 and Q2, respectively, as shown.
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 The Flexibility Method
Example 2 𝑤𝐿3 𝑃𝐿2 𝑃𝐿2 𝑃𝐿2
𝐷𝑄𝐿1 =− + ; 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 = +
24𝐸𝐼 16𝐸𝐼 16𝐸𝐼 16𝐸𝐼
𝐿 2𝑤𝐿 + 3𝑃
𝐷𝑄𝐿 =
48𝐸𝐼 6𝑃
2𝐿 𝐿 2𝐿
𝐹11 = ; 𝐹12 = 𝐹21 = ; 𝐹22 =
3𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼

𝐿 4 1 −1
2𝐸𝐼 4 −1
𝐹= ⇒𝐹 =
6𝐸𝐼 1 4 5𝐿 −4 4
Substituting and solving 𝑄 = −𝐹 −1 𝐷𝑄𝐿
𝑤𝐿2 𝑃𝐿 𝑤𝐿2 7𝑃𝐿
𝑄1 = − − and 𝑄2 = −
15 20 60 40 11
 Energy Concepts (‘Borrowed’)
Application of the Unit-Load Method: Examples
Example 1: For the truss with all members having same EA, determine
(i) the horizontal displacement of joint B and (ii) the relative displacement of joints A and D

(i) ΔB (taken +ve to the right) (ii) ΔAD (taken +ve closing up)

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 Energy Concepts (‘Borrowed’)
Application of the Unit-Load Method: Example 1

ΔB = −3.828 𝑃𝐿 = 3.828 𝑃𝐿 (to the left)

ΔAD = −2 𝑃𝐿 = 2 𝑃𝐿 (opening up)

13
 Energy Concepts (‘Borrowed’)
Application of the Unit-Load Method: Examples
Example 2: For the cantilever beam having constant EI, determine
(i) the displacement of point C and (ii) the displacement of point E

(i) ΔC (taken +ve upwards)

(ii) ΔE (taken +ve upwards)

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 Energy Concepts (‘Borrowed’)
Application of the Unit-Load Method: Example 2

13 𝑃𝐿3 97 𝑃𝐿3
Δ𝐶 = up ; Δ𝐸 = (up)
24 𝐸𝐼 48 𝐸𝐼 15
 The Flexibility Method
Example 3
The statically-indeterminate plane truss shown is to be analyzed

Using the flexibility method, the horizontal reaction at B (+ve to the right) and the
axial force in bar AD (+ve in tension) are selected as redundants, Q1 and Q2,
respectively, as shown.
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 The Flexibility Method
Example 3

𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿 3.828
𝐷𝑄𝐿1 =− 1 + 2 2 = −3.828 ; 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 = −2 ∴ 𝐷𝑄𝐿 =−
𝐸𝐴 𝐸𝐴 𝐸𝐴 𝐸𝐴 2
𝐿 𝑃𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝐹11 = 1 + 2 2 = −3.828 ; 𝐹12 = 𝐹21 = 4 + 2 = 2.707
𝐸𝐴 𝐸𝐴 2𝐸𝐴 𝐸𝐴
2𝐿 𝐿
𝐹22 = 1 + 2 = 4.828
𝐸𝐴 𝐸𝐴
17
 The Flexibility Method
Example 3

𝐿 3.828 2.707 −1
𝐸𝐴 0.4328 −0.2426
𝐹= ⇒𝐹 =
𝐸𝐴 2.707 4.828 𝐿 −0.2426 0.3431

Substituting and solving 𝑄 = −𝐹 −1 𝐷𝑄𝐿

𝑄1 = 1.172𝑃 and 𝑄2 = −0.243𝑃

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 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
Up to this stage, our flexibility approach was limited to only solving for the selected
static redundants, Q, using
𝐷𝑄1 𝐷𝑄𝐿1 ∗
𝐹11 𝐹12 𝑄1
= + Or, 𝐃Q = 𝐃QL + 𝐅𝐐 ⇒ 𝐐 = 𝐅 −1 𝐃Q − 𝐃QL
𝐷𝑄2 𝐷𝑄𝐿2 𝐹21 𝐹22 𝑄2

Thereafter, the remaining reactional actions can then be solved independently by statics,
followed by the determination of the kinematic redundants (joint displacements).
A smarter, more systematic, procedure can be followed in which the computation of
member end-actions, reactions, and joint displacements can be incorporated directly
into the flexibility workflow. This can be achieved by formulating these secondary
quantities in line with the idea of the displacement equation* above.

19
 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
In order to establish the referenced methodology, consider the 2-span beam used
previously for the ‘Illustration case 2’.
Recall …. 𝐃Q = 𝐃QL + 𝐅𝐐 … … … (𝑎)
Now, in addition to the redundants Q, we
like to compute the joint displacements
DJ, member end actions AM, and support
reactions AR. Taking a cue from eqn (a),

𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … … … (𝑏)

𝐀M = 𝐀ML + 𝐀MQ 𝐐 … … … (𝑐)
𝐀R = 𝐀RL + 𝐀RQ 𝐐 … … … (𝑑)
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 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions

𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … 𝑏 ; 𝐀 M = 𝐀 ML + 𝐀 MQ 𝐐 … 𝑐 ; 𝐀 R = 𝐀 RL + 𝐀 RQ 𝐐 … 𝑑
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 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
𝐷𝐽1 𝐷𝐽𝐿1 𝐷𝐽𝑄11 𝐷𝐽𝑄12 𝑄1
= +
𝐷𝐽2 𝐷𝐽𝐿2 𝐷𝐽𝑄21 𝐷𝐽𝑄22 𝑄2

𝐷𝐽1 𝐷𝐽𝐿1 𝐷𝐽𝑄11 𝐷𝐽𝑄12

𝐃𝐉 = ; 𝐃𝐉𝐋 = ; 𝐃JQ =
𝐷𝐽2 𝐷𝐽𝐿2 𝐷𝐽𝑄21 𝐷𝐽𝑄22

What’s the dimension of 𝐀 MQ ?

𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … 𝑏 ; 𝐀 M = 𝐀 ML + 𝐀 MQ 𝐐 … 𝑐 ; 𝐀 R = 𝐀 RL + 𝐀 RQ 𝐐 … 𝑑
22
 The Flexibility Method
Example 4
The beam shown, having a constant EI, is subjected to the loads as shown. Use
the flexibility method to determine the member end actions, reactions and joint
displacements.

Using the flexibility method, the selected redundants, Q1 and Q2, were previously
determined as
69 64 8
⇒ 𝑄1 = 𝑃 and 𝑄2 = − 𝑃 = − 𝑃
56 56 7
Now, let’s determine the remaining quantities of interest
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 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
Example 4 PL P
P
2P

2P PL P P

𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … 𝑏 ; 𝐀 M = 𝐀 ML + 𝐀 MQ 𝐐 … 𝑐 ; 𝐀 R = 𝐀 RL + 𝐀 RQ 𝐐 … 𝑑
24
 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
Example 4 PL P
P
2P
5𝑃𝐿2 13𝑃𝐿2 𝑃𝐿2 10
𝐷𝐽𝐿1 = ; 𝐷𝐽𝐿2 = ∴ 𝐃𝐉𝐋 =
4𝐸𝐼 8𝐸𝐼 8𝐸𝐼 13
3𝑃𝐿 0
𝐴𝑀𝐿1 = 0; 𝐴𝑀𝐿2 =
2 𝑃𝐿 3
∴ 𝐀 𝐌𝐋 =
𝑃𝐿 2 0
𝐴𝑀𝐿3 = 0; 𝐴𝑀𝐿4 =− −1
2
2𝑃
𝐀 𝐑𝐋 = 𝑃𝐿
−
2
𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … 𝑏 ; 𝐀 M = 𝐀 ML + 𝐀 MQ 𝐐 … 𝑐 ; 𝐀 R = 𝐀 RL + 𝐀 RQ 𝐐 … 𝑑
25
 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
Example 4 PL P
P
2P
𝐿2 1 3
𝐃𝐉𝑸 =
2𝐸𝐼 1 4

1 1
0 𝐿
𝐀 𝐌𝐐 =
0 −1
0 −𝐿

−1 −1
𝐀 𝐑𝐐 =
−𝐿 −2𝐿

𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … 𝑏 ; 𝐀 M = 𝐀 ML + 𝐀 MQ 𝐐 … 𝑐 ; 𝐀 R = 𝐀 RL + 𝐀 RQ 𝐐 … 𝑑
26
 The Flexibility Method
Joint Displacements, Member End-Actions, and Support Reactions
Example 4 PL P
P
2P
𝑃 69
𝑸=
56 −64
17𝑃𝐿2 5𝑃𝐿2 𝑃𝐿2 17
𝐷𝐽1 = ; 𝐷𝐽2 = − ∴ 𝐃𝐉 =
112𝐸𝐼 112𝐸𝐼 112𝐸𝐼 −5

5
𝑃 20𝐿
𝐀𝐌 =
56 64
36𝐿 𝑃 107
𝐀𝐑 =
56 31𝐿

𝐃J = 𝐃JL + 𝐃JQ 𝐐 … 𝑏 ; 𝐀 M = 𝐀 ML + 𝐀 MQ 𝐐 … 𝑐 ; 𝐀 R = 𝐀 RL + 𝐀 RQ 𝐐 … 𝑑
27
 The Flexibility Method
Formalization Requirements
• It is important to formalize the application of the flexibility method for efficient
analysis process
• This requires, to start with, the development of flexibility matrix for an individual
member of a framed structural system
• Another important aspect of this formalization process is the definition of the
member-oriented axis (local coordinates) system (xM, yM, zM) for an individual
member, and the structure-oriented axis (global coordinates) system (x, y, z) for the
entire framed structure.

28
 The Flexibility Method
Local vs Global coordinates system

Plane truss or
plane frame
member

Beam member

Space truss or
space frame
member

Grid member
29
 The Flexibility Method
Flexibilities of Prismatic Members (Beam)

30
 The Flexibility Method
Flexibilities of Prismatic Members (Truss)

31
 The Flexibility Method
Flexibilities of Prismatic Members (Plane frame)

32
 The Flexibility Method
Flexibilities of Prismatic Members (Grid)

33
 The Flexibility Method
Flexibilities of Prismatic Members (Space frame)

34
 The Flexibility Method
Flexibilities of Prismatic Members (Space frame)

35
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
The main idea of the formalization process is to relate the member flexibilities in
the local system to the global system along with the global-level joint actions and
displacements. For an individual member,

Then, for all members in the structure,

‘Unassembled’
structural
flexibility

36
 The Formalized Flexibility Method

This equation presents the member-oriented displacement equation, relating the

vector AM, a collection of local (or member-oriented) end actions to the
displacement through the unassembled structural flexibility FM.
There is a need to transform the vector AM to the global system through a
transformation operator BMS. Thus,

The structure-oriented displacement equation is given by

Using the principle of complementary virtual work, it can be shown that

‘Assembled’
structural flexibility
37
 The Formalized Flexibility Method

The structural displacement vector DS, flexibility matrix FS, and action vector
AS can all be partitioned into components pertaining to joint actions (or loads)
AJ and redundant actions AQ as

⇒
38
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
For a complete analysis, it is required to evaluate the member end actions AM
and the reactions AR (different form redundant reactive actions AQ). Thus

Note the inclusion of the member fixed end actions AMF which is necessary to
account for the possibility of equivalent joint loads being included in AJ. It is
also important to note the inclusion of the combined (equivalent and actual)
loads ARC applied directly at supports.

39
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
We can now compare the equations of the flexibility method developed by
superposition principles with their counterparts derived through the
complementary virtual work principles, as follows:

Interesting outcomes. Aren’t they?

40
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
The statically indeterminate truss
shown has six members, as indicated by
the circled numbers in the figure, and
all members are assumed to have the
same axial rigidity EA. Carry out a
complete analysis of the truss using the
formalized flexibility approach

41
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
First, there are no member loads, so, all
joint loads are actual. Next, the kinematic
redundants (unknown joint displacements)
are indicated in their positive senses
(following the global coordinates), as

42
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Following that, the unassembled structural
stiffness should be developed, as

43
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Next, unit actions corresponding to the kinematic redundants are applied, one after the
other, to produce the elements of BMJ and BRJ.

44
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Next, unit actions corresponding to the static
redundants are applied, one after the other, to produce
the elements of BMQ and BRQ.

45
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Recall …

46
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Now, we can solve the static redundants, as

47
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Next, obtain the joint displacement

48
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Next, obtain the member end actions

49
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 1
Finally, obtain the support reactions

That’s it!
50
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
The two-span continuous beam shown is subjected to a uniform load w = 4P/L in
span AB and two concentrated forces P in span BC. Both members have the same
length L, but the flexural rigidity of member AB is twice that of member BC. Carry
out a complete analysis of the beam using the formalized flexibility approach

51
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
Following the procedures adopted in Example 1, the following steps are taken

(ii) Unassembled structural flexibility

(i) Static and kinematic redundants, reactions

52
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
(iii) Unit values of joint actions and redundants; assembled structural flexibility

53
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
(iv) Equivalent and combined joint loads

(v) Static redundants

54
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
(vi) Joint displacements (kinematic redundants)

55
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
(vii) Member end actions

(viii) Support reactions

56
 The Formalized Flexibility Method
Application Example 2
(ix) Actual/final values of the static redundants (considering the fixed end actions)

57