Dr. Kazi M.A.

Sohel
Chapter-6
Influence Lines for Statically
Determinate Structures
Objectives:
Influence lines have important application for the design of structures that resist large live
loads. The objectives are (i) Understand the moving load effect in simpler term (ii) Study
various definitions of influence line (iii) Introduce to simple procedures for construction of
influence lines for statically determinate structure.
Topics
 Influence Lines for Statically Determinate Beams
 Computing Forces from Influence Lines
 Influence Lines for Trusses
 Solved examples and tutorials
Textbook:StructuralAnalysis7th Edition
byR.C.Hibbeler

Can my bridge survive?

 What is Influence Line ?

1 2 6 (1 6 8 ) 8 5 (1 2 7 ) 1 (4 3 )

Force

Influence Lines
Shear force and moment diagrams
Fixed loads
V M

x
V and M at different locations of the beam
x
Influence Lines Load moves along the beam

V M

x
x
V and M at a fixed location
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
P
P ( L  x) Px
C B RA  RB 
A L L
x L=10
RA RB P
P B
A
B
A 8
5 RA=0.2P RB=0.8P
L=10
RA L=10 RB=0.5P
=0.5P x RA RB
0.5P 0 1.0P 0
P RA
x 2 0.8P 0.2P
Plot for RA 4 0.6P 0.4P
5 0.5P 0.5P
0.5P 6 0.4P 0.6P
P 8 0.2P 0.8P
RB
10 0 1.0P
Plot for RB

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

6-1 Influence Lines

 If a structure is subjected to a moving load, the variation of shear
& bending moment is best described using the influence line
 Influence lines play an important part in the design of bridges,
industrial cranes, conveyors and other structures where loads move
across their span.

So what is an influence line? (see previous slide)

An influence line represents the variation of either the reaction, shear,
moment or deflection at a specific point in a member as a
concentrated force moves over the member.

 Once the influence line is drawn, the location of the live load which will cause
the greatest influence on the structure can be found very quickly.

 Influence lines represent the effect of a moving load only at a specified

point on a member, whereas shear (SFD) and bending moment diagrams
(BMD) represent the effect of fixed loads at all points along the member.
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

 Procedure to construct the influence line (three methods)

1) Tabulate Values
2) Influence-Line equations
3) Virtual work: Muller-Breslau principle (qualitative influence line)

Construction of influence line by using equn & tabulated values

Example 1: Construct the influence line for the vertical reaction

at A of the beam in Fig.1(a)
x 1

10 m
Fig 1 (a)
Ay By
10 m

Tabulate Values: A unit load is placed (b)

on the beam at each selected point x
and the value of Ay is calculated by
summing moments about B. Text book example 6-1

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

x 1

Ay 10 m By

(c)
Influence-Line Equation: When the unit load is placed a variable
distance x from A, the reaction Ay as a function of x can be
determined from
M B  0;  Ay (10)  (10  x)(1)  0
1
Ay  1  x This line is plotted in Fig. (c)
10
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 2: Construct the influence line for the vertical reaction

at B of the beam in Fig. 2a.

x 1

5m 5m
Ay By
Fig. 2a

Solution
Tabulate Values: A unit load is placed on the beam at each selected
point x and the value of By is calculated by summing moments about
B. A plot of the values yields the influence line in Fig. c.
Text book example 6-2

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

x 1

5m 5m
By

(c)
Influence-Line Equation. Applying the moment equation about A,
 M A  0; By (5)  1( x)  0
1
By  x This line is plotted in Fig. (c)
5
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
EXAMPLE 3: Construct the influence line for the shear at point
C of the beam in Fig. 3a. Text book example 6-3

Tabulate Values: The unit load must be

placed just to the left x=2.5- and just to
the right x=2.5+ of point C since the
shear is discontinuous at C, Figs. 6–3b
and 6–3c. A plot of the values in Fig. 6–
Fig. 3a 3d yields the influence line for the shear
Solution at C, Fig. 6–3e.

0.25

(b) (c)

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

A C B

(e )

Influence-Line Equation. Here two equations have to be determined since there

are two segments for the influence line due to the discontinuity of shear at C,

1
Vc  1  x
1 10
Vc   x
10 These lines are plotted in Fig. (e)
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 4: Construct the influence line for the shear at point C of

the beam in Fig. a. Text book example 6-4
x 1
C B
A

4m 4m 4m

Solution
Tabulate Values: Using statics and the x
method of sections, get VC for different
position of unit load.

Equation

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 5: Construct the influence line for the moment at point C

of the beam in Fig. a.
x 1
C B
A

5m 5m
(a)
Solution
Tabulate Values:

B C B
A

Free-body of BC

Text book example 6-5

 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
Tabulated values

(c)
Influence-Line Equations: x 1
M C  0 C B
1 A
M C  1(5  x)  (1  x)5  0
10
1 5m 5m
M C  x for 0  x  5m
2

M C  0 1.25
1 1.25
M C  (1  x)5  0
10
1
M C  5  x for 5m  x  10 m
2

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 6: Construct the influence line for the momentr at point

C of the beam in Fig. a.
x 1
C B
A

4m 4m 4m

Solution
x
Tabulate Values: Using statics and the
method of sections, get MC for different
position of unit load.

Equation

Text book example 6-6

 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

6-3 Qualitative Influence Lines

Muller-Breslau Principle
states that the influence line for a function (reaction, shear, moment
etc..) is to the same scale as the deflected shape of the beam when
the beam is acted upon by the function.
- A quicker way of constructing influence
lines for beams is to apply the Müller
Breslau Principle, which is derived from
the principle of virtual work.
1
For example to obtain the influence line for the
support reaction at “A” for the beam shown,
remove the support corresponding to the reaction
and apply a force in the +ve direction that will
cause a unit displacement in the direction of Ay

Notice that the deflected shape is linear (i.e. the beam rotates 1
as a rigid body without any curvature). This is true only for
statically-determinate beams.

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

 If the shape of the influence line for shear at C is to be determined,

Fig 6.13(a), the connection at C may be symbolized by a roller
guide as shown in Fig 6.13(b).
 Applying a +ve shear force
Vc to the beam at C &
allowing the beam to deflect
to the dashed position, the
influence line shape as
shown in Fig 6.13(c)

Fig. 6-13
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

 If the shape of influence line for the moment at C Fig 6.14(a) is

to be determined, an internal hinge or pin is placed at C

 Applying +ve moment Mc

to the beam, the beam
deflects to the dashed line
which is the influence line
as shown in Fig 6.14(c)

Fig. 6-14

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

The proof of the Muller-Breslau Principal can be established

using the principle of virtual work
Principle of Virtual Work States that for an equilibrium system, the work done by
all forces upon a set of virtual displacement is zero.
 Work = a linear disp.  force in the direction of disp.
 Or work = rotational disp.  moment if the direction of the disp.

x 1
For the FBD shown, the only forces having C B
A
a corresponding virtual displacement are
Ay and the unit load, thus: Ay By

1  Ay    y/  .1  0;  Ay   y/ x 1
A
C
FBDs of a beam and a y=1 B
virtually-displaced beam y/

Ay By

This indicates that the influence line of Ay is numerically equal to the virtual
displacement of the beam, when the virtual displacement is constructed with a unit
displacement at Ay and no displacement at any forces except the unit load.
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Müller Breslau Principle

The step-by-step process of applying the Müller Breslau Principle
can be summarized as follows:
1. Expose the quantity of interest by a cut (or remove a support).
2. Impose a virtual displacement such that:
(a) at the cut there is a unit displacement (or rotation).
(b) the quantity of interest produces a positive work.
(c) no other internal force produces any work.
3. The resulting displacement shape is the desired influence line.

Notes
1. The Müller Breslau Principle provides a quick method for establishing
the shape of the influence line. The generated shape is referred to as a
qualitative influence line. Once this is known, the ordinates at the peaks
can be determined by using the basic method introduced earlier.

2. By simply knowing the general shape of the influence line, it is possible

to locate the live load on the beam and then determine the maximum
value of the function using statics

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Example:ShearforceandMomentatC
 If the beam is sectioned at C, the beam undergoes a virtual disp
y at this point, Fig 6.15(c), then only the internal shear at C and
the unit load do work
 The virtual work eqn is:
Vc  y  1 y '  0
If  y  1, then  Vc   y '
Fig. 6-15

 Assume a hinge or pin is introduced into the beam at point C, Fig

6.15(d). If a virtual rotation  is introduced at the pin,
 virtual work will be done only by

the internal moment & unit load

M c  1 y '  0
If   1, then  M c   y '
Fig. 6-15
This indicates that the deflected beam has the same shape as the influence line for the internal moment at point C
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
EXAMPLE 9: For each beam in Fig 6.16, sketch the influence line
for the vertical reaction at A Text book example 6-9

SOLUTION
The support is replaced by a roller guide at A since it will resist, but not Ay. The
force Ay is then applied.

Again, a roller guide is placed at A and the force Ay is applied.

A double-roller guide
must be used at A in
this case

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 10: For each beam in Figs. 6–17a through 6–17c,

sketch the influence line for the shear at B. Text book example 6-10

(a)

The roller guide is introduced at B and the positive shear is applied. Notice that the right
segment of the beam will not deflect since the roller at A actually constrains the beam from
moving vertically, either up or down.

(b)

(c)
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 11: For each beam in Figs. 6–18a through 6–18c,

sketch the influence line for the Moment at B. Text book example 6-11

Solution: A hinge is introduced at B and positive moments MB are applied to

the beam. The deflected shape and corresponding influence line are shown.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 6-18 (c)

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

6.2 use of influence line for Beams

 Once the influence line for a function has been constructed, it will
be possible to position live loads on the beam which will produce
the maximum value of the function. Two types of loadings will be
considered
1) Concentrated force
2) Uniform load
 Concentrated force
 For any concentrated force, F acting on the beam, the value of
the function can be found by multiplying the ordinate of the
influence line at position x by magnitude of F.
 Uniform load
 value of a function caused by a uniform load = the area under
the influence line  intensity of the uniform load
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
Example 7: Determine the max +ve live
shear that can be developed at point C in
the beam shown in Fig 6.10(a) due to: A
concentrated moving load of 4kN and a
uniform moving load of 2kN/m.

Solution:
The influence line for shear at C
has been established as shown in
Fig 6.10(b)
 Concentrated force

 The max +ve positive shear at C

will occur when the 4kN force is
located at x = 2.5 m
 The ordinate at this peak is +0.75, hence: V  0.75(4)  3 kN
C

Text book example 6-7

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

 Uniform load
 The uniform moving load creates the max +ve influence for
VC when the loads acts on the beam between x = 2.5 m and
x = 10 m
 The magnitude of VC due to this loading is:

1 
VC   (10m  2.5m)(0.75) (2kN/m)
2 
 5.625kN
m m

 Total max shear at C due to

concentrated load and
uniform load :
(VC )max  3 kN  5.625 kN
 8.625 kN
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 8: The frame structure shown in Fig. 6–11a is used to support

a hoist for transferring loads for storage at points underneath it. It is
anticipated that the load on the dolly is 3 kN and the beam CB has a
mass of 24 kg/m. Assume the dolly has
negligible size and can travel the
entire length of the beam. Also,
assume A is a pin and B is a roller.
Determine the maximum vertical
support reactions at A and B and the
maximum moment in the beam at D.
Text book example 6-8

Solution: Fig 6-11a

We first draw the influence lines for, reaction Ay, reaction By and moment at D.
 Max reaction at A:
o The max value for Ay occurs when
the dolly is at C
o The dead load must be placed over
the entire length:

1 
( Ay ) max  3000(1.33)  24(9.81)  (4)(1.33) 
2 
 4.63 kN
 Max reaction at B:
 Here the dolly must be at B:

1  (b)
( By )max  3000(1)  24(9.81)  (3)(1)
2 
1 
24(9.81)  (1)( 0.333)   3.31kN
2 
 Max moment at D: (c)

o Here the dolly must be at D:

1 
( M D ) max  3000(0.75)  24(9.81) (1)(0.5)
2 
1 
 24(9.81)  (3)(0.75)   2.46 kN
2 
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 12: Determine the max +ve moment that can be

developed at point D in the beam shown in Fig 6.19(a) due to a
concentrated moving load of 16kN, a uniform moving load of 3kN/m
& a beam weight of 2kN/m
Solution

2m 2m 2m 4m
A hinge is placed
at D & +ve (a)
moments MD are
applied to the beam

The deflected shape

& corresponding x
influence line are
shown in Fig
6.19(b)
Fig 6-19 (b) Text book example 6-12

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

 The concentrated moving load of 16kN creates a max +ve moment at D
when it is placed at D
 The uniform moving load of 3kN/m must extend from C to E in order to
cover the region where the area of the influence line is +ve.
 Finally, the uniform weight of 2
kN/m acts over the entire length
of the beam
 The loading is shown on the
beam in Fig 6.19(c)
Fig. 16-9 (c)
Method 1: The maximum +ve moment at D can be determined using numerical
values for the influence line as in Section 6.1.
By inspection of Fig 6.19(b), only the peak value h at D must be computed. This
requires placing a unit load on the beam at D in Fig 6.19(a) & then solving for
internal moment in the beam at D. Show that the value obtained is h = 1.333

x
Fig. 16-9 (b)
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
By proportional triangles,
h '/ (4  2)  1.333 / (6  4)
or h '  1.333
Hence, with the loading on the beam as in Fig. 6–19c, using the
areas and peak values of the influence line, Fig. 6–19b, we have
1  1 
M D  5  (10  4)(1.333)   16(1.333)  2  (4)(1.333)
2  2 
M D  36 kNm
Method 2
 In Fig 6.19(d), the reactions on
BE have been computed
 Sectioning the beam at D &
(d)
using the segment DE, Fig
6.19(e), we have:

 M D  0;  M D  20(2) 19(4)  0
 M D  36kNm (e)

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

6-4 Influence Lines for Floor Girders*

Floor systems are constructed as shown in Fig (a)
Floor loads from slabs  floor beams  side girders  supporting columns
Stringer

(b) Idealizes model

*6‐4willnotbetestedinexams
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 13: Draw the influence line for the shear in panel CD of
the floor girder in Fig. 6–21a. Text book example 6-13

Solution:
The unit load is placed at
each floor beam location
& the shear in panel CD is 3m 3m 3m 3m
calculated. Fig. 6-21 (a)

Fig. 6-21 (c) Fig. 6-21 (d)

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

 The unit load is placed at each floor beam location & the shear in
panel CD is calculated
 A table of the results is shown in Fig 6.21(b)

 The details for the calculations when x = 0 and x = 6 m are given

in Fig 6.21(c) and 6.21(d)
 Finally a segment of the girder is considered & the internal panel
shear VCD is calculated
 The tabular values are plotted and the influence line is as shown in
Fig 6.21(e)

Fig. 6-21 (b)

 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

6.5 Influence Lines for Trusses

In Fig 6.23, the loading
on the bridge deck is
transmitted to stringers
which in turn transmit
the loading to floor
beams and then to
joints along the bottom
cord

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 14: Draw the influence line for the force in member
GB of the bridge truss shown in Fig. 6–24a.
Text book example 6-15

Solution
Tabulate Values: Each successive
joint at the bottom cord is loaded
with a unit load and the force in
member GB is calculated using the
method of sections, Fig 6.24(b).
For example, placing the unit load
at x = 6 m (joint B), the support
reaction at E is calculated first.
Then calculate force in GB. (b)
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
 The values are tabulated as shown in Fig. 6.24 (b)
 Plotting the tabular data and connecting the points yields the
influence line for member GB, Fig 6.24(d)
 Since the influence line extends over the entire span of truss,
member GB is referred to as primary member

Fig. 6.24 (d)

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Use equation to draw I.L.
UnitloadbeforeB
If we have I.L for Ay and Ey,
Takerightsectionaftercut then use those to draw I.L for
member BG

Ey
A E
F y
 0;  Ey  FGB sin 45 0  0 B C D
 FGB  E y sin 45
0

At B, FGB=0.25/sin450=0.353 Ay

UnitloadafterC
Takeleftsectionaftercut Ey
F y  0;  Ay  FGB sin 45  0
0 0.353

 FGB   Ay sin 450 FGB

At C, FGB=-0. 5/sin450= - 0.707 0.707
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 15: Draw the influence line for the force in member
CG of the bridge truss shown in Fig. 6–25a.

Fig. 6-25 (a)

Solution:
Tabulate Values: The forces in CG for different
location of unit load on the bottom chord is shown in
Fig. 6–25b. These values are easily obtained by
isolating joint C, Fig. 6–25c. Here it is seen that CG is
a zero-force member unless the unit load is applied at
joint C, in which case FCG = 1 (T).

Text book example 6-16

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Influence Line. Plotting the tabular data and connecting the points yields
the influence line for member CG as shown in Fig. 6–25d.
In particular, notice that when the
unit load is at x= 9 m the force in
member CG is FCG = 0.5. This
situation requires the unit load to be x
placed on the bridge deck between
the joints. The transference of this
load from the deck to the truss is
shown in Fig. 6–25e. From this one
can see that indeed FCG = 0.5 by
analyzing the equilibrium of joint C,
Fig. 6–25f.
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

EXAMPLE 16: Determine the largest force that can be developed in

member BC of the bridge truss shown in Fig. 6-26a due to a moving
force of 100 kN and a moving distributed load of 7.5 kN/m. The
loading is applied at the top cord.

Fig. 6-26(a)
Solution:
Find out force in member BC using
static [Fig. (c)] due to different
position of unit load. The forces are
tabulated in Fig. (b).
(c)
Text book example 6-17

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Using tabulated values draw the influence line as shown in Fig (d).
Concentrated Live Force. The largest force
in member BC occurs when the moving force
of 100 kN is placed at x= 16 m Thus

FBC  1.33   (100)  133 kN

Distributed Live Load. The uniform live load must be placed over the
entire deck of the truss to create the largest tensile force in BC.*Thus,

FBC   12  32  (1.33)   7.5  160 kN

Total Maximum Force.

 FBC max  133 kN+160 kN = 293 kN Ans .

 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
Use equation to draw I.L. If we have I.L for Ay and Ey,
UnitloadbeforeB then use those to draw I.L for
member BG
Takerightsectionaftercut

Ey
 M H  0;  E y  16  FBC  6  0
16 Ey
 FBC   2.667 Ey 1
6
Ay
UnitloadafterC
Takeleftsectionaftercut
Ey
M H  0;  Ay 16  FBC  6  0 1.33
16 Ay
 FBC   2.667 Ay FBC
6

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Example-17 (using qualitative procedure)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
Constructthe
d influencelinesfor
h internalforcesin
members2‐10,2‐
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) 9,2‐3and1‐8
RL L=8P
RR
0.75 0.625 0.5
1
InfluencelineforRL
0.5
0.25 1 InfluencelineforRR

0.625
Influencelinefor
shearinpanel2‐10
0.25
0.625 d/h

Influencelineforforce2‐10
0.25 d/h
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel
Examples-17 (cont.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

d
h

(8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)

RL L=8P
RR
0.75 0.625 0.5
1
InfluencelineforRL
0.5
0.25 1 InfluencelineforRR

0.25
Influencelineforforce2‐9

0.625

1
+
Influencelineforforce1‐8

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Examples-17 (cont.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

d
h

(8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)

RL L=8P
RR
3P(5P)/(8P)=15P/8
Influencelineforbending
momentat10

Influencelineforforce2‐3
(‐) (C)

15P
8h
 Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

All students are advised to practice

all problems in the problem sheets!

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

6-6 Max Influence at a Point due to a series of

concentrated loads**

 The max effect caused by a

live concentrated force is
determined by multiplying
the peak ordinate of the
influence line by the
magnitude of the force.

 In some cases, e.g. wheel loadings, several concentrated loadings

must be placed on structure
 Trial-and-error procedure can be used or a method that is based on
the change in function that takes place as the load is moved

**6‐6willnotbetestedinexams
Example 18: Determine maximum
shear at C due to three concentrated
moving loads.

 Critical loading occurs when one of the

loads is placed just to the right of C

 By trial & error, each of the three

possible cases can therefore be
investigated, Fig 6.27(b)

Dr. Kazi M.A. Sohel

Case 1 : (VC ) 1  4.5(0.75)  18(0.625)  18(0.5)  23.63kN

Case 2 : (VC ) 2  4.5( 0.125)  18(0.75)  18(0.625)  24.19kN

Case 3 : (VC ) 3  4.5(0)  18( 0.125)  18(0.75)  11.25kN

Case 2 yields the largest value for VC and therefore represents the critical loading