Module 4 Structural Theory 2

Deflections of Beams
The deformation of a beam is usually expressed in terms of its deflection from its original unloaded position. The deflection is
measured from the original neutral surface of the beam to the neutral surface of the deformed beam. The configuration assumed
by the deformed neutral surface is known as the elastic curve of the beam.

Methods of Determining Beam Deflections

Numerous methods are available for the determination of beam deflections. These methods include:
1. Double-integration method
2. Area-moment method
3. Strain-energy method (Castigliano’s theorem)
4. Three-moment equation
5. Conjugate-beam method
6. Method of superstition
7. Virtual work method
Of these methods, the first two are the ones that are commonly used. This book will also introduce the strain-energy method
applying Castigliano’s Theorem.

Double Integration Method

The double integration method is a powerful tool in solving deflection of a beam at any point because we will be able to get the
equation of the elastic curve.

In calculus, the radius of curvature of a curve y = f(x) is given by

[1 + (𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥)2 ]3/2
𝜌=
|𝑑 2 𝑦/𝑑𝑥 2 |
Deflection of beams is so small, such that the slope of the elastic curve dy/dx is very small, and squaring this expression the value
becomes practically negligible, hence
1 1
𝜌= 2 =
𝑑 𝑦/𝑑𝑥 2 𝑦 "
In Chapter 5 of this book, the radius of curvature of a beam is given as
𝐸𝐼
𝜌=
𝑀
𝐸𝐼 1
Thus, = "
𝑀 𝑦
𝑀 1
𝑦" = = 𝑀
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
If EI is constant, the equation may be written as
EI y” = M
Where x and y are the coordinates shown in the figure above, y is the deflection of the beam at any distance x. E is the modulus of
elasticity of the beam, I represent the moment of inertia about the neutral axis, and M represents the bending moment at a distance
x from the end of the beam. The product EI is called the flexural rigidity of the beam.
The first integration y’ yields the slope of the elastic curve and the second integration y gives the deflection of the beam at any
distance x. The resulting solution must contain two constants of integration since EIy” = M is of second order. These two constants
must be evaluated from known conditions concerning the slope deflection at certain points of the beam. For instance, in the case
of a simply supported beam with rigid supports, at x = 0 and x = L, the deflection y = 0, and in locating the point of maximum
deflection, we simply set the slope of the elastic curve y’ to zero.

Problem
Determine the maximum deflection 𝛿 in a simply supported beam of length L carrying a concentrated load P at midspan.

Solution
 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦" = 𝑃𝑥 − 𝑃 〈𝑥 − 𝐿〉
2 2
1 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 ′ = 2
𝑃𝑥 − 𝑃 〈𝑥 − 𝐿〉 + 𝐶1
4 2 2
1 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 ′ = 𝑃𝑥 − 𝑃 〈𝑥 − 𝐿〉3 + 𝐶1 𝑥
3 + 𝐶2
12 6 2

At x = 0, y = 0, ∴ C2 = 0
At x = L, y =0,
1 1 1 3
0= 𝑃𝐿3 − 𝑃 (𝐿 − 𝐿) + 𝐶1 𝐿
12 6 2
1 3 1 3
0= 𝑃𝐿 − 𝑃𝐿 + 𝐶1 𝐿
12 48
1 2
𝐶1 = − 𝑃𝐿
16

Thus,
1 1 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑃𝑥 3 − 𝑃 〈𝑥 − 𝐿〉3 − 𝑃𝐿2 𝑥
12 6 2 16

Maximum deflection will occur at x = ½ L (midspan)

1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑃( 𝐿)3 − 𝑃 ( 𝐿 − 𝐿) − 𝑃𝐿2 ( 𝐿)
12 2 6 2 2 16 2
1 3 1 3
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑃𝐿 − 𝑃𝐿
96 32
1 3
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = − 𝑃𝐿
48
𝑃𝐿3
𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
48 𝐸𝐼
The negative sign indicates that the deflection is below the neutral axis.

Therefore,
𝑃𝐿3
𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = answer
48 𝐸𝐼

Problem
Determine the maximum deflection in a simply supported beam of length L carrying a uniformly distributed load of intensity wo
applied over its entire length.

Solution
From the figure

1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦" = 𝑤 𝐿𝑥 − 𝑤𝑜 𝑥( 𝑥)
2 𝑜 2
1
= 𝑤 𝐿𝑥 − 𝑤𝑜 𝑥 2
2 𝑜
 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 ′ = 𝑤 𝐿𝑥 2 − 𝑤𝑜 𝑥 3 + 𝐶1
4 𝑜 6
1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿𝑥 3 − 𝑤𝑜 𝑥 4 + 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
12 24

At x = 0, y = 0, therefore C2 = 0
At x = L, y =0,
1 1
0= 𝑤 𝐿4 − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 + 𝐶1 𝐿
12 𝑜 24
1
𝐶1 = − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3
24

Therefore,
1 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑤 𝐿𝑥 3 − 𝑤 𝑥4 − 𝑤 𝐿3 𝑥
12 𝑜 24 𝑜 24 𝑜

Maximum deflection will occur at x = ½ L

1 1 1 1 4 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿( 𝐿)3 − 𝑤𝑜 ( 𝐿) − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 ( 𝐿)
12 2 24 2 24 2
1 1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4
96 384 48
5
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4
384
Thus,
5𝑤𝑜 𝐿4
𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = answer
384 𝐸𝐼
Taking W = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
5𝑊𝐿3
𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = answer
384 𝐸𝐼

Problem
Compute the midspan value of EI𝛿 for the beam loaded as shown in Fig. P-612

Solution

ΣMR2 = 0
6R1 = 600 (3) (3.5)
R1 = 1050 N

ΣMR1 = 0
6R2 = 600 (3) (2.5)
R2 = 750 N

1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦" = 1050𝑥 − (600)〈𝑥 − 1〉2 + (600)〈𝑥 − 4〉2
2 2
𝐸𝐼𝑦" = 1050𝑥 − 300〈𝑥 − 1〉2 + 300〈𝑥 − 4〉2
𝐸𝐼𝑦′ = 525𝑥 2 − 100〈𝑥 − 1〉3 + 100〈𝑥 − 4〉3 + 𝐶1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 175𝑥 3 − 25〈𝑥 − 1〉4 + 25〈𝑥 − 4〉4 + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2

At x = 0, y = 0, therefore C2 = 0
At x = 6 m, y = 0
0 = 175(𝑥 3 ) − 25(6 − 1)4 + 25(6 − 4)4 + 6𝐶1
 C1 = - 3762.5 N·m2

Therefore,
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 175𝑥 3 − 25〈𝑥 − 1〉4 + 25〈𝑥 − 4〉4 − 3762.5𝑥

At midspan, x = 3 m
EI ymidspan = 175(33) – 25(3-1)4 – 3762.5(3)
EI ymidspan = - 6962.5 N·m3

Thus,
EI 𝛿 midspan = 6962.5 N·m3

Problem
If E = 29 x 106 psi, what value of I is required to limit the midspan deflection to 1/360 of the span for the beam in Fig. P-613?

Solution
ΣMR2 = 0
12R1 = 2400 (6) (5)
R1 = 6000 lb

ΣMR1 = 0
12R2 = 2400 (6) (7)
R2 = 8400 lb

1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦" = 6000𝑥 − (2400)〈𝑥 − 4〉2 + (2400)〈𝑥 − 10〉2
2 2
𝐸𝐼𝑦" = 6000𝑥 − 1200〈𝑥 − 4〉2 + 1200〈𝑥 − 10〉2
𝐸𝐼𝑦′ = 3000𝑥 2 − 400〈𝑥 − 4〉3 + 400〈𝑥 − 10〉3 + 𝐶1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 1000𝑥 3 − 100〈𝑥 − 4〉4 + 100〈𝑥 − 10〉4 + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2

At x = 0, y = 0, therefore C2 = 0
At x = 12 ft, y = 0
0 = 1000(123 ) − 100(12 − 4)4 + 100(12 − 10)4 + 12𝐶1
C1 = - 110 000 lb·ft2

Thus,
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 1000𝑥 3 − 100〈𝑥 − 4〉4 + 100〈𝑥 − 10〉4 − 110000𝑥

E = 29 x 106 psi and L = 12 ft

At midspan, x = 6 ft and
1 1 2
𝑦= − (12) =− 𝑓𝑡 = − 𝑖𝑛
360 30 5
 Therefore,
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 1000𝑥 4 − 100〈𝑥 − 4〉4 + 100〈𝑥 − 10〉4 − 110000𝑥
2
(29 x 106) I (- ) = [1000 (63) + 100 (24) – 110000 (6)] (123)
5
I = 65.9 in4

MOMENT DIAGRAMS BY PARTS

The moment-area method of finding the deflection of a beam will demand the accurate computation of the area of a moment
diagram as well as the moment of such area about any axis. To pave its way, this section will deal on how to draw moment diagrams
by parts and to calculate the moment of such diagrams about a specified axis.

Basic Principles
1. The bending moment caused by all forces to the left or to the right of any section is equal to the respective algebraic sum of the
bending moments at that section caused by each load acting separately.
𝑀 = (Σ𝑀)𝐿 = (Σ𝑀)𝑅
2. The moment of a load about a specified axis is always defined by the equation of a spandrel
y = kx”
Where n is the degree of power of x.

The graph of the above equation is as shown below

1
𝐴=𝑏ℎ
𝑛+1
1
𝑋𝐺 = 𝑏
𝑛+2
And the area and location of centroid are defined as follows.

Cantilever Loadings
Couple or Moment Load
A = - CL
Mx = - C
1
𝑥̅ = L
2
Degree: zero

Concentrated Load
1
A = - PL2
2
Mx = - Px
1
𝑥̅ = L
3
Degree: 1st

Uniformly Distributed Load

1
A = - wo L3
6
1
Mx = - wo x2
2
1
𝑥̅ = L
4
Degree: 2nd

Uniformly Varying Load

1
A=- wo L3
24
𝑤
Mx = - 𝑜 x2
6𝐿
1
𝑥̅ = L
5
Degree: 3rd

Instruction Compute the moment of area of the M diagrams between the reactions about both the left and the right reactions.

Problem
Beam loaded as shown in Fig. P-624.

Solution
ΣMR2 = 0
6R1 = 400 + 1000(2)
R1 = 400 N

ΣMR1 = 0
6R2 + 400 = 1000(2)
R2 = 600 N

Moment diagrams by parts can be drawn in different ways; three of it is shown as follows.

First solution
1 4 1 10 1 8
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴 = (2)(800) ( ) + (4)(2400) ( ) − (2)(2000) ( )
2 3 2 3 2 3
= 11733.33 N·m3
1 14 1 8 1 10
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐵 = (2)(800) ( ) + (4)(2400) ( ) − (2)(2000) ( )
2 3 2 3 2 3
= 9866.67 N·m3

Second solution
1 1 4
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴 = 400(2)(1) + (6)(3600)(2) − (4)(4000) ( )
2 2 3
= 11733.33 N·m3 (okay!)

1 1 14
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐵 = 400(2)(5) + (6)(3600)(4) − (4)(4000) ( )
2 2 3
= 9866.67 N·m3 (okay!)
 Third solution
1 1 16
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴 = (6)(2400)(4) − 400(4)(4) − (2)(2000) ( )
2 2 3
= 11733.33 N·m3 (okay!)

1 1 2
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐵 = (6)(2400)(2) − 400(4)(2) − (2)(2000) ( )
2 2 3
= 9866.67 N·m3 (okay!)

Problem
Beam loaded as shown in Fig. P-625. (Hint: Draw the moment diagram by parts from right to left.)

Solution
ΣMR2 = 0
4R1 = 400 (3) (2.5) + 500 (2)
R1 = 1000 N

ΣMR1 = 0
4R2 = 400 (3) (1.5) + 500 (2)
R2 = 700 N

1 4 1 2 1 3
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴 = (4)(2800) ( ) − (2)(1000) ( ) − (3)(1800) ( )
2 3 2 3 3 4
= 5450 N·m3
1 8 1 4 1 9
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐵 = (4)(2800) ( ) − (2)(1000) ( ) − (3)(1800) ( )
2 3 2 3 3 4
= 9550 N·m3
Problem
For the beam loaded as shown in Fig. P-630, compute the value of (𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴. From the result, determine whether the tangent
drawn to the elastic curve at B slopes up or down to the right.

Solution
ΣMR2 = 0
1
4R1 + 200 (2) = (3) (400) (1)
2
R1 = 50 N

ΣMR1 = 0
1
4R2 = 200 (6) + (3) (400) (3)
2
R2 = 750 N

1 8 1 17
(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴 = (4)(200) ( ) − (3)(600) ( )
2 3 4 5

= - 463.33 N·m3

The value of (𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑋̅𝐴 is negative; therefore, point A is below the tangent through B, thus the tangent through B slopes
downward to the right. See the approximate elastic curve shown to the left.

Area Moment Method

The double integration method studied in a course on Strength of Materials was a mathematical method involving the integration
of a differential equation to determine the slope and deflection equations of a beam. It depended upon the moment function M(x)
at any point of the beam. No recourse was made to the moment diagram.

The area moment method uses geometric properties of the elastic curve to determine the slope and deflection at a particular point
of the beam. Instead of considering the moment function M(x), the method depends upon the area of the moment diagram, hence
its name. It is particularly useful when the slope and deflection are needed only at a few selected points. It is very effective for
beams with variable cross sections.

The method is based on two theorems or propositions:

Theorem I
𝟏
𝜽𝑨𝑩= (𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂)𝑨𝑩
𝑬𝑰
The angle, θAB, between the tangents at two points A and B of the elastic curve of the beam equals the area of the moment diagram
between A and B divided by the flexural rigidity.

Theorem II
𝟏
𝒕𝑩/𝑨= (𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂)𝑨𝑩 ̅B
ˑ𝒙
𝑬𝑰

𝟏
𝒕𝑨/𝑩= (𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂)𝑨𝑩 ̅A
ˑ𝒙
𝑬𝑰

tB/A ≠ tA/B

In general,

The deviation, tB/A, of any point B relative to a tangent at any other point A, in a direction perpendicular to the original
position of the beam, is equal to the moment about B of the area diagram between A and B divided by the flexural rigidity EI.

Areas And Location Of Centroids Of Certain Moment Diagram Shapes

To facilitate the calculation of areas and location of centroids to be used in applying the area moment method, hereunder are the
properties of certain areas.
Problem

For the beam supporting the loads shown in Fig. 15.7, determine the slope and deflection of the free end. E = 200,000 MPa and I =
80 x 106 mm4.

Solution

EI = 200,000 N/mm2 (80 x 106 mm4) = 16 x 1012 N.mm2

From Theorem I,
1
θD = [Area of moment diagram between A and D]
𝐸𝐼

1
= (40 + 18 + 16 + 12 + 8) (109) = 5.875 (10-3) radian
16(1012 )

0.337o Answer

By Theorem II,
1
tD/A = (Moment of the area of the moment diagram with respect to D)
𝐸𝐼
1 2 2 2
= [8 ( x 2) + 16 (3) + 12 ( x 2 + 2) + 40 (5) + 18 ( x 2 + 4)] (1012)
16(1012 ) 3 3 3

= 24.67 mm. Answer

1
tB/A = [180 x 109 (4.8 x 103)] = 17.28 mm. Answer.
50 𝑥 1012

Problem

For the beam shown in Fig. 15.13, determine the slope and deflection at the free end C. E = 200,000 MPa, I = 7.5 x 10 6 mm4.

Solution
 EI = (2 x 105 N/mm2) (7.5 x 106 mm4) = 15 x 1011 N.mm2

A1 = ½ (12) (6) = 36 kN.m2 = 36 x 109 N.mm2

1
A2 = (12) (4) = 16 kN.m2 = 16 x 109 N.mm2
3

θAC = angle between the tangents at A and C

1 1
= (A1 + A2) = (52 x 109) = 0.0347 radian = 1.986o
𝐸𝐼 15 𝑥 1011
1 1
tB/A = (A1 x 2 x 103) = (36 x 109) (2 x 103) = 48 mm
EI 15 𝑥 1011
𝑡𝐵/𝐴 48
θA = = = 0.008 radian
6(103 ) 6,000

θA = θAC - θA = 0.0347 – 0.008 = 0.0267 radian = 1.53o. Answer.

From similar triangles in Fig.15.14(a),

ℎ 𝑡𝐵/𝐴 5
= ; h = (48) = 80 mm
10 6 3
1
tC/A = [A1 (6 x 103) + A2 (3 x 103)]
𝐸𝐼
1
= [(36 x 109) (6 x 103) + (16 x 109) (3 x 103)]
15 𝑥 1011

= 176 mm

∆C = tC/A – h = 176 – 80 = 96 mm. Answer.

Problem

For the beam shown in Fig.15.17, determine θC, θB, ∆𝑚𝑎𝑥 . E = 15,000 MPa, I = 2 x 108 mm4.
Solution

EI = (15 x 103 N/mm2) (2x 108 mm4) = 2 x 1012 N.mm2

A1 = ½ (7.2 RC) (7.2) = 25.92 RC kN.m2 = 25.92 x 109 RC N.mm2

A2 = ½ (252) (4.2) = 529.2 kN.m2 = 529.2 x 109 N.mm2

1
tC/A = [A1 (4.8 x 103) – A2 (5.8 x 103)]
𝐸𝐼
1
= [(25.92 x 109 RC) (4,800) = (529.2 x 109) (5,800)] = 0
𝐸𝐼

1,244.16 RC – 30,693.6 = 0; RC = 24.67 kN

1 1
θC = - (A1 – A2) = [ 25.92 x 109 (24.67) – 529.2 x 109]
𝐸𝐼 3 𝑥 1012

= 0.0367 radian = 2.106o. Answer.

Deflection at B:

A3 = ½ (7.2 RC) (4.2 x 103) = 3.6 (24.67 x 106) (4.2 x 103) = 373.01 x 109 N.mm2

A3 = ½ (7.2 RC) (4.2 x 103) = 3.6 (24.67 x 106) (4.2 x 103) = 373.01 x 109 N.mm2
1
tB/A = ∆B = [A3 (2.8 x 103) + A4 (1.4 x 103) – A2 (2.8 x 103)]
𝐸𝐼
1
= [373.01 (2.8) + 155.42 (1.4) – 529.2 (2.8)] 1012
3 𝑥 1012

= - 73.248 mm. Answer.

Maximum Deflection:

In Fig.15.19(a), let M be the lowest point of the elastic cure where deflection is maximum. The angle between the tangents T A and
TM is zero; hence,
1
θMA = 0 = [ ½ (7.2 RC + RCx) (7.2 – x) – A2]
𝐸𝐼
1
= [ ½ (x + 7.2) (24.67) (7.2 – x) (109) – 529.2 x 109)
𝐸𝐼

(7.2)2 – x2 = 42.90; x = 2.9896 m = 3 m (nearly).

1 2 𝑅𝐶 𝑥 3
∆max = tC/M = [ ½ RCx2 · x] =
𝐸𝐼 3 3𝐸𝐼

24.67 (103 )(2.9896 𝑥 103 )3

= = 73.25 mm. Answer
3(3 𝑥 1012 )

Note that points B and M are very close to each other.

Virtual Work Applied to Trusses

𝑆𝑈𝐿
1. ∆𝑣 = Σ
𝐴𝐸
𝑆𝑈𝐿
2. ∆ℎ = Σ
𝐴𝐸

S = internal normal force in a truss member caused by real loads

U = internal virtual normal force in a truss member caused by external virtual unit load placed at the joint whose deflection is
required

L = length of members

A = cross sectional area of a member

E = modulus of elasticity of a member

∆𝑣 = vertical displacement or deflection caused by real loads on the truss

∆ℎ = horizontal displacement or deflection caused by real loads on the truss

Problem (CE Board May 2001)

From the given frame point C is supported by a roller while A if hinged.

1. Which of the following gives the stress of BC due to actual loads only?
 2. Which of the following gives the stress of BC due to a vertical unit load only?
3. Which of the following gives the vertical deflection at B using virtual work method?

Solution

1. Stress of member BC.

Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0
400 (3) + 600 (0) = 4R1
R1 = 300 kN

Σ𝐹ℎ = 0
BC sin 𝜃 = 300
3
BC ( ) = (300)
5
BC = 500 kN (-)

Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0
500 cos 𝜃 = AC
500(4)
𝐴𝐶 =
5
AC = 400 kN (+)

AB = 600 + 500 sin 𝜃

500(3)
AB = 600 +
5
AB = 900 kN (+)
 Stress of BC = 500 kN
2. Stress due to unit load.
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0
1 (3) = R2 (4)
R2 = 0.75

BC = sin 𝜃 = 0.75
3
BC = = 0.75
5
BC = 1.25 (-)
AC = 1.25 cos 𝜃
1.25(4)
AC =
5
AC = 1.0 (+)
AB = 1.25 sin 𝜃
1.25(3)
AB = = 0.75 (+)
5
Stress of BC = 1.25

3. Vertical deflection at B.
Member S U L(m) SUL
AB +900 +0.75 3 2025
BC -500 -1.25 5 3125
CB +400 +1.0 4 1600
Σ = 6750 kN2.m
𝑆𝑈𝐿
(1) ∆𝐵 = Σ
𝐴𝐸
6750
(1) ∆𝐵 = = 0.00675 𝑚.
10000000
∆𝐵 = 6.75 𝑚𝑚.

THREE MOMENT EQUATION

The three-moment equation was developed by French engineer Clapeyron in 1857. The principle is applied in a continuous beam at
three points of supports which is based on the conjugate beam method. From the figure, the roller supports at A, B, and C on the
𝐴1 𝐴2
real beam becomes hinges at points A, B, and C on the conjugate beam. The and represents the total area under their
𝐸𝐼1 𝐸𝐼2
𝑀
respective diagrams and “a” and “b” represents the centroids of the areas from A and C respectively. Since the slope of the real
𝐸𝐼
beam is continuous over the support at B, then V1 + V2 = - (V3 + V4) for the conjugate beam.
 𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀 𝐿 6𝐴1 𝑎 6𝐴2 𝑏
1. + 2𝑀𝐵 ( + )+ 𝐶 2 + + =0
𝐼1 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐼2 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐼2 𝐿2
When I1 = I2 = 1
2. When the supports area of the same level.
6𝐴1 𝑎 6𝐴2 𝑏
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
3. Considering settlements in any supports.
6𝐴1 𝑎 6𝐴2 𝑏 ℎ1 ℎ2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 ( + )
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2
 𝟔𝑨𝟏 𝒂 𝟔𝑨 𝒃
Values of and 𝟐
𝑳 𝑳

Types of Loading 6𝐴1 𝑎 6𝐴2 𝑏

𝐿 𝐿
𝑃𝑎(𝐿2 − 𝑎2 ) 𝑃𝑏(𝐿2 − 𝑏 2 )
𝐿 𝐿

1.
𝑤𝐿3 𝑤𝐿3
4 4

2.
8 7
𝑤𝐿3 𝑤𝐿3
60 60

3.
4. 7 8
𝑤𝐿3 𝑤𝐿3
60 60

5 5
𝑤𝐿3 𝑤𝐿3
32 32

5.
𝑀 +𝑀
− (3𝑎2 − 𝐿2 ) (3𝑏 2 − 𝐿2 )
𝐿 𝐿

6.
Problem 1 (CE Board May 1998)

From the given beam shown shows a continuous beam supported on rigid supports at A, B, and C, which are at the same level.

6𝐴1 𝑎
1. Determine the expression representing the contribution of the uniform load and concentrated load acting on the span
𝐿1
AB to be used in the three-moment equation.
6𝐴2 𝑏
2. Determine the expression representing the contribution of the triangular load acting on the span BC to be used in the
𝐿2
three-moment equation.
3. Compute the moment at B.

Solution
6𝐴1 𝑎
1. Value of
𝐿1
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0
4 R2 = 600 (2) (1) + 900 (3
R2 = 975

6𝐴1 𝑎 6 3900(4) 4 1200(2) 1 2700(3)

= [ ( ) − ( ) − (1)]
𝐿1 4 2 3 3 2 2
6𝐴1 𝑎
= 8925 𝑁. 𝑚2
𝐿1

6𝐴2 𝑏
2. Value of
𝐿2
Σ𝑀𝐶 = 0
1200(3)(1)
3 RB =
2
RB = 600

6𝐴2 𝑏 6 1800(3) 1800(3) 3

= [ (1) − ( )]
𝐿2 3 2 4 5
6𝐴2 𝑏
= 3780 𝑁. 𝑚2
𝐿2

3. Moment at B
6𝐴1 𝑎 6𝐴2 𝑏
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
0 + 2 MB (4 + 3) + 0 + 8925 + 3780 = 0
MB = - 907.50 N.m.
Problem 2

From the given beam shown in the figure with constant EI.

1. Which of the following gives the moment at B?

2. Which of the following gives the reaction at A?
3. Which of the following gives the reaction at B?

Solution:

1. Moment at B:
𝑤𝐿1 3
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 = − +0
4
40(4)3
-40 (2) (1) (4) + 2 MB (4 + 0) + 0 = −
4
MB = - 40 kN.m
2. Reaction at A:
RA (4) + 40 = 40 (6) (3)
RA = 170 kN
3. Reaction at B:
RA + RB = 40 (6)
RB = 240 – 170
RB = 70 kN