Analysis of Statically Determinate Frames

Before we can carry out the calculation, we have to understand first some basic concept to
identify the solution or applicable equations to a particular problem. These basic concept deals with the
External Stability of the structure which is influenced by the internal stability and support reactions.

1.Internal Stability
Frames are identified as structural members that was formed by connecting straight members
together with a rigid connections and smooth hinges as required by the designer for some technical
reasons to form a rigid configuration. Each member was designed to resist axial, shear and bending
moment. Internal stability is about the internal composition and arrangement of those members and
can be classified as internally stable or internally unstable as follows;

A. If the frame can remain as rigid body without the support, it is set to be internally stable (or if
there is no hinge or roller connection to the entire length of each of the members of the frame).

A B

C D

Fig 1. Internally stable frame

B. If the frame cannot remain as rigid body without the support, it is set to be internally unstable
(or if the frame consists of internal hinge or roller connection to any of each members or joints.
E
A B A B
Hinge Hinge

Hinge E

C D C D

deformed shape of the internally unstable frame members

fig 2. Internally unstable frames

Prepared by Engr. Dariel L. Verano – Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture

2.Support Reactions
Frames can be externally stable if properly arranged sufficient support reactions were provided
such that it will prevent the frame from translation and can keep the frame in equilibrium. Support
reactions should not be either non-parallel nor non-concurrent to each other. Even if the frame is
classified as Internally unstable frame, it can be considered as Externally stable frame if all the
conditions about the support reaction stated here were met. Here are some examples of support
connection and corresponding number of unknowns and reactions.

Fixed Support
M
M
Fh
Fh

Fv
Fv

Roller Support

F F
F

Hinge Support

Fh
Fh

Fv
Fv
Pin Support

Fh
Fh

Fv
Fv

Prepared by Engr. Dariel L. Verano – Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture

3. External Stability
After dealing with the internal stability and support reactions of the frame we can now
proceed to determine the external stability and it can be executed by using some simple
formulas which is quietly influenced by the internal stability and support reactions provided.

A. For internally Stable Frames

If; 3M+R < 3J Externally unstable eq. 1
If; 3M+R = 3J Externally stable and Statically Determinate eq. 2
If; 3M+R > 3J Externally stable and Statically Determinate eq. 3

B. For internally Unstable Frames

If; 3M+R < 3J+ec Externally unstable eq. 4
If; 3M+R = 3J+ec Externally stable and Statically Determinate eq. 5
If; 3M+R > 3J+ec Externally stable and Statically Indeterminate eq. 6

Where ec = Equation of condition

ec = 1 (internal hinge connection)
ec = 2 (internal roller connection)
M= number of members
J = number of joints
R = number of reactions

Prepared by Engr. Dariel L. Verano – Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture

 Analysis and Solution
As stated earlier we can only proceed to the calculation after identifying the Static
stability of the frame, and after applying equation 1 to 3 for internally stable frame and equation
4 to 6 for internally unstable frames, we can be able to determine on what equations are
applicable and how to solve the problem, and it will be explained by the following paragraphs.

1. Externally unstable
If the frame is externally unstable it cannot carry loads (eq. 1 for internally stable frame
and eq. 4 for internally unstable frame, the designer is responsible to make the structure stable
and that is the only possible solution). Obviously, there is no need to continue solving because
equilibrium can never be satisfied.

2. Externally stable and Statically Determinate

If the frame is Externally stable and Statically Determinate (eq. 2 for internally stable
frame and eq. 5 for internally unstable frame), the equations of Static Equilibrium will Apply
(ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0). In other words, we can predict the performance characteristics of the
frame by applying the equations of static equilibrium.

3. Externally stable and Statically Indeterminate

If the frame is Externally stable and Statically Indeterminate, (eq. 3 for internally stable
frame and eq. 6 for internally unstable frame), the equations of Static Equilibrium will Apply
(ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0) but it is not enough to predict the performance characteristics of the
frame, we need additional equations. Most commonly, those equations are derived from the
slope and deflection of the frame.
Equation 1 to 6 was derived from the number of available equations and unknowns the
left side of the inequality sign are the number of unknowns (3M+R) and at the right side are the
number of available equations provided by Static stability (3J for internally stable and 3J+ec for
internally unstable frame). The frame is statically Indeterminate if the number of unknowns is
greater to the number of available equations and degree of indeterminacy is equal to the
difference between the number of unknowns and number of available equations.
ὶ= (3M+R) - 3J for internally stable frames
ὶ= (3M+R) - 3J+ec for internally unstable frames

Prepared by Engr. Dariel L. Verano – Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture

 5A. Steps in Solving the problem (applicable for internally stable frame)
1. Check the Determinacy of the frame (it should fall to criterion number 2, Externally Stable
and Statically Determinate). Stop the calculation if criterion 2 was not met because of the
reason explained earlier.
2. Solve the support reactions using equations of Static Equilibrium (ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0)
3. Isolate at the rigid joints and draw separately the free body diagrams (fbd)of each of the
members.
Label the directions of forces and moments or couples (if there are couples) acting at every
end of the free body diagram (FBD). If it is possible, by inspection, label the proper direction
of forces and moments; however, if this seems difficult, the directional sense can be
assumed.
The free body diagrams of each members are represented by equal but opposite forces and
moments acting at their ends because action and reaction are equal forces but opposite in
direction.
Apply the loads on each of the members separate FBD according to its original location on
the frame.
4. Apply equations of static equilibrium to the free body diagram (FBD) of each of the
members of the frame to solve the internal forces at rigid joint. Remember that the whole
frame is in equilibrium. Therefore, each of the members which is acted upon by the internal
forces and reactions should also be in equilibrium.
5. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of each of the members of the frame

Prepared by Engr. Dariel L. Verano – Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture

 5B. Steps in Solving the problem (applicable for internally unstable frame)

1. Check the Determinacy of the frame (it should fall to criterion number 2, Externally Stable
and Statically Determinate). Stop the calculation if criterion 2 was not met because of the
reason explained earlier.
2. Isolate at every internal connection and draw separately the free body diagrams (fbd) of
each of the members.
3. Label the directions of support reactions (forces and moments or couples, if there are
couples) acting at the location of the supports. If it is possible, by inspection, label the
proper direction of forces and moments; however, if this seems difficult, the directional
sense can be assumed.
4. Solve the support reactions using equations of Static Equilibrium (ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0)
5. Isolate at the rigid joints and draw separately the free body diagrams (fbd)of each of the
members.
Label the directions of forces and moments or couples (if there are couples) acting at every
end of the free body diagram (FBD). If it is possible, by inspection, label the proper direction
of forces and moments; however, if this seems difficult, the directional sense can be
assumed.
The free body diagrams of each members are represented by equal but opposite forces and
moments acting at their ends because action and reaction are equal forces but opposite in
direction.
Apply the loads on each of the members separate FBD according to its original location on
the frame.
6. Apply equations of static equilibrium to the free body diagram (FBD) of each of the
members of the frame to solve the internal forces at rigid joint. Remember that the whole
frame is in equilibrium. Therefore, each of the members which is acted upon by the internal
forces and reactions should also be in equilibrium.
7. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of each of the members of the frame

Prepared by Engr. Dariel L. Verano – Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture

 Ex1. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of the frame shown

35kN/m

B C
20kN
8m
3m

1. Check the Determinacy of the frame.

M =2 vertical member AB and horizontal member BC
J =3 Joint A,B and C
R =3 Ax, Ay and Cy (Support Reactions)

Hinge Roller

Rx

R
Ry

By inspection the frame is internally stable . Therefore,

3M+R = 9 and 3J = 9

since; 3M+R = 3J 9=9

Externally stable and statically Determinate
2. Solve the support reactions

The resultant force (R), is equal to the area of rectangular load

R = 35(8) = 280kN
and it is acting at the center of rectangle 8/2 = 4m from B and C respectively

R= 280kN
35kN/m

B C
20kN
8m
3m 4m 4m Cy

A
Ax

Ay

Applying equations of Static Equilibrium (ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0) to the whole

frame as free body diagram (FBD)

→ ΣF x = 0 20 - Ax = 0
Ax = 20.0kN

↻ ΣM @A = 0 20(3) +280(4)- Cy(8) = 0

Cy = 147.5kN

↻ ΣM @C = 0 Ay(8) +20(3) -280(4) = 0

Ay = 132.5kN

All results came out positive, therefore, assumed direction were correct.

checking
↑ ΣF y = 0 Ay - 280 + Cy = 0
132.5 - 280 + 147.5 = 0 0 = 0 ok
3. Isolate at the rigid joints and draw separately the free body diagrams (fbd)of each

of the members

B 8m C

3m

4. Apply the loads on each of the members separately according to its original
location on the frame together with the reactions computed in step 2.

280kN
35kN/m

C
B 8m
4m 4m
147.5kN

B
20kN

3m

A
20.0kN

132.5kN
5. Next step is to compute the internal forces acting at the rigid joint B of all the
FBD's of the frame (AB and BC). To visualize the internal forces, we need to label their
directional signs according to the positions and directions of both the external
forces and support reactions acting on them. Label the proper direction of forces
and moments; however, if this seems difficult, the directional sense can be
assumed. We start solving internal forces on member AB

By We will satisfy the equations of static equillibrium at

MB every separate FBD of the frame. Bearing this in our mind
B Bx = 0 is a great help to label the proper directions of forces and
20kN couples at every FBD. Like for example, By at joint B is
downward on member AB free body diagram since vertical
3m reaction at A is upward and to satisfy ΣFY=0, Ay and By should
be acting opposite to each other (like what we did).
Therefore, By was in the proper direction; downward force at
A joint B for member AB since Ay is already an upward force.
20.0kN
↑ ΣF y = 0 (member AB as FBD)
132.5kN 132.5 - By = 0 By = 132.5kN ↓

Proper directional sense of MB can be easily predicted by applying ΣM=0 at the location of unknown
couple MB, at B. Since moment is equal to force times distance, Ax =20kN will be the force
and 3m is the moment arm rotating in a clockwise direction. To balance this couple, MB should be
counterclockwise.
↻ ΣM @B = 0 (member AB as FBD)
20(3) - MB = 0 MB = 60.0kN.m ↺

Then we proceed to the free body diagram(FBD) of member BC.

All the internal forces and couples we obtain from member AB at joint B should be applied
at joint B in member BC since those forces are considered as actions and reactions
acting in opposite directions.
280kN
60.0kN.m 35kN/m

Bx = 0 C
B 8m
4m 4m
132.5kN 147.5kN

Notice that By =132.5kN which is downward in member AB at joint B was applied in upward
direction in member BC at joint B, that is how we apply the term actions and reactions acting
in opposite directions. In the same manner counterclockwise couple at B in member AB is now
applied clockwise at joint B in member BC.
We can now verify if our calculation is correct by applying equations of static equilibrium
member BC as FBD.

↻ ΣM @B = 0 (member BC as FBD)
280(4) +MB- 147.5(8) = 0 MB = 60.0kN.m ↻ ok
↻ ΣM @C = 0
By(8)+ 60- 280(4) = 0 By = 132.5kN ↑ ok
6. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of each of the members of the
frame.

Member BC 280kN
60.0kN.m 35kN/m

B C
8m
147.5
132.5kN

Axial diagram 0

3.786m 4.214m
132.5kN
(+)
Shear diagram 0
(-)

132.5-35(8)= -147.5
Mmax = 60+132.5(3.79)/ 2 = 310.8kN.m

(+)
60.0kN.m

Moment diagram
MC= 310.8-147.5(4.21)/2= 0

Axial Diagram
Since axial force on member BC is equal to zero, the axial diagram was represented
by the straight line with no ordinates

Shear diagram
The shear diagram was constructed using the technique we learned in constructing
shear diagram for beams

Moment diagram
The bending moment was constructed using the technique we learned in constructing
bending moment for beams
Member AB

132.5kN
60.0kN.m
20kN -132.5kN 20-20 = 0 60.0kN.m
B
(+)
3m
(-) (+)

A 20.0kN
-132.5kN 20.0kN 0 0

132.5kN Axial diagram Shear diagram Moment diagram

If we try to rotate the vertical member AB to make it a horizontal member, as

illustrated in the following figures;

132.5kN
60.0kN.m 20kN 133kN

20kN B B 60.0kN.m

A A
20.0kN
20.0kN
132.5kN 132.5kN
20kN 60.0kN.m

132.5kN
A B 132.5
3m
20.0kN

Axial diagram (-) -132.5kN

20.0kN
(+)
Shear diagram 20-20 = 0

60.0kN.m
Moment diagram 0 (+)

We can observe that the technique applicable to horizontal members

like beams can be adopted to construct easily the vertical member's axial,
shear and bending moment diagram as illustrated by the figures above.
Axial Diagram is negative since the member is under compression.
 -132.5kN

Axial Diagram

132.5kN

-147.5

20.0kN Shear Diagram

310.8kN.m

60.0kN.m

Bending Moment Diagram

Ex2. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of the frame shown

100kN
30kN/m

C F
D E
2m 4m 2m 2m 3m
50kN
B
2m G

1. Check the Determinacy of the frame.

M =3 vertical member AC and FG and horizontal member CF
J =4 Joint A,C,F and G
R =3 Ax, Ay and Gy (Support Reactions)

Hinge Roller

Rx

Ry R

By inspection the frame is internally stable . Therefore,

3M+R = 12 and 3J = 12

since; 3M+R = 3J 12 = 12
Externally stable and statically Determinate
2. Solve the support reactions

The resultant force (R), is equal to the area of rectangular load

R= 30(4) = 120kN
and it is acting at the center of rectangle 4/2 = 2m from C and D respectively

2m 2m
R= 120kN
30kN/m P= 100kN

D E
C F

2m 4m 2m 2m
50kN 3m
B 6m
2m G
1m
A
Ax
Gy
Ay

Applying equations of Static Equilibrium (ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0) to the whole

frame as free body diagram (FBD)

→ ΣF x = 0 50 - Ax = 0

Ax = 50.0kN ←

↻ ΣM @A = 0 50(2) +120(2)+100(6)- Gy(8) = 0

Gy = 117.5kN ↑

↻ ΣM @G = 0 50(1) +Ax(1)+Ay(8)-120(6)- 100(2) = 0

Ay = 102.5kN ↑

All results came out positive, therefore, assumed direction were correct.

checking
↑ ΣF y = 0 Ay - 120 - 100 + Gy = 0
102.5 - 120- 100 + 117.5 = 0 0=0 ok
3. Isolate at the rigid joints and draw separately the free body diagrams (fbd)of each
of the members

F
C D E
4m 2m 2m

C
2m
3m
B

2m G

4. Apply the loads on each of the members separately according to its original
location on the frame together with the reactions computed in step 2.

R= 120kN
P= 100kN
30kN/m

F
C D E
4m 2m 2m

C F

2m
3m
50kN B

2m G

A 50kN
117.5kN
102.5kN
5. Next step is to compute the internal forces acting at the rigid joints C and F of all the
FBD's of the frame (AC, CF and GF). To visualize the internal forces, we need to label their
directional signs according to the positions and directions of both the external
forces and support reactions acting on them. Label the proper direction of forces
and moments; however, if this seems difficult, the directional sense can be
assumed. We start solving internal forces on the FBD acted upon by the least number
of forces and reactions, in our case member FG.

Fy
We will satisfy the equations of static equillibrium at
MF every separate FBD of the frame. Bearing this in our mind
F is a great help to label the proper directions of forces and
Fx couples at every FBD. Like for example, Fy at joint F is
downward on member GF free body diagram since vertical
3m reaction at G is upward and to satisfy ΣFY=0, Fy and Gy should
be acting opposite to each other (like what we did).
Therefore, Fy was in the proper direction; downward force at
G joint F for member GF since Gy is already an upward force.

↑ ΣF y = 0 117.5 - Fy = 0
117.5kN Fy = 117.5kN ↓

Direction of Fx is only an assumption, but since there is no other force/s acting in the
horizontal direction Fx = 0, that is satisfying ΣFx=0

In the same manner, since there is no force that will create moment for member GF
ΣM=0 was automatically satisfied yielding MF= 0.

We continue solving unknowns to the remaining FBD's. Selecting AC as FBD;

Since Ay = 102.5kN is an upward force, it should be balance by
Cy an opposite force acting in vertical direction at joint C, Cy.

MC ↑ ΣF y = 0 102.5 - Cy = 0
Cx C Cy = 102.5kN ↓

2m By inspection, ΣFx=0 was again satisfied on member AC since

50kN acting to the right was already balance by the horizontal
50kN B reaction at A, Ax = 50kN. Therefore, Cx = 0

2m Proper directional sense of MC can be easily predicted by

applying ΣM=0 at the location of unknown couple MC, at point C.
A 50kN The unbalanced couple is the difference [50kN(4m)-50kN(2m)] =100kN.m
on the first term of the equation, Ax =50kN and moment arm is 4m
clockwise in direction with respect to C and in the second term of the
102.5kN equation, 50kN is the force applied at B and moment arm is 2m with
counterclockwise rotation respect to C, since couple is force times
distance. Hence with respect to point C, MC should be a counterclockwise moment reaction to
balanced the 100kN.m unbalanced couple. Applying ΣM=0;

↻ ΣM @C = 0 50(4) -50(2)- MC = 0
MC = 100.0kN.m ↺
Then we proceed to the free body diagram (FBD) of member CF.
All the forces we obtain from both GF and AC should be applied at joint C and F in member CF
since those forces are considered as actions and reactions acting in opposite directions.

2m 2m
R= 120kN
30kN/m P= 100kN
100.0kN.m
F
Cx = 0 Fx = 0
C D E
4m 2m 2m MF = 0

102.5kN 117.5kN

Notice that Cy =102.5kN which is downward in member AC at joint C was applied in upward
direction in member CF at joint C, that is how we apply the term actions and reactions acting
in opposite directions. In the same manner counterclockwise couple at C in member AC is now
applied clockwise at joint C in member CF. Similarly, the forces at joint F in member CF were
opposite in direction of all the forces acting on member GF at joint F.
We can now verify if our calculation is correct by applying equations of static equilibrium
member CF as FBD.
MC R P
↻ ΣM @C = 0 100+120(2)+100(6)-117.5(8)) = 0
0=0 ok
Cy R P
↑ ΣF y = 0 102.5 - 120 - 100 + 117.5 = 0
0=0 ok Fy

→ ΣF x = 0 since Fx = Cx = 0

R= 120kN
30kN/m P = 100kN
100.0kN.m
F
Cx = 0 Fx = 0
C D E
102.5kN 4m 2m 2m MF = 0
102.5kN 117.5kN
100.0kN.m MF = 0
C Cx = 0 F Fx = 0

2m Observe the directional sense

50kN of the forces and couples at joint 3m
B C and F acting opposite to its
other.
2m G

A 50kN
118kN

102.5kN
6. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of each of the members of the
frame.

Member AC

102.5kN
100.0kN.m

Cx = 0 C -102.5kN 0 100.0kN.m

2m
0 100.0kN.m
50kN B

2m

A 50kN -102.5kN 50kN

Axial diagram Shear diagram Moment diagram

102.5kN

Axial Diagram
Since axial force on member AC is a Compressive force, ordinate of the axial diagram
is negative

Shear diagram
The shear diagram was constructed using the technique we learned in constructing
shear diagram for beams

Moment diagram
The bending moment was constructed using the technique we learned in constructing
bending moment for beams
Member GF

117.5kN

MF = 0
F -117.5kN
Fx = 0

3m

-117.5kN 0 0

117.5kN Axial diagram Shear diagram Moment diagram

Axial Diagram
Since axial force on member GF is a Compressive force, ordinate of the axial diagram
is negative

Shear diagram
Since shear force on member BC is equal to zero, the shear diagram was represented
by the straight line with no ordinates.

Moment diagram
Moment diagram defends on the area of the shear diagram, but since shear is zero
the graph will be a straight line with no ordinates.
Member CF

2m 2m
R= 120kN
30kN/m 100kN
100.0kN.m
F
Cx = 0 Fx = 0
C D E
4m 2m 2m MF = 0

102.5kN 117.5kN

Axial diagram

3.417m
102.5kN

0.583m
-117.5+117.5 = 0
Shear diagram

102.5-30(4)= -17.5kN

-17.5-(100)= -117.5kN

Mmax = 100+102.5(3.42)/2=275.1kN.m 275.1-17.5(0.583)/2=270 kN.m

270-17.5(2)=235 kN.m

100.0kN.m

Moment diagram 235-117.5(2)=0

Axial Diagram
Since axial force on member BC is equal to zero, the axial diagram was represented
by the straight line with no ordinates

Shear diagram
The shear diagram was constructed using the technique we learned in constructing
shear diagram for beams

Moment diagram
The bending moment was constructed using the technique we learned in constructing
bending moment for beams
 -102.5kN -118kN

C F

B G

A
Axial Diagram

102.5kN
C F

-17.5kN -117.5kN

B
G

A
Shear Diagram

50kN

275.1kN.m 270.0kN.m
100.0kN.m
235.0kN.m

100.0kN.m C F
D E

B
G

A Bending Moment Diagram

Ex3. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of the frame shown

45kN/m
P=
C E 60kN
4m D 4m
3m 3m
hinge
B F

3m 3m

A G

1. Check the Determinacy of the frame.

M =3 vertical member AC and GE and horizontal member CE
J =4 Joint A,C,Eand G
R =6 Ax, Ay, MA,Gx ,Gy and MG (Support Reactions)
ec =3 internal connection at B, D and F

Fixed

Rx
M

Ry

By inspection the frame is internally unstable (because of the internal hinge at B, D and F).
Therefore,

3M + R = 15 and 3J + ec = 15

since; 3M+R = 3J 15 = 15

Externally stable and statically Determinate

2. Solve the support reactions

The resultant force (R), is equal to the area of rectangular load

R= (4) = 180kN
and it is acting at the center of rectangle 4/2 = 2m from C and D respectively

2 2m
R = 180kN

45kN/m
P=
C E 60kN
4m D 4m
3m 3m
hinge
B F

3m 3m

A Ax G Gx

MA MG

Ay Gy

Note: all direction of support reactions are assumption, if, however after soving
yield a negative result, assumed direction was incorrect.

Noticed that we have 6 unknown support reactions because we have

fixed support at A and G both will resist three component forces; vertical,
horizontal and couple. As a result, the equations of static equilibrium cannot
be applied directly to the frame, remember that we have only 3 equations
available (ΣFY=0, ΣFx=0, ΣM=0), compared to 6 unknowns (Ax, Ay, MA, Gx, Gy
and MG). We can only obtain the unknown values if at least the number of
available equations is equal to the number of unknowns. But since the frame
is statically determinate, the equations of static equilibrium are enough to
solve for the support reactions and eventually construct the shear, axial and
bending moment diagram of the frame.
The technique is to isolate the frame at B and F as shown in the figure, since hinge
connection doesn't resist moment reactions; the result reduces the unknown support
reactions from 6 unknowns to 4 unknowns.

2 2m
R = 180kN

45kN/m
P=
C E 60kN
4m D 4m
3m 3m
hinge
B Bx F Fx

By Fy

Note: all direction of support reactions is assumption, if, however after solving
yield a negative result, assumed direction was incorrect.

Apply ΣM=0 upper portion of the frame as FBD.

P R
↻ ΣM @B = 0 60(3) +180(2)- Fy(8) = 0
Fy = 67.5kN ↑

P R
↻ ΣM @F = 0 60(3) -180(6)+ By(8) = 0
By = 112.5kN ↑

Both results came out positive, therefore, assumed direction were correct.

Noticed that we cannot again solve directly Bx and Fx by applying ΣF x = 0

the reason is, we have to unknowns compared to only one equation.
Again, we isolate the frame at internal connection at D, and apply ΣM=0
since joint D is a hinge connection and will not resist moment reaction.
2 2m
R = 180kN

45kN/m Dx

C E 60kN
4m D D 4m
3m 3m
Dy Dy
B Bx F Fx

By Fy

Observe the directional sense of reactions at joint D, and how action and reactions
are strictly applied, the proper way to label reactions.

Apply ΣM=0 left and right portion of the frame as FBD.

right part as FBD 67.5kN

↻ ΣM @D = 0 Fx(3) - Fy(4) = 0
Fx = 90.0kN ← Positive result, assumed direction was correct

left part as FBD 112.5kN

↻ ΣM @D = 0 By(4) +Bx(3)- 180(2) = 0
Bx = -30.0kN →
R

The negative sign of Bx indicates that assumed direction was incorrect, it is acting to the right
instead of to the left as assumed.
Finally, the support reactions at fixed support at both A and G can be solved now
after we transfer the values of Bx, By, Fx and Fy to the FBD's below and
applying equations of static equilibrium using the lower parts as FBD.
2 2m
R= 180kN

45kN/m

C E 60kN
4m D 4m
3m 3m
hinge
B Bx F Fx

By Fx = 90.0kN ← Fy
Fy = 67.5kN ↑
Bx = 30.0kN →
By = 112.5kN ↑

112.5 67.5kN

B 30.0kN F 90.0kN

3m 3m

A Ax G Gx

MA MG

Ay Gy

Observe the directional sense of reactions at joint B and F, and how action and
reactions are strictly applied, the proper way to label reactions.

member AB as FBD member GF as FBD

→ ΣF x = 0 30 - Ax = 0 → ΣF x = 0 90 - Gx = 0
Ax = 30kN → Gx = 90kN ←
↑ ΣF y = 0 Ay - 112.5 = 0 ↑ ΣF y = 0 Gy - 67.5 = 0
Ay = 113kN ↑ Gy = 67.5kN ↑
↻ ΣM @A = 0 MA - 30(3) = 0 ↻ ΣM @G = 0 90(3) - MG) = 0
MA = 90.0kN.m ↻ MG = 270.0kN.m ↺

All results came out positive, therefore, assumed direction were correct.
3. Isolate at the rigid joints and draw separately the free body diagrams (fbd)of each
of the members
4. Apply the loads on each of the members separately according to its original
location on the frame together with the reactions computed in step 2.

2 2m
R = 180kN

45kN/m

C 4m D 4m E

C E 60kN

3m 3m

B F

3m 3m

A 30kN G 90kN

90.0kN.m 270kN.m

112.5kN 67.5kN
5. Next step is to compute the internal forces and couples acting at the rigid joints C and E
of all the FBD's of the frame (AC, CE and GE). To visualize the internal forces, we need to
label their directional signs according to the positions and directions of both the
external forces and support reactions acting on them. Label the proper direction of forces
and coupless; however, if this seems difficult, the directional sense can be
assumed. We start solving internal forces on the FBD acted upon by the least number
of forces and reactions, in our case member AC.
Cy
MC We will satisfy the equations of static equilibrium at
C every separate FBD of the frame. Bearing this in our mind
Cx is a great help to label the proper directions of forces and
3m couples at every FBD. Like for example, Cy at joint C is
downward on member AC free body diagram since vertical
B reaction at A is upward and to satisfy ΣFY=0, Ay and Cy
should be acting opposite to each other (like what we did).
3m Therefore, Cy was in the proper direction; downward force
at joint C for member AC since Ay is already an upward force.
A 30kN Ay
↑ ΣF y = 0 112.5 - Cy = 0
90.0kN.m Cy = 112.5kN ↓ Assumed direction was correct
112.5kN

Directional sense of Cx is correct since Ax is acting to the right, to satisfy ΣFx=0.

Ax
→ ΣF x = 0 Cx - 30 = 0
Cx = 30kN ← Assumed direction was correct

Directional sense of MC is an assumption since, by observation it seems difficult to label the

proper direction. Ax MA
↻ ΣM @C = 0 -30(6)+ 90+MC = 0
MC = 90.0kN.m ↻ Assumed direction was correct

Ey
ME Ey an Ex (since 60kN is not enough to balanced 90kN at G)
E 60kN is downward and to the right respectively because by
Ex observation it will balanced directly the vertical and
3m horizontal reactions at joint G. On the other hand, we assumed
the directional sense of ME because it seems difficult to predict
F the proper direction. We can now apply equations of static
equilibrium to solve the internal forces and couples at joint E.
3m
↑ ΣF y = 0 67.5 - Ey = 0
G 90kN Ey = 67.5kN ↓ Assumed direction was correct
P Gx
270kN.m → ΣF x = 0 60+ Ex- 90 = 0
Ex = 30kN → Assumed direction was correct
67.5kN Gx MG
↻ ΣM @E = 0 90(6) - 270 + ME = 0
ME = -270.0kN.m ↺
The negative sign of ME indicates that assumed direction was incorrect, it is counterclockwise
instead of clockwise as assumed.

Then we proceed to the free body diagram (FBD) of member CE.

All the forces we obtain from both GE and AC should be applied at joint C and E in member CE
since those forces are considered as actions and reactions acting in opposite directions.

2 2m
R = 180kN

90.0kN.m 45kN/m 270.0kN.m

30kN 30kN
C 4m D 4m E

112.5kN 67.5kN

All forces and couples at joint C and E are all labeled in correct directional senses from the
result we obtained in member AC and GE. We can verify the result of calculation we made
from the previous steps by applying equations of static equilibrium member CE as FBD.

MC R ME
↻ ΣM @C = 0 -90+180(2)+270)-67.5(8)) = 0
0=0 ok Ey

Cy R
↑ ΣF y = 0 112.5 - 180+67.5 = 0
0=0 ok Ey

Cx Ex
→ ΣF x = 0 30 - 30 = 0
0=0 ok

Observe that all the equations of static equilibrium are satisfied, if one or any will not be satisfied,
we have to go back in the previous step and find the possible mistake we made.
6. Draw the axial, shear and bending moment diagram of each of the members of the
frame.

We can visualize the proper directions of shear and bending moment by rotating the member
clockwise with a 90 deg rotation, point C as a pivot point to make it a horizontal member.
Thereby, we can apply the technique we learned in constructing shear and bending moment
diagrams for beams.

112.5kN
90.0kN.m
C 112.5kN
30kN 90.0kN.m
3m C

B 30kN
B
3m
90.0kN.m
A 30kN A

90.0kN.m
112.5kN 112.5kN 30kN

90.0kN.m 90.0kN.m

112.5kN 112.5kN
A 3m B 3m C

30kN 30kN

Axial diagram

-112.5kN -112.5kN

Shear diagram -30+30 =0

-30kN -30kN

90.0kN.m

90-30(3)=0 kN.m
Moment diagram

0-30(3)=-90kN
We can visualize the proper directions of shear and bending moment by rotating the member
counter clockwise with a 90 deg rotation, point E as a pivot point to make it a horizontal member.
Thereby, we can apply the technique we learned in constructing shear and bending moment
diagrams for beams.

67.5kN 67.5kN 270.0kN.m 60kN

270.0kN.m
E
E 60kN 30kN
30kN
3m
F
F
90kN
3m
G
G 90kN
270kN.m
270kN.m 67.5kN

67.5kN
90kN
60kN
F
67.5kN
E 3m 3m G 67.5kN
270.0kN.m
30kN 270kN.m

Axial diagram

-67.5kN -67.5kN

30+60 =90kN 90 -90 = 0

Shear diagram

-270+(90)(6) = 270kN.m

Moment diagram

-270.0kN.m
 2 2m

R = 180kN

45kN/m 270.0kN.m

30kN 30kN
C 4m D 4m E
90.0kN.m
112.5kN 67.5kN

Axial diagram

-30kN -30kN

112.5kN
1.50m

Shear diagram -67.5+67.5 = 0

2.50m

112.5-45(4)= -67.5kN -67.5

Mmax=-90+112.5(2.5)/2=50.625kNm
50.625-67.5(1.5)/2=0
Moment diagram

-90.0kN.m

0-67.5(4)= -270kN.m
 -112.5kN -67.5kN

C E
-30kN D

hinge
B F

A G

Axial Diagram

112.5kN
C E
D -67.5kN

hinge
B F

A G

-30kN 90kN
Shear Diagram

-90.0kN.m -270kN.m

50.6kN.m
C E
-90.0kN.m D
-270.0kN.m
hinge
B F

A G

90.0kN.m 270kN.m
Bending Moment Diagram