KIoT, Department of Civil Engineering

CHAPTER 2

ANALYSIS OF INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES: SLOPE-

DEFLECTION METHOD

1.1. INTRODUCTION

In the force (or compatibility) group of methods of structural analysis, such as the method of
consistent displacements and the method of least work, the unknowns are forces. By
comparison, in the slope-deflection method (which is one of the classical formulations of the
displacement group of methods) the unknowns are displacements. In this method, the
moments at the ends of a member are expressed in terms of the displacements of these ends.
The said member- end moments are made up of the following components:
 The end moments due to external loads on the member with the member ends
assumed fixed, and
 The end moments caused by the actual member-end displacements (rotations and
translations).
This method takes into account only the bending deformations of structures, and
consequently, is used to analyze indeterminate structures, made up of moment-resisting
members such as continuous beams and rigid-jointed frames.
In using the slope-deflection method, a slope-deflection equation is written for every member
of the given structure, expressing the end moments in terms of the member-end
displacements. Next, joint equilibrium equation is written for every joint capable of
undergoing rotation. The expressions on the right hand sides of the slope-deflection
equations are then substituted into the joint equilibrium equations. The resulting equations
are solved for the joint rotations. Finally, the values of the joint rotations are back-substituted
into the slope-deflection equations to yield the required values of the member-end moments.
Although the slope-deflection method is by itself an important method for the analysis of
indeterminate beams and frames, a good understanding of its basic principles provides a very

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
 KIoT, Department of Civil Engineering

useful introduction to the matrix stiffness method of analysis, a method which forms the
bedrock of most computer software currently used for structural analysis.
The slope-deflection method uses algebraic procedure and it is therefore important to adopt a
sign convention for the forces and displacements.

SIGN CONVENTION

 Moment is considered positive if it acts counterclockwise at the end of a member or

clockwise at a joint adjacent to a member. This is illustrated in Fig.1.1.
 End rotation  is positive if it is counterclockwise in direction.
 A chord rotation  is positive if it is counterclockwise in direction.

-
+

Fig.1.1 Sign Convention for end moments

Note
All end moments, end rotations and chord rotations shown in Fig.1.2(b) are positive by the
above sign convention.

1.2. DERIVATION OF THE SLOPE-DEFLECTION EQUATION

When load is applied to a continuous beam or a rigid-jointed frame, moments are induced at
the ends of the members. The slope-deflection equation expresses the relationship between
the moments at the end of a member and the displacements of the member ends as well as the
external loads applied to the member.
To develop this relationship, let us consider a typical member AB (of constant flexural
rigidity EI) of a rigid-jointed structure shown in Fig.1.2(a). Under the applied load let the end
moments developed and the deformed shape of the structure be as shown in Fig.1.2(b).

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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Deformed axis of member AB MBA

(OR Elastic curve)
B
 B


A B
L
MAB A 
A Chord
(a) (b)
L EI = Const

Fig.1.2 Member-end displacements: (a) Typical member of a rigid-jointed frame

(b) Assumed displacement pattern of member AB

The notations in Fig.1.2(b) have the following meanings:

MAB = moment at end A of member AB;
MBA = moment at end B of member AB;
A, B = respective rotations of ends A and B of the member with reference to the un
deformed (horizontal) axis of the member;
 = relative translation between the two ends of the member in the direction perpendicular
to the un-deformed axis of the member;
 = rotation of the member's chord (i.e., the straight line connecting the member's ends
after deformation) due to the relative translation . The deformations are small and hence

=
L

EXPRESSIONS FOR MEMBER MOMENTS

To derive expression for member moments in terms of the external load and the
deformations, we proceed by considering their effects on the moment one at a time. We shall
use moment-area method for the determination of the expressions for displacements.

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1. End moments due to rotation A (B =  = P = 0).

In Fig.1.3(a) represents a member AB for which there is no rotation at end B (fixed end),
no relative translations of the ends (the chord joining the two ends of the member after
deformation remains horizontal) and there is no external load (P = 0).

MBA
MAB A
A
B
L

(a) M BA
EI

M AB
EI
(b)

Fig.1.3: (a) Member AB with the applied displacement and induced end moments;
(b) M/EI diagram for the end moments

According to the second moment-area theorem, the tangential deviation of a point A on

the elastic curve from the tangent at another point B on the elastic curve, measured in the
direction perpendicular to the originally straight member, is equal to the moment of the area
of the M/EI diagram between A and B taken about A.
Referring to Fig.1.3(b) and using the above theorem, the distance between A and a tangent
drawn at B (this distance is zero since a tangent drawn at B is a horizontal line that coincides
with the un-deformed axis of the beam due to the fact that the slope at B is zero) is equal to
the area of the M/EI diagram between A and B taken about A. Thus:
M AB L M 2L
L   BA L  0
2EI 3 2EI 3

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M AB
From here, M AB  (1.1)
2
According to the first moment-area theorem, the angle in radians or the change in slope
between the tangents at two points A and B on the elastic curve of an originally straight
member is equal to the area of the M/EI diagram between points A and B. Hence,

M AB L M BA L
A   [Note that  A   B   A since  B  0 ]
2EI 2EI

Taking cognisance of eqn (1.1), the above expression reduces to:

4EI A 2 EI A
M AB  , M BA  (1.2)
L L

2. End moments due to rotation B (A =  = P = 0)

Fig.1.4 represents a member that satisfies the above conditions.

MAB MBA
B
A B

Fig.1.4 Given member with applied displacement and induced end moments

Analogous to Case1 (Fig.1.3),

4EI B 2EI B
M BA  , M AB  (1.3)
L L

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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2b. Modified or adjusted end-moments for member with far end hinged

Consider the beam shown in Fig.1.4b which has a hinged far end. The relationship between
the applied moment MAB and the rotation A can be obtained by using the moment-area
method (as was used for the case of member with far end fixed: Fig.1.4 above).

Tangent at A

MBA = 0 BA
MAB
A B
A
EI=Const.
L
(i)

M/EI

(ii)

Fig.1.4b: (i) Member with far end hinged, (ii) M/EI diagram for the end moment

From Fig.1.4b(i), it is clear that

 BA
A 
L
According to the second moment area theorem,
BA = moment of M/EI diagram between A and B taken about B.

1 M 2L L2 M
  BA   L 
2 EI 3 3EI

 BA LM
But  A  
L 3EI

3EI
M  A (1.3b)
L

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Eqn (1.3b) represents the modified or adjusted end moment at A due to rotation A when the
far end of the member is hinged.

3. End moments due to a relative joint displacement  (A = B = P = 0)

A member with a relative joint displacement but no joint rotations is shown in Fig.1.5.
From the first moment-area theorem, the change in slope between A and B (referring to
Fig.1.5(a) this change in slope is zero since there is no angular rotation at either of the ends)
is equal to the area of the M/EI diagram between A and B.

A B

MAB AB

MBA
(a) L

MBA/EI

MAB/EI
(b)

Fig.1.5: (a) Member with joint displacement, (b) M/EI diagram for the end moments

Thus:
M BAL M AB L
 0
2EI 2EI

OR MBA = MAB (1.4)

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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Applying the second moment-area theorem, the distance between B and A , measured
vertically from the tangent drawn at A is equal to the moment of the area of the M/EI
diagram, taken about B.
Hence
M BA L L M AB L 2L
(  AB )    
2EI 3 2EI 3

Combining the above expression with eqn (1.4), we obtain:

6EI
M AB  M BA   (1.5)
L2

4a End moments due to external loads acting on the member (A = B = = 0)

The fixed-end beam of Fig.1.6 represents this situation. Since the ends of the member are
fixed against rotation and translation, the member end moments are known as fixed-end
moments (FEM). They develop only as a result of the external loads. The fixed-end
moments may be obtained using the method of consistent displacements and moment-area
theorems, or indeed any convenient method of analysis of indeterminate structures. For ease
of reference, fixed-end moments for some common loading cases are usually given as
appendix in standard text books.

P P
FEMAB
w FEMBA

B
A

Fig.1.6 Fixed-end moments due to external loads

SLOPE-DEFLECTION EQUATION

To obtain the total end moment of a member AB, it is necessary to sum up the various end
moments due to external (FEMs) and those due to rotations and translations. This will be
achieved by combining eqns (1.2), (1.3), (1.5) and the fixed-end moments (FEMs).

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Hence:
2EI 3
M AB  (2 A   B  )  FEM AB (1.6a)
L L

2EI 3
M BA  (2 B   A  )  FEM BA (1.6b)
L L

A close look at eqns (1.6) reveals that the two equations have the same form and that one can
be obtained from the other by swarping the subscripts A and B. Consequently, they can be
combined into one equation as follows:

M nf 
2EI
L
2n   f  3   FEM nf (1.7)

Eqn (1.7) is known as the slope-deflection equation. The subscript "n" refers to the near end
of the member where the moment Mnf acts while the subscript "f" refers to the far (or other)
end of the member.

  , where  is the relative translation of the supports.
L

MODIFIED SLOPE-DEFLECTION EQUATION

Where the far end of a member is hinged, it is sometimes convenient to obtain the end
moments using the modified slope deflection equation, which is as follows:

M rh 
3EI
r     FEM rh  FEM hr 
L  2 
M hr  0 (1.7a)

where the subscript "r" refers to the rigidly connected end of the member where the moment
Mrh is applied, and the subscript "h" refers to the hinged end of the member. Obviously,
moment at the far hinged end Mhr = 0 since a hinge cannot support moment.

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1.3. ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS BEAMS

In the analysis of continuous beams, slope-deflection equations are written for each span in
terms of the unknown displacements. The unknown displacements are the rotations of
members over supports (n and f in eqn (1.7)) and support translations (represented by  in
eqn (1.7)) when a support undergoes translation. After writing slope-deflection equations for
the spans, joint equilibrium equation is written for each of the supports that is free to rotate.
A set of simultaneous equations result if more than one joint can rotate. However, if only one
joint can rotate only one equation with one unknown joint rotation results. The resulting
equation(s) is(are) solved for the displacement(s). The values or expressions for the
displacements are then back-substituted into the slope-deflection equations, which are then
solved to give member-end moments. The above procedure is illustrated in the following
example.

Example 1.1
Determine the member-end moments of the continuous beam ABC, fixed at ends A and C
and continuous over support B as shown in Fig.1.7a.

P = 60kN
w = 18kN/m
MBA MBC
A C
3m
B
LAB = 4m LBC = 6m B

EI = Const (b)
(a)

Fig.1.7 (a) Given beam and loading, (b) Free body diagram of joint B

SOLUTION
First, we evaluate the fixed-end moments (Table 1.2) as follows:

 L AB
2
18  42
FEM AB    24kN.m
12 12

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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FEM BA  24kN.m

PLBC 60  6
FEM BC    45kN.m
8 8

FEMCB  45kN.m

We now write the slope-deflection equation for each span using eqn.(1.7):

M AB 
2 EI
2 A   B  3   FEM AB
LAB

Notice that in the given beam, A = 0 (fixed support) and the chord rotation  = 0 (since
there is no support translation, i.e., = 0).

2EI B
 M AB   24 OR M AB  0.5EI B  24 (1)
4

M BA 
2EI
2 B   A  3   FEM BA
LAB
Observe that while considering joint A, "a" was the near end ("n" in eqn 1.7) and "B" was the
far end ("f" in eqn.1.7) but when considering joint B, "B" became the near ("n") end and "A"
became the far ("f") end. Here again,  = 0.

 M BA 
2EI
2 B   24 OR M BA  EIB  24 (2)
4

Similarly, for span BC:

M BC 
2EI
2 B  C  3   FEM BC
LBC

=
2EI
2 B   45 OR M BC  0.67EIB  45 (3)
6
and
M CB 
2 EI
2C   B  3   45
LBC
2EI B
=  45 OR MCB  0.33EIB  45 (4)
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Next, we isolate B (Fig.1.7b) and write the equilibrium equation for the free-body as follows:
M BA  M BC  0 (5)
Substituting the values for MBA and MBC from eqns (2) and (3) into eqn (5) we obtain:
12.57
EI B  24  0.67EI B  45  0 OR  B  
EI
Substitution of the value of B into eqns (1) to (4) yields the end moments as follows:

 12.57 
M AB  0.5EI     24  17.7kN.m
 EI 
 12.57 
M BA  EI     24  36.6kN.m
 EI 

 12.57 
M BC  0.67EI     45  36.6kN.m
 EI 

 12.57 
M CB  0.33EI     45  49.2kN.m
 EI 

STRUCTURES WITH OVERHANGS

In a case where a beam has an overhang, to analyse the beam, the overhang is first replaced
by the equivalent moment applied on the adjacent support. The procedure then becomes the
same as before except that the overhanging member has a known end moment. The following
example will illustrate the steps involved.

Example 1.2
Determine the support moments for the beam shown in Fig.1.8

60kN 12kN
18kN/m
EI = Const
A C
B D
3m
4m 6m 1.5m

Fig.1.8 Given beam and loading

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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SOLUTION
The overhanging span is replaced with its equivalent moment equal to 18kNm (12 x 1.5 =
18). This moment is positive in accordance with our adopted sign convention since the 12kN
load tends to rotate joint C in a clockwise direction.
Notice that the fixed-end moments for spans AB and BC will be the same as for Example
1.1.
Thus
FEMAB = 24kNm; FEMBA = -24kNm;
FEMBC = 45kNm; FEMCB = -45kNm.
Considering the overhanging span as a fixed cantilever, the fixed-end moment at support C
will be
FEMCD = 12 x 1.5 = 18kNm.

Slope-deflection equation

2EI B
M AB   24, OR M AB  0.5EI B  24 (1)
4

4EI B
M BA   24, OR M BA  EI B  24 (2)
4

M BC 
2EI
2B  C   45, OR 0.67EIB  0.33EIC  45 (3)
6

MBA M CB  2EI 2C   B   45, OR 0.67EIC  0.33EIB  45 (4)

6
MCD  18kNm (5)

Next, we consider the equilibrium conditions of the free bodies of the joints (Fig.1.9).

MBA MCB

B C
MBC MCD

Fig.1.9 Free-body diagram of the joints

From Fig.1.9, we write:

MBA + MBC = 0 (6)

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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MCB + MCD = 0 (7)

Next, we substitute the values of the end moments from equations 2 to 5 into equations 6 and
7 and solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the end rotations, as follows:

EIB  24  0.67EIB  0.33EIC  45  0 or 1.67EIB  0.33EIC  21 (8)

and 0.67EIC  0.33EIB  45  18  0 or 0.33EIB  0.67EIC  27 (9)

Solving equations 8 and 9 simultaneously yields:
51.51  22.75
C  and B 
EI EI
Substituting these values of displacements C and B into the slope-deflection equations will
yield the end (or support) moments.
Thus:
  22.75 
M AB  0.5EI    24  12.63kNm
 EI 
  22.75 
M BA  EI    24  46.75kNm
 EI 
  22.75   51.51
M BC  0.67EI    0.33EI    45  46.75kNm
 EI   EI 
 51.51   22.75 
M BC  0.67EI    0.33EI    45  18kNm
 EI   EI 
and MCD  18kNm

If it is required to obtain the support reactions, this can be conveniently carried out by
separately obtaining the simply supported beam reactions and the reactions due to support
moments, and then algebraically adding them together. This is carried out as shown in
Fig.1.10

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60kN
12kN
18kN/m

4m 6m 1.5m
(a)
36kN 36kN 30kN 30kN 12kN

12.63kNm 46.75kNm 46.75kNm 18kNm

(b) 8.53kN 8.53kN 4.79kN 4.79kN

12.63kNm

(c) 27.47kN
37.21kN
79.32kN

Fig.1.10 (a) Simply supported beam reactions; (b) Reactions due to support moments;
(c) Total (Final) support reactions
Note that in applying the end moments obtained from the slope-deflection equation at the
beam support points, the adopted sign convention (i.e., counterclockwise moments are
positive) is observed but in using these moments for further calculations (such as obtaining
support reactions or span moments) the beam sign convention (i.e., sagging moments are
positive and shears upward to the left of the beam or downward to the right of the beam is
positive) must be followed.

Checks To check the correctness of the final support reactions obtained in Fig.1.10(c), the
equilibrium of the entire beam under vertical forces is considered as follows:

Fy = 0; 27.47 + 79.32 +37.21 - (18 x 4) - 60 12 = 0

144 - 144 = 0 (Satisfied)

To check the correctness of the moment at support A, we can take the sum of the moments of
all the active and reactive forces about A as follows:

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MA = - 12(1.5 + 6 + 4) + 37.21(6 + 4) - 60(3 + 4) + (79.32 x 4) - (18 x 4 x 2)

= - 138 + 372.1 - 420 + 317.3 - 144
= - 12.6kNm (Satisfied)

STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO SUPPORT SETTLEMENT

If any of the supports settles, its effect on each span can be taken care of in the slope-
deflection equation. The known support settlement () is used to obtain the chord rotation ,
which is then appropriately substituted into the slope-deflection equation(1.7) and the rest of
the analysis steps remains as before. This is illustrated using the following example.

Example 1.3
Determine the support moments for the beam of Fig.1.11 if under the given loading support
B sinks by 5mm. Take E = 210 x 106 kN/m2; I = 360 x 10-6m4

60kN 30kN
36kN/m
EI = Const
A D
B C
3m
LAB = 4m LBC = 6m 2m

Fig.1.11 Given beam and loading

SOLUTION

Fixed-end moments

36  42
FEM AB   48kNm
12

FEM BA  48kNm

60  6
FEM BC   45kNm
8
FEMCB  45kNm

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FEMCD  30  2  60kNm
The chord rotations  are obtained as follows:

 5
 AB     0.00125rad.
LAB 4000
Note that the minus sign is because the chord rotation for member AB is clockwise as
support B sinks (See sign convention).

 5
 BC     0.000833rad.
LBC 6000

Slope-deflection equations

M AB 
2EI
2 A   B  3 0.00125  48 or
LAB
M AB  0.5EI B  0.001875EI  48 (1)

M BA 
2EI
2B   A  3 0.00125  48 or
4
M BA  EI B  0.001875EI  48 (2)

M BC 
2EI
2B  C  30.000833  45 or
6
M BC  0.67EIB  0.33EIC  0.000833EI  45 (3)

M CB 
2EI
2C  B  30.000833  45
6
or
M BC  0.67EIC  0.33EIB  0.000833EI  45 (4)
MCD  60kNm (5)

Joint equilibrium equations (See Fig.1.12)

MBA
MCB

B C
MBC MCD
Fig.1.12 Free-body diagrams of the joints

M BA  M BC  0 (6)
MCB  MCD  0 (7)

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Substitution of eqns (2) to (5) into eqns (6) and (7) gives the following.

For eqn.(6):
EIB  0.001875EI  48  0.67EIB  0.33EIC  0.000833EI  45  0

or 1.67EIB  0.33EIC  0.00104EI  3

Dividing throughout by EI, we have:

3
1.67 B  0.33C   0.00104 (8)
EI
For eqn.(7):
0.67EIC  0.33EIB  0.000833 45  60  0

Dividing throughout by EI, we obtain:

15
0.33 B  0.67C    0.000833 (9)
EI

Solving eqns.(8) and (9) simultaneously, we obtain:

25.782 6.891
C  0.00171 , B   0.00096
EI EI

But EI  210106  360106  75600kNm2

C  0.00171 0.000341 0.00137 or 1.37 103 rad.

and
 B  0.0000911 0.00096  0.000869 or  8.69104 rad

Final end moments:

M AB  0.5  75600 0.000869  0.001875 75600  48 or M AB  156.9kNm

M BA  75600 0.000869  0.001875 75600  48 or M BA  28kNm

M BC  0.67  75600 0.000869  0.33 756000.00137  0.000833 75600  45 or

M BC  28kNm

MCB  0.67  756000.00137  0.33 75600 0.000869  0.000833 75600  45 or

MCB  60kNm

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We now consider an example of a beam for which spans have different second moments of
area I.

Example 1.4
Evaluate the member-end moments of the beam shown in Fig.1.13
80kN
w = 36kN/m
C
A
2I B I
2.5m
5m 5m

Fig.1.13 Given beam and loading

Fixed-end moments
48  52
FEM AB   100kNm
12

FEM BA  100kNm

80  5
FEM BC   50kNm
8

FEMCB  50kNm

Slope-deflection equations

2E2I 
M AB  B   100 or M AB  0.8EIB  100 (1)
5

2E2I 
M BA  2 B   100 or M BA  1.6EIB  100 (2)
5

M BC 
2EI
2 B  C   50 or M BC  0.8EIB  0.4EIC  50 (3)
5

M CB 
2EI
2C   B   50 or MCB  0.8EIC  0.4EIB  50 (4)
5

Joint equilibrium equations: (See Fig.1.14)

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MBA MCB =0

B
MBC C

Fig.1.14 Free-body diagrams of the joints

M BA  M BC  0 (5)
and M CB  0 (6)

Substituting the values of MBA and MBC from eqns (2), (3) and (4) into eqns (5) and (6), we
obtain the following:

1.6EIB  100  0.8EIB  0.4EIC  50  0 or 2.4EIB  0.4EIC  50 (7)

and 0.8EIC  0.4EIB  50  0 (8)

Solving eqns (7) and (8) simultaneously, we obtain:

EI B  11.36 and EIC  56.84

Final end moments

M AB  0.811.36  100  109.09kNm

M BA  1.611.36  100  81.82kNm

M BC  0.811.36  0.456.84  50  81.82kNm

MCB  0.856.84  0.411.36  50  0 (as expected)

1.4. FRAMES WITH NO LATERAL TRANSLATION OF JOINTS

The procedure for the analysis of frames whose joint translations are prevented is similar to
that for the analysis of continuous beams. The following example illustrates such a case.

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Example 1.5
Determine the support moments of the frame shown in Fig.1.15

30kN
6m 3m
B C
3I

4m
1.5I 1.5I 6m
10kN
2m
A D
9m

Fig.1.15 Given frame and loading

SOLUTION
Observe that joints B and C can rotate but none of the joints can translate.

Fixed-end moments
10  2  42
FEM AB   8.89kNm
62
10  4  22
FEM BA    4.44kNm
62
30  6  32
FEM BC   20kNm
92
30  3  62
FEM CB    40kNm
92

Stiffnesses

1.5I I
K AB  
6 4
3I I
K BC  
9 3
K BC 4

K AB 3
Therefore, the relative values of the stiffness are KBC  4K and K AB  3K
We now use these relative stiffness values in the slope-deflection equations.

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Slope-deflection equations
M AB  2  3EK B  8.89 or M AB  6EK B  8.89 (1)

M BA  4  3EK B  4.44 or M BA  12EK B  4.44 (2)

M BC  4  4EKB  2  4EKC  20 or M BC  16EKB  8EKC  20 (3)

MCB  4  4EKC  2  4EKB  40 or MCB  16EKC  8EKB  40 (4)

MCD  4 3EKC or MCD  12EKC (5)

M DC  2 3EKC or M DC  6EKC (6)

Joint equilibrium equations
M BA  M BC  0 (7)
MCB  MCD  0 (8)

Substituting eqns (2) to (5) into eqns (7) and (8), we have:
12EKB  4.44  16EKB  8EKC  20  0 (9)
and 16EKC  8EKB  40  12EKC  0 (10)

Simultaneous solution of eqns (9) and (10) yields:

EK B  1.048 and EKC  1.728
Final end moments (or support moments)
M AB  6 1.048  8.89  2.60kNm
M BA  12 1.048  4.44  17.02kNm
M BC  16 1.048  81.728  20  17.06kNm
MCB  161.728  8 1.048  40  20.74kNm
MCD  121.728  20.74kNm
M DC  61.728  10.37kNm
Example 1.6
Determine the member-end moments for the frame of Fig.1.16
100kN
15kN/m
D
A B
1.5I 1.5I
3m
75kN
0.75I 0.75I 3m
C
4m 4m 6m E

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Fig.1.16 Given frame and loading

SOLUTION
Here only joints B and D are free to rotate. The structure therefore has only two degrees of
freedom, which are the unknown joint rotations B and D.

Fixed-end moments

100 8
FEM AB   100kNm ;
8
FEM BA  100kNm;
FEM BC  FEMCB  0 ;
15  62
FEM BD   45kNm;
12
FEM DB  45kNm;
75  6
FEM DE   56.25kNm;
8
FEM ED  56.25kNm.

Chord rotations
There is no settlement of any of the supports so the chord rotation of each of the four
members is zero, i.e., AB  BC  BD  DE  0 .

Slope-deflection equations

2  1.5EI
M AB  B   100  0.375EI B  100 (1)
8

2  1.5EI
M BA  2B   100  0.75EIB  100 (2)
8

2  0.75EI
M BC  2 B   0.5EI B (3)
6

2  0.75EI
M CB  B   0.25EIB (4)
6

2  1.5EI
M BD  2B   D   45  EI B  0.5EID  45 (5)
6

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2  1.5EI
M DB  2D  B   45  EID  0.5EIB  45 (6)
6

2  0.75EI
M DE  2D   56.25  0.5EID  56.25 (7)
6

2  0.75EI
M ED  D   56.25  0.25EID  56.25 (8)
6
Joint equilibrium equations
We now apply moment equilibrium equations to the free bodies of joints B and D shown in
Fig 1.17
M BA  M BC  M BD  0 (9)
M DB  M DE  0 (10)

MBA
MDB
B D
MBD
MBC
MDE

Fig.1.17 Free-body diagrams of the joints

Joint rotations
To determine the unknown joint rotations  B and  D , we substitute slope-deflection eqns (2),
(3), (5), (6) and (7) into the joint equilibrium equations (9) and (10) to obtain the following
equations:

0.75EI B  100  0.5EI B  EI B  0.5EI D  45  0

or 2.25EI B  0.5EI D  55 (11)
and
EI D  0.5EI B  45  0.5EI D  56.25  0
or 0.5EI B  1.5EI D  11.25 (12)

Simultaneous solution of eqns (11) and (12) yields the following:

EI B  28.2; EI D  16.9

Member-end moments

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The member-end moments are obtained by substituting the numerical values of EI B and
EI D into the slope-deflection equations as follows:

M AB  0.37528.2  100  110.58kNm;

M BA  0.7528.2  100  78.85kNm;
M BC  0.528.2  14.1kNm;
MCB  0.2528.2  7.05;
M BD  28.2  0.5 16.9  45  64.75kNm;
M DB  16.9  0.5  28.2  45  47.8kNm;
M DE   0.5 16.9  56.25  47.8kNm;
M ED   0.25 16.9  56.25  60.48kNm.

1.5. FRAMES WITH LATERAL TRANSLATION OF JOINTS

For the analysis of frames with joint translation, some other equilibrium conditions is are
required, in addition to joint equilibrium equations. The procedure involved is illustrated by
means of the following example.

Example 1.7
Determine the member-end moments for the frame shown in Fig.1.18.

3m
B C
3I

4m
1.5I 1.5I 6m
10kN
2m
A D
9m

Fig.1.18 Given frame and loading

SOLUTION

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II
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Recall that this frame was earlier analysed in Example 1.5 (Fig.1.15) but with the joint
translation prevented by provision of a lateral support at joint C. In this example, the support
at C has been removed to allow translation of joints to take place. A possible deformed shape
of the frame is shown in Fig.1.19. Since axial deformation is negligible, the lateral
translations of joints B and C () are equal.

 

B C

A D

Fig.1.19 Possible deformed shape of the frame

Fixed-end moments
The fixed-end moments were obtained in Example 1.5 and are as follows:
FEM AB  8.89kNm; FEM BA  4.44kNm;
FEM BC  20kNm; FEMCB  40kNm.
As was done in the analysis of the frame of Example 1.5, in this example we shall use for
convenience, the relative values of the stiffness as K AB  KCD  3K and KBC  4K


Note also that the chord rotations are equal, i.e. AB  CD   
6
Slope-deflection equations
M AB  2  3EK  B  3   8.89
or M AB  6EK B  18EK  8.89 (1)
M BA  6EK 2 B  3   4.44
or M BA  12EK B  18EK  4.44 (2)
M BC  2  4EK 2B  C   20
or M BC  16EKB  8EKC  20 (3)

MCB  2  4EK 2C  B   40

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or MCB  16EKC  8EKB  40 (4)

MCD  2  3EK 2C  3

or MCD  12EKC  18EK (5)

M DC  2  3EK C  3

or M DC  6EKC  18EK (6)

Joint equilibrium equations

M BA  M BC  0 (7)

MCB  MCD  0 (8)

Note that the joint equilibrium equations are only two but there are three unknowns:  B ; C
and  . A third equation is therefore necessary in order to evaluate the three unknowns. This
can be obtained by considering the equilibrium of the entire frame under horizontal forces,
i.e. Fx =0. The forces involved here are the external 10kN force and the shears at the
column bases. The two columns, together with the various forces needed to establish the third
equation, are shown in Fig.1.20.

MCD
MBA
B C

4m
10kN 6m

2m HAB HDC
A
D
MAB
MDC
Fig.1.20 Shears at column bases

Referring to Fig.1.20, we obtain the following equilibrium equation for horizontal forces:
Fx =0; 10 - HAB - HDC = 0 (9)

Expressions for the shears (HAB and HDC) can be obtained in terms of the end moments as
follows:
 M B  0; 6H AB  10  4  M AB  M BA  0

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or
M AB  M BA  40
H AB  (10)
6
and  MC  0;

M CD  M DC
 H DC  (11)
6

Substituting equations (1) and (2) into eqn (10) and eqns(5) and (6) into eqn(11), and then
substituting the resulting expressions for HAB and HDC into eqn(9), we have:

 6EK B  18EK  8.89  12EK B  18EK  35.56   12EKC  18EK  6EKC  18EK 
10    0
 6   6 
or 3EKB  3EKC  12EK  2.592 (12)

Substitution of eqns (2) and (3) into eqn(7) and eqns(4) and (5) into eqn(8) yields the
following equations (13) and (14) respectively;

28EKB  8EKC  18EK  15.56 (13)

and 8EKB  28EKC  18EK  40 (14)

Simultaneous solution of equations (12), (13) and (14) yields the joint displacements as
follows:
EK B  1.0847; EKC  1.697; EK  0.0629.

Final member-end moments

M AB  6 1.0847  18 0.0629  8.89  3.51kNm;
M BA  12 1.0847  18 0.0629  4.44  16.32kNm;
M BC  16 1.0847  81.697  20  16.22kNm;
MCB  161.697  8 1.0847  40  21.52kNm;
MCD  121.697  18 0.0629  21.52kNm;
M DC  61.697  18 0.0629  11.31kNm.

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Lecture Note: Theory of Structures - II