Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Problem 1: Calculate the support reactions for the frame shown below using the Force Method.
Assume a constant EI.

20 N/m

100 N C
B 8m

5m

Solution:

Treat the reactions at C ( C x and C y ) as redundant forces. After removing the redundant forces, the
frame is going to deform, as shown below.

20 N/m

100 N Δx
Δy

We can write the compatibility equations as:

Δx = δ xx C x + δ xyCy
Δy = δyx C x + δyyCy

Dr. Structure P a g e |1
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Calculate Δ x :

20 N/m

100 N C
B

Bottom fiber

A
100 N
1140 N.m

160 N

Write the moment equations for the frame.

Mab (x)

x
Mab (x) = 100x − 640
A
0x5 100 N
1140 N.m

160 N

20 N/m
2
Mbc (x) = −10x Mbc (x)
0x8 C
x

Dr. Structure P a g e |2
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Next, let’s calculate m * .

B C
1*
8m

5m

A
1
5

m* ab (x)

m*ab (x) = x − 5 x
0x5 A
1
5

m*bc (x) C
*
mbc (x) = 0 1*
0x8 x

Summary:

Mab (x) = 100x − 1140 0x5

Mbc (x) = −10x 2 0x8

m*ab (x) = x − 5 0x5

*
mbc (x) = 0 0x8

5
1 36500
Δx =  ( 100x − 1140 )( x − 5 ) dx =
EI 3EI
0

Dr. Structure P a g e |3
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Let’s calculate Δy :

B
C
8m
1*
5m

A
8
1
m* ab (x)

m*ab (x) = −8
x
0x5
A
1
8

m*bc (x) C
*
mbc (x) = −x
x
0x8
1*

Summary:

Mab (x) = 100x − 1140 0x5

Mbc (x) = −10x 2 0x8

m*ab (x) = −8 0x5

*
mbc (x) = −x 0x8

5
1  45840
8
y =   (100x − 1140)( −8)dx +  ( −10x 2 )( −x)dx  =
EI   EI
0 0

Dr. Structure P a g e |4
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Now, let’s determine δ xx :

B C
1*
8m

5m

A 1
5

Mab = m*ab (x) = 5 − x 0x5

*
Mbc = mbc (x) = 0 0x8

5
1  125
δxx =   (5 − x)2 dx  =
EI   3EI
0

Calculate δyy :
B
C
8m
1*
5m

A
8
1

Mab = m*ab (x) = 8 0x5

*
Mbc = mbc (x) = x 0x8

5
1  1472
8
δyy =   (8) dx +  (x)2 dx  =
2
EI   3EI
0 0

Dr. Structure P a g e |5
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Let’s calculate δxy :

B C B
C
1
8m 8m
1*
5m 5m

A A
1
5 8
1

m*ab (x) = 8
Mab = 5 − x
0x5
Mbc = 0 *
mbc (x) = x
0x8

5
1  100
δxy =   (5 − x)(8)dx  =
EI   EI
0

Dr. Structure P a g e |6
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Now, calculate δyx :

B C B
C
1
8m 8m
1*
5m 5m

A A
1
5 8
1

m*ab (x) = 5 − x
M ab = 8
0x5
Mbc = x *
mbc (x) = 0
0x8

5
1  100
δyx =   (8)(5 − x)dx  =
EI   EI
0

Write and solve the compatibility equations for the redundant forces:

Δxx = δ xx C x + δ xyCy
Δyy = δyx C x + δyyCy

36500 125 100 6236

= C x + Cy Cx =
3EI 3EI EI 47

45840 100 1472 3120
= Cx + Cy Cy =
EI EI 3EI 47

Dr. Structure P a g e |7
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

The remaining unknown reaction forces (there are 3 of them) can be easily calculated using the
equilibrium equations.

20 N/m
C
100 N 132.7 N
B 8m

66.4 N
5m

A
Ax
M
Ay

 Fx = 0  100 − A x − 132.7 = 0
 Fy = 0  Ay + 66.4 − 20(8) = 0
 Ma = 0  100(5) + 20(8)(4) − 66.4(8) − M = 0
A x = −32.7 N
A y = 93.6 N
M = −54.7 N.m

Dr. Structure P a g e |8
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Problem 2: Using the Force Method, determine the support reactions for the frame shown below.
Assume a constant EI.

D E F
50 N
4m 4m

10 m

B C
A
fixed roller roller

Solution:
Use the vertical reactions at B and C as the redundant forces. After removing the redundant forces, the
frame is going to deform as shown below.

D E F
50 N

B Δb C Δc
A
We can write the compatibility equations as:

Δb = δbbBy + δbc Cy
Δc = δcbBy + δcc Cy

Dr. Structure P a g e |9
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Let’s calculate Δ b .

M de (x) Mef (x)

D E F
50 N

Mbe (x) Mcf (x)

M ad (x)

x x x
A B C
50 N

500 N.m

The moment equations for the frame can be written as:

Mad (x) = 50x − 500 0  x  10

Mbe (x) = 0
Mcf (x) = 0
Mef (x) = 0
Mde (x) = 0

To calculate m*, place a virtual unit load in the vertical direction at B.

D E F

4m

m*ad (x)

x
A B C

4
1 1*

m*ad (x) = −4 0  x  10

Dr. Structure P a g e | 10
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

The vertical displacement at B, then, can be caluclated as shown below.

10
1 * 1 10000
EI  EI 
Δb = Mm dx = (50x − 500)( −4)dx =
EI
0

To calculate Δ c , place a virtual unit load in the vertical direction at C.

D E F

4m 4m

m*ad (x)

x
A B C
8

1 1*

Write m* for the members when it is not zero.

m*ad (x) = −8 0  x  10
The vertical displacement at C can be expressed as:

10
1 * 1 20000
EI  EI 
Δc = Mm dx = (50x − 500)( −8) dx =
EI
0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 11
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Now, let’s determine δbb :

M de (x)
D E F

4m

M ad (x)

x
A B C
4

1 1

The moment equations (M and m*) are:

Mad (x) = 4 0  x  10
Mde (x) = x 0x4

m*ad (x) = Mad (x) = 4

m*de (x) = Mde (x) = x
The displacement can be determined as shown below.

4
1   544
10
δbb =   (4)(4)dx +  (x)(x)dx  =
EI   3EI
0 0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 12
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Calculate δ cc :

M de (x) Mef (x)

D E F

M ad (x)

x
A B C
8

1 1

The moment equations (M and m*) are:

Mad (x) = 8 0  x  10
Mef (x) = x 0x4
M de (x) = 4 + x 0x4

m*ad (x) = M ad (x)

m*ef (x) = Mef (x)
m*de (x) = M de (x)

The displacement can be determined as shown below.

4 4
1   2432
10
δcc =   (8)(8)dx +  (x)(x)dx +  (4 + x)2 dx  =
EI   3EI
0 0 0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 13
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Let’s calculate δcb :

M de (x) m*de (x) m*ef (x)

D E F D E F

4m

M ad (x) m*ad (x)

x x
A B C A B C
4 8

1 1 1 1*

M ad (x) = 4 0  x  10 m*ad (x) = 8 0  x  10

M de (x) = x 0x4 m *ef (x) = x 0x4
m*de (x) = 4 + x 0x4

4
1   1120
10
δcb =   (4)(8)dx +  (x)(4 + x)dx  =
EI   3EI
0 0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 14
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Now, calculate δbc :

m*de (x) M de (x) Mef (x)

D E F D E F

4m

m*ad (x) M ad (x)

x x
A B C A B C
4 8

1 1* 1 1

m*ad (x) = 4 0  x  10 Mad (x) = 8 0  x  10

m*de (x) = x 0x4 Mef (x) = x 0x4

Mde (x) = 4 + x 0x4

4
1   1120
10
δbc =   (8)(4)dx +  (4 + x)(x)dx  =
EI   3EI
0 0

Now, write the compatibility equations and solve them for the unknown forces:

Δb = δbbBy + δbc Cy
Δc = δcbBy + δcc Cy

10000 544 1120 5625

= B y + Cy By =
EI 3EI 3EI 67

20000 1120 2432 1875
= By + Cy Cy = −
EI 3EI 3EI 134

Dr. Structure P a g e | 15
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

The remaining unknown reaction forces (there are 3 of them) can be calculated using the equilibrium
equations, as shown below.

D E F
50 N
4m 4m

10 m

A B C
Ax M

84 N 14 N
Ay

 Fx = 0  −A x + 50 = 0
 Fy = 0  Ay + 84 − 14 = 0
 Ma = 0  50(10) + 14(8) − 84(4) − M = 0
A x = −50 N
A y = −70 N
M = 276 N.m

Dr. Structure P a g e | 16
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Problem 3: Calculate the support reactions for the statically indeterminate beam shown below using
the Force Method. Assume a constant EI.
40 N/m

6m 4m 6m
A B C D

Solution:

Use B y and C y as redundant forces. After removing them from the beam, the structure is going to
deform as shown below.

40 N/m

B C

Δb Δc
A D

Δb = δbbBy + δbc Cy
Δc = δcbBy + δcc Cy

Let’s calculate Δb .

40 N/m

A D
6m 4m 6m
80 N B C 80 N

Dr. Structure P a g e | 17
 Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Below are the moment equations for the beam under the applied load.

M(x)
x M(x) = 80x 0x6

80 N

40 N/m
6m 40(x − 6)2
M(x) = 80x − 6  x  10
M(x) 2
x

40 N/m

M(x) M(x) = 80x − 160(x − 8) 10  x  16

80 N 6m 4m
x

To determine the vertical deflection at B, place a virtual unit load in the direction of the displacement.

B
A D
6m 10 m
5/8 1* 3/8

Write the bending moment equations for the beam due to the unit load.

m*(x) m* (x) = 5x / 8 0x6

x

5/8
x
* 6  x  16
m*(x) m (x) = 5x / 8 − (1)(x − 6)
6m 1
5/8

Dr. Structure P a g e | 18
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Summary:

80x 0x6

M(x) =  320x − 20x 2 − 720 6  x  10
1280 − 80x 10  x  16

5x / 8 0x 6
m* (x) = 
6 − 3x / 8 6  x  16

The following integral expression yields the vertical displacement at B.

1  12160
6 10 16
2
Δb =   (80x)(5x / 8)dx +  (320x − 20x − 720)(6 − 3x / 8)dx +  (1280 − 80x)(6 − 3x / 8)dx  =
EI   EI
0 6 10

To calculate Δ c , place a virtual unit load at C.

C
A D
10 m 6m
3/8 1* 5/8
The moment equations due to the virtual load are:

m*(x)
x
m* (x) = 3x / 8 0  x  10
3/8

x
m*(x)
m* (x) = 3x / 8 − (1)(x − 10) 10  x  16
10 m 1
3/8

Summary:

80x 0x6

M(x) =  320x − 20x 2 − 720 6  x  10
1280 − 80x 10  x  16

 3x / 8 0  x  10
m* (x) = 
10 − 5x / 8 6  x  16

Dr. Structure P a g e | 19
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Knowing the moment exressions, the vertical displacement at C can be computed as shown below.

1  12160
6 10 16
2
EI  
Δc =  (80x)(3x / 8)dx +  (320x − 20x − 720)(3x / 8)dx +  (1280 − 80x)(10 − 5x / 8)dx  =
 EI
0 6 10

Determine δbb :

6m 4m 6m
A C D
1

−5x / 8 0x6
M(x) = m* (x) = 
 3x / 8 − 6 6  x  16

1   75
6 16
δbb 2
=   ( −5x / 8) dx +  (3x / 8 − 6)2 dx  =
EI   EI
0 6

Calculate δ cc :

10 m 6m
A 1 D

−3x / 8 0  x  10
M(x) = m* (x) = 
5x / 8 − 10 10  x  16

1   75
10 16
2
δcc =   ( −3x / 8) dx +  (5x / 8 − 10)2 dx  =
EI   EI
0 10

Dr. Structure P a g e | 20
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Compute δbc :
C

6m 4m 6m
A B 1 D

−3x / 8 0  x  10
M(x) = 
5x / 8 − 10 10  x  16

6m 4m 6m
A 1* C D

−5x / 8 0x 6
m* (x) = 
 3x / 8 − 6 6  x  16

1   552
6 10 16
δbc =   ( −3x / 8)( −5x / 8)dx +  ( −3x / 8)(3x / 8 − 6)dx +  (5x / 8 − 10)(3x / 8 − 6)dx  =
EI   8EI
0 6 10

Compute δcb :
B

6m 4m 6m
A C D
1

−5x / 8 0x6
M(x) = 
 3x / 8 − 6 6  x  16

6m 4m 6m
A B 1* D

Dr. Structure P a g e | 21
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

−3x / 8 0  x  10
m* (x) = 
5x / 8 − 10 10  x  16

1   552
6 10 16
δcb =   ( −5x / 8)( −3x / 8)dx +  (3x / 8 − 6)( −3x / 8)dx +  (3x / 8 − 6)(5x / 8 − 10)dx  =
EI   8EI
0 6 10

Now, write the compatibility equations and solve them for the redundant forces:

Δb = δbbBy + δbc Cy
Δc = δcbBy + δcc Cy

12160 75 552
= B y + Cy
EI EI 8EI
12160 552 75
= B y + Cy
EI 8EI EI

12160 = 75B y + 69Cy

12160 = 69B y + 75Cy

760
B y = Cy =
9

Dr. Structure P a g e | 22
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

The remaining unknown reaction forces can now be calculated using the equilibrium equations, as
shown below.

40 N/m

6m 4m 6m
A D
760/9 N 760/9 N

40 N/m

A
Ax D
6m 4m 6m
Ay 84.4 N 84.4 N Dy

 Fx = 0  A x = 0
 Fy = 0  Ay + 84.4 + Dy = 0
 Ma = 0  40(4)(8) − 84.4(6) − 84.4(10) − 16Dy = 0
Ax = 0
Ay = −4.4 N
Dy = −4.4 N

Dr. Structure P a g e | 23
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Problem 4: Using the Force Method, determine the support reactions for the beam shown below.
Assume a constant EI.
P

L L L D
A B C

Solution:
Use vertical reactions at B and C as redundant forces. After removing the redundant forces, the beam is
going to deform as shown below.

L B L C L

Δb Δc D
A

The compatibility equations for the beam are:

Δb = Byδbb + Cyδbc
Δc = Byδcb + Cyδcc

To calculate Δ b , we start by writing the moment equation for the beam under the applied load.

P
A L 2L
3 PL
D
P B

P
3 PL
M(x)
x

M(x) = Px − 3PL
0  x  3L

Dr. Structure P a g e | 24
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Place a virtual unit load at B and write the moment equation for the beam.

1*
A L 2L
L
1 B D

L m*(x)
1 x

m* (x) = x − L 0  x  L
m* (x) = 0 L  x  3L

Write the integral expression for Δ b :

L
1 4PL3
EI 
Δb = (Px − 3PL)(x − L)dx =
3EI
0

Calculate Δ c : Write the moment equation for the beam due to a virtual unit load placed at C.

1*
A 2L L
2L
1 C D

m*(x)
2L
1 x

m * (x) = x − 2L 0  x  2L
m * (x) = 0 2L  x  3L

2L
1 14PL3
Δc =  (Px − 3PL)(x − 2L)dx =
EI 3EI
0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 25
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Now, let’s determine δbb :

A L B 2L A L B 2L
L L
D 1 D
1
1
1*

L
x L
1 1 x

M(x) = L − x 0  x  L m * (x) = L − x 0  x  L
M(x) = 0 L  x  3L m * (x) = 0 L  x  3L

L
1 L3
EI 
δbb = (L − x)(L − x)dx =
3EI
0

Calculate δ cc :

1 2L C L 1 C L
2L
2L 2L
A D A D
1 1*

1 1
L L
x x

M(x) = 2L − x 0  x  2L m * (x) = 2L − x 0  x  2L
M(x) = 0 2L  x  3L m * (x) = 0 2L  x  3L

2L
1 8L3
δcc =  (2L − x)(2L − x)dx =
EI 3EI
0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 26
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Calculate δbc :

1 2L C L B
A L 2L
2L L
A D D
1
1 1*

1 1
2L L
x x
M(x) = 2L − x 0  x  2L m * (x) = L − x 0  x  L
M(x) = 0 2L  x  3L m * (x) = 0 L  x  3L

L
1 5L3
δbc =  (2L − x)(L − x)dx =
EI 6EI
0

Calculate δcb :

1 2L C L B
A L 2L
2L L
A D D
1
1* 1

1 1
2L L
x x
m * (x) = 2L − x 0  x  2L M(x) = L − x 0  x  L
m * (x) = 0 2L  x  3L M(x) = 0 L  x  3L

L
1 5L3
δcb =  (L − x)(2L − x)dx =
EI 6EI
0

Dr. Structure P a g e | 27
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

Now, write the compatibility equations and solve them for the redundant forces:

Δb = δbbBy + δbc Cy
Δc = δcbBy + δcc Cy

4PL3 L3 5L3
= By + Cy
3EI 3EI 6EI
14PL3 5L3 8L3
= By + Cy
3EI 6EI 3EI

8P = 2By + 5Cy
28P = 5By + 16Cy

B y = −12P / 7
Cy = 16P / 7

Dr. Structure P a g e | 28
Structural Analysis I Force Method (Frame) Exercise Problem Solutions

The remaining unknown reaction forces can be calculated using the static equilibrium equations, as
shown below.

P
Ay
B C
Ax
L L L D
M
12/7 P 16/7 P

 Fx = 0  A x = 0
12 16
 Fy = 0  Ay − 7 P + 7 P − P = 0
12 16
 Ma = 0  7 P(L) − 7 P(2L) + P(3L) − M = 0
Ax = 0
3
Ay = P
7
PL
M=
7

Dr. Structure P a g e | 29