Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) Force Method Examples

In this session, we are going to explain the use of the force method for analyzing frame structures using
three examples.

Example 1:

A statically indeterminate frame is to be analyzed using the force method. As shown below, the frame is
subjected to a horizontal concentrated load at the midpoint of column AD. And, a uniformly distributed
load is acting on beam DE. The frame is assumed to have a constant EI.

Solution

There are a total of five unknown support reactions; there are three reaction forces at the fixed support
(at A), and one reaction force at each roller support (at points B and C). Since the number of unknows
exceeds the number of static equilibrium equations (there are three static equilibrium equations), the
frame is considered indeterminate. The degree of indeterminacy of the system is: 5 – 3 = 2.

Therefore, to analyze the frame using the force method, we need to label two of the unknown forces as
redundant and remove them from the frame without affecting its stability.

Below is shown the free-body diagram of the frame.

Here, a good choice for redundant forces is the pair of reaction forces at B and C. After removing 𝐵𝑦 and
𝐶𝑦 , the system turns into a cantilever frame, as shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Given the above diagram, to calculate the support reactions, we can write the following static
equilibrium equations.

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥 + 40 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦 − (13)(6) = 0
13
∑ 𝑀@𝐴 = (40)(4) + (6)(13)( ) − 𝑀𝑎 = 0
2

Solving the above equations for the unknown forces, we get:

𝐴𝑥 = −40 𝑘𝑁
𝐴𝑦 = 78 𝑘𝑁
𝑀𝑎 = 667 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

The analysis of the initial indeterminate frame using the force method involves calculating the
redundant forces. This is done by writing and solving a set of displacement compatibility equations.

The basic idea behind this method is rather straightforward. When we remove the redundant forces
from the structure, we allow it to deform unconstrained at the locations and directions of the redundant
forces. In this case, by removing 𝐵𝑦 and 𝐶𝑦 , basically, we are removing the roller supports at B and C,
allowing the frame to displace freely at those two locations, as illustrated in the following diagram.

The vertical displacements at B and C are labeled 𝛥𝐵 and 𝛥𝐶 , respectively. Keeping in mind that the
actual vertical displacements at B and C are zero, since there is a roller support at each of these points,

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

we can reason that the magnitudes of the redundant forces ( 𝐵𝑦 and 𝐶𝑦 ) must be such that when placed
on the unconstrained frame, produce upward displacements of 𝛥𝐵 and 𝛥𝐶 at B and C, as depicted
below.

So, the net vertical displacement at B and C adds up to zero. This basic idea can be captured using two
displacement compatibility equations. Before we can write the equations, we need to slightly modify the
above diagram.

Suppose we subject the frame to a unit vertical load at B. This load causes the frame to deform as shown
below.

And if we subject point C to a vertical unit load, we get the following diagram for the displaced shape of
the frame.

Since the total vertical displacement at B, caused by 𝐵𝑦 and 𝐶𝑦 , must be 𝛥𝐵 , we can write:

𝐵𝑦 𝛿𝐵𝐵 + 𝐶𝑦 𝛿𝐵𝐶 = 𝛥𝐵 [1]

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

In the above equation, 𝛿𝐵𝐵 is the vertical displacement of the modified cantilever frame at B due to a
unit load placed at B, 𝛿𝐵𝐶 is the vertical displacement of the modified cantilever frame at B due to a unit
load placed at C, and 𝛥𝐵 is the downward displacement of the modified cantilever frame at B due to the
applied loads. It is important to keep in mind that all three displacements can be easily calculated since
they all belong to a statically determinate frame.

A similar equation can be written for point C. That is,

𝐵𝑦 𝛿𝐶𝐵 + 𝐶𝑦 𝛿𝐶𝐶 = 𝛥𝐶 [2]

In this equation, 𝛿𝐶𝐵 is the vertical displacement at C due to a unit load placed at B, 𝛿𝐶𝐶 is the vertical
displacement at C due to a unit load placed at C, and 𝛥𝐶 is the downward displacement at C due to the
applied loads. Here too, all three displacements can be calculated using a method of our choice.

The only unknows in Equations [1] and [2] are the redundant forces 𝐵𝑦 and 𝐶𝑦 . Therefore, after
determining the six displacement coefficients, we can solve Equations [1] and [2] for the redundant
forces.

Let’s start the solution process by calculating displacements: 𝛥𝐵 , 𝛥𝐶 , 𝛿𝐵𝐵 , 𝛿𝐵𝐶 , 𝛿𝐶𝐵 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛿𝐶𝐶 .

Calculate 𝜟𝑩 : This is the vertical displacement of the cantilever frame at point B due the real loads (see
figure below). We are going to use the virtual work method to calculate 𝛥𝐵 .

To apply the virtual work method, we start by writing the moment equation for each member of the
frame. For column AD, we can draw the following free-body diagrams.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Why do we need two free-body diagrams? Because the applied load of 40 kN divides the column into
two segments, resulting in a discontinuous moment equation for the member. Therefore, we need one
moment equation for each segment of the column. For the lower segment, using the left free-body
diagram above, we can write:

𝑀(𝑥) = 40𝑥 − 667 0≤𝑥≤4

For the upper segment of the member, using the right free-body diagram, we can write:

𝑀(𝑥) = 40𝑥 − 667 − 40(𝑥 − 4) 4≤𝑥≤8

The above equation simplifies to:

𝑀(𝑥) = −507 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8
In summary, the moment equation for the column due to the applied load can be written as:
40𝑥 − 667 0≤𝑥≤4
𝑀(𝑥) = {
−507 4≤𝑥≤8

For member DE, the bending moment equation can be formulated using the following free-body
diagram.

In this case, we only need one equation for expressing bending moment in the beam as the applied load
remains continuous within the member. The moment equation is:
𝑥
𝑀(𝑥) = −(6)(𝑥)(2) 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Or, in simplified form, we can write:

𝑀(𝑥) = −3𝑥 2 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13
Now that we have the moment equations for the frame, based on the virtual work method, we need to
place a virtual unit load in the direction of the target displacement, and determine the resulting virtual
bending moment equations for the frame. The following diagram shows the frame subjected to a unit
load at B (the virtual load is placed at B because we want to calculate the vertical displacement at B).

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The support reactions for the above frame can be easily determined using the equilibrium equations.
The reaction forces are shown in the following diagram.

To write the virtual moment equations for the above frame, we consider each member separately. For
the column, the following free-body diagram can be drawn.

Using the above diagram, the moment equation for the member can be written as: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −5 0≤
𝑥 ≤ 8.

For the beam, since the concentrated load causes a discontinuity in the moment equation, we need to
write two equations: one equation for the left segment of the beam and another equation for the right
segment of the beam, as shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

0 0≤𝑥≤8
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = {
−(𝑥 − 8) 8 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Now that we have all the necessary moment equations for calculating 𝛥𝐵 , we can write:
1
𝛥𝐵 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

In the expanded form, the displacement equation can be written as:

1 1
𝛥𝐵 = [𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥]𝐴𝐷 + [𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥]𝐷𝐸

There are two terms in the above expression. There is an integral term for member AD, and an integral
term for member DE.

For AD, the integral term yields:

1 1 4 1 8
𝐸𝐼
∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫0 (40𝑥 − 667)(−5) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐸𝐼 ∫4 (−507)(−5) 𝑑𝑥

The righthand side of the above expression simplifies to: 21880/𝐸𝐼.

For member DE, the integral expression becomes:

1 1 8 1 13
𝐸𝐼
∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫0 (−3𝑥 2 )(0) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐸𝐼 ∫8 (−3𝑥 2 )(8 − 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

The righthand side of the above expression is equal to: 19475/4𝐸𝐼.

Therefore, 𝛥𝐵 = (21880/𝐸𝐼) + (19475/4𝐸𝐼) = 106995/4𝐸𝐼.

𝛥𝐵 = 106995/4𝐸𝐼

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Calculate 𝜟𝑪 : This is the vertical displacement of the cantilever frame at point C due the real loads (see
figure below).

To determine 𝛥𝐶 using the virtual work method, we need the moment equations for the above frame
under the applied load. We already have formulated them in the previous step. They are:
40𝑥 − 667 0≤𝑥≤4
For column AD: 𝑀(𝑥) = {
−507 4≤𝑥≤8
For beam DE: 𝑀(𝑥) = −3𝑥 2 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13
Now, remove the applied loads and place a virtual unit load at C, as shown below.

Calculate the support reactions and write the moment equations due to the unit load. The support
reactions are shown below.

To write the moment equation for the column, we can use the following free-body diagram.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Hence, the moment equation for the column can be written as: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −10 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8.

For beam DE, the free-body diagram can be drawn as follows.

Therefore, we can write the following moment equations for the member.
0 0≤𝑥≤3
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = {−(𝑥 − 3) 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Now that we have both 𝑀(𝑥) and 𝑚∗ (𝑥), we can determine 𝛥𝐶 using the following equation.
1
𝛥𝐶 = ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
𝐸𝐼
In the expanded form, the above equation becomes:
1 1
𝛥𝐵 = [𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥]𝐴𝐷 + [𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥]𝐷𝐸

For column AD, the integral term yields:

1 1 4 1 8
𝐸𝐼
∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫0 (40𝑥 − 667)(−10) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐸𝐼 ∫4 (−507)(−10) 𝑑𝑥

The righthand side of the above expression simplifies to: 43760/𝐸𝐼.

For beam DE, the integral expression becomes:

1 1 3 1 13
𝐸𝐼
∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫0 (−3𝑥 2 )(0) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐸𝐼 ∫3 (−3𝑥 2 )(3 − 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

The righthand side of the above expression is equal to: 14850/𝐸𝐼. Therefore, 𝛥𝐶 = (43760/𝐸𝐼) +
(13850/𝐸𝐼) = 58610/𝐸𝐼.

𝛥𝐶 = 58610/𝐸𝐼

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Calculate 𝜹𝑩𝑩 : This is the vertical displacement of the cantilever frame at point B due a unit vertical load
applied at B, as shown below.

The support reactions for the frame can be easily calculated using the static equilibrium equations.

In this case, since we wish to calculate the displacement at the location of the load, 𝑀(𝑥) and 𝑚∗ (𝑥) are
the same. For column AD, we can use the following free-body diagram for writing the moment
equations.

𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 5 0≤𝑥≤8

For beam DE the free-body diagram and the moment equations become:

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

0 0≤𝑥≤8
𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 8) 8 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Now, we can write the expression for displacement 𝛿𝐵𝐵 as follows:

1
𝛿𝐵𝐵 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

In the expanded form, the above equation becomes:

1 8 8 13
𝛿𝐵𝐵 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (5)(5)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥 + ∫8 (𝑥 − 8)(𝑥 − 8)𝑑𝑥]

The first term inside the square brackets is for column AD, and the other two terms belong to beam DE.
The result of the above integration is:

𝛿𝐵𝐵 = 725/3𝐸𝐼

Calculate 𝜹𝑪𝑩 : This is the vertical displacement of the cantilever frame at point C due a unit vertical load
applied at B (see figure below).

The support reactions for the frame are shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The bending moment equations for the above free-body diagram were formulated previously. They are:

For column AD:

𝑀(𝑥) = 5 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8
For beam DE:
0 0≤𝑥≤8
𝑀(𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 8) 8 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Since we wish to determine the displacement at C, we need to place a virtual unit load at C, calculate
the support reactions for the frame due to the load, and write the resulting moment equations for the
members, as shown below.

For column AD:

𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 10 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8
For beam DE:
0 0≤𝑥≤3
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = {(𝑥 − 3) 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Now we can write the expression for 𝛿𝐶𝐵 as follows.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

1
𝛿𝐶𝐵 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

In the expanded form, the above equation becomes:

1 8 3 8 13
𝛿𝐶𝐵 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (5)(10)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥 + ∫3 (0)(𝑥 − 3)𝑑𝑥 + ∫8 (𝑥 − 8)(𝑥 − 3)𝑑𝑥]

The first term inside the square brackets is for column AD, and the other three terms belong for beam
DE. The result of the above integration is:

𝛿𝐶𝐵 = 3025/6𝐸𝐼

Calculate 𝜹𝑪𝑪 : This is the vertical displacement of the cantilever frame at point C due a unit vertical load
applied at C, as shown below.

The support reactions for the frame can be easily calculated using the static equilibrium equations.

In this case, since we wish to calculate the displacement at the location of the load, 𝑀(𝑥) and 𝑚∗ (𝑥) are
the same. For column AD, we can use the following free-body diagram for writing the moment
equations.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 10 0≤𝑥≤8

For beam DE, the free-body diagram, and the moment equations become:

0 0≤𝑥≤3
𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 3) 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Now, we can write the expression for displacement 𝛿𝐶𝐶 as follows:

1
𝛿𝐶𝐶 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

In the expanded form, the above equation becomes:

1 8 3 13
𝛿𝐶𝐶 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (10)(10)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥 + ∫3 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 3)𝑑𝑥 ]

The first term inside the square brackets is for column AD, and the other two terms belong for beam DE.
The result of the above integration is:

𝛿𝐶𝐶 = 3400/3𝐸𝐼

Calculate 𝜹𝑩𝑪 : This is the vertical displacement of the cantilever frame at point B due a unit vertical load
applied at C (see figure below).

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The support reactions for the frame are shown below.

The bending moment equations for the above free-body diagram were formulated previously. They are:

For column AD:

𝑀(𝑥) = 10 0≤𝑥≤8
For beam DE:
0 0≤𝑥≤3
𝑀(𝑥) = {
(𝑥 − 3) 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Since we wish to determine the displacement at B, we need to place a virtual unit load at B, calculate
the support reactions for the frame due to the load, and write the resulting moment equations for the
members, as shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The moment equation for column AD:

𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 5 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8
The equation for beam DE:
0 0≤𝑥≤8
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = {(𝑥 − 8) 8 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 13

Now we can write the expression for 𝛿𝐵𝐶 as follows.

1
𝛿𝐵𝐶 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

In the expanded form, the above equation becomes:

1 8 3 8 13
𝛿𝐵𝐶 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (10)(5)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥 + ∫3 (0)(𝑥 − 8)𝑑𝑥 + ∫8 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 8)𝑑𝑥]

The first term inside the square brackets is for column AD, and the other three terms belong for beam
DE. The result of the above integration is:

𝛿𝐵𝐶 = 3025/6𝐸𝐼

Now that we have computed all the displacement coefficients, we are ready to solve the displacement
compatibility equations (Equations [1] and [2]). In the expanded form, the equations become:

725 3025 106995

𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦 =
3𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼
3025 3400 58160
𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦 =
6𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

We can simplify the above equations by multiplying both sides of each equation by EI.

725 3025 106995

𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦 =
3 6 4
3025 3400
𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦 = 58160
6 3
The above system of equations has the following solution.

44124 15627
𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶𝑦 =
1135 454
Or, 𝐵𝑦 = 38.88 𝑘𝑁 and 𝐶𝑦 = 34.42 𝑘𝑁.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Knowing two of the support reactions, the free-body diagram of the frame can be drawn as shown
below.

We can determine the reaction forces at support A by writing and solving the static equilibrium
equations for the entire frame.

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 40 + 𝐴𝑥 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦 + 38.88 + 34.42 − (6)(13) = 0
13
∑ 𝑀𝑧 @𝐴 = (4)(40) + (13)(6)( ) − (5)(38.88) − (10)(34.42) − 𝑀𝑎 = 0
2

The above system of equations yields:

𝐴𝑥 = −40 𝑘𝑁
𝐴𝑦 = 4.70 𝑘𝑁
𝑀𝑎 = 128.40 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
The following diagram shows all the calculated support reactions for the frame.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Example 2: The following statically indeterminate frame is to be analyzed using the force method. The
frame has a constant EI.

Solution

There are a total of five unknown support reactions; there are two reaction forces at the pin support at
A, two reaction forces at the pin support at B, and one reaction force at the roller support at D. Since the
number of unknows exceeds the number of static equilibrium equations (3), the frame is considered
indeterminate. The degree of indeterminacy of the system is: 5 – 3 = 2.

Therefore, to analyze the frame using the force method, we need to label two of the unknown forces as
redundant. Below is shown the free-body diagram of the frame.

Let’s make the reaction forces at B redundant. After removing 𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 from the above diagram, the
frame becomes statically determinate, resting on a pin support at A and a roller support at D.
Consequently, the modified frame deforms as shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

In the above diagram, the horizontal and vertical displacements at B are labeled 𝛥𝑥 and 𝛥𝑦 , respectively.
These displacements develop as a result of removing the redundant forces (the pin support) at B.
Therefore, the reaction forces at B, when placed on the modified frame, should cause the frame to
displace in the following manner.

The displacement compatibility equations for this problem, then, can be written as:

𝐵𝑥 𝛿𝑥𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 𝛥𝑥 [3]

𝐵𝑥 𝛿𝑦𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 𝛥𝑦 [4]

In the above equations:

𝛿𝑥𝑥 is the displacement in the x direction at B due to a unit load placed in the x direction at B.

𝛿𝑥𝑦 is the displacement in the x direction at B due to a unit load placed in the y direction at B.

𝛿𝑦𝑦 is the displacement in the y direction at B due to a unit load placed in the y direction at B.

𝛿𝑦𝑥 is the displacement in the y direction at B due to a unit load placed in the x direction at B.

𝛥𝑥 is the displacement in the x direction at B due to the applied loads.

𝛥𝑦 is the displacement in the y direction at B due to the applied loads.

Let’s determine these displacements using the virtual work method.

Calculate 𝜹𝒙𝒙 : To calculate this displacement, we need to determine the moment equation for each
frame member under a horizontal load applied at B, as shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The support reactions for the above frame can be determined by (1) drawing the frame’s free-body
diagram and (2) writing and solving the equilibrium equations for the unknown forces. The free-body
diagram for the frame is shown below.

The static equilibrium equations for the above free-body diagram can be written as follows.

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐷𝑥 + 1 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦 = 0

∑ 𝑀𝑧 @𝐴 = (1)(7 − 3) + (7)(𝐷𝑥 ) = 0
Solving the above equations for the unknowns, we get:

𝐴𝑥 = −4/7
𝐴𝑦 = 0
𝐷𝑥 = −3/7
Let’s show the computed forces on the frame’s free-body diagram.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Now, we need to write the moment equation for each member. For column AC, we can cut the member
and draw the free-body diagram of the lower segment of the frame, as shown below.

Since we wish to determine the displacement at B due to a unit load placed at B, both in the x direction,
𝑀 and 𝑚∗ are identical.

𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 4𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7

To write the moment equation for column BD, we cut through the member and draw the free-body
diagram of its lower part, as shown below.

The resulting moment equations are:

𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 𝑥 0≤𝑥≤4

And, for beam CD, we can cut the member and draw its free-body diagram as shown below.

The moment equations for member CD are:

𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = (1)(4) = 4 0≤𝑥≤5

Now, we can determine 𝛿𝑥𝑥 using the virtual work method.
1
𝛿𝑥𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥

In expanded form, the above equation becomes:

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

7 5 4
1 4𝑥 4𝑥
𝛿𝑥𝑥 = [∫ ( )( )𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (4)(4)𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑥)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 ]
𝐸𝐼 0 7 7 0 0

In the above equation, the first integral expression belongs to column AD, the second expression is for
beam CD, and the last expression is associated with column BD. Integrating the expressions, we get:

𝛿𝑥𝑥 = 416/3𝐸𝐼

Calculate 𝜹𝒙𝒚 : This is displacement in the x direction due a unit load applied in the y direction, both at B.
To calculate this displacement, we need to write the moment equations for the frame when it is
subjected to (1) a unit load in the x direction placed at B, and (2) a unit load in the y direction placed at
B.

We already have determined the moment equations for the members under a horizontal unit load at B.
They are shown below.

For member AC:

𝑀(𝑥) = 4𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7
For member CD:
𝑀(𝑥) = 4 0≤𝑥≤5

For member BD:

𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑥 0≤𝑥≤4

When the unit load is placed in the y direction at B, the following free-body diagram results.

Now we can write the moment equation for each member as shown below.

For column AC 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 5𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

For beam CD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 𝑥 0≤𝑥≤5

For column BD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤4

Knowing the moment equations, we can determine 𝛿𝑥𝑦 using the virtual work method as follows.
1
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
7 5 4
1 4𝑥 5𝑥
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = [∫ ( )( )𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (4)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑥)(0)𝑑𝑥 ]
𝐸𝐼 0 7 7 0 0

In the above equation, the first integral expression belongs to column AD, the second expression is for
beam CD, and the last expression is for column BD. Integrating the expressions, we get:

𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 290/3𝐸𝐼

Calculate 𝜹𝒚𝒚 : To calculate this displacement, we need to determine the moment equation for each
frame member under a vertical load applied at B, as shown below.

We dealt with this loading case in the previous step. The moment equations for the frame members are:

For column AC: 𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 5𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7

For beam CD: 𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 𝑥 0≤𝑥≤5

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

For column BD: 𝑀(𝑥) = 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤4

Therefore, we can determine 𝛿𝑦𝑦 as follows.

1
𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑚∗ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
7 5 4
1 5𝑥 5𝑥
𝛿𝑦𝑦 = [∫ ( )( )𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑥)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (0)(0)𝑑𝑥 ]
𝐸𝐼 0 7 7 0 0

Or,

𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 100/𝐸𝐼

Calculate 𝜹𝒚𝒙 : To calculate this displacement, we need to write the moment equations for the frame
when it is subjected to (1) a unit load in the y direction placed at B, and (2) a unit load in the x direction
placed at B. We have determined these moment equations in the previous steps.

When the unit load is in the y direction, we get the following free-body diagram.

The moment equations for the frame members are listed below.

For column AC: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 5𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7

For beam CD: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 𝑥 0≤𝑥≤5

For column BD: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤4

When the unit load is in the x direction, we get the following free-body diagram.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The moment equations for the frame are listed below.

For column AC: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 4𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7

For beam CD: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 4 0≤𝑥≤5

For column BD: 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 𝑥 0≤𝑥≤4

So, we can write:

7 5 4
1 5𝑥 4𝑥
𝛿𝑦𝑥 = [∫ ( )( )𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (𝑥)(4)𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (0)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 ]
𝐸𝐼 0 7 7 0 0

Or,

𝛿𝑦𝑥 = 290/3𝐸𝐼

Calculate ∆𝒙 : This is displacement in the x direction at B due the applied load. To calculate ∆𝑥 , we need
to write the moment equations for the frame subjected to (1) the applied load, and (2) a unit load in the
x direction placed at B. The modified frame is shown below.

Since the frame is statically determinate, we can easily calculate its support reactions by writing and
solving the static equilibrium equations. The calculated support reactions are shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

To write the moment equation for column AC, cut the column and draw the free-body diagram of the
lower part of the frame (see below).

Using the above free-body diagram, bending moment in the member can be expression as:

𝑀(𝑥) = 3.36𝑥 − 1.5𝑥 2 0≤𝑥≤7

For beam CD, we can draw the following free-body diagram.

The above free-body diagram yields the following moment equation:

𝑀(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 0≤𝑥≤5

For column BD, since it is not subjected to any loads, no bending moment develops in the member.

𝑀(𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤4
Now that we have all the moment equations for the frame under the applied load, let’s turn our
attention to the second set of moment equations – bending moment in the frame members due to a
virtual horizontal load placed at B. These equations were determined previously. They are:

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

For member AC:

𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −4𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7
For member CD:
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −4 0≤𝑥≤5
For member BD:
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −𝑥 0≤𝑥≤4

According to the virtual work principle, we can write:

1 7 −4𝑥 5 4
𝛥𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (3.36𝑥 − 1.5𝑥 2 )( )𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (−2𝑥 2 )(−4)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(−𝑥)𝑑𝑥]
7

The above equation yields:

𝛥𝑥 = 628.313/𝐸𝐼

Calculate ∆𝒚 : This is displacement in the y direction at B due the applied load. To calculate ∆𝑦 , we need
the moment equations for the frame subjected to (1) the applied load, and (2) a unit load in the y
direction placed at B.

We have determined both sets of equations already. For the modified frame subjected to the applied
loads, the moment equations are:

For column AD: 𝑀(𝑥) = 3.36𝑥 − 1.5𝑥 2 0≤𝑥≤7

For beam CD: 𝑀(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 0≤𝑥≤5

For column BD: 𝑀(𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤4

For the modified frame subjected to a vertical unit load at B, the moment equations can be written as:

For member AC:

𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −5𝑥/7 0≤𝑥≤7
For member CD:
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −𝑥 0≤𝑥≤5
For member BD:
𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤4

According to the virtual work principle, we can write:

1 7 −5𝑥 5 4
𝛥𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (3.36𝑥 − 1.5𝑥 2 )( )𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (−2𝑥 2 )(−𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥]
7

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

The above equation yields:

𝛥𝑦 = 681.225/𝐸𝐼

The displacement compatibility equations ([3] and [4] on page 19) can be written as:

416 290
𝐵𝑥 + 𝐵 = 628.31
3 3 𝑦
290
𝐵 + 100𝐵𝑦 = 681.23
3 𝑥
Solving the above equations for the unknowns, we get:

𝐵𝑥 = −0.67 𝑘𝑁 𝐵𝑦 = 7.46 𝑘𝑁

Knowing the reaction forces at B, we can determine the remaining support reactions using the static
equilibrium equations. The following free-body diagram shows the remaining unknown support
reactions.

The static equilibrium equations for the above free-body diagram can be written as:

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = (3)(7) − 𝐴𝑥 − 𝐷𝑥 − 0.67 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦 − (4)(5) + 7.46 = 0
7 5
∑ 𝑀@𝐴 = (3)(7)( ) + (4)(5)( ) − 7𝐷𝑥 − (7 − 4)(0.67) − (5)(7.46) = 0
2 2

The above system of equations yields:

𝐴𝑥 = 8.30 𝑘𝑁 𝐴𝑦 = 12.54 𝑘𝑁 𝐷𝑥 = 12.03 𝑘𝑁

The calculated support reactions for the statically indeterminate frame are shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Example 3:

In this example, we are going to analyze a frame with three degrees of indeterminacy. Assume the
frame has a constant EI.

Solution

There are three reaction forces at each fixed support. Therefore, the degree of indeterminacy of the
system is 6 – 3 = 3. We can make all three reaction forces at support B redundant, resulting in the
following modified statically determinate frame.

Since we’ve removed one of the fixed supports, the modified frame can have a horizontal displacement
(𝛥𝑥 ), a vertical displacement (𝛥𝑦 ), and a rotation (𝜃) at joint B. Let’s assume these displacements and
rotation cause the frame to deform as shown below.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Therefore, to analyze the frame using the force method, we need to calculate 𝛥𝑥 , 𝛥𝑦 , and 𝜃. To
calculate the displacements and rotation using the virtual work method, we need to write the moment
equations for the frame members under the following four loading cases.

1. The modified frame subjected to the

applied load

2. The modified frame subjected to a

horizontal unit load at B

3. The modified frame subjected to a

vertical unit load at B

4. The modified frame subjected to a

clockwise unit bending moment at B

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Loading Case 1: The free-body diagram of the frame can be drawn as shown below.

Since column BD is not subjected to any loads, its bending moment equation is:

𝑀(𝑥) = 0 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10.

To write the moment equation for beam CD, we can cut the member and draw the free-body diagram of
the right part of the frame, as shown below.

Again, since the above free-body diagram is not subjected to any loads, bending moment in CD is zero.

𝑀(𝑥) = 0 0≤𝑥≤8
The free-body diagram for column AD can be drawn as follows.

We can write the moment equation for the member as:

𝑀(𝑥) = 80𝑥 − 800 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Loading Case 2: The free-body diagram of the modified frame subjected to a virtual unit load in the x
direction at B is shown below.

The free-body diagram for each member and its moment equation are listed below.

Member Free-body Diagram Moment Equation

Column AC 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −𝑥 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

Column BD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −𝑥 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

Beam CD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −10 0≤𝑥≤8

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Loading Case 3: The free-body diagram of the modified frame subjected to a virtual unit load in the y
direction at B is shown below.

The free-body diagram for each member and its moment equation are given in the following table.

Member Free-body Diagram Moment Equation

Column AC 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −8 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

Column BD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = 0 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

Beam CD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −𝑥 0≤𝑥≤8

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Loading Case 4: The free-body diagram of the modified frame subjected to a virtual unit clockwise
moment at B is shown below.

The free-body diagram for each member and its moment equation are given in the following table.

Member Free-body Diagram Moment Equation

Column AC 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −1 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

Column BD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −1 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10

Beam CD 𝑚∗ (𝑥) = −1 0≤𝑥≤8

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Now we are ready to calculate 𝛥𝑥 , 𝛥𝑦 , and 𝜃.

To calculate 𝛥𝑥 , we use 𝑀(𝑥) given under loading case 1, and 𝑚∗ (𝑥) given under loading case 2.
1 10 8 10
𝛥𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (80𝑥 − 800)(−𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(−10)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(−𝑥)𝑑𝑥]

Or,

𝛥𝑥 = 40000/3𝐸𝐼

To calculate 𝛥𝑦 , we use 𝑀(𝑥) given under loading case 1, and 𝑚∗ (𝑥) given under loading case 3.
1 10 8 10
𝛥𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (80𝑥 − 800)(−8)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(−𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥 ]

Or,

𝛥𝑦 = 32000/𝐸𝐼

To calculate 𝜃, we use 𝑀(𝑥) given under loading case 1, and 𝑚∗ (𝑥) given under loading case 4.
1 10 8 10
𝜃𝜃 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (80𝑥 − 800)(−1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(−1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(−1)𝑑𝑥 ]

Or,

𝜃 = 4000/𝐸𝐼

Now that we have determined the displacements and rotation at end B of the modified frame, we need
to find the magnitudes of the redundant forces (𝐵𝑥 , 𝐵𝑦 , 𝑀𝑏 ) such that when placed on the frame
produce displacements and rotation at B that cancel 𝛥𝑥 , 𝛥𝑦 , and 𝜃 computed above.

The following diagram shows the frame subjected to the three redundant forces and the deformation
that results.

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

If we replace each of the redundant forces with a unit load (see below), then we can write the
displacements compatibility equations for the frame using Equations [5], [6], and [7]. These equations
are given below.

𝛿𝑥𝑥 𝐵𝑥 + 𝛿𝑥𝑦 𝐵𝑦 + 𝛿𝑥𝑟 𝑀𝑏 = 𝛥𝑥 [5]

𝛿𝑦𝑥 𝐵𝑥 + 𝛿𝑦𝑦 𝐵𝑦 + 𝛿𝑦𝑟 𝑀𝑏 = 𝛥𝑦 [6]
𝛿𝑟𝑥 𝐵𝑥 + 𝛿𝑟𝑦 𝐵𝑦 + 𝛿𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑏 = 𝜃 [7]

Where 𝛿𝑥𝑥 is the displacement in the x direction at B due to a unit load in the x direction placed at B.
𝛿𝑥𝑦 is the displacement in the x direction at B due to a unit load in the y direction placed at B.
𝛿𝑥𝑟 is the displacement in the x direction at B due to a unit counterclockwise moment placed at B.
𝛿𝑦𝑥 is the displacement in the y direction at B due to a unit load in the x direction placed at B.
𝛿𝑦𝑦 is the displacement in the y direction at B due to a unit load in the y direction placed at B.
𝛿𝑦𝑟 is the displacement in the y direction at B due to a unit counterclockwise moment placed at B.

𝛿𝑟𝑥 is the counterclockwise rotation at B due to a unit load in the x direction placed at B.
𝛿𝑟𝑦 is the counterclockwise rotation at B due to a unit load in the y direction placed at B.
𝛿𝑟𝑟 is the counterclockwise rotation at B due to a unit counterclockwise moment placed at B.

The above displacements and rotations can be computed using the virtual work method. Since we
already have formulated all the necessary moment equations previously, we are not going to derive
them again.

To calculate 𝛿𝑥𝑥 , we need the moment equations given in loading case 2 above.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑥𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (𝑥)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (10)(10)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (𝑥)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑥𝑥 = 900/𝐸𝐼

To calculate 𝛿𝑥𝑦 , we need the moment equations given in loading cases 2 and 3.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (𝑥)(8)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (10)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (𝑥)(0)𝑑𝑥]

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Or,
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 720/𝐸𝐼

To calculate 𝛿𝑥𝑟 , we need the moment equations given in loading cases 2 and 4.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑥𝑟 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (𝑥)(1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (10)(1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (𝑥)(1)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑥𝑟 = 180/𝐸𝐼

To calculate 𝛿𝑦𝑥 , we need the moment equations given in loading cases 3 and 2.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (8)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (𝑥)(10)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑦𝑥 = 720/𝐸𝐼
To calculate 𝛿𝑦𝑦 , we need the moment equations given in loading case 3 above.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (8)(8)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (𝑥)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(0)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 2432/3𝐸𝐼
To calculate 𝛿𝑦𝑟 , we need the moment equations given in loading cases 3 and 4.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑦𝑟 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (8)(1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (𝑥)(1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (0)(1)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑦𝑟 = 112/𝐸𝐼
To calculate 𝛿𝑟𝑥 , we need the moment equations given in loading cases 4 and 2.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (1)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (1)(10)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (1)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑥𝑦 = 180/𝐸𝐼
To calculate 𝛿𝑟𝑦 , we need the moment equations given in loading cases 4 and 3.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑟𝑦 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (1)(8)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (1)(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (1)(0)𝑑𝑥]

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

Or,
𝛿𝑦𝑟 = 112/𝐸𝐼

And to calculate 𝛿𝑟𝑟 , we need the moment equations given in loading case 4.
1 10 8 10
𝛿𝑟𝑟 = 𝐸𝐼 [∫0 (1)(1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (1)(1)𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 (1)(1)𝑑𝑥]

Or,
𝛿𝑟𝑟 = 28/𝐸𝐼

Having computed all the displacement coefficients for the displacement compatibility equations, we can
rewrite equations [5] thru [7] as follows.

4400 40000
𝐵𝑥 + 720𝐵𝑦 + 180𝑀𝑏 =
3 3
2432
720𝐵𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 112𝑀𝑏 = 32000
3
180𝐵𝑥 + 112𝐵𝑦 + 28𝑀𝑏 = 4000

Solving the above equations, we get:

𝐵𝑥 = −40 𝑘𝑁
𝐵𝑦 = 44.12 𝑘𝑁
𝑀𝑏 = 223.53 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
Now we can determine the remaining support reactions using the static equilibrium equations. To do so,
we draw the frame’s free-body diagram, as depicted below.

The static equilibrium equations for the above free-body diagram are:

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 80 + 𝐴𝑥 − 40 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦 + 40.12 = 0

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Structural Analysis I (Lecture Notes) The Force Method Examples

∑ 𝑀@𝐴 = (10)(80) − 223.53 − (8)(44.12) − 𝑀𝑎 = 0

The solution of the above system of equations gives the remaining reaction force magnitudes. They are:

𝐴𝑥 = −40 𝑘𝑁 𝐴𝑦 = −44.12 𝑘𝑁 𝑀𝑎 = 223.51 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

The computed support reactions for the entire frame are shown below.

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