CHAPTER 3

PDEFLECTION OF BEAMS:
GEOMETRIC METHODS

• Double Integration
• Moment-Area
Historical Notes
• Superposition
• Conjugate-Beam

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
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Structures, like all other physical bodies, deform and change shape
1
when subjected to forces. Other common causes of deformations of
structures include temperature changes and support settlements. If the
deformations disappear and the structure regains its original shape
when the actions causing the deformations are removed, the
deformations are termed elastic deformations. The permanent
deformations of structures are referred to as inelastic, or plastic,
deformations. In this text, we will focus our attention on linear elastic
deformations. Such deformations vary linearly with applied loads (for
instance, if the magnitudes of the loads acting on the structure are
doubled, its deformations are also doubled, and so forth).

The following are the geometric methods use to solve the slope and
deflection of beams,
1. Double Integration Method
2. Moment-Area Method
3. Superposition Method
4. Conjugate-Beam Method

3.1 DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHOD

The double integration method is a classical technique used in Notes Here!
structural engineering to calculate the deflection of beams, particularly
when the beam is subjected to complex loading conditions or has
varying moments of inertia along its length. This method is based on
solving the differential equation that describes the curvature of the
beam and then integrating it twice to find the equation for the beam's
deflected shape or the elastic curve.
y

P w

O
x
y ,
x
Elastic curve
y = f(x)

Here's a step-by-step discussion of the double integration method:

1. Differential Equation for Beam Deflection: The starting point
for the double integration method is the differential equation that
relates the curvature of the beam to the applied loads. For a

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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beam with a constant cross-section, the basic form of this
equation is:

EIy'' = M
Where:
EI is the flexural rigidity of the beam, representing the product
of the modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia (I) of
the beam's cross-section.
y’’ represents the second derivative of the vertical deflection (y)
with respect to the longitudinal axis (x) of the beam.
M(x) represents the bending moment as a function of distance x
along the length of the beam due to applied loads.

2. Integration to Find Slope

The first integration of the differential equation gives the
equation for the slope of the deflected beam:

EIy' =  M( x )dx
EIy' = P( x ) + c1
Notes Here! where, c1 is the constant of integration, which can be determined
by applying appropriate boundary conditions at the beam's
supports.

3. Integration to Find Deflection

The second integration of the equation for slope provides the
equation for the deflected shape of the beam

EIy =  M ( x )dxdx
EIy = Q( x ) + c2

Where, c2 is another constant of integration, which is also

determined by applying boundary conditions.

4. Boundary Conditions
To solve for the constants c1 and c2 , boundary conditions must
be applied based on the specific support and loading conditions
of the beam. Common boundary conditions include deflection
and slope at the supports, as well as any applied displacements
or rotations.

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
Hinge support Roller support 1
y=0
y’

elastic curve elastic curve

tangent line
tangent line
Fix support

tangent line
y=0
y’= 0 elastic curve

5. Solving for Deflection Equation: Once the boundary

conditions are applied, the arbitrary constants can be
determined, and the equations for the deflection EIy and slope
EIy’ of the beam can be obtained.

EXAMPLE 3.1.1: Determine the equations for the slope and Notes Here!
deflection of the beam shown by the direct integration method. Also,
compute the slope at each end and the deflection at the midspan of
the beam. EI is constant.
w

L
EI = constant

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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EXAMPLE 3.1.2: Determine the maximum deflection for the beam
shown by double integration method.

135 KN
22 KN/m
C
A B 1.3 m 1.7 m D
2m

EI = constant
E = 10.5 GPa
I = 8325 x 106 mm4

Notes Here!

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
EXAMPLE 3.1.3: Determine the maximum deflection for the beam
shown by double integration method. 1

80 KN

A 12
I m B 12 m C

2I

E = constant = 200 GPa

I = 600 x 106 mm4

Notes Here!

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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3.2 MOMENT-AREA METHOD
The moment-area method for computing slopes and deflections of
beams was developed by Charles E. Greene in 1873. The method is
based on two theorems, called the moment-area theorems, relating
the geometry of the elastic curve of a beam to its M/EI diagram,
which is constructed by dividing the ordinates of the bending moment
diagram by the flexural rigidity EI. The method utilizes graphical
interpretations of integrals involved in the solution of the deflection
differential equation y’’ = M/EI in terms of the areas and the
moments of areas of the M=EI diagram. Therefore, it is more
convenient to use for beams with loading discontinuities and the
variable EI, as compared to the direct integration method described
previously.

P1 P2
w
M1 M2
A B
beam
𝑥ҧ A dx 𝑥ҧ B
Notes Here! x

Elastic
curve
B
Elastic curve A

dτA/B dθ τB/A
ΤA/B θBA dτB/A

tangent at A

tangent at B
(M/EI)dx
MA/EI MB/EI

M/EI
diagram
A B

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
Angle between the tangents to the elastic curve at A and B:
1
B
θBA = θB − θ A =  A ( M / EI )dx

in which θA and θB are the slopes of the elastic curve at points A and
B, respectively, with respect to the axis of the beam in the
undeformed (horizontal) state, θBA denotes the angle between the
B
tangents to the elastic curve at A and B, and  A ( M / EI )dx
represents the area under the M/EI diagram between points A and B.

Deviation of point B relative to tangent at point A:

B
τ B / A =  A ( M / EI )xB dx

Deviation of point A relative to tangent at point B:

B Notes Here!
τ A/ B =  A ( M / EI )x Adx

B
In which  A ( M / EI )xB dx represents the moment of the area under
the M/EI diagram between points A and B about point B, and
B
 A ( M / EI )x A dx represents the moment of the area under the M/EI
diagram between points A and B about point A.

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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EXAMPLE 3.2.1: Determine the slope at each end and the
deflection at the midspan of the beam. EI is constant.

L
EI = constant

Notes Here!

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
EXAMPLE 3.2.2: Determine the maximum deflection for the beam
shown by moment-Area Method. Also determine the slope1 and the
deflection at B.
135 KN
22 KN/m

A B 1.3 m C 1.7 m D
2m

EI = constant
E = 10.5 GPa
I = 8325 x 106 mm4

Notes Here!

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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EXAMPLE 3.2.3: Determine the maximum deflection for the beam
shown by moment – area method.

80 KN

A 12 m B 12 m C
I
2I

E = constant = 200 GPa

I = 600 x 106 mm4

Notes Here!

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
3.3 SUPERPOSITION METHOD
1
When a beam is subjected to several loads, it is usually convenient to
determine slope or deflection caused by the combined effects of loads
by superimposing (algebraically adding) the slopes or deflections due
to each of the loads acting individually on the beam. The slope and
deflection due to each individual load can be computed by using the
methods like double integration method, moment- area method and
etc. This method is particularly useful when dealing with statically
determinate structures.

Below are some of the important formulas that can simplify the
application of this method.

L/2 L/2

θ δmax

PL3 Notes Here!

δmax = δmid =
38EI

PL2
θ=
16 EI

θ L/2 δmax L/2

5wL4
δmax = δmid =
384EI

wL3
θ=
24EI

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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a b

θ
δmax

PL2 ( 3L − a )
δmax =
6 EI

Pa 2
θ=
2EI

Notes Here!
θ
δmax

wL4
δmax =
8EI

wL3
θ=
6 EI

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
EXAMPLE 3.3.1: Determine the reactions at the pin at A and the
1 E = 200
rollers at B and C on the beam. Support B settles 5 mm. Take
GPa, I = 300x10^6 mm4.
10 KN/m

A C
B
6m 6m
EI = constant

Notes Here!

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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EXAMPLE 3.3.2: The properties of the cantilever beam AB are
𝐸=200 𝐺𝑃𝑎 and 𝐼=80×106 𝑚𝑚4. The stiffness of the spring
supporting end A is 𝑘=550 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. If the spring is initially
undeformed, determine the force in the spring when the 50 𝑘𝑁 load is
applied to the beam.
50 KN

4m 1m
A B

Notes Here!

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
1
EXAMPLE 3.3.3: Determine the reaction at the roller support at B
of the beam shown in the figure. Assume EI is constant

10 KN/m

A B
12 m

Notes Here!

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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3.4 CONJUGATE BEAM METHOD
The Conjugate Beam Method is based on the idea of creating an
imaginary or "conjugate" beam, where the loading is modified in
such a way that the shear force and bending moment diagrams of this
conjugate beam correspond to the slope and deflection of the original
beam.

A conjugate beam corresponding to a real beam is a fictitious beam

of the same length as the real beam, but it is externally supported and
internally connected such that if the conjugate beam is loaded with
the M/EI diagram of the real beam, the shear and bending moment at
any point on the conjugate beam are equal, respectively, to the slope
and deflection at the corresponding point on the real beam.

2.4.1 Supports for Conjugate Beams

Real Beam Conjugate Beam
Type of Support Slope and Shear Type of Support
Deflection and
Moment
Simple end support Simple end support
0 V 0
Notes Here!
 =0 M=0

Fixed support Free end

=0 V =0
 =0 M=0

Free end 0 V 0 Fixed support

 0 M0

Simple Interior Support Internal Hinge

0 V 0
 =0 M=0

Internal Hinge 0 V 0 Simple Interior Support

 0 M0

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
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REAL BEAM CONJUGATE BEAM
1

Notes Here!

3.4.2 Sign Convention

If the positive ordinates of the M/EI diagram are applied to the
conjugate beam as upward loads (in the positive y direction) and vice
versa, then a positive shear in the conjugate beam denotes a positive
slope of the real beam with respect to the undeformed axis of
the real beam; also, a positive bending moment in the conjugate beam
denotes a positive (upward or in the positive y direction) deflection of
the real beam with respect to the undeformed axis of the real beam
and

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vice versa.

3.4.3 Procedure for Analysis

The following step-by-step procedure can be used for determining the
slopes and deflections of beams by the conjugate-beam method.
1. Construct the M/EI diagram by parts for the given (real) beam
subjected to the specified real loading.
2. Determine the conjugate beam corresponding to the given real
beam.
3. Apply the M/EI diagram (from step 1) as the load on the
conjugate beam. The positive ordinates of the M/EI diagram are
applied as upward loads on the conjugate beam and vice versa.
4. Calculate the reactions at the supports of the conjugate beam by
applying the equations of equilibrium.
5. Determine the shears at those points on the conjugate beam where
slopes are desired on the real beam. Determine the bending
moments at those points on the conjugate beam where deflections
are desired on the real beam. The shears and bending moments in
conjugate beams are considered to be positive or negative in
accordance with the beam sign convention.
6. The slope at a point on the real beam with respect to the
Notes Here! undeformed axis of the real beam is equal to the shear at that point
on the conjugate beam. A positive shear in the conjugate beam
denotes a positive or counterclockwise slope of the real beam and
vice versa.
7. The deflection at a point on the real beam with respect to the
undeformed axis of the real beam is equal to the bending moment
at that point on the conjugate beam. A positive bending moment
in the conjugate beam denotes a positive or upward deflection of
the real beam and vice versa.

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
EXAMPLE 3.4.1: Determine the slopes and deflections at points B
1 conjugate
and C of the cantilever beam shown in the figure using the
beam method.
50 KN

3m B 2m
A C
9 4
9 4
I = 2 x 10 mm I = 1.2 x 10 mm

E = constant = 200 GPa

Notes Here!

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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EXAMPLE 3.4.2: Use the conjugate-beam method to determine the
slopes at ends A and D and the deflections at points B and C of the
beam shown

220 KN 150 KN

A 4m B 2m C 3m D

EI = constant
E = 10.5 GPa
I = 8325 x 106 mm4

Notes Here!

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
EXAMPLE 3.4.3: Determine the maximum deflection for the beam
shown using the conjugate-beam method. 1

200 KN

8m B 4m C
A

EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
I = 800 x 106 mm4

Notes Here!

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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EXAMPLE 3.4.4: Use the conjugate-beam method to determine the
deflection at point C of the beam shown
50 KN/m 300 KN
B C D
A

3m 8m 4m
EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
6 4
I = 800 x 10 mm

Notes Here!

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
1

1. Use the double integration method to determine the slopes at

ends A and D and the deflections at points B and C of the beam
shown.
540 KN 360 KN

A 6m B 3m C 3m D

EI = constant
E = 25 GPa
I = 1.92 x 1010 mm4

2. Repeat problem 1 using moment – area method.

3. Repeat problem 1 using moment – conjugate-beam method.

4. Determine the maximum deflection for the beam shown by the

moment-area method.
240 KN Notes Here!

A 10 m B 5m C

EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
I = 1400 x 106 mm4

5. Repeat problem 4 using double integration method.

6. Repeat problem 4 using moment – conjugate-beam method.

7. Determine the equations for slope and deflection of the beam

shown by the direct integration method. EI = constant.

L
A B
8. Determine the equations for slope and deflection of the beam
shown by the direct integration method. EI = constant.

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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B C
A
a
L

EI = constant

9. Determine the slope and deflection at point B of the beam

shown by the direct integration method.

B 100 KN-m
A

4m
EI = constant
E = 70 GPa
6 4
Notes Here! I = 164 x 10 mm

10. Determine the slope and deflection at point B of the beam

shown by the direct integration method.

2m 120 KN-m

A C
4m
EI = constant
E = 70 GPa
6 4
I = 500 x 10 mm

11. Determine the slope and deflection at point B of the beam

shown by the moment-area method.
50 KN/m

A B

10 m
EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
6 4
I = 1250 x 10 mm
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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
12. Repeat problem 11 using conjugate-beam method.
1

13. Determine the slope and deflection at point B of the beam

shown by the moment-area method.

A B
a
L
EI = constant
14. Use the moment-area method to determine the slopes and
deflections at points B and C of the beam shown.
100 KN
300 KN-m
B
A C
6m 3m Notes Here!
2I I
E = 200 GPa
6 4
I = 1050 x 10 mm

15. Repeat problem 14 using double integration method.

16. Repeat problem 14 using conjugate beam method.

17. Use the moment-area method to determine the slopes and

deflections at points B and C of the beam shown.

300 KN 45 KN/m
3m B 3m C
A
3m
EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
6 4
I = 1250 x 10 mm

18. Repeat problem 17 using double integration method.

19. Repeat problem 17 using conjugate-beam method.

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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20. Determine the maximum deflection for the beam shown by the
moment-area method.

100 KN 180 KN

6m B 3m C 3m D
A

EI = constant
E = 70 GPa
I = 90 x 1010 mm4
21. Repeat problem 20 using double integration method.
22. Repeat problem 20 using conjugate-beam method.

23. Determine the maximum deflection for the beam shown by the
moment-area method.

180 KN 270 KN

Notes Here!
A B C D

3m 3m 3m
I 2I I

E= constant = 200 GPa

I = 450 x 106 mm4

24. Repeat problem 23 using conjugate-beam method.

25. Determine the maximum deflection for the beam shown by the
moment-area method.

50 KN/m
B C D
A

3m 8m 4m
EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
6 4
I = 500 x 10 mm

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CHAPTER 3 Deflection of Beams: Geometric Methods
P A R T Formula & Principles
Structural Analysis
{ 1 1 1
26. Repeat problem 25 using double integration method.1
27. Repeat problem 25 using conjugate-beam method.

28. Use the moment-area method to determine the slope and

deflection at point D of the beam shown.

180 KN 15 KN/m
A B C D

5m 5m 4m
EI = constant
E = 70 GPa
6 4
I = 2400 x 10 mm
29. Repeat problem 28 using double integration method.
30. Repeat problem 28 using conjugate-beam method.

31. Use the moment-area method to determine the slopes and Notes Here!
deflections at points B and D of the beam shown.

350 KN 150 KN
300 KN-m
3m B 3m C 3m D 3m
A E
hinge
EI = constant
E = 200 GPa
6 4
I = 2500 x 10 mm
32. Repeat problem 31 using conjugate-beam method.

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 Structural Analysis by Dovann O. Arrabis
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Notes Here!

29