Lecture Notes:

STME240517: Structural Analysis

Phong T. T. Nguyen, PhD

Department of Structural Engineering

Faculty of Civil Engineering
HCMC University of Technology and Education
 Lecture Notes:
STME240517: Structural Analysis

Chapter 2: Geometrical stability of a plane structure

Content: Phong T. T. Nguyen, PhD
2.1 Idealizing Structure
2.2 Principle of Superposition
2.3 Equations of Equilibrium
2.4 Determinacy and Stability
2.5 Calculation of Reactions
➢ Before analyzing the structure (actually, analytical model not real structure), we must:
▪ Understand the modelling tools we are using: convert real structure to idealizing structure
(analytical model) → employ assumptions
▪ Classify the system we are using

▪ Specifically, we want to know:

▪ Boundary conditions, supports
▪ Are there any internal releases
▪ Is the system stable (satisfy equilibrium conditions)
▪ Statically determinate or indeterminate
 2.1 Idealizing Structure
➢ To develop the ability to model (computational model/analytical model) or idealize a
structure so that the structural engineer can perform a practical force analysis of the
members.

➢ Support Connections: structural members are joined together in various ways

depending on the intend of the designer:
• Pin connection (allows some freedom for slight rotation)
• Roller support (allows some freedom for slight rotation)
• Fixed joint (allows no relative rotation)
Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 4
 2.1 Idealizing Structure
➢ Support Connections:
▪ In reality, all connections exhibit some stiffness toward joint rotations owing to friction &
material behavior.
▪ If k = 0, the joint is pin, and if k -> , the joint is fixed
▪ When selecting the model for each support, the engineer must be aware of how the
assumptions will affect the actual performance.
▪ The analysis of the loadings should give results that closely approximate the actual loadings

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 5

2.1 Idealizing Structure

E, A, I

Hình 0.1

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 6

 2.1 Idealizing Structure
Assumptions:
- Replace beam/column by a line (line element); plate and shell by a surface/ area element
- Cross sections → section properties (E, A, I).
- Real supports → ideal supports (without friction, stiff, elastic…).
- Loads → acting on neutral line/surface
- Additional assumptions if needed (hinged joints, masonry, reinforced concrete slab…)

E, A, I

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 7

2.1 Idealizing Structure

Actual Truss

Simpler Structure
Step 1

Step 2

Idealizing Truss
Additional assumption: hinged joint
Fixed joint

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 8

 2.1 Idealizing Structure
➢ Support Connections:

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 9

2.1 Idealizing Structure

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 10

2.1 Idealizing Structure

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 11

 2.1 Idealizing Structure
• Consider the jib crane & trolley, we neglect the thickness of the 2 main member & will
assume that the joint at B is fabricated to be rigid
• The support at A can be modeled as a fixed support

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 12

2.1 Idealizing Structure
• Consider the framing used to support a typical floor slab in a building
• The slab is supported by floor joists located at even intervals
• These are in turn supported by 2 side girders AB & CD

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 13

 2.1 Idealizing Structure
• For analysis, it is reasonable to assume that the joints are pin and/or roller connected
to girders & the girders are pin and/or roller connected to columns

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 14

 2.1 Idealizing Structure
➢ Tributary Loadings
▪ There are 2 ways in which the load on surfaces is transmitted to various structural elements
1. 1-way system
2. 2-way system

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 15

 2.1 Idealizing Structure
➢ Tributary Loadings
▪ There are 2 ways in which the load on surfaces is transmitted to various structural elements
1. 1-way system
2. 2-way system

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 16

2.1 Idealizing Structure
Example 2.1
• The floor of a classroom is to be supported by the bar joists as shown. Each joist is 4.5
m long and they are spaced 0.75 m on centers.
• The floor itself is to be made from lightweight concrete that is 100 mm thick. Neglect
the weight of the joists and the corrugated metal deck, and determine the load that
acts along each joist.

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 17

2.1 Idealizing Structure
• Example 2.1 (Solution)
Dead load, weight of concrete slab
= (100)(0.015)
= 1.50 kN/m 2
Live load = 1.92 kN/m 2
Total load = 1.50 + 1.92 = 3.42 kN/m 2
L1 = 0.75 m, L2 = 4.5 m
L1 / L2  2  1 - way slab
Uniform load along its length, w
= 3.42 kN/m 2 (0.75 m) = 2.57 kN/m

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 18

 2.2 Principle of Superposition
➢ The principle of superposition states that the effect of multiple loads acting on a
structure is the algebraic sum of the reactions under those loads individually .

▪ The total displacement or internal loadings (stress/reluctant forces) at a point in a structure

subjected to several external loadings can be determined by adding together the
displacements or internal loadings (stress/reluctant forces) caused by each of the external
loads acting separately.

▪ Linear relationship exist among loads, stresses & displacements

σ
P1 P2 P1 P2

= ∆1 + ∆2
∆
ε
∆(P1, P2) = ∆(P1) +∆(P2)
Stress-Strain Relationship
Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 19
 2.2 Principle of Superposition
➢ The principle of superposition states that the effect of multiple loads acting on a
structure is the algebraic sum of the reactions under those loads individually .

➢ 2 requirements for the principle to apply (It is true for particular conditions):

▪ Material must behave in a linear-elastic manner, Hooke’s Law is valid (linear relationships)
▪ The geometry of the structure must not undergo significant change when the loads are
applied, small displacement theory
σ
P1 P2 P1 P2

= ∆1 + ∆2
∆
ε
∆(P1, P2) = ∆(P1) +∆(P2)
Stress-Strain Relationship
Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 20
 2.2 Principle of Superposition

➢ The principle of superposition make

analysis easier by allowing the
consideration of one load at a time

➢ Once the reactions for each load are

determined, they are simply assumed
to obtain the total.

Fig. Principle of Superposition,

(Kassimali’s book note)

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 21

 2.3 Equations of Equilibrium
➢ A structure is in equilibrium if it remains in rest when subject to a system of forces
➢ If a structure is in equilibrium, so are all of its members and parts
➢ All forces and moments must balance each other, and there must be no resultant
forces or couples.
➢ For a (space) structure to be in equilibrium (6 equations):
no resultant force or
 Fx = 0  Fy = 0  Fz = 0
moment along any of
 M x =0  M y =0  M z =0 the axes

➢ For plane structures, only forces in the x and y directions and moments in the z direction
must be considered (3 equations):
෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 ෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ෍ 𝑀𝑜 = 0

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 22

 2.3 Equations of Equilibrium
➢ For plane structures, we may alternately consider:

෍ 𝐹𝑞 = 0 ෍ 𝑀𝐴 = ෍ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

▪ The q axis must not be perpendicular to the line connecting points A and B

➢ Also:
෍ 𝑀𝐴 = ෍ 𝑀𝐵 = ෍ 𝑀𝐴 = 0

Where A, B, and C are not collinear

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 23

 2.3 Equations of Equilibrium
Special Cases:

➢ Two-force structures must have forces is equal, opposite, collinear directions

➢ Three-force structures must have forces that are either concurrent or parallel

➢ Concurrence force systems (the lines of action of all forces intersect in a single point)
automatically have zero moment about that point .

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 24

 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Types of supports for plane structures:

▪ Supports attach structures to the ground or other bodies

▪ Supports prevent the motion of the structure by applying opposing forces to the effects
of loads, maintaining equilibrium

▪ A support that prevents motion or rotation along a direction or about an axis exerts a
force or moment in that direction or along that axis.

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 25

 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Types of supports for plane structures

Type 1: Rollers, Rockers, and Links: have ONE

Reaction

▪ Rollers, rockers, and links prevent motion and

exert a force along a single axis.

▪ Rollers and rockers exert the force

perpendicular to the surface they touch.

▪ Links exert the force in the direction of the

link.

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 26

 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Types of supports for plane structures

Type 2: Hinges: have TWO Reactions

▪ Hinges prevent motion and exert a force in any direction .

▪ The direction is unknown, and may be solved for.
▪ The force is often considered as its components in the X and Y directions

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 27

 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Types of supports for plane structures

Type 3: Fixed support: have THREE Reactions

▪ Fixed supports prevent motion and exert a force in any direction, and prevent rotation by
exerting a moment .
▪ There are three unknowns, the forces in the X and Y directions and the moment in Z

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 28

 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Types of supports for plane structures

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 29

 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Some definitions:
➢ Statically determinate structures have reactions that can be determined using ONLY the
equations of equilibrium.
➢ Statically unstable structures do not have a sufficient number of reactions to prevent all
possible motions.
➢ Statically indeterminate structures have more reactions than is necessary for stability, and
not all reactions may be determined from the equations of equilibrium.
➢ Internally stable, or rigid, structures maintain their shape when detached from their supports
➢ Internally unstable structures cannot maintain their shape when not supported externally
➢ All physical bodies undergo at least some small amount of deformation, but in this case a
rigid structure offers significant resistance to deformation.
Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 30
 2.4 Determinacy and Stability
Determinacy:
➢ Statically determinate structures have reactions that can be determined using only
the equations of equilibrium.
▪ Equilibrium equations provide both the necessary and sufficient conditions for
equilibrium
▪ All forces can be determined strictly from these equations
▪ No. of unknown forces > equilibrium equation => statically indeterminate
▪ This can be determined using free body diagrams

➢ For a coplanar structure, including 𝑛 elements and 𝐿 rollers/rocker/links connections, 𝐻

hinged supports and 𝐹 fixed supports:
→ number of unknowns forces/reactions: 𝑟 = 𝐿 + 2𝐻 + 3𝐹
𝑟 < 3𝑛: statically unstable
𝑟 = 3𝑛: statically determinate
𝑟 > 3𝑛: statically indeterminate → need additional equations.

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 31

 Determinacy and Stability

Example 2.4
Classify each of the beams as statically determinate or statically indeterminate. If statically
indeterminate, report the number of degrees of indeterminacy. The beams are subjected to
external loadings that are assumed to be known and can act anywhere on the beams.

32 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

Example 2.4 (Solution)

r = 3, n = 1,3 = 3(1)
Statically determinate

r = 5, n = 1,5  3(1) Statically indeterminate to

the second degree

33 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

Example 2.4 (Solution)

r = 6, n = 2,6 = 3(2 ) Statically determinate

r = 10, n = 3,10  3(3)

Statically indeterminate to the first degree

34 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Example 2.5
Classify each of the pin-connected structures as statically determinate or statically
indeterminate. If statically indeterminate, report the number of degrees of indeterminacy. The
structures are subjected to arbitrary external loadings that are assumed to be known and can
act anywhere on the structures.

35 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

Example 2.5 (Solution)

r = 7, n = 2,7  6 Statically indeterminate to the first degree

r = 9, n = 3,9 = 9 Statically determinate

36 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

Example 2.5 (Solution)

r = 10, n = 2,10  6 Statically indeterminate to the fourth degree

r = 9, n = 3,9 = 9 Statically determinate

37 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

▪ Stability
- To ensure equilibrium of a structure or its members:
➢ Must satisfy equations of equilibrium
➢ Members must be properly held or constrained by their supports

38 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

▪ Partial constraints
- Fewer reactive forces than equations of equilibrium

-
 Fx = 0 will not be satisfied

- Member will be unstable

39 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

▪ Improper constraints
- In some cases, unknown forces may equal equations of equilibrium in number
- However, instability or movement of structure could still occur if support reactions are
concurrent at a point

40 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

▪ Improper constraints

Pd  0
- Rotation about O will take place
- Similarly instability can occur if all reactive forces are parallel

41 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Determinacy and Stability

Example 2.7
Classify each of the structures as stable or unstable. The structures are subjected to arbitrary
external loads that are assumed to be known.

42 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Idealise Structure

Example 2.7 (Solution)

Stable,
statically determine

Unstable

43 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Idealise Structure

Example 2.7 (Solution)

Unstable

Unstable

44 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 2.5 Application of Equilibrium Eq. for Reaction Calculation
➢ A straightforward step-by-step procedure may be used to determine reactions of
plane statically determinate structures.

➢ First, draw a free-body diagram (FBD)

▪ Show the structure detached from supports
▪ Show forces, dimensions, and coordinate axes

➢ Second, check for static determinacy:

▪ Structure must be statically determinate to use this analysis

➢ Then, Apply the equations of equilibrium and condition to the entire structure
▪ Try to write the equations involving only one variable if possible to simplify analysis

➢ Check your work using a different equilibrium equation

▪ If your work is correct, this equation will also be satisfied

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 45

 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

▪ Consider 3-member frame subjected to loads P1 & P2

▪ There are 9 unknowns in total
▪ 9 equations of equilibrium can be written, 3 for each member
▪ It is statically determinate

46 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.8
Determine the reactions on the beam as shown.

47 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.8 (Solution)

+  Fx = 0; Ax − 270 cos 60 0 = 0
Ax = 135 kN
With anti - clockwise moments in the + direction,
 A
M = 0; − 270 sin 60 0
(3) + 270 cos 60 0
(0.3) + B y ( 4.2) − 67.5 = 0
B y = 173.4 kN
+   Fy = 0; − 270 sin 60 0 + 173.4 + Ay = 0
Ay = 60.4 kN

48 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.11
The compound beam shown is fixed at A. Determine the reactions at A, B, and C. Assume that
the connection at B is a pin and C is a roller.

49 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.11 (Solution)

50 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.11 (Solution)

Segment BC :
With anti - clockwise moments in the + direction,
 M c = 0; − 8 + B y ( 4.5) = 0  B y = 1.78 kN
+   Fy = 0; − 1.78 + C y = 0  C y = 1.78 kN
+  Fx = 0; Bx = 0

Segment AB :
With anti - clockwise moments in the + direction,
 M A = 0; M A − 36(3) + (1.78)(6) = 0  M A = 97.3 kN • m
+   Fy = 0; Ay − 36 + 1.78 = 0  Ay = 34.2 kN
+  Fx = 0; Ax = 0
51 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.13
The side of the building is subjected to a wind loading that creates a uniform normal pressure of
15 kPa on the windward side and a suction pressure of 5 kPa on the leeward side. Determine the
horizontal and vertical components of reaction at the pin connections A, B, and C of the
supporting gable arch.

52 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.13 (Solution)

Since the loading is evenly distributed, the central gable arch supports a loading acting on the
walls & roof of the dark-shaded tributary area. This represents a uniform distributed load of (15
kN/m2)(4 m)=60 kN/m on the windward side and (5 kN/m2)(4 m)=20 kN/m on the suction side.

53 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.13 (Solution)

By applying equilibrium equations in the following sequence,

Entire Frame :
With anti - clockwise moments in the + direction,
 M A = 0; − (180 + 60)(1.5) − ( 254.6 + 84.9) cos 45 ( 4.5)
o

− ( 254.6 sin 45o )(1.5) + (84.9 sin 45o )(4.5) + C y (6) = 0

C y = 240.0 kN
+   Fy = 0; − Ay − 254.6 sin 45o + 84.9 sin 45o + 240.0 = 0
Ay = 120.0 kN

54 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

Example 2.13 (Solution)

Member AB :
With anti - clockwise moments in the + direction,
 M B = 0; − Ax (6) + 120.0(3) + 180( 4.5) + ( 254.6)(2.12) = 0
Ax = 285.0 kN
+  Fx = 0; − 285.0 + 180 + 254.6 cos 45o − Bx = 0
Bx = 75.0 kN
+   Fy = 0; − 120.0 − 254.6 sin 45o + B y = 0
B y = 300.0 kN
Member AB :
+  Fx = 0; − C x + 60 +84.9 cos 45o + 75.0 = 0
C x = 195.0 kN
55 Structural Analysis Eighth Edition l © 2012 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd
 SUMMARY
➢ A structure is in equilibrium if and only if it satisfies all equations of equilibrium
▪ You should know how to use these equations

➢ Structures may be supported in a variety of ways, each of which gives different

reaction forces and moments.
▪ You should know the different types of supports and their corresponding reactions

➢ Structures may be statically determinate, indeterminate, or unstable

▪ You should know what each of these terms means and how to identify structures

➢ For statically determinate structures, equations of equilibrium are sufficient to

determine reactions
▪ You should be able to apply these equations to find reactions for such structures

Phong Nguyen Chapter 2 56