Scribd
Upload
53 views2 pages

Method of Consistent Deformation

The method of consistent deformation, introduced by James C. Maxwell in 1864, involves removing restraints from indeterminate structures to make them statically determinate and calculating redundant forces using equilibrium and compatibility conditions. The process includes analyzing primary and redundant structures, calculating deformations, and using Excel for solving complex problems, despite challenges with integration. This method enhances problem-solving skills and efficiency in structural engineering, particularly for analyzing frames, beams, and trusses.

Uploaded by

Clarisse Nicole Virtucio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
53 views2 pages

Method of Consistent Deformation

The method of consistent deformation, introduced by James C. Maxwell in 1864, involves removing restraints from indeterminate structures to make them statically determinate and calculating redundant forces using equilibrium and compatibility conditions. The process includes analyzing primary and redundant structures, calculating deformations, and using Excel for solving complex problems, despite challenges with integration. This method enhances problem-solving skills and efficiency in structural engineering, particularly for analyzing frames, beams, and trusses.

Uploaded by

Clarisse Nicole Virtucio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Method of consistent deformation was introduced by James C. Maxwell in 1864.

It involves
removing enough restraints from the indeterminate structure to make it statically determinate. It
uses equilibrium equations and compatibility conditions to calculate the redundant forces,
internal forces, and reactions in a structure.

First, the degree of static determinacy is determined. There are two types of structures which are
the primary structures and redundant structures, the restraints to be removed. These redundants
will be the unknowns to solve for. Draw the primary structure and redundant structure for it to be
easier to analyze. Make an equation/s that will be further used at the end to solve the reactions of
the redundant supports. Then, analyze the primary structure under the applied loads to calculate
deformation. Solve also the deformations caused by unit loads acting at the locations of
redundants, also known as flexibility coefficient. Afterwards, use the compatibility equations to
solve for the unknown redundant forces by incorporating the deformations and flexibility
coefficients. Make the deformation of the primary structure negative and positive for the
redundant structures. Subsequently, add the calculated redundant forces or reactions back to the
structure. Then again, combine the effects of redundants and applied loads to find internal forces,
moments, and reactions.

The user solved manually first before transferring and solving in on Excel to ensure that the
answer will be the same and correct. It is quite challenging for me as it is my first time to
incorporate Excel on formulating formulas to solve complex problems and as well as me being
not so familiar with the use of every functions on it. I did tables where values like the loadings,
distance of loadings, distance of span, total distance of span will be entered to compute for the
reactions of the support. The most challenging part for me is calculating the deformation because
of integration. There wasn’t a direct integration formula in excel to be used that would make it
easier to solve. That is why I came up with solutions to conquer it. There are limitations when it
comes to the program in MCD. It is limited up to 4 supports only and for hinge and rollers only
with column loads as loading.

This Excel program is challenging to do, but it is a good way to widen my knowledge and
understanding about the subject matter as it enhances the problem-solving and logical thinking
skills. It is satisfying to see that both answers match from the manual and solving on excel. It is a
sigh of relief to see that your hard work paid off. It also works on efficiency that automates
repetitive tasks, saving time and effort. It can also be customized to tailor to specific needs and
create reusable templates. It can enhance accuracy as it reduces human error in manual
calculations. This method is widely used in structural engineering, particularly for analyzing
frames, beams, and trusses.

You might also like