Chapter Nine

Deflections of Beams and Frames

Dr. Cesar Carrasco

Deflection of Beams and Frames

When a structure is loaded its elements deform These deformations change the shape of the structure Although deformations are generally small, the designer has to be able to estimate their magnitude to make sure they do not exceed the limits given by the design code There are several methods to compute deflections in beams and frames:
Double integration method Moment area method Conjugate beam method Work/Energy methods Others

Double Integration Method

Example 9.1 For the beam shown below determine the equation for the slope and the deflection by the double integration method

Example 9.2 For the beam shown below determine the equation for the slope and the deflection by the double integration method

Example 9.3 For the beam shown below determine the equation for the slope and the deflection by the double integration method. Also, find the location of the maximum deflection.

Moment Area Method

Based on the relation between deflection and slope of the elastic curve and the moment equation, moment of inertia, and modulus of elasticity

d y M = 2 dx EI

Derivation of the Moment-Area Theorem (1)

The change is slope between any two points on a continuous elastic curve is equal to the area under the M/EI curve between these points

Derivation of the Moment-Area Theorem (2)

The tangential deviation at a point B on a continuous elastic curve from the tangential line drawn to the elastic curve at a second point A is equal to the moment about B of the area under the M/EI diagram between the two points

Example 9.4 Compute the slope B and the deflection B at the tip of the cantilever beam. EI is constant.

Example 9.5 Compute the deflection of point C at the tip of the cantilever beam. E=29,000ksi, IAB=2I where I=400in4.

Example 9.6 Compute the deflection at points B and C and the slope at A. EI is constant.

Example 9.7 Compute the slope at A and C. Also determine the location and value of the maximum deflection. What is the minimum value of I if the allowable maximum deflection is 0.6in. EI is constant and E=29,000ksi

Example 9.8 Compute the slope of the elastic curve at points A and C and the deflection an A.

Example 9.9 Compute the deflection at hinge B, the slope of the elastic curve at E and the end slopes of the beam at both sides of the hinge.

Conjugate Beam Method

In this method, the actual supports are replaced by conjugate supports to produce a conjugate beam. In this conjugate beam, the shear and moment produced when loaded with the M/EI diagram are equal to the slope and deflection respectively.

Conjugate Supports

Example 9.10 Use the conjugate beam method to determine the deflection at point D, the slope at C and the maximum value of the deflection between supports A and C.

Example 9.11 Use the conjugate beam method to determine the deflection at point C

Example 9.12 Determine the deflection at point C.