DEFLECTIONS OF BEAMS AND FRAMES

INTRODUCTION : When a structure is loaded, its stressed elements deform. In a

truss, bars in tension elongate and bars in compression shorten. Beams bend. As
this deformation occur, the structure changes shape and points on the structure
displace. Although these deflections are normally small, as a part of the total
design the engineer must verify that these deflections are within the limits
specified by the governing design code to ensure that the structure is
serviceable. Large deflections cause cracking of non structural elements such as
plaster ceiling, tile walls or brittle pipes. Since the magnitude of deflections is
also a measure of a members stiffness, limiting deflections also ensures that
excessive vibrations of building floors.
In this chapter we consider several methods of computing deflections and slopes at
points along the axis of beams and frames. These methods are based on the
differential equation of the elastic curve of a beam. This equation relates
curvature at a point along beams longitudinal axis to the bending moment at that
point and the properties of the cross section and the material. If the elastic
curve seems difficult to establish, it is suggested that the moment diagram for
the beam or frame be drawn first. A positive moment tends to bend a beam
concave upward. Likewise a negative moment bend the beam concave downward.

Therefore if the moment diagram is known, it will be easy to construct the elastic curve. In particular, there must be
an inflection point at the point where the curve changes from concave down to concave up, since this is a zero moment.

A
=0

=0

=0

=0

SCHEMATICALLY
Moment
Diagrams

Elastic Curves

Inflection point

Inflection point

DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHOD

The double integration method is a procedure to establish the equations for slope and deflection at points along
the elastic curve of a loaded beam. The equations are derived by integrating the differential equation of the
elastic curve twice. The method assumes that all deformations are produced by moment.
The slope of the curve at point A

GEOMETRY OF CURVES

Elastic
curve

dy
=
dx

From the geometry of

triangular segment ABO

.d = ds
1

Dividing each side by ds

dx

Line tangent at B

If the angles are small, the

slope can be written

d
=
ds

d/ds represents the change in slope per unit length

of distance along the curve, is called curvature and
denoted by symbol . Since slopes are small in
actual beams ds=dx we can express the curvature,

ds

dy
= tan
dx

d 1
=
dx

Differentiating both sides of the second equation

Line tangent at A

d d 2 y
=
dx dx 2

Relationship between bending moment and curvature for

pure bending remains valid for general transverse loadings.

d d 2 y M
=
=
= =
2
dx
dx
EI
1

Example : For the cantilever beam in figure establish the equations for slope and deflection by the double integration
method. Also determine the magnitude of the slope B and deflection B at the tip of the cantilever. EI is constant.
y

Boundary conditions

M = P (L x)
x

L-x

when ... x = 0 ... y = 0 ... then ... C 2 = 0

when ... x = 0 ...

dy
= 0 ... then ... C 1 = 0
dx

P (L x)
d2y
M
=
=
dx 2
EI
EI
dy
PLx
Px 2
=
+
+ C1
dx
EI
2 EI
PLx 2
Px 3
y =
+
+ C1x + C 2
2 EI
6 EI
dy PLx Px 2
=
+
=
dx
EI
2 EI
2
3
Px
PLx
y=
+
2 EI
6 EI
PL2
B =
2 EI
PL3
B =
3 EI

Example : Use the double integration method, establish the equations for slope and deflection for the uniformly loaded
beam in figure. Evaluate the deflection at mid-span and the slope at support A. EI is constant.
y

dx
qL/2

-dy

C
dx

dy

qLx qx 2

M =
2
2
x
d 2 y qLx qx 2
=

EI
dx 2
2
2
2
dy qLx
qx 3
=

+ C1
EI
dx
4
6
qLx 3 qx 4

+ C1 x + C 2
EIy =
12
24
Boundary ...Conditions
x = 0 ... y = 0 ... C 2 = 0
qL 4 qL 4
qL 3

+ C 1 L ... C 1 =
x = L ... y = 0 ... 0 =
12
24
24
2
3
3
dy qLx
qx
qL
=

=
dx
4 EI
6 EI 24 EI
3
4
qLx
qx
qL 3 x

y=
12 EI 24 EI 24 EI

Deflection at mid-span substitute x=L/2

and the slope at A substitute x=0

5 qL 4
y=
384 EI
qL 3
A =
24 EI

MOMENT-AREA METHOD
There are two moment-area theorems. These theorems were developed by Otto Mohr and later stated formally
by Charles E. Greene in 1872. These theorems provide a semi-graphical technique for determining the slope of
the elastic curve and its deflection due to bending. They are particularly advantageous when used to solve
problems involving beams especially those subjected to serious of concentrated loadings or having segments with
different moments of inertia. The first theorem is used to calculate a change in slope between two points on
the elastic curve. The second theorem is used to compute the vertical distance (called a tangential deviation)
between a point on the elastic curve and a line tangent to the elastic curve at a second point. These quantities
are illustrated in the following figure.
Elastic curve

B
tBA

AB

Tangent at A

C
Derivation of the moment-area theorems : The
relation between slope and moment and bending
stiffness EI is

d
M
=
dx
EI
M
d =
dx
EI

It states that the change in slope of the tangents on

either side of the element dx is equal to the area
under the M/EI diagram. Integrating from point A on
the elastic curve to point B we have,

AB =

M
dx
EI

The ordinates of the moment curve must be divided by the bending stiffness EI to produce M/EI curve. The last
equation forms the basis for the first moment-area theorem.
The change in slope between any two points on a continuous elastic curve is equal to the area
under the M/EI curve between these points.
The tangential deviation dt can be expressed by

dt = d .x
A

Substitute d in the equation,

dt = (

M/EI
diag.
dx
A

Elastic
curves

dx

Tangent at B

B
x

dt

Tangent at A

To evaluate tBA we must sum all

increments of dt by integrating the
contribution of all the infinitesimal
segment between points A and B.
B

tBA

M .x
dx
EI
A

t BA = dt =
A

B
A

M
dx).x
EI

AB

Remembering that the quantity

Mdx/EI represents an infinitesimal
area under the M/EI diagram and that
x is the distance from the area to point
B, we can interpret the integral as the
moment about point B of the area
under the M/EI diagram between
points A and B

This result constitutes the second moment-area theorem.

The tangential deviation at a point B on a continuous elastic curve from a tangent 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 : Compute the slope and deflection at the tip of the cantilever beam. EI is constant.
y

Tangent at A is always horizontal.

P
C

t BA = vB

AB

PL2
1 PL PL2
AB =
= L
=
2 EI 2 EI
2 EI

The slope at mid-point :

PL
EI

B = A + AB = AB

AC
2
x= L
3
M/EI DIAGRAM

AC

1 PL PL L 3PL2
=
+
=
2 EI
2 EI 2
8 EI

3PL2
=
8 EI

t BA

1 PL 2 L PL3
= vB = L
=
2 EI 3
3EI

Minus sign indicates that the tangent lies above elastic

curve

Example : Determine the deflection at points B and C of the beam shown below. Values for the moment of inertia of
each segment are IAB= 8.106 mm4 , and IBC= 4.106 mm4 . Take E= 200 GPa,
500 N.m

B
EI

2EI
4m

By inspection the moment diagram for the beam is a rectangle. If we

construct the M/EI diagram relative to IBC . The couple causes the beam
to deflect concave up. We are required to find the vertical
displacements at B and C. These displacements can be related directly to
the deviations between the tangents.

500
EI BC

250
EI BC
A

B
M/EI
diagram

tan C

B = t BA =

250
2000
*4*2 =
=
EI BC
EI BC

2000
= 0.0025m
200.109 * 4.10 6

C
A

B = t BA

C = tCA

C = tCA =

250
500
* 4*5 +
* 3 *1.5 =
EI BC
EI BC

7250
= 0.00906m = 9.06mm
EI BC
Since both answers are positive, they indicate that points B
and C lie above the tangent at A.

Example : Determine the slope at point C of the beam. EI is constant.

8 kN

C = A AC
C =

4m
12/EI

M/EI
DIAGRAM

4/EI

t BA
AC
L
1 4
4
AC = * 2 =
2 EI EI
1 12
1 12
2 160
t BA = * 6 * 4 + * 2 * 2 * =
2 EI
2 EI
3 EI
160 4 16
20
............ A =

=
C =
8EI EI EI
EI

C =

2x
x

A
'

t DA
Horizontal
tangent

t DA =

20 1
40 5
* *2 5 =
EI 3
3EI

t BA
AC
L

t BA

Location of maximum deflection occurs at the point where the

slope of the beam is zero. So, the change in slope must be A,
between the support and the point of the max. deflection. let the
base of the triangle be x

20 x 2
A =
=
x = 2 5 = 4.47m
EI EI

3
' t BA
=
' = t BA
6
8
4
3 160 40 5 90.186
max = 't DA =

=
EI
4 EI
3EI

Example : Determine the deflection at point C of the beam. E= 200 GPa, I=250 10-6 m4

8m

8m

1 192
1 1
192 3
* 8 8 + * 8 + * 8 *

* 8
EI 4
2 EI
3 3

11264
=
EI
1 192 1 2048
t BA =
* 8 8 * =
EI
2 EI
3
tCA =

192/EI

' t BA
=
' = 2t BA
16 8
C = tCA ' = tCA 2t BA

6 kN/m

C =

7168 .kNm 3
C =
= 0.143 m.
200 *10 6.kN / m 2 .250 *10 6
= 143 mm

tBA

11264
2048 7168
2*
=
EI
EI
EI

'

tCA

CONJUGATE BEAM METHOD

The method was first presented by Otto Mohr in 1860. This method relies only the principles of statics and
hence its application will be more familiar. The basis for the method comes from the similarity between both

dQ
= q
dx

dM
= Q
dx

d 2M
or........ 2 = q
dx

which relate a beams internal shear and moment to its applied loading, and

d M
=
dx EI

d2y M
=
2
dx
EI

which relate the slope and deflection of its elastic curve to the internal moment divided by EI. Or integrating

Q=

( q )dx
M
dx
EI

M = ( q )dx
y=

M
EI dx

These equations indicate that the shear in a beam

can be obtained by integrating the load once and the
moment by integrating the load twice. Since the
curvature of a beam is proportional to the bending
moment, slope and deflection of the beam can be
obtained by successively integrating the moment.

We want to replace the integration indicated in the equations by drawing the shear and bending moment diagrams. To
do this we will consider a beam having the same length as the real beam, bot referred to here as the conjugate beam.
It is loaded with the M/EI diagram of the real beam. Shear and moment diagrams of the conjugate beam represent
one and two integrations, respectively of the M/EI diagram of the real beam. We thus conclude that shear and
moment diagrams of the conjugate beam represent the slope and deflection of the real beam. Now we can therefore
state two theorems related to conjugate beam, namely

Theorem 1: The slope at a point in the real beam is equal to the shear at the corresponding point in the conjugate
beam.
Theorem 2: The displacement at a point in the real beam is equal to the moment at the corresponding point in the
conjugate beam.
Since each of the previous equations requires integration it is important that the proper boundary conditions be used
when they are applied.
REAL BEAM

CONJUGATE BEAM
pin

roller

=0

=0

=0
=0

fixed

free

M =0

M =0
Q=0
M =0
Q
M

=0

Internal pin

Internal
roller

=0

hinge

M =0

pin

roller

free
fixed

hinge
hinge

M =0
Q
M

Internal
roller

REAL BEAM

CONJUGATE BEAM

If we treat positive values

of the M/EI diagram
applied to the beam as a
distributed load acting
upward and negative values
of M/EI as a downward
load, positive shear denotes
a negative slope and a
negative shear a positive
slope. Further negative
values of moment indicate a
downward deflection and
positive values of moment
an upward deflection.

As a rule, neglecting axial force, statically determinate real beams have statically indeterminate conjugate beams;
and statically indeterminate real beams, as in the last figure above become unstable conjugate beams. Although this
occurs, the M/EI loading will provide the necessary equilibrium to hold the conjugate beam stable.

Example : Determine the slope and deflection of point B of the steel beam shown in figure. The reactions are given in
the figure. Take E=200 GPa, I=333 106 mm4
22 kN

22 kN
Real
Beam

4.6 m

4.6 m

M/EI diagram is negative, so the distributed load acts

downward

232.76
+ QB = 0
EI
232.76
232.76
QB =
=
EI
200.106 * 333.106
QB = 0.00349

101.2 kNm
Conjugate
Beam

101.2
EI

B = 0.00349rad
7.667 m

232.76
EI

MB
QB

232 . 76
* 7 . 667 = 0
EI
1784 . 5
1784 . 5
M B = B =
=
=
EI
200 . 10 6 * 333 . 10 6
B = 0 . 0268 m
MB +

Positive shear indicates negative slope, and the negative moment of the beam indicates downward displacement.

Example : Determine the maximum deflection of the steel beam shown below. Reactions are given. I= 60.106 mm4
8 kN
A

B
9m

2 kN

6 kN

B
A

81
EI

External reactions

Real
Beam

3m

18
EI

45
EI

The distributed load acts upward, since

M/EI diagram is positive. External
reactions are shown on the free body
diagram. Maximum deflection of the real
beam occurs at the point where the slope
of the beam is zero. This corresponds to
the same point in the conjugate beam
where the shear is zero. Assumong this
point acts within the region 0<x<9 m. from
A, we can isolate the section below,

27
EI

Conjugate
Beam

18 x 2 x
=
EI 9 EI

45
EI

63
EI

M = 0

45
1 2 * 6 . 71
6 . 71
* 6 . 71
* 6 . 71 *
+ M = 0

EI
2
EI
3

201 . 2
201 . 2
max = M =
=
= 0 . 0168 m
EI
200 . 10 6 * 60 . 10 6

x
Internal reactions

Fy = 0

45
1 2x
+
EI
2 EI
x = 6 . 71 m

x = 0

0 x 9m

Example: Determine the displacement of the pin at B and the slope of the each beam segment connected to the pin
for the beam shown in the figure. E=200 GPa I=135.106 mm4

35 kN

M= 120 kNm
C

Real
Beam

B
3.60

3.60

187.33
EI

4.60

Conjugate Beam

M/EI diagram has been drawn in parts using the

principle of superposition. Notice that negative
regions of this diagram develop a downward
distributed load and the positive regions have a
distributed load that acts upward.
To determine Br the conjugate beam is
sectioned just to the right of B and shear force
is computed

126
EI

M
676.17
EI

120
EI
593.74
EI

4.8 m
B

A
6m

226.8
EI

3.067
1.533 m

767.11
EI

276
EI

593.74
EI

Q
276
EI
y

=0

276 593 . 74
+
=0
EI
EI
317 . 74
317 . 74
Q Br =
=
EI
200 . 10 6 * 135 . 10 6
Q Br = 0 . 011768
Q Br

Br = 0 . 011768 rad

The internal moment at B yields the displacement of the pin

M = 0
B

276
593 . 74
* 3 . 076
* 4 . 60 = 0
EI
EI
1884 . 8
1884 . 8
= M B =
=
EI
200 . 10 6 * 135 . 10
+

= 0 . 070 m

593.74
EI

Q
276
EI

The slope Bl can be found from a section of beam just to the left of B thus

593.74
EI

767.11
EI

276
EI

=0

767 . 11 276 593 . 74

+
=0
EI
EI
EI
449 . 37
449 . 37
Q Bl = Bl =
=
EI
200 . 10 6 * 135 . 10 6
Q Bl = 0 . 01667
Q Bl

Bl = 0 . 01667 rad

EXTERNAL WORK AND STRAIN ENERGY

Most energy methods are based on the conservation of the energy which states that work done by all the
external forces acting on a structure, W, is transformed into internal work or strain energy U, which is
developed when the structure deforms. If the materials elastic limit is not exceeded, the elastic strain energy
will return the structure to its undeformed state when the loads are removed.

W=U
External work done by a force : When a force F undergoes a
displacement dx in the same direction as the force, the work done is,

dW = F .dx
x

W =

If the total displacement is x, the work becomes

F .dx
0

P
F= x

W =

P
F .dx =

x .dx =

Represents the triangular

area

P
2

P F

Suppose that P is already applied to the bar and that

another force F is now applied, so the bar deflects
further by an amount , the work done by P (not F) when
the bar undergoes the further deflection is then

W = P.

The work of F

F
P

P does not change its magnitude.

Work is simply the force magnitude
(P) times the displacement ()

External work done by a moment: The work of a moment is defined by the product
of the magnitude of the moment and the angle d through which it rotates.
If the total angle of rotation is radians, the work becomes
As in the case of force, if the moment is applied to a structure gradually,
from zero to M, the work is then

W =

dW = M .d

W = M .d
0

1
M
2

However if the moment is already applied to the structure and other loadings further distort the structure by an
amount , then the M rotates , and the work is

W = M .

Strain Energy due to an axial force

= E .

A, E

= E
A
L
NL
=
EA
N 2L
1
U =
N . =
2
2 EA

Strain Energy due to the moment

Tangent to
right end

d
x

dx

M
dx
EI
1
M 2 .dx
dU = M .d =
2 EI
2
L
M2
dx
U =
2 EI
0

d =

d
dx
The strain energy for the beam is
determined by integrating this result
over the beams entire length

Tangent to
left end

Principle of work and energy

Application of this method is limited to only a few select problems. It will be noted that only one load may be applied
to the structure and only the displacement under the load can be obtained.
Example: Using principle of work and energy, determine the deflection at the tip of the cantilever beam.

EI , L

PL

M ( x) = P ( x L)
W =U

P
=
EI

1
P . =
2

M2
P2
dx =
2 EI
2 EI

(x L)
0

L3
L3

2
+ L3
2

PL 3
=
3 EI

HOMEWORK

EI , L

P
= .... ?

dx

If we take a deformable structure, and apply a series of loads to it, it will cause internal loads and internal displacements

P1

P2
Internal forces
And
Internal displacements

N2, dL2
dL 1

3,

N1

dL

External Forces

Equilibrium Equations

Internal Forces

External Displacements

Compatibility Equations

internal Displacements

External and internal

forces

M
EI , L

External and internal

deflections

Principle of work and energy states

P . = N .L
P . = M .d
i

Work of external forces

Work of internal forces

Virtual work method (Unit Load Method)

Virtual work is a procedure for computing a single component of deflection at any point on a structure. The method
permits the designer to include in deflection computations the influence of support settlements, temperature change,
and fabrication errors. To compute a component of deflection by the method of virtual work, the designer applies a
unit force to the structure at the point and in the direction of the desired displacement. This force is often called a
dummy load, the displacement it will undergo is produced by other effects. These other effects include the real loads,
temperature change, support settlement and so forth. In other words, the deflected shape due to the real forces is
assumed to be the virtual deflected shape of the dummy structure, and the principle of work and energy is applied.

Application of unit force method to trusses

Real
displacements

Virtual
forces

1 . =

N j . L j

N .L
L =
EA
L = . T .L
L

Due to real loads

Due to temperature change
Given fabrication error

Example: Determine the horizontal and vertical

displacement at point C. All members have a
cross-sectional area of 25.10-4 m2 and a modulus
of elasticity of 200 GPa.

3.m
0.625

C
0

200
4.m

150kN

D
MEMBER

L (m)

N (kN)

Nv

Nh

N.Nv.L

N.Nh.L

AB

37,5

-0,5

-0,375

-112,5

-84,375

BC

-62,5

0,834

0,625

-260,625

-195,313

CA

-187,5

-0,834

0,625

781,875

-585,938

CD

-250

DA

200

408,75

-865,625

SUM

N .Nv.L
408.75
=
= 0.0008175m
EA
200.10 6 * 0.0025
N .Nh.L
865.625
hc =
=
= 0.00173m
EA
200.106 * 0.0025

Vc =

4.m

0.625

250

187.5
A

1.kN

0.375

0.834

37.5

0.864
0 .5

62.5

3.m

1.kN

225kN

The negative sign indicates

that the horizontal
displacement is to the left,
not to the right as assumed

Example: The truss shown below is distorted during fabrication because member BC is 12.7 mm short. What
vertical deflection is introduced at point E because of this misfit.

12.7 mm

6.m
A

0
D

0
9

0
9.m

0.75
0.625

0.625

0.625
0.375

0.375
1.kN

0.625

1 .VE = N j . L j =
0 .75 * ( 12 .7 mm ) = 9 .525 mm

Example: Determine the vertical displacement that occurs at point B as a result temperature change of +300 C in
members AD and DC. The coefficient of thermal expansion is 11.7*10-6 1/0C.

D
LAD = LDC = 11.7 *10 6 * 30 * 6.25

2.194
2.194

5m

= 2.194 *10 3 m = 2.194mm

0
C

3.75m

3.75m

0.625
0.375
B

A
MEMBER

dL

Nv

Nv.dL

AD

2,194

-0,625

-1,371

DC

2,194

-0,625

-1,371

DB

AB

0,375

BC

0,375

-2,743

0.625

0.375

1.kN

1 .VB =

. L j = 2 .74 mm

Example: Determine the change in member length for member BD of the truss so that, when combined with the
prescribed loading, will produce a net vertical displacement of zero at point D. E= 200 GPa.

20.kN

2.m

(1000.mm 2 )
(500.mm )

(800mm 2 )

(1000.mm )

12.kN

1.m
(800mm 2 )

C 1.m

8.25

D
8.944
12.kN

4.m

4.m

16.97

10

20.kN

C
20
16

B
1.25
1.75
A

1.031

Member

1.414

D
1.kN 1.118

L(m)

Nv

EA

N.Nv.L/EA

AB

10

-1,25

200000

-0,0003124

AD

4,125

-8,25

1,031

160000

-0,0002193

BC

5,657

-16,97

-1,414

200000

0,0006787

BD

1,75

100000

0,00021

DC

4,472

-8,944

1,118

160000

-0,0002795

sum=

7,744E-05

N .Nv.L
= 0.00007744m
EA
0.07744mm

We want to shorten the member so that upward

deflection at point D be 0.07744 mm.

1.VD =

1.75

1 . =

. L j

1 * 0 .07744 = ( 1 .75 ) * L
L = 0 .0443 mm

1kN
Application of unit force method to beams and frames
Real
displacements

Virtual
forces

1 . =

d =

EA

M q . M p dx
EI

.d

M p .dx

Due to real loading

Integral of the product of moment

functions is needed. Prepare an
integral table to simplify the calculations

f (x)F (x)

dx
EI
f ( x ) : i .... const .

F ( x ) : k ... const . =

L .i . k
EI

i
x ..... linear
L
k
F (x) :
x .... linear
L
f (x) :

f (x) : i
X

i
L

k
L

Second degree curve horizontal

tangent at left end

i
L

L .i . k
3 EI

i
x
L

k
L .i . k
x ....... =
L
6 EI

i
x
L
k
L .i . k
F ( x ) : 2 x 2 ..... =
4 EI
L
f (x) :

F (x) :

Example: Determine the rotation at A and B to an applied moment M on the beam as shown.

M
A

EI

Mq

Mq

Mp

1* A =

M q . M p dx

1* B =

EI

M p .M q
EI

M p .M q
EI

1
dx =

L
L
ML
i.k =
M .1 =
6 EI
6 EI
6 EI

dx =

ML
L
L
M .1 =
i.k =
3EI
3EI
3EI

Example: What is the vertical deflection of the free end of the cantilever beam.
P

B
L/2

L/2

Mp

-PL/2
L

A =

M p .M q
EI

-L

Mq

L
L / 2 PL
L
5 PL 3
dx =
i.( 2 k1 + k 2 ) =
2L + =
6 EI
6 EI 2
2 48 EI

Example: Determine both the vertical and the horizontal deflection at A for the frame shown. E=200 GPa I=200 106 mm4
50 kN

1
-

C
100

5m

Mp

D
2m

1
-

100

Mq

2m

=
v
A

M p .M q
EI

dx =

L .i.k
L
k .( i1 + 2 i 2 ) +
=
EI
6 EI

1 2
2333 .33
= 0 . 058 m
100 * ( 2 + 8 ) + 5 * 100 * 4 =
EI 6
EI

=
h
A

Mq

M p .M q
EI

dx =

1250
L
1 5
i.k =
. 100 .5 =
= 0 .031 m
EI 2
EI
2 EI

Deflection of structures consisting of flexural members and axially loaded members

Example: Find the horizontal displacement at C. E=200 GPa I=150.106 mm4 A=50 mm2
Cable 4 m
480

20 kN/m
40 kN
B

120

3m

80 kN

360

40
6m

0.5

Mp

40

Mq

EI = 200 .10 6 * 150 .10 6 = 30000 .kNm 2

EA = 200 .10 6 * 50 .10 6 = 10000 .kN

0.5

The internal work for the given structure consists of two parts : the work due to bending of the frame and the
work due to axial deformation of the cable.

hc =
=

M p .M q
EI

dx +

N p . N q .L
EA

1 3
6
6
80 * 0 .5 * 4
* 120 * 3 + * 480 * 3 * 360 * 3 +
EI 3
3
4
EA

1620
160
+
= 0 . 070 m = 70 mm
30000 10000

10 kN/m
A

C
1m

4m

What are the relative rotation and the vertical

displacement at C

3m

60 kN
D

A
2m

What are the rotation and vertical displacement at D

4m

2m
60 kN

2m

tCA

tDA

A
B

4m

80/EI

2m

MAXWELLS RECIPROCAL THEOREM

Let us consider the beam in the figure. Because of the load F1 the beam deflects an amount 11F1 at point 1
and an amount 21F1 at point 2.

F1

12 F2
F1

11 F1

1
1 = 11 F1 + 12 F2

Where 11 and 21 are the deflections at points

1 and 2 due to a unit load at point 1

ij

i
j

21 F1
F2

Apply the forces F1 and F2 simultaneously the

resulting work can be written

W=
W =

place of deflection
place of unit load

Now we wll formulate an expression for the

work due to F1 and F2

22 F2
F2

deflection at point i due to a unit load at j

1
2

2 = 21 F1 + 22 F2

(F11 + F2 2 )

(F1 (11 F1 + 12 F2 ) + F2 ( 21 F1 + 22 F2 ))

W=

1
2

1
2

F + (12 + 21 )F1 F2 + 22 F22

2
11 1

F1

If we apply F1 first the amount of work performed is

W 1 = 12 F1.11 F1 = 12 11 F12

11 F1

Next we apply F2 to the beam on which F1 is already

acting. The additional work resulting from the
application of F2

F1

W 2 = F1 (12 F2 ) + 12 F2 ( 22 F2 )
factor is absent on the first term because F1
remains constant at its full value during the entire
displacement. The total work due to F1 and F2 .

12 F2

W=

1
2

F2

22 F2

2
2
F
+

F
11 1
22 2 + 12 F1 F2

In a linear system, the work performed by two forces is independent of the order in which the forces
are applied. Hence the two works must be equal.

1
2

2
2
(
)
F
+

F
F
+

F
11 1
12
21
1 2
22 2

(12 + 21 ) = 12
(12 + 21 ) = 212

1
2

2
2
F
+

F
11 1
22 2 + 12 F1 F2

1
2

12 = 21
This relationship is known as Maxwell s reciprocal theorem

1
2

21
1

21
1
1

21 = 12

12
1

21 = 12
2

12
1

21

12

21 = 12
Consider two different loading on a linear elastic structure. The virtual work done by the forces of the first system
acting through the displacements of the second system is equal to the virtual work done by the forces of the second
system acting through the corresponding displacements of the first system. .

CASTIGLIANOS FIRST THEOREM

F1

F2

The work done by the forces on the

deflections of the beam is

W=
1 = 11 F1 + 12 F2

1
2

2
2
F
+
2

F
F
+

F
11 1
12 1 2
22 2

2 = 21 F1 + 22 F2

Taking the derivative of work with respect to F1, one obtain

W
= 11 F1 + 12 F 2 = 1
F1

Since the strain energy U stored in a deformed structure is equal to the work performed by the external loads

U
= i
Pi

F1
R1

The partial derivative of the strain energy in a structure with respect to one of the
external loads acting on the structure is equal to the displacement at that force in
the direction of the force. This relation is known as Castiglianos theorem

U
= 0
R1

F2

R2

U
= 0
R2

This theorem can be used to analyze the

redundant structures

F1

F2

U
= 0
R

R
This method is called as the method of least work. Redundant must have a value that will make the strain
energy in the structure a minimum. The known values of the displacements at certain points can be used for
additional equations to the equations of equilibrium.
The strain energy for an axially loaded member

N 2L
U =
2 AE

The strain energy for a truss

U =

N 2L
2 AE

To find a joint displacement of a truss Castiglianos theorem can be used

i =

U
=
Pi

N
N
Pi

AE

I : joint displacement in the direction of the external force Pi

N : axial force in member
E : Modulus of elasticity

A: Cross sectional area

To take the partial derivative, force

Pi must be replaced by a variable
force

Example: Determine the vertical displacement of joint C of the truss shown in the figure. The cross
sectional area of each member is A= 400 mm2 and E= 200 GPa
C

4 kN

A vertical force P is applied to do truss at joint C, since this

is where the vertical displacement is to be determined.

3m
A

Since P does not actually exist as a real load on the truss. We

require p=0 in the table.

B
Member

4m

4m
P

/P

N (P=0)

L (m)

N./P.L

AB

0.667P+2

0.677

10.67

AC

-0.833P+2.5

-0.833

2.5

-10.41

BC

-0.833P-2.5

-0.833

-2.5

10.41
10.67

8
0,

4 kN

.5
-2
P
33

4 kN
0,

83

cv = N

3P
+2
.5

0,667P+2

0.5P-1.5

kN.m

0.5P+1.5

10.67
N L 10.67
=
=
=
6
6
P AE
AE
400 *10 * 200 *10

0.000133 m = 0.133mm

Example: Determine the vertical displacement of joint C of the truss shown in the figure. Assume that A=325mm2 ,
E=200 GPa .
The 20 kN force at C is replaced with a variable force P at
F
E
joint C

20 kN
3m

P)

3m

4
9.

29

1P

13.333+0.333P

Member

N/P

N (P=20)

N.N/P.L

AB

13.333+0.333P

0.333

20

19.98

BC

6.667+0.667P

0.667

20

40.02

CD

6.667+0.667P

0.667

20

40.02

DE

-9.429-0.943P

-0.943

-28.289

4.24

113.11

EF

-13.333-0.333P

-0.333

-20

19.98

FA

-18.856-0.471P

-0.471

-28.276

4.24

56.47

BF

13.333+0.333P

0.333

20

19.98

BE

9.429-0.471P

-0.471

4.24

CE

20

60

Sum 369.56

6.667+0.667P
6.667+0.667P C

(13.333+0.333P)

43

3m

56

7
.4

.9

-(

.8
8
1

+0

20 kN

.4
+0

29

-(13.333+0.333P)

4
9.
-(

)
1P

F
13.333+0.333P

3m

20

cv = N

(6.667+0.667P)

369.56
N L
=
=
AE
P AE

369.56
=
6
6
325 *10 * 200 *10
0.005685 m = 5.685mm

find the horizontal displacement of point D

20

28
.
28

20

28
.2

A
B

20+P
20

20+P
20

Membe
r

N/P

N
(P=20)

N.N/P.
L

AB

20+P

20

60

BC

20+P

20

60

CD

20+P

20

60

DE

-28.28

-28.28

4.24

EF

-20

-20

FA

-28.28

-28.28

4.24

BF

20

20

BE

4.24

CE

20

20

Sum 180

20+P

20

20

ch = N

N L 180
=
=
P AE AE

180
=
6
6
325 *10 * 200 *10
0.002769 m = 2.77 mm

CASTIGLIANOS THEOREM FOR BEAMS AND FRAMES

M2
U =
dx
2 EI

The strain energy for beam or frame member is given by

Substituting this equation into the Castiglianos first theorem

l
M
U
M2
=
dx
M
=
=
0 P
P P 2 EI

dx

EI

= External displacement
P= External force applied to the beam or frame in the direction of the desired displacement
M= Internal moment in the beam or frame, expressed as function of x and caused by both the force P and the real loads.
E= Modulus of elasticity
I= Moment of inertia of cross sectional area computed about the neutral axis.
If the slope at a point is to be determined, the partial derivative of the internal moment M with respect to an
external couple moment M acting at the point must be computed.
l

M dx

EI

= M
0

The above equations are similar to those used for the method of virtual work except the partial derivatives replace
moments due to unit loads like the case of trusses, slightly more calculations is generally required to determine the
partial derivatives and apply Castiglianos theorem rather than use the method of virtual force method.

Example : determine the displacement of point B of the beam shown in figure. E=200 GPa I=500*106 mm4
A

A vertical force P is placed on the beam at B

12 kN/m
B

MA

12 kN/m

10 m

B
RA

The moment at an arbitrary point on the beam

and its derivative

10 m

M = 6 x 2 + ( P + 120) x (10 P + 600)

M
= x 10
P

=0

M A = 10 P + 600
RA = P + 120

Setting P=0 yields

Castiglianos theorem

M = 6 x 2 + 120 x 600
M
= x 10
P

B = M

10

M dx
dx
= ( 6 x 2 + 120 x 600)( x 10 )
P EI 0
EI
10

1 6 4
15000
=
x + 60 x 3 900 x 2 + 6000 x =
EI 4
EI
0
=

15000
= 0.15m = 150mm
500 *10 6 * 200 *106

Example : determine the vertical displacement of point C of the beam. Take E=200 GPa I=150*106 mm2
y

20 kN

A vertical force P is applied at point C. Later this

force will be set equal to a fixed value of 20 kN.

8 kN/m
A

C
4m

P
M

4m

8 kN/m

B
x

M
0 < x < 4m.....M = (24 + 0.5P ) x 4 x 2 .......
= 0.5 x........M = 34 x 4 x 2
P
M
4 < x < 8m.....M = 64 + 4 P (8 + 0.5P) x...
= 4 0.5 x...M = 144 18 x
P

ver
c

4m
24+0.5P

dx
x dx
= (34 x 4 x )
+ (144 18 x)(4 0.5 x)
2 EI 4
EI
0
2

8
1 34 3
1
426.67
=
x x4 +
576 x 72 x 2 + 3 x 3 =
4
2 EI 3
EI
EI
0

426.67
= 0.0142m = 14.2mm
200 *106 *150 *10 6

4m
8+0.5P

Example : determine the rotation at A and horizontal displacement at point D using Castiglianos first theorem
10 kN
10 kN
20 kN

5m

5m

20 kN

5m

8m
A

20 kN

5m

A variable couple
C is applied at
point A

210 + C
10

member.....BC

member... AB
M
M = C + 20 x.............
=1
C
M [C = 0] = 20 x.........M B = C + 160

A =

20 x

dx
+
EI

(160
0

8m
D

110 + C
10

0 < x < 5m............M = C + 160 11x

C
x
10

x
M
= 1 ........M [C = 0] = 160 11x
10
C
c
5 < x < 10m.........M = C + 160 11x x 10( x 5)
10
x
M
= 1 .......M [C = 0] = 210 21x
10
C

C+160

10 kN
M

B
x

110 + C
10

10

x dx
x dx

=
+ (210 21 x ) 1
11 x ) 1

10 EI
10 EI

640
1
27
1 .1
1
42

(100 25 ) + 2 . 1 (100 * 125 ) = 1235 . 83

+
160 * 5
* 25 +
* 125 +
210 * (10 5 )

EI
EI
EI
2
3
2
3
EI

Example : determine the reactions for the propped cantilever beam.

P
B

MA

M
C

A
B

L/2

L/2

R
Reaction at point C is taken as redundant

P-R

MA=PL/2-RL

L
PL
M
= Lx
+ RL .........
..... M = ( P R ) x
R
2
2
L
M
< x < L..... M = R ( L x )......... .......... ........
= Lx
R
2
L
U
M dx
= M
=0
R 0
R EI

0< x<

L
2

PL
dx
dx
P
R
x
RL
L
x
R
L
x
L
x

=0
((
)
)
(
)
(
)(
)
0
EI L
EI
2
2

R=

5
P
16

Homework, Take the moment at A as redundant force

24 kN/m

1. 6

B
EI
R

EI

C
1.6

Using Castiglianos theorem determine the horizontal reaction

at point E, and draw the shear force and bending moment
diagrams of the given frame.
EI

sin = 0.3162
cos = 0.9488

D
5m

EI
E

6m

21

144 kN

Symmetrical structure is subjected to a symmetrical

loading so the vertical reactions at A and E will be the half
of the external load

N/
.6 k

B
-(45.533+0.9487R)

Free Body diagram of

left column, Write
equilibrium equations
to find M, N, and Q
at point B

m
k
7 .2

-5R

6m

144 kN

2m

1. 6

N/m

EI

-136.613+0.3162R

member.... AB
M = Rx........

M
= x........M B = 5 R
R

member....BC

B
EI
R
144

M = 5 R
N = (45.53 + 0.9487 R)
Q = 0.3162 R 136.613

5 dx
1
U
M dx
= M
=0......2 R x 2
+
R
R EI
0 EI 1.6 EI
R = 38.4kN

M = (136.613 0.3162 R) x 5 R 10.8 x 2

M
= (0.3162 x + 5)
R

[
]
(
)
(
)
0
.
3162
R
136
.
613
x
5
R
10
.
8
x
0
.
3162
x
5
dx

=0

6.32

LOOK EACH MEMBER FROM THE

INSIDE OF THE FRAME.
TAKE THE ORIGIN AT LEFT END OF
THE MEMBER

12.14
124.47

+
5.76

38.4

38.4

12.14

124.47

38.4

38.4

SHEAR FORCE DIAGRAM

144

144
163.04

MOMENT
DIAGRAM IS
DRAWN ON
TENSION
SIDE

192

192

166.47

BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAM (KNM)