234 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

to each of the loads acting individually on the beam. The slope and
deflection due to each individual load can be computed by using either
the direct integration method described previously or one of the other
methods discussed in subsequent sections. Also, many structural engi-
neering handbooks (e.g., Manual o/ Steel Construction published by the
American Institute of steel Construction) contain deflection formulas for
beams for various types of loads and support conditions, which can be
used for this purpose. Such formulas for slopes and deflections of beams
for some common types of loads and support conditions are given inside
the front cover of this book for convenient reference.

6.4 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 tlreorems, called lhe moment-area theorems, relating the geometry
of the elastic curve of a beam to its M IEI diagram, which is constructed
by dividing the ordinates of the bending moment diagram by the flexu-
ral rigidity EI . The method utilizes graphical interpretations of integrals
involved in the solution of the deflecrion differential equation (eq. (6.9))
in terms of the areas and the moments of areas of the M IEI diagram.
Therefore, it is more convenient to use for beams with loading discon-
tinuities and the variable EI, as compared to the direct integration
method described previously.
To derive the moment-area theorems, consider a beam subjected
to an arbitrary loading as shown in Fig. 6.4.The elastic curye and the
M IEI diagram for the beam are also shown in the flgure. Focusing our
attention on a differential element dx of the beam, we recall from the
previous section (Eq. (6.10)) fhat d0, which represents the change in
slope of the elastic curve over the differential length dx, is given by

clo : Ld*
EI
(6.1 l)

Note that the term (M IEI) dx represents an infinitesimal area under

the M IEI diagram, as shown in Fig. 6.4. To determine the change in
slope between two arbitrary points A and -B on the beam, we integrate
Eq. (6.11) from A to B to obtain

J,
n': I^#*

0a,q:0n-0t :1,#* (6.12)

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 SECTION 6.4 Momenl-Area Method 235

P2

Beam

Elastic curve

Mt
EI Mn
EI
M Diagram
EI
!rB
l¿,1 .-
ñ-_x___-
,

FtG. 6.4

in which 01 and 0s arc the slopes of the elastic curve at points / and .8,
respectively, with respect to the axis of the beam in the undeformed
(horizontal) slate, 0s1 denotes the angle between the tangents to the
elastic curve at A and B, ana Jilu ¡ nt) dx represents the area under the
M IEI diagram between points A and B.
Equation (6.12) represents the mathematical expression of the first
moment-area fheorem, which can be stated as follows:
The change in slope betweeu the tangents to the elastic curve at any two
points is equal to the area under the MIEI diagtam between the two points,
provided that the elastic cur¡e is continuous between the two points.

As noted, this theorem applies only to those portions of the elastic

curve in which there are no discontinuities due to the presence of in-
ternal hinges. In applyin§ the first moment-area theorem, if the area of
lhe M I EI diagram between any two points is positive, then the angle
from the tangent at the point to the left to the tangent at the point to the
right will be counterclockwise, and this change in slope is considered to
be positive; and vice versa.
Considering again the beam shown in Fig. 6.4,we obsen¿e that the
deviation dA between the tangents drawn at the ends of the differential

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236 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

element dx on a line perpendicular to the undeformed axis of the beam

from a point .B is given by
dL: x(d?) (6.13)

where x is the distance from ,B to the element dx. Substitution of

Eq. (6.11) into Eq. (6.13) yields

at: (ff)xa^ (6.14)

Note that the term on the right-hand side of Eq. (6.1a) represents the
moment of the infinitesimal area corresponding to dx aboui .8. Inte-
grating Eq. (6.1a) between any two arbitrary points I and B on the
beam, we obtain

[:'^: l^#'*
TBM
Ln,q : ,ro* (6.15)
.l o

in which 467 represents the tangential deuiation of B from the tangent

at A, which is the deflection of point ,B in the direction perpendicular
to the undeformed axis of the beam from the tangent at point A, and
¡f 1tt ¡ nt¡xdx represents the moment of the area under tie u lai aía-
gram between points A and B about point B.
Equation (6.15) represents the mathematical expression of the sec-
ond moment-arect theorem, which can be stated as follows:

The tangential deviation ir.r the direction perpendicular to the undeformed

axis of the beam of a point on the elastic culve from the tangent to the
elastic curve at another point is equal to the moment of the area under the
MIEI diagram between the two points about the point at which the devia-
tion is desired, provided that the elastic curve is continuous between the two
points.

It is important to note the order of the subscripts used for A in

Eq. (6.15). The first subscript denotes the point where the deviation is
determined and about which the moments are evaluated, whereas the
second subscript denotes thé point where the tangent to the elastic curve
is drawn. Also, since the distance .i in Eq. (6.15) is always taken as
positive, the sign of L s¡ is the same as that of the area of the M EI
I
diagram between A and B. If the area of the M /EI diagram between I
and B is positive, then A¿¡ is also positive, and point B lies above (in
the positive y direction) the tangent to the elastic curve at point I and
vice versa.

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 SECTI0N 6.4 Moment-Area Method Zg7

Procedure for Analysis

In order to apply the moment-area theorems to compute the slopes and
deflections of a beam, it is necessary to draw a qualitative deflected
shape of the beam using its bending moment diagram. In this regard,
recall from Section 5.3 that a positive bending moment bends the beam
concave upward, whereas a negative bending moment bends it concave
downward. Also, at a fixed support, both the slope and the deflection of
the beam must be zero; therefore, the tangent to the elastic curve at this
point is in the direction of the undeformed axis, whereas at a hinged or a
roller support, the deflection is zero, but the slope may not be zero. To
facilitate the computation of areas and moments of areas of the M IEI
diagrams, the formulas for the areas and centroids of common geo-
metric shapes are listed in Appendix A.
Instead of adopting a formal sign convention, it is common practice
to use an intuitive approach in solving problems using the moment-
area method. In this approach, the slopes and deflections at the various
points are assumed to be positive in the directions shown on the sketch
of.the deflected shape or elastic curve of the structure. Any area of the
M I EI diagram that tends to increase the quantity under consideration
is considered to be positive and vice versa. A positive answer for a srope
or deflection indicates that the sense of that quantity as assumed on the
elastic curve is correct. conversely, a negative answer indicates that the
correct sense is opposite to that initially assumed on the elastic curve.
In applying the moment-area theorems, it is important to rcalize
that these theorems in general do not directly provide the slope and de-
flection at a point with respect to the undeformed axis of the beam
(which are usually of practical interest); instead, they provide the slope
and deflection of a point relative to the tangent to the elastic curve at
another point. Therefore, before the slope or deflection at an arbitrary
point on the beam can be computed, a point must be identifled where
the slope of the tangent to the elastic curve is either initially known or
can be determined by using the support conditions. once this refbrence
tangent has been established, the slope and deflection at any point on
the beam can be computed by applying the moment-area theorems. In
cantilever beams, since the slope of the tangent to the elastic curve at the
fixed support is zero, this tangent can be used as the reference tangent.
In the case of beams for which a tangent with zero slope cannot be
located by inspection, it is usually convenient to use the tangent at one
of the supports as the reference tangent. The slope of this reference tan-
gent can be determined by using the conditions of zero deflections at the
reference support and an adjacent support.
The magnitudes of the slopes and deflections of structures are usu-
ally very small, so from a computational viewpoint it is usually con.
venient to determine the solution in terms of EI and, then substitute the
numerical values of E and I al the flnal stage of the analysis to obtain
the numerical magnitudes of the slopes and deflections. When the

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238 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

moment of inertia varies along the length of a beam, it is convenient to

express the moments of inertia of the various segments of the beam in
terms of a single reference moment of inertia, which is then carried sym-
bolically through the analysis.

Determine the slopes and deflections at points B and C olthe cantilever beam shown in Fig. 6.5(a) by the moment-area
method.

l***t¡fi_{ _ {*tt*a
/ = ó.UUQ in.¿ / : .¡.(,00 in.¿
I = 19.{Xxl ksj *stw
tir) {t}} BsndiüS M*menr *ixWa¿n {k-f i

r00re('
ilW
ft
?bngeu *t,4

:50 ?w
7r §Í
á{:¿ *,*r
(c) Diagr;rrn ( rvirrr t=.i.00{tin r)
# $

Tingatrr ar e

{¡J} }i}*sti* (urv*

Ftc. 6.5

Solution
Bending MomenÍ Diugram The bending moment diagram lor the beam is shown in Fig. 6.5(b).

MIEI Diagram As indicated in Fig. 6.5(a), the values olthe moment of inertia of the segmenr.s lB and BC of the
beam are 6,000 in.a and 3,000 in.a, respectively. Using I : I¡c:3,000 in.a as the reference,no*.nt of in.r*;;;;;_
press 16 in terms of 1 as

I,t a : 6.000 : 2(3.00u : 2r

which indicates that in order to obtain the M IEI diagram in terms of 81, we must divide the bending moment
diagram
for segment AB by 2, as shown in Fig. 6.5(c).
continued

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 iECTl0N 6.4 Moment-Area Method 239

Elustit' Curue The elastic curve for the beam is showu in Fig. 6.5(d). Note that because the M IEI diagram is neg-
ative, the beam bends concave downward. Since the support at ,4 is fixed, the slope at A is zero (fu:0); that is, the
tangent to the elastic curve at I is horizontal. as shown in the figure.

Slope at B With the slope at I known, we can determine the slope at B by evaluating the change in slope Lat be-
tween ,4 and ,B (which is the angle between the tangents to the elastic curve at points I and B. as shown in Fig. 6.5(d)).
According to the first moment-area theorem. 0 BA : area ol the M I EI diagram between A and B. This area can be con-
veniently evaluated by dividing the M lEl diagram into triangular and rectangular parts, as shown in Fig. 6.5(c). Thus,
2'625-l(-rt'z
0uo: ElL'
Lffloolr,r)
" *f2'lrsolrrs)l
" ',)- Er
From Fig.6.5(d), we can see that because the tangent at I is horizontal (in the direction of the undeformed axls of
the beam), the slope at B(0il is equal to the angle 067 between the tangents af A and B; that is,

n n 2,625 k-ft2 2,625(t2)2 k-ia.2

UB UBA
- EI EI
Substituting the numerical values of .6:29,000f<si and 1: 3,000 in.a, we obtain

* 2.625( D\2
0, pffi) rad:0.0043 rad

g¡:0.0043 rad Ans.

Ñ
Deflection at B From Fig. 6.5(d), it can be seen that the deflection of B with respect to the undeformed axis of the
beam is equal to the tangential deviation ofB lrom the tangent at l: that is,

Ln: La't
According to the second moment-areá theorem,
A¡,e : moment of the area of the M IEI diagram between A and B about B

: r 1..- . s) +
r -
: ?!0oE
-a lt,*lrt5)(7 |{rsottrslrrol]
Therefore,

Lt: La,q *22'5oLk-ff

: 22,sOO(12\3
ptooCIC¡óO: u 4) rn'

A¡:0.45 in. J Ans.

Slope ar C From Fig. 6.5(d), we can see that
0c : Lc.t

where

Tc,t : area of the M IEI diagram between A and C

: atI t- | .- -^. ,--.

. .l : I. . 3.625 k-ft2
litoo){tsl+r(tso)(ts)+i(zoo)(lo)] -ñ
continued

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240 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

Therefore,

3.625 k-ff2
0c : 0c,¿

3.62srr;\'?
: airi,rilimo: o oo6 rad

0c:0.006 rad \ Ans.

Deflection at C It can be seen from Fig. 6.5(d) that
Lc : Lct
where

Ac,r : moment of the area of tbe M IEI diagram between A a¡d C about C

: ; rt l(100)(ls)(7.s + l0) +;(150)(ls)(10

I r .l

+ l0) +;(200)(10)(6.67)l
LtL ¿ ¿ l
55.420 k-lt3
EI
Therefore,

55.420 k-fr',
Lc: Lct L,I

55,420043
: 1.1 in.
(29,000) (3,000)

Ac : 1.1 in. I Ans.

Use the moment-area method to determine the slopes at ends A and D and the deflections at points B and C of the
beam shown in Fig. 6.6(a).

Solution
MIEI Diagram Because .81 is constant along the length of the beam, the shape of the M IEI diagramis the same as
that of the bending moment diagram. The M IEI diagram is shown in Fig. 6,6(b).

Elastic Curoe The elastic curve for the beam is shown in Fig. 6.6(c).

Slope at,4 The slope of the elastic curve is not known at any point on the beam, so we will use the tangent at
support I as the reference tangent and determine its slope, 0,1,from the conditions that the deflections at the support
points I and D are zero. From Fig. 6.6(c), we can see that

con¡inued

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 1s.n--l-1alt;' 1

á1 = constant
á = l,800ksi
I = 46,000 in.a
(¿,

800

'r". '. ' B , :'.

M
(b)
- l'E!
DI Diasrr," \EI \1

L-4(\fr
10,1i*l-.-1g¡

FIG:6.6 (elElastic Curve

continu¿d

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242 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

^ Lo,
u,¿:-T
in which 07 is assumed to be so small that fan0¿A0a.Toevaluate the langenrial deviation
L¡l,weapply the second
moment-area theorem:

aD,4 : moment or the area of the Ml Er diagram between A and Dabout D

+ 600(10)(15) . jr*ol0ol(f)]
_ 340,000 k-ft3
EI
Therefore, the slope at I is

: !:!-
s^.L40EI_
340'o99lEr
-
8'soo k-ft2

Substituting the numerical values of E and 1,'we obtain

t2)2
,. _ _8.5001
(rsoox4úoo6: o.ol5 rad
0a :0.015 rad
\ Ans.
Slope at D From Fig. 6.6(c), we can see that

0D __
]DA _ 0A

in which, according to the first moment-area theorem,

7ot : arca of the M IEI diagram between A and D

: nr lt ^^^ _-- r I
+ 600(10) +;(600)(10)
I
l¡(800)(20) r(200)(r0) z) |

_ 18,000 k-ft2
EI
Therefore,

p, : l8=0g0
EI
_ !ry _ e,500 k-ft2
EI EI

":frffi:oorTrad
0»:0.017 rad C7
,/ Ans.
Defiection a¿ B Considering the portion AB of theelastic curve in Fig. 6.6(c), and realizing that d7 is so small that
fan 01 0,{, we write
=
o La+ Lat
-20
from which
La:2\il-Lu
continued

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 SECTION 6.4 Moment-Area Method

where

: moment of the area of the MIEI diagram between A and B about B

^8.4
: J,
lj'*''(,,)(+)]
_ s:,:::.¡: t-rt3
E1

Therefore,

s3.33r.33 _ 1t6,666.67 k-fÉ

" \Er / _
^,:2018.500\ Er
116.666.67 ( t2\l
^u: ¡ffiI:2'43 in

La:2.43in.1 Ans.
Defiection at C Finally, considering the portion CD of the elastic curve in Fig. 6.6(c) and assuming d¿ to be small
(so that tan 0¡ dp), we write
=
^ Ac*Aco
l0

Lc:100»-Lco
where
- 0\l :
o,, : * rooorr ror (;l
10.000 k-rt3
[r1 ] Er
Therefore,

_ _ 10.000 85,000 k-ftr

' t0re,s00\
^.: \81l Er Et
3

^ trsooxffio:
Ss.ooo( r2)
t.t7 in.
^.:
Lc :1.11 in' L Ans.

Determine the maximum deflection lor the beam shown in Fig. 6.7(a) by the moment-area method.

Solution
MIEI Diauram The MIEI diagram is shown in Fig. 6.7(b).

Elctstic Curue The elastic curve for the beam is shown in Fig. 6.7(c).

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244 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

t?{i kt§

l.--_-.-'*t¡m-*_*_jm_l
lil * canxt**t
É* 2*0 ü$a
I *3*t¡{l{}4 *¡n4

l,aj

_xq
.{0.r.,,
§t
§t

ttJ
l**.=*¡.,n=-*_**l

{tl} § rtiusro,*{ry'}
L*--*. .i.* 15 m----*--*.1
.-lit
".,-l
"ld 16
,t

Tang*nt tt ü
th*ri"m*t*j
?ngenr atÁ

HG. 6.7 {ei,Elas*c Cü¡,¡e

Slope at I The slope of the elastic curve is not known at any point on the beam, so we will
use the tangent at
support.l as the reference tangent and determine its slope. 0¡, fronr the conditions t¡at ttre deflections ut th. r"u;o;;
points ,4 and C are zero. From Fig. 6.7(c), we can see that

Lc,e
^
tlt:-
l5
\¿

To evaluate the tangential deviation 467, w€ apply the second moment-area theorem:

continued

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 '7 )la \1
A - ::0.0517m
2oo(l06)(7oo)(lo o; -
..n)¿x

A-u* : 51.7 mm I Ans.

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246 CHAPTEB 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

,,::..,:

Use the moment-area method to determine the slope at point I and the deflection at point C of the beam shown in
Fig. 6.8(a).

J\/ h
w"
§l
ii t:
t¡ rr
-i- ln rr $)rt*)-ry rr- *l*in ri

i* 5.üú0 in.a l* !.§ffi i1.+ :00 Et

ti = 29,{11}$ kxi EI

{tt} {e1 § Diugrant

- (S nirtr ¡= :.Sffi in a)
Lf t:¡

l..-..-.-2üfr-J_-¡0rr-i
e
{

r 104,
t"?

4ffi
{:
A.**
t
1-ñ ri--{
{b') Bentlilrg M¡"¡ryr*¡{ §i¡rsr*s¡ {k-ti}

lirrrgcnt at..t

{tj¡ Elilstic Curre

FtG. 6.8

Solution
M/EI Diagram The bending moment diagram is shown in Fig. 6.8(b), and the M/EI diagram for a reflerence
moment of inertia I :2.500 in.a is shown in Fig. 6.8(c).
Elastic Curve The elastic curve for the beam is shown in Fig. 6.8(d). Note that the elastic curve is discontinuous at
the internal hinge C. Therefore, the moment-area theorems must be applied separately over the portions AC and
CF of the curve on each side of the hinge.

contiruted

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 SECTION 6.4 Moment-Area Method 247

Sb!: D The at support D is selected as the reference tangent. From Fig. 6.8(d), we can see rhat the
. .at .tan.gent
slope of this tangent is given by the relationship

^--
0n:uED
l5
where, from the second moment-area theorem,

. : 1 l.-^,.- I 'l 20,625k-ft3

A,¡p ;;
trt I ¿' ') : -..-=----_
I ls0(ls)(7.s) +;(s0)(ls)(10)l
EI
Therelore,

20,625 t,375 k_ft2

. ts(Er) Er
Dcflection af C From Fig. 6.8(d), we can see that

Lc : l00o * Lco
in which

A-^ = f r'#)r,r,(?) -6
666
9!-k-rÍ3
2 \1
Thereflore,

6.666.67 _20,416.61 k_ft3

L.- : to(1,375) +
\Erl Er Er
Substituting the numerical values of E and 1, we obtain

o':ffi:o'487in'
10.416.67 (
D\3

Ac:0'487 in' J Ans.

Slope at,4 Considering the portion,4C of the elastic curve, we can see lrom Fig. 6.8(d) that
Lc lct
-
"20
oo !^

where

o,^ : l(#),r0,,,0) - Io ooqk-ft3

There[ore,

| 10,000\
" : 20\
(20,4t6.67+ _ 1,520.83 k-ft2
0,
Er Er ) Er

n
ur _ 1520.83(D\2
: -----------l-:1--:0.003
(29,000)(2.500) " ""- rad
',-"

0a:0.003 rad
\ Ans.

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