STATICS OF AN IRREGULAR BENT 25

sway"; it is a simple matter to determine a reasonably exact set of

moments in the structure due to this lateral deflection and it is not
difficult, by methods shown later, to determine exact values. If in this
case we can determine a total shear in the columns corresponding to
a given set of moments due to lateral deflection, then, by adding these
moments in proper proportion to those found in the previous solution,
the structure may be made to satisfy the laws of statics. Since both
moment curves meet the conditions of continuity, we have thereby
achieved a solution uniquely correct for the problem.
Illustrative Problem — Statics of an Irregular Bent. An interesting
problem in statics . occurs where all moments at the joints, and the

All Moments Given -

>-P (Given in position

and direction,
but not in
magnitude.)

Load P
Parallel
(Required to given direction of P

^y Direct stress in AB
/■*

a\
(Drawn parallel to AB)

Force Shear in AB computed from moments

Polygon (Drawn perpendicular to AB)

Fig. 22. Pressure Line from Known Moments.

directionand location of the load, are known in a frame such as that

shown in Fig. 22, and desired to determine the magnitude of the
is
it

load producing this condition. With the moments known at the ends
of the members we can determine the points of inflection. This gives
us three-hinged arch for which the location of the pressure line
is
a

known. By finding the shear in any one member such as we know

A
B

one component along one string of this pressure line and hence can
draw the whole force polygon as shown in the figure.