The American University of Madaba

Faculty of Engineering

Department of Civil engineering

Graduation project

Stability

Labeeb ALhelou

Student number:1510245

/4/2020

Dr. Essam Dana

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 Stability

Stability can be defined as follows:

The resistance offered by a structure to undesirable movement like sliding,

collapsing and over turning is called stability.

To ensure the equilibrium of the structure there are two conditions to be provided:

1) Must satisfy equations of equilibrium

2) Members must be properly held or constrained by their supports

First of all, the equation of equilibrium can be listed in this way:

∑f =0

∑M =0

In Particles there is only ∑f =0, because the particles can be defined as it has a
mass but no dimensions (so it never has a moment):

1) for the particles we have two cases:

a) Particle in plane (2-D)

The equations of equilibrium here are only:

∑fx =0

∑fy =0

b) Particle in space (3-D)

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The equations of equilibrium here are:

∑fx =0

∑fy =0

∑fz =0

2) For the objects we have two cases:

a) Objects in Plane (2-D):

∑fx =0

∑fy =0

∑ Mz =0

b) Objects in Space (3-D):

∑fx =0 ∑fy =0 ∑fz =0

∑Mx =0 ∑My =0 ∑Mz =0

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By satisfying the equation of equilibrium (the summation of the forces and
moments acting on the structure is zero) we can say that we have achieve the half
of the way of saying that the body (object, structure…) is equilibrium, and the
second half is for stability.

Stability and Determinacy are linked together:

 we can say that the structure is determinate WhenQ=U

 we can say that the structure is indeterminate WhenQ<U
 we can say that the structure is unstable WhenQ>U

Where:

Q: is the number of equations of equilibrium

U: is the number of unknowns

Provided that the system is linearly independent; this means that each equation is
not dependent to any other equation.

Example for Dependent Equations in mathematics:

1) x+y+z=5
2) y+z=7
3) 2x+2y+2z=10

. So; from the three equations above we can notice that equation 1 and equation 3;
are linearly dependent; because equation 3 is only multiplied by Constant 2, which
means that it will not provide any extra equation for solving this system, as a
result; this system cannot be solved although it contains three unknowns and three
equations.

Q>U is unstable…, why?

Because there will be an infinite number of solution for the same variables, which
will lead us to unknown unique answer.

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Stability of Trusses:

Coplanar trusses:

In trusses

Q=2j and U=m+r

Where:

Q= number of equations

j= number of joints

U= number of unknowns

m= number of members

r= number of reactions

In general, if Q>U, the truss can be classified as unstable truss.(collapse will
occur)

Stability have to be determined either by inspection or by force anaysis

Determinate truss does not mean always that the truss is stable, because you can
truss number of equations equal to the number of unknowns but there is a problem
with the reactions, or it can be internally unstable, and here you can see some
examples:

1) Parallel reactions

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 From the truss above, we can notice that the truss is determinate, Q=U, but
from the reactions we can see that all the reaction are parallel to each other.
(Externally unstable) Component reaction cannot resist horizontal forces.

2) concurrent reactions

We can notice that the truss is determinate, Q=U, but from the reactions we
can see that the lines of reactions are concurrent at a point.
(Externally unstable) Component reaction cannot resist horizontal forces.

3) Internally unstable

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 From this truss we can notice that the truss is determinate, Q=U, but the
members (FC, DA, EB) are connecting the two trusses together, but these
members are concurrent at a point (O)

Another example for internally unstable truss:

Q>U

2j>m+r

2*8>12+3

16>15

So the truss is unstable, we have to decide if it is externally unstable or internally

unstable;

From the reactions, we can notice that it is table (because of there is no parallel or
concurrent cases here) so it is internally unstable.

And, for this truss, by inspection we can know that it is internally unstable.

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 Note that:

 Every simple truss, is internally stable

 Q>Uunstable
 Q<Uunstable if the reactions are concurrent or parallel, or internally by
the collapse mechanism, or by inspection.
 External stability/Instability from supports
 Internal stability/ Instability from Internal Collapsible mechanism mainly
caused from the connection between members (joints are not rigid).

Stability of Beams and Frames:

In Beams and Frames:

Q=E+C and U= r+3CL

Where:

Q= number of equations

E=number of equations of equilibrium

C= number of Conditions (internal hinges)

U= number of unknowns

r= number of reactions

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CL=number of closed loops

In general, if Q>U, the beam or the frame can be classified as unstable beam or
unstable frame. (Collapse will occur)

1) Partial constrains:

The summation of the forces does not equal to zero

where the ∑f=0 will be satisfied

so the member is unstable

2) Improper constrains:

Where the line of the reactions concurrent at point (O), so the beam will be
unstable

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 Also the structure here is classified as unstable, due to line of reactions
intersect at a point

3) Parallel reactions

Where the reactions are parallel and there is no resistance for the forces in the x-
direction, so the beam is unstable

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  Parallel Reactions
(Geometrically
unstable)
If you apply a force
(Q), there will be no
resistance from
(ABC) to the force,
so it will move, so it
is not in an
equilibrium situation,
as a result,
unstable

 Concuret Reactions
(Geometrically unstable)
If you apply a force (P),
there will be no resistance
from (AB) to the force, so
it will move, so it is not in
an equilibrium situation, as
a result, unstable

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4)

Q=E+C=3+1=4

U= r+3Cl=4+ (3*0) =4

Q=U so the frame is determinate, but it is unstable (it will collapse), because the
reaction at D, and when you make a cut at C, the line of reaction will intersect at
the same line.

Q=E+C=3+1=4

U=r+3Cl=3+ (3*0) =3

Q>UUnstable, and the reactions ate

parallel

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  If you apply any force
with any value, the
joints B and D will
move, so the structure
will be in motion, as a
result it consider
unstable, although it
is determinate.

Note that:

 Stable beam or frame requires that the line of the reactions will not intersect
at an axis or point , not concurrent, and not parallel (The system of supports
is not equivalent to parallel or concurrent force system)
 The stable structure means that you have to have sufficient supports, that
must prevent the structure and any component of it, from moving (The
movement here is as rigid body)

References:

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1)  Engineering Mechanics Statics 13th Edition by Russell C. Hibbeler
2) Structural Analysis eight edition by Russell C. Hibbeler
3) Fundamentals of Structural Analysis 5th Edition by Kenneth M. Leet and
Anne M. Gilbert

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