CE132P – Theory of Structures 2

Engr. Keith Anshilo Diaz

Module 1: Virtual Work/ Static Indeterminacy/Method of Consistent Deformation (MCD)

2nd Quarter AY 2018-2019 (Week 3 and 4)
Reading Reference: Structural Analysis 8th ed, R. C. Hibbeler (Uploaded in FB group)

I. Static Indeterminacy

A structure of any type is classified as statically indeterminate when the number of unknown
reactions or internal forces exceeds the number of equilibrium equations available for its
analysis. In this section we will discuss the merits of using indeterminate structures and two
fundamental ways in which they may be analyzed. Realize that most of the structures
designed today are statically indeterminate. This indeterminacy may arise as a result of added
supports or members, or by the general form of the structure. For example, reinforced
concrete buildings are almost always statically indeterminate since the columns and beams
are poured as continuous members through the joints and over supports.
 II. Methods of Analysis
Structural Analysis requires that the equations governing the following physical relationships be
satisfied:
(i) Equilibrium of forces and moments
(ii) Compatibility of deformation among members and at supports
(iii) Material behavior relating stresses with strains
(iv) Strain-displacement relations
(v) Boundary (Initial) Conditions

III. Concept of the Force Method (Method of Consistent Deformation)

The force method (which is also called the flexibility method or the method of consistent
deformations) uses the concept of structural Static Indeterminacy (SI). It is very conceptual in
nature. The force method becomes cumbersome when the Static Indeterminacy of a structure is
large. The results obtained by solving the problem using the force method, are all the unknown
forces (such as reactions at the supports).
If one is interested in finding rotational or translational displacements of an indeterminate
structure, they must be obtained separately using any methods of finding displacements (unit
load method, moment area method or conjugate beam method for example). This method is
applicable for any kind of structure: beam, frame or truss. It is to be noted that beam and frame
structures are predominantly bending (flexure) structures while trusses are predominantly direct
stress structures (tension or compression) in nature. The truss members are not subjected to
bending. In other words, all loads are axial.
Maxwell's Theorem of Reciprocal Deflections
This theorem states that,

Maxwell's theorem reduces the work needed to solve a statically indeterminate structure as it
relieves several computations of deflection. For more details, the reader is advised to read the
books by Chajes (1983), Wang (1953) and Hibbeler (2012).
IV. General Steps using Force Method (MCD)

1. Calculate the Static Indeterminacy (SI) of the structure using Eq. 1.1 or Eq.1.2 depending
upon whether the structure is beam, frame, or truss.
2. Choose one of the reaction forces (or internal members of the truss) as the redundant
force. One at a time if there are multiple redundancies.
3. Split the statically indeterminate structure into a determinate structure (acted upon by
applied loads on the structure) and determinate structure(s) acted on by the redundant
forces (one at a time).
4. Analyze the determinate structures by the unit load method to find the displacement AL,
which is the displacement for the applied loading and redundant removed. Then find 8,
which is the displacement for the unit load only, at the point of redundancy. If a moment
is taken as redundant, the corresponding displacements will be 0 and a.
5. Finally, formulate equation(s) of displacement compatibility at the support(s) (in the case
of beams and frames). In the case of trusses, displacement compatibility of truss bars will
be used.
6. Solve these equation(s) to get the redundant force(s).
7. Calculate all the reactions at the supports (in addition to the redundant force already
determined in step 6) using principles of statics