Moment-Area Method

Geometric Methods for slope and deflections

By Dr. Fawwad Masood
Moment-Area Method
Theorems
• Revolves around two theorems
• Presents semi-graphical technique for slope and
deflection of an elastic curve
𝑀
• 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑑𝑥
𝐸𝐼
• 𝑑𝜃 is the change of slope of the tangents
between two sides of element dx. Theorem 1: The change in slope
• By integrating between A to B between any two points on the
elastic curve equals the area of the
𝐵 𝑀
• 𝑑𝜃𝐵/𝐴 = ‫𝐼𝐸 𝐴׬‬ 𝑑𝑥 M/EI diagram between these two
points.
Moment-Area Method
Theorem for Theta
• 𝜃𝐵/𝐴 is the angle of tangent at B measured with
respect to tangent at A.
• This angle is measured counterclockwise from
tangent A to tangent B if the area of the M/EI
diagram is positive.
• If the area is negative, or below the x axis, the
angle is measured clockwise from tangent A to
tangent B
Moment-Area Method
Theorem for Deflection
Theorem 2: The vertical deflection of the tangent at a
point (A) on the elastic curve w.r.t. the tangent extended
from another point (B) equals the “moment” of the area
under the M/EI diagram between the two points (A and B).
This moment is computed about point A (the point on the
elastic curve), where the deviation ∆𝐴/𝐵 is to be
determined.
• Moment of a positive M/EI area from A to B
indicates that the tangent at point A is above the
tangent to the curve extended from point B. Note that in general tA/B is not
• Negative M/EI areas indicate that the tangent equal to tB/A.
at A is below the tangent extended from B.
Moment-Area Method
Important Points
• tA/B is not always equal to tB/A.
• Moment of the area under the M/EI diagram between A and B is
computed about point A to determine tA/B.
• Computed about point B to determine tB/A.
• Moment-area theorems can only be used to determine the angles or
deviations between two tangents on the beam’s elastic curve.
• They do not give a direct solution for the slope or displacement at a
point on the beam.
• Usually the tangents at the supports are drawn since these points do
not undergo displacement and/or have zero slope