TITLE : MOMENT INFLUENCE LINES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The definition of bending moment which is the internal load generated within a
bending element whenever a pure moment is reacted, or a shear load is transferred by
beam action from the point of application to distant points of reaction. An influence
line for a given function, such as a reaction, axial force, shear force, or bending
moment, is a graph that shows the variation of that function at any given point on a
structure due to the application of a unit load at any point on the structure. An
influence line for a function differs from a shear, axial or bending moment diagram.
Influence lines can be generated by independently applying a unit load at several points
on a structure and determining the value of the function due to this load such as shear,
axial, and moment at the desired location.
Moving loads on beams are common features of design. Many road bridges are
constructed from beam, and as such have to be designed to carry a knife edge load, or a
string of wheel loads, or a uniformly distributed load, or perhaps the worst combination
of all three. To find the critical moment at a section, influence line is used.

2.0 THEORY

Definition: Influence line is defined as a line representing the changes in either

moment, shear force, reaction or displacement at a section of a beam when a unit load
moves on the beam.

Part 1: This experiment examines how moment varies at a cut section as a unit load
moves from one end another ( see diagram 1). From the diagram, moment
influence equation can be written.

For a unit load between 0 xa,


Mx  (L x)a1(ax)…………….(1)
L

For a unit load between axb ,:

Mx  xb L (x  a))……………..….(2)
 TITLE : MOMENT INFLUENCE LINES

‘Cut’
x 1 (unit load) Mx

Mx
= (1 – x/L) = x/L
RA RB

a b

Fig.1

Part 2: If the beam is loaded as shown below, the moment at the ‘cut’ can be
calculated using the influence line. (See diagram 2).

Moment at ‘cut’ section = F1y1  F2y2  F3y3…….. (3)

(y1 , y2 and y3 are ordinates derived from the influence line in terms of
x1, x2, x3 ,a , b and L).

abL
F1 F2 F3

a b

x1

x2
x3

Moment influence
y1 y2 y3 line for cut
section

Fig 2
 TITLE : MOMENT INFLUENCE LINES

3.0 OBJECTIVE

Part 1 : To plot moment influence line.

Part 2 : To apply the use of a moment influence on a simply supported beam

4.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Application of engineering knowledge in practical application.

• To enhance the technical competency in civil engineering through laboratory
application.
• Communicate effectively in group.
• To identify problem, solving and finding out appropriate soltuion through
laboratory application.

5.0 APPARATUS
 TITLE : MOMENT INFLUENCE LINES

Indicator Hangers with loads

6.0 PROCEDURE

11.0 REFERENCES

 http://www.scribd.com/doc/27381924/Moment-Influence-Line
 http://www.civil.eng.chula.ac.th/Students/Undergraduate/2101310(Jaroon)/CHAP
TER%2011.pdf
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS (SECOND EDITION) penerbit UTHM
 TITLE : MOMENT INFLUENCE LINES

12.0 APPENDIX