UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

THEORY 1 – THEORY OF STRUCTURES 1

MODULE 5: INFLUENCE LINES ON STATICALLY

DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Prepared by:

Melkisidick L. Angloan, CE, ME-1

 Influence Lines
“An influence line is a graph of a response function of a structure as a function of the position of a
downward unit load moving across the structure.”

The concept of influence line is very important in the analysis of structures due to variable loads.
The variability of the response of a structure (reaction, internal shear and moment, and deflection) with
respect to the position of loads is outlined using the influence line.

𝐴𝑉
𝑃
𝑥
A B
𝑥
Influence Line for 𝐴𝑣
𝐴𝑉

2
 Influence Lines
Procedure in drawing the Influence Line:

1. Consider a unit load with a distance “x” from a chosen reference point.
2. Establish the response equation as a function of distance “x”.
3. Draw the diagram of the response equation using the response as ordinate and the distance “x” as
abscissa.

Note: To calculate the actual value of the response, multiply the load intensity with the corresponding
ordinate of the influence line.

3
 UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

THEORY 1 – THEORY OF STRUCTURES 1

MODULE 5: INFLUENCE LINES ON STATICALLY
DETERMINATE STRUCTURES
UNIT 1: INFLUENCE LINES FOR BEAMS AND
FRAMES
Prepared by:

Melkisidick L. Angloan, CE, ME-1

 UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this unit, here are the following desired learning outcomes:
✘ Draw influence line for beams and frames
✘ Calculate actual response using influence line

5
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction at C and the internal moment at B.
Determine the maximum response due to a moving load of 50 k using the influence lines.

A.) Vertical Reaction at C (𝐶𝑣 )

*** Considering member DE when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐷 = 0 ↺ +

20𝐸𝑣 = 0
𝑬𝒗 = 𝟎 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡

*** Considering member DE when 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐷 = 0 ↺ +

20𝐸𝑣 − 1(𝑥 − 40) = 0

𝒙
𝑬𝒗 = −𝟐 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡
𝟐𝟎

6
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction at C and the internal moment at B.
Determine the maximum response due to a moving load of 50 k using the influence lines.

*** Considering the whole structure

𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↺ +

60𝐸𝑣 + 20𝐶𝑣 − 𝑥 = 0
𝑥
𝐶𝑣 = − 3𝐸𝑣
20
𝒙
𝑪𝒗 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡
𝟐𝟎
𝑥 𝑥
𝐶𝑣 = −3 −2
20 20
𝒙
𝑪𝒗 = 𝟔 − 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡
𝟏𝟎

7
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction at C and the internal moment at B.
Determine the maximum response due to a moving load of 50 k using the influence lines.

*** Maximum vertical reaction at C

𝐶𝑣 = 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 2 50

𝑪𝒗 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒌 “when load is at joint D (x = 40 ft)”

𝒙
𝑪𝒗 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡
𝟐𝟎
𝒙
𝑪𝒗 = 𝟔 − 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡
𝟏𝟎

8
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction at C and the internal moment at B.
Determine the maximum response due to a moving load of 50 k using the influence lines.

B.) Internal Moment at B (𝑀𝐵 )

*** Considering whole structure

𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +

𝐴𝑣 + 𝐶𝑣 + 𝐸𝑣 − 1 = 0
𝐴𝑣 = 1 − 𝐶𝑣 − 𝐸𝑣

𝑥
𝐴𝑣 = 1 − −0 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡
20
𝒙
𝑨𝒗 = 𝟏 −
𝟐𝟎

𝑥 𝑥
𝐴𝑣 = 1 − 6 − − −2 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡
10 20
𝒙
𝑨𝒗 = −𝟑
𝟐𝟎

9
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction at C and the internal moment at B.
Determine the maximum response due to a moving load of 50 k using the influence lines.

*** Considering member AB when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↺ +

𝑀𝐵 + 1 10 − 𝑥 − 10𝐴𝑣 = 0
𝑥
𝑀𝐵 = 10 1 − − (10 − 𝑥)
20
𝒙
𝑴𝑩 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10 𝑓𝑡
𝟐

*** Considering member AB when 10 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↺ +

𝑀𝐵 − 10𝐴𝑣 = 0
𝑀𝐵 = 10𝐴𝑣

𝑥
𝑀𝐵 = 10 1 − 10 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡
20
𝒙
𝑴𝑩 = 𝟏𝟎 −
𝟐
𝑥
𝑀𝐵 = 10 −3 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡
20
𝒙
𝑴𝑩 = − 𝟑𝟎
10 𝟐
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction at C and the internal moment at B.
Determine the maximum response due to a moving load of 50 k using the influence lines.

*** Maximum positive internal moment at B

𝑀𝐵 = 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 5 50

𝑴𝑩 = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝒌−𝒇𝒕 “when load is at joint B (x = 10 ft)”

*** Maximum negative internal moment at B

𝑀𝐵 = 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = −10 50

𝑴𝑩 = −𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝒌−𝒇𝒕 “when load is at joint D (x = 40 ft)”

𝒙
𝑴𝑩 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10 𝑓𝑡
𝟐
𝒙
𝑴𝑩 = 𝟏𝟎 − 10 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 40 𝑓𝑡
𝟐
𝒙
𝑴𝑩 = − 𝟑𝟎 40 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 60 𝑓𝑡
𝟐
11
EXAMPLE 2. Draw the influence lines for the vertical and moment reaction at A of the frame shown.

12
EXAMPLE 2. Draw the influence lines for the vertical and moment reaction at A of the frame shown.

A.) Vertical Reaction at A (𝐴𝑣 )

𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +

𝐴𝑣 − 1 = 0
𝑨𝒗 = 𝟏

B.) Moment Reaction at A (𝑀𝐴 )

𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↺ +

𝑀𝐴 − 1(𝑥 − 6) = 0
𝑴𝑨 = 𝒙 − 𝟔

13
EXAMPLE 2. Draw the influence lines for the vertical and moment reaction at A of the frame shown.

A.) Vertical Reaction at A (𝐴𝑣 )

𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +

𝐴𝑣 − 1 = 0
𝑨𝒗 = 𝟏

B.) Moment Reaction at A (𝑀𝐴 )

𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↺ +

𝑀𝐴 − 1(𝑥 − 6) = 0
𝑴𝑨 = 𝒙 − 𝟔

14
 thanks!
Any questions?

15
 UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

THEORY 1 – THEORY OF STRUCTURES 1

MODULE 5: INFLUENCE LINES ON STATICALLY
DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

UNIT 2: INFLUENCE LINES FOR TRUSSES

Prepared by:

Melkisidick L. Angloan, CE, ME-1

 UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this unit, here are the following desired learning outcomes:
✘ Draw influence line for trusses

17
 Load Transfer Mechanism
The deck of bridge rests on stringers that are
supported by floor beams, which, in turn, are connected
at their ends to the joints on the bottom chords of the
two longitudinal trusses. Thus, any live loads, regardless of
where they are located on the deck, are always
transmitted to the trusses as concentrated loads at the
joints. In the case of roof trusses, live loads are
transmitted in the same manner.

18
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

𝑀𝐸 = 0 ↻ +

60𝐴𝑣 − 1(60 − 𝑥) = 0
𝒙
𝑨𝒗 = 𝟏 −
𝟔𝟎

𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↺ +

60𝐸𝑣 − 1𝑥 = 0
𝒙
𝑬𝒗 =
𝟔𝟎

19
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

A.) Force Member CI (section a-a)

*** Considering before C when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +

𝐶𝐼 + 𝐴𝑣 − 1 = 0
𝑥
𝐶𝐼 = 1 − 𝐴𝑣 = 1 − 1 −
60
𝒙
𝑪𝑰 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡
𝟔𝟎

*** Considering within CD when 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡

Calculate “Fc “ from member CD
Σ 𝑀𝐷 = 0 ↻ +
15𝐹𝐶 − 1 45 − 𝑥 = 0
𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + 𝑥
𝐹𝐶 = 3 −
15
𝐶𝐼 + 𝐴𝑣 − 𝐹𝐶 = 0
𝑥 𝑥
𝐶𝐼 = 𝐹𝐶 − 𝐴𝑣 = 3 − − 1−
15 60
𝒙
𝑪𝑰 = 𝟐 − 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡
𝟐𝟎
20
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

*** Considering after D when 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +

𝐶𝐼 + 𝐴𝑣 = 0
𝑥
𝐶𝐼 = −𝐴𝑣 = − 1 −
60
𝒙
𝑪𝑰 = −𝟏 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡
𝟔𝟎

21
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

𝒙
𝑪𝑰 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡
𝟔𝟎
𝒙
𝑪𝑰 = 𝟐 − 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡
𝟐𝟎
𝒙
𝑪𝑰 = −𝟏 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡
𝟔𝟎

22
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

B.) Force Member CD (section a-a)

*** Considering before C when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐼 = 0 ↺ +

20𝐶𝐷 + 1(30 − 𝑥) − 30𝐴𝑣 = 0

𝑥
30𝐴𝑣 − (30 − 𝑥) 30 1 − 60 − (30 − 𝑥)
𝐶𝐷 = =
20 20
𝒙
𝑪𝑫 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡
𝟒𝟎

*** Considering within CD when 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐼 = 0 ↺ +

20𝐶𝐷 − 30𝐴𝑣 = 0
𝑥
30𝐴𝑣 30 1 − 60
𝐶𝐷 = =
20 20
𝟑 𝒙
𝑪𝑫 = − 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡
𝟐 𝟒𝟎

23
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

*** Considering after D when 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡

𝑀𝐼 = 0 ↺ +

20𝐶𝐷 − 30𝐴𝑣 = 0
𝑥
30𝐴𝑣 30 1 − 60
𝐶𝐷 = =
20 20
𝟑 𝒙
𝑪𝑫 = − 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡
𝟐 𝟒𝟎

24
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

𝒙
𝑪𝑫 = 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡
𝟒𝟎
𝟑 𝒙
𝑪𝑫 = − 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡
𝟐 𝟒𝟎
𝟑 𝒙
𝑪𝑫 = − 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡
𝟐 𝟒𝟎

25
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

C.) Force Member DI (section b-b)

*** Considering before C when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +

4
𝐴𝑣 − 1 − 𝐼𝐷 = 0
5
5 5 𝑥
𝐼𝐷 = 𝐴𝑣 − 1 = 1 − −1
4 4 60
𝒙
𝑫𝑰 = 𝑰𝑫 = − 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡
𝟒𝟖

*** Considering within CD when 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +

4
𝐴𝑣 − 𝐹𝐶 − 𝐼𝐷 = 0
5
5 5 𝑥 𝑥
𝐼𝐷 = 𝐴𝑣 − 𝐹𝐶 = 1 − − 3−
4 4 60 15
𝒙 𝟓
𝑫𝑰 = 𝑰𝑫 = − 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡
𝟏𝟔 𝟐

26
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

*** Considering after D when 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +

4
𝐴𝑣 − 𝐼𝐷 = 0
5
5 5 𝑥
𝐼𝐷 = 𝐴𝑣 = 1 −
4 4 60
𝟓 𝒙
𝑫𝑰 = 𝑰𝑫 = − 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡
𝟒 𝟒𝟖

27
EXAMPLE Given the Pratt bridge truss below, the loads due to the traffic are transferred by a floor
system to the bottom chord. Draw the influence line of the members CI, CD, and DI.

𝒙
𝑫𝑰 = − 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 30 𝑓𝑡
𝟒𝟖
𝒙 𝟓
𝑫𝑰 = − 30 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 45 𝑓𝑡
𝟏𝟔 𝟐
𝟓 𝒙
𝑫𝑰 = − 45 𝑓𝑡 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 90 𝑓𝑡
𝟒 𝟒𝟖

28
 thanks!
Any questions?

29
 UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

THEORY 1 – THEORY OF STRUCTURES 1

MODULE 5: INFLUENCE LINES ON STATICALLY
DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

UNIT 3: APPLICATION OF INFLUENCE LINES

Prepared by:

Melkisidick L. Angloan, CE, ME-1

 UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this unit, here are the following desired learning outcomes:
✘ Determine the response due to a uniformly distributed load
✘ Determine the response due to a series of moving concentrated
loads

31
 response due to a uniformly distributed load

“The response due to a UDL is the product of the load intensity “w” and the area of the influence
line diagram under the load.”

A B
𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒 = 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 × 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑

𝑹 = 𝒘𝑨
𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂

Influence Line for Response, R

32
EXAMPLE 1. For the beam shown, determine the maximum positive and negative moment at B due to a
uniformly distributed live load of 2 k/ft and a uniformly distributed dead load of 0.5 k/ft.

The influence line for the internal moment at B will be

used to determine the position of the variable load (live
load) that will give the maximum positive/negative
response.

Note:
“The solution in drawing the influence line of MB
was discussed in Unit 1-Example #1 of this module.”

33
EXAMPLE 1. For the beam shown, determine the maximum positive and negative moment at B due to a
uniformly distributed live load of 2 k/ft and a uniformly distributed dead load of 0.5 k/ft.

A.) Maximum Positive MB

1 1
𝑀𝐵 = 2 + 0.5 20 5 − 0.5 40 10
2 2
𝑴𝑩 = 𝟐𝟓 𝒌-𝒇𝒕

34
EXAMPLE 1. For the beam shown, determine the maximum positive and negative moment at B due to a
uniformly distributed live load of 2 k/ft and a uniformly distributed dead load of 0.5 k/ft.

B.) Maximum Negative MB

1 1
𝑀𝐵 = 0.5 20 5 − 2 + 0.5 40 10
2 2
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟒𝟕𝟓 𝒌-𝒇𝒕

35
 response due to a series of moving concentrated loads

“The response due to a moving concentrated loads is the summation of the product of each load
“P” and the ordinate “y” of the influence line diagram under each respective load.”

𝑷𝟏 𝑷𝟐 𝑷𝟑

A B

𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 × 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 𝑂𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑

𝒚𝟏 𝒚𝟐
𝑹= 𝑷𝒚
𝒚𝟑

Influence Line for Response, R

36
EXAMPLE 2. Determine the maximum tensile stress formed at member CD when the truck passes through
the bridge. The weight distribution of the truck through its wheels is as shown.

Note:
“The solution in drawing the influence line for member CD was discussed in Unit 2-Example of this module.”

37
EXAMPLE 2. Determine the maximum tensile stress formed at member CD when the truck passes through
the bridge. The weight distribution of the truck through its wheels is as shown.

*** When front wheel is @ joint C

𝐶𝐷 = 4 0.75 + 16 0.4
𝑪𝑫 = 𝟗. 𝟒 𝒌

38
EXAMPLE 2. Determine the maximum tensile stress formed at member CD when the truck passes through
the bridge. The weight distribution of the truck through its wheels is as shown.

*** When intermediate wheel is @ joint C

𝐶𝐷 = 4 0.4 + 16 0.75 + 16 0
𝑪𝑫 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟔 𝒌

39
EXAMPLE 2. Determine the maximum tensile stress formed at member CD when the truck passes through
the bridge. The weight distribution of the truck through its wheels is as shown.

*** When rear wheel is @ joint C

𝐶𝐷 = 4 −0.35 + 16 0 + 16 0.75
𝑪𝑫 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟔 𝒌

Therefore, member CD will be of its maximum

tensile stress when intermediate wheel is @
joint C with a value of 13.6 kips.

40
 thanks!
Any questions?

41
 Credits
Special thanks to all the people who made and released
these awesome resources for free:
✘ Presentation template by SlidesCarnival
✘ Photographs by Unsplash

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