11/30/2021

Influence Lines

Objective
• Students will be able to
• Draw the influence lines for statically
determinate structures
• Apply the theory to structures subjected to a
distributed load or a series of concentrated forces
• Determine the absolute maximum live shear and
moment in a member

Influence Lines

Influence Lines
• Influence lines play an important part in the
design of bridges, industrial crane rails, conveyors,
and other structures where loads move across
their span
• An influence line represents the variation of
either the reaction, shear, moment, or deflection
at a specific point in a member as a concentrated
force moves over the member
• From influence line, one can tell where the
moving load should be placed on the structure so
that it creates the greatest influence at the
specified point

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Influence Lines

Influence Lines

Influence lines represent the effect of a

moving load at a specified point on a member,
whereas shear and moment diagrams
represent the effect of fixed loads at all points
along the axis of the member.

Influence Lines

Drawing Influence Lines

• The following two procedures can be used to
construct the influence line at a specific point P in a
member for any function (reaction, shear, or
moment)
• By Tabulating Values
1. Place a unit load at a location x along the member.
2. Use the equations of equilibrium to find the value of
the function (reaction, shear or moment) at a specified
point P due to the concentrated unit load at x
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 for various values of x over the
structure and construct a table listing “unit load at x”
versus the corresponding “value of the function at the
specific point P”

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Influence Lines

Drawing Influence Lines

• By Tabulating Values
4. All statically determinate beams will have influence
lines that consist of straight line segments.
5. The tabulated values are then plotted and connected
together to construct the influence line for the function
• By Influence Line Equations
1. Place a unit load at a variable position x along the
member
2. Use the equations of equilibrium to find equations for
the desired function (reaction, shear or moment) at a
specified point P due to the unit load as a function of x
3. The influence line equations of the various line
segments are then plotted

Influence Lines

Beams
• P#1 – Draw influence lines for the vertical reactions
at A and B of the beam.

x Ay By
0 1 0
2.5 0.75 0.25
5 0.5 0.5
7.5 0.25 0.75
10 0 1

IL – By = ?

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Influence Lines

Beams
• P#2 – Construct the influence lines for the vertical
reactions at A and B of the beam.

x Ay By
0 1 0
2.5 0.5 0.5
5 0 1
7.5 -0.5 1.5
10 -1 2

Influence Lines

Beams
• P#3 – Construct the influence line for the shear at
point C of the beam

*unit load must be placed just to the left and just to

the right of point C, since shear is discontinuous at C.
x Vc
0 0
2.5- -0.25
2.5+ 0.75
5 0.5
7.5 0.25
10 0

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Influence Lines

Beams
• P#4 – Construct the influence lines for the shear and
moment at point C of the beam

x Vc Mc
0 0 0
2.5 -0.25 1.25
5- -0.5 2.5
5+ 0.5 2.5
7.5 0.25 1.25
10 0 0

Influence Lines

Maximum value of a function using IL

• Once the influence line for a reaction, shear, or moment
(function) is constructed, then it will be possible to locate the
live load on the member to produce the maximum positive or
negative value of the function.
• To get the maximum reaction/shear/moment for a
concentrated force, a concentrated live load is applied at the
positive (negative) peak of the influence line. The value of the
function is then equal to the product of the influence line
ordinate and the magnitude of the force.

Ay = (1/2) F

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Influence Lines

Maximum value of a function using IL

• To get the maximum reaction/shear/moment for a
uniform load, a uniform distributed load extends over
a positive (negative) region of the influence line. The
value of the function is then equal to the product of
the area under the influence line for the region and
the magnitude of the uniform load.

Ay = (1/2)(1)(L) w0

Influence Lines

Maximum value of a function using IL

• P#5 – Determine the maximum positive shear that
can be developed at point C in the beam shown in
figure due to a concentrated moving load of 4000 lb
and a uniform moving load of 2000 lb/ft.

For 4000 lb concentrated force, Vc = 3000 lb

For 2000 lb/ft uniform load, Vc = 5625 lb
Total maximum shear, Vc(max) = 8625 lb

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Influence Lines

Maximum value of a function using IL

• P#6 – The frame structure shown in figure is used to support
a hoist for transferring loads for storage at points underneath
it. It is anticipated that the load on the dolly is 3 kN and the
beam CB has a mass of 24 kg/m. Assume the dolly has
negligible size and can travel the entire length of the beam.
Also, assume A is a pin and B is a roller. Determine the
maximum vertical support reactions at A and B and the
maximum moment in the beam at D.

Influence Lines

Maximum value of a function using IL

• P#6 (Cont.)
Dead load (beam self weight) must be
placed over the entire length of the beam
Maximum Reaction at A.
Ay(max) occurs when the dolly is at C
Ay(max) = 4.63 kN

Maximum Reaction at B.
By(max) occurs when the dolly is at B
By(max) = 3.31 kN

Maximum Moment at D.
MD(max) occurs when the dolly is at D
MD(max) = 2.46 kN.m

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Influence Lines

Müller-Breslau principle
• The influence line for a function (reaction, shear, or moment)
is to the same scale as the deflected shape of the member
when the member is acted upon by the function.
• In order to draw the deflected shape properly, the capacity of
the beam to resist the applied function must be removed so
the beam can deflect when the function is applied.
• If the shape of the influence line for the vertical reaction at A
is to be determined, the pin is first replaced by a roller guide as
shown in figure. When the positive (upward) force Ay is
applied at A, the beam deflects to the dashed position, which
represents the general shape of the influence line for Ay

Influence Lines

Müller-Breslau principle
• If the shape of the influence line for the shear at C is to be
determined, the connection at C may be symbolized by a roller
guide as shown in figure. This device will resist a moment and
axial force but no shear. Applying a positive shear force Vc to
the beam at C and allowing the beam to deflect to the dashed
position, we find the influence-line shape for Vc

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Influence Lines

Müller-Breslau principle
• If the shape of the influence line for the moment at C is to be
determined, an internal hinge or pin is placed at C, since this
connection resists axial and shear forces but cannot resist a
moment. Apply positive moment Mc to the beam, the beam
then deflects to the dashed position, which is the shape of the
influence line for Mc

Influence Lines

Beams
• P#7  Draw the influence lines for support reactions at A and
E.
 Draw the influence lines for shear at sections A, B, D,
E and F; A is to be taken an infinitesimal distance to the
right of the fixed support. E is to be taken an
infinitesimal distance to the left and right of the roller
support.
 Draw the influence lines for moment at sections A, B,
D and F.

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Influence Lines

Trusses
• P#8 - Draw the influence line for the force in member GB of the
bridge truss shown in Figure.

x FGB
0 0
6 0.354
12 -0.707
18 -0.354
24 0

Influence Lines

Trusses
• P#9 - Draw the influence line for the force in member CG of the
bridge truss shown in Figure.

x FCG
0 0
6 0
12 1
18 0
24 0

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Influence Lines

Trusses
• P#10 - Determine the largest force that can be developed in
member BC due to a moving force of 25 k and a moving
distributed load of 0.6 k/ft. The loading is applied at the top
cord.
x FBC
0 0
20 1
40 0.667
60 0.333
80 0

For 25 k concentrated force, FBC = 25 k

For 0.6 k/ft uniform load, FBC = 24 k
Total maximum force, FBC(max) = 49 k

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• For a series of concentrated loads (wheel loadings of a

truck or train), various positions of the load on the
member have to be considered to determine the
largest shear or moment in the member.
• In general, place the loadings so that each contributes
its maximum influence, as determined by multiplying
each load by the ordinate of the influence line.
• This process of finding the actual position can be done
using a trial-and-error procedure, or by finding the
change in either the shear or moment when the loads
are moved from one position to another.

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#11 - Determine the maximum positive shear created at point
C in the beam shown in figure due to the wheel loads of the
truck moving from right to left over the beam.

Trial & Error :

The critical loading will occur when one of the loads is placed just to
the right of point C, which is coincident with the positive peak of the
influence line. By trial and error each of three possible cases can
therefore be investigated

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#11 (cont.)
Trial & Error : Case1 – when 1k load is just to the right of point C

VC1 = 1(0.75) + 4(0.625) + 4(0.5) = 5.25 k

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#11 (cont.)
Trial & Error : Case2 – when 1k load 5+ ft from the left support

VC2 = 1(-0.125) + 4(0.75) + 4(0.625) = 5.375 k

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#11 (cont.)
Trial & Error : Case3 – when 1k load 0+ ft from the left support
(unnecessary by inspection )

VC3 = 1(0) + 4(-0.125) + 4(0.75) = 2.5 k

Case 2, yields the largest value for Vc = 5.375 k and
thus represents the critical loading

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#11 (cont.)
By finding the change in shear :
• Consider the change in shear as the load moves from one case
to another. If the computed ΔV is positive, the new position will
yield a large shear than the previous
• Each movement is investigated until a negative change in shear
occurs. Once this happens, the previous position will define the
critical loading
• If a load P moves from x1 to x2, the change in shear can be
determined by multiplying P by the change in the ordinate of the
influence line (y2 – y1). If the slope of the influence line is s, then
for a sloping line, ΔV = Ps (x2 – x1)
• If a load moves past a discontinuity/jump in the influence line,
then, ΔV = P(y2 – y1)

Influence Lines
Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads
• P#11 (cont.) By finding the change in shear :
Slope of the influence line, s = 0.025
The loads of Case1 moves 5 ft to Case2
1-k load jumps down and all the loads
move up the slope of the IL

ΔV1-2 = 1(-1)+[1+4+4](0.025)(5)= +0.125

The loads of Case2 moves 5 ft to Case3

4-k load jumps down and all the loads
move up the slope of the IL

ΔV2-3 = 4(-1)+[1+4+4](0.025)(5)= -2.875

Since ΔV2-3 is negative, Case 2 is the

position of the critical loading, as
calculated earlier

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#12 - Determine the maximum moment created at point C in
the beam shown in figure due to the wheel loads of the truck
moving from right to left over the beam.

 The change in moment is equivalent to the magnitude of the

force times the change in the influence line ordinate under the
load, i.e. for a sloping line, ΔM = Ps (x2 – x1)

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#12 (Cont.)
Downward slope of the influence line, s1 =
0.75
Upward slope of the influence line, s2 = 0.25
The loads of Case1 moves 4 ft to Case2
2-k load decreases ΔM due to downward
slope, and 4-k and 3-k loads increases ΔM
since the slope is upward

ΔM1-2 = -2(0.75)(4)+(4+3)(0.25)(4) = 1.0 k.ft

The loads of Case2 moves 6 ft to Case3

ΔM2-3 = -(2+4)(0.75)(6)+3(0.25)(6) = -22.5 k.ft

Since ΔM2-3 is negative, maximum moment

will occur when the beam will be loaded as
Case 2.

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#12 (Cont.)

Mc(max) = 2(4.5)+4(7.5)+3(6) = 57 k.ft

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#13 - Determine the maximum positive shear created at point
B in the beam shown in figure due to the wheel loads of the
moving truck.

Start with considering 4-k load

acts just to the right of point B
to obtain maximum positive
influence. This is case#1.
Note: 10-k load is outside the
beam

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#13 (Cont.)

• Case#2 – 9-k load just to the right of point B

From Case#1 to Case#2  3ft
movement
Note: 10-k load is still outside the beam
4-k jumps downward 1 unit.
4-k, 9-k & 15-k create positive increase
in shear change, since the slope is
upward to the left
ΔV1-2 = 4(-1)+(4+9+15)(0.5/10)(3)=+0.2 k

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#13 (Cont.)

• Case#3 – 15-k load just to the right of point B

From Case#2 to Case#3  6ft
movement
Note: 10-k load moves 4 ft on the beam
9-k jumps downward 1 unit.
4-k, 9-k & 15-k create positive increase
in shear change, since the slope is
upward to the left
ΔV2-3 = 9(-1)+(4+9+15)(0.05)(6)+10(0.05)(4)=+1.4 k

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Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#13 (Cont.) • Case#4 – 10-k load just to the
right of point B
From Case#3 to Case#4  6ft
movement
Note: 4-k load moves 1 ft & 9-k load
moves 4 ft until off the beam
15-k jumps downward 1 unit.
4-k, 9-k, 15-k & 10-k create positive
Case#3 increase in shear change, since the
slope is upward to the left
Since ΔV3-4 is negative, case#3 is the
critical loading with 15-k just to the
right of point B

ΔV3-4 = 15(-1)+4(0.05)(1)+9(0.05)(4)+(15+10)(0.05)(6)= - 5.5 k

VB(max) = 4(-0.05) + 9(-0.02) + 15(0.5) + 10(0.2) = 7.5 k

Influence Lines

Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

• P#14 - Determine the maximum positive moment created at
point B in the beam shown in figure due to the wheel loads of
the crane.

Case#1 – 3 kN load @B
Case#2 – 8 kN load @B
Case#3 – 4 kN load @B
ΔMB_1-2 = -3(1.2/3)2+8(1.2/2)2= +7.2 kN.m
ΔMB_2-3 = -(3+8)(1.2/3)3+4(1.2/2)2= - 8.4 kN.m
Case#2 is the critical loading for maximum
positive moment at B

MB(max) = 8(1.2) + 3(0.4) = 10.8 kN.m

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Influence Lines

Absolute Maximum Shear & Moment

• General problem regarding absolute maximum shear and
moment involves the determination of both the location of the
point in the beam and the position of the loading
• Absolute maximum shear in a cantilever or simply supported
beam will occur at a support, when one of the loads is placed
next to the support

• Absolute maximum moment in a cantilevered beam occurs

when the series of concentrated loads are placed at the farthest
point away from the fixed support.

Influence Lines
Absolute Maximum Shear & Moment
• To determine the absolute maximum moment in a simply supported
beam, the resultant of the force system is first determined. Then it,
along with one of the concentrated forces in the system is positioned
so that these two forces are equidistant from the centerline of the
beam. The maximum moment then occurs under the selected force.
• Each force in the system is selected in this manner, and by
comparison the largest for all these cases is the absolute maximum
moment. As a general rule, the absolute maximum moment often
occurs under the largest force lying nearest the resultant force of the
system.

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Influence Lines
Absolute Maximum Shear & Moment
• P#15 – Determine the absolute maximum moment in the simply
supported bridge deck shown in figure. (The magnitude and position
of the resultant force system are given)

Step#1 – Calculate the magnitude and resultant of the force system (if
not given)

Influence Lines
Absolute Maximum Shear & Moment
• P#15 (Cont.)
Step#2 – Assume the absolute maximum moment occurs under one of
the concentrated forces (Here, 1.5-k load).
The load and the resultant force are positioned equidistant from the
beam’s centerline.
Step#3 – Calculate, Ay = 2.5 k
Now use method of section to
calculate absolute moment at the
location where selected
concentrated force applied

Ms = 21.7 k.ft

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Influence Lines
Absolute Maximum Shear & Moment
• P#15 (Cont.)
Step#4 – Now, redo the previous three steps considering maximum
moment may produce under another force.
Now, assume the absolute maximum moment occurs under 2-k load
Ay = 1.75 k

Ms = 20.4 k.ft

Thus, the absolute maximum moment, Ms = 21.7 k.ft

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