Chapter 7

Analysis of statically indeterminate structures

Determinate structures are analyzed just by the use of basic equilibrium equations. By this
analysis, the unknown reactions are found for the further determination of stresses. Examples of
determinate structures are: simply supported beams, cantilever beams, single and double
overhanging beams, three hinged arches, etc.

Redundant or indeterminate structures are not capable of being analyzed by mere use of basic
equilibrium equations. Along with the basic equilibrium equations, some extra conditions are
required to be used like compatibility conditions of deformations etc. to get the unknown
reactions for drawing bending moment and shear force diagrams. Examples of indeterminate
structures are: fixed beams, continuous beams, fixed arches, two hinged arches, portals,
multistoried frames, etc.

Special methods like method of consistent deformation and least work, slope deflection method,
moment distribution method, kani method, matrix methods, etc. are used for the analysis of
redundant structures.

7.1 Method of Consistent deformation and least work

The force method of analysis, also known as the method of consistent deformation, uses
equilibrium equations and compatibility conditions to determine the unknowns in statically
indeterminate structures. In this method, the unknowns are the redundant forces. A redundant
force can be an external support reaction force or an internal member force, which if removed
from the structure, will not cause any instability. This method entails formulating a set of
compatibility equations, depending on the number of the redundant forces in the structure, and
solving these equations simultaneously to determine the magnitude of the redundant forces. Once
the redundant forces are known, the structure becomes determinate and can be analyzed
completely using the conditions of equilibrium.

The basic steps in the force method are as follows:

(a) Determine the degree of static indeterminacy, n of the structure.

(b) Transform the structure into a statically determinate system by releasing a number of static
constraints equal to the degree of static indeterminacy, n. This is accomplished by releasing
external support conditions or by creating internal hinges. The system thus formed is called the
basic determinate structure.

(c) For a given released constraint j, introduce an unknown redundant force corresponding to the
type and direction of the released constraint.

(d) Apply the given loading or imposed deformation to the basic determinate structure. Use
suitable method (given in Chapter 4) to calculate displacements at each of the released
constraints in the basic determinate structure.

(e) Solve for redundant forces (j =1 to n) by imposing the compatibility conditions of the original
structure. These conditions transform the basic determinate structure back to the original
structure by finding the combination of redundant forces that make displacement at each of the
released constraints equal to zero.

Examples

1.from SA24
2. A propped cantilever of span L is fixed at A and is on roller at C. Analyze it when it is
subjected to a concentrated load Pat mid span. Assume uniform cross-section throughout.

Solution: Total number of reactions = 3 + 1 = 4

Number of equilibrium equations available = 3.

: - Degree of static indeterminacy = 4 – 3 = 1.

By releasing support C restraint to vertical deflection is removed and we get a cantilever as basic
determinate structure. This released structure is analyzed for the given load and the redundant
force RC to get vertical displacements at C.
1. Free-Body Diagram

Unknown variables = 4 (Ay, Ax, MA and CY) ,

Equations of Equilibrium = 3 ( ∑ Fx=0 , ∑ Fy=0 , ∑ M =0

→ Statically Indeterminate Structure

Degree of Indeterminacy = 4 -3 =1 = Number of Redundancy

2. Selecting Cy as a redundant

Σ Fx = 0 Axo = 0

Σ Fy = 0 Ayo = 32 k ↑

Σ M A = 0 MAO −32 ×10 = 0 = M AO=320 k− f

Bending Moment Diagram

Determining ∆CO using conjugate-beam method

320 1 2
(
∆CO = - EI ×10 × 2 3 ×10+10 )
26666.67 K −f t 3 26666.67× 123
= = =−3∈¿
EI 30000 ×512

∆CO =−3∈↓

3. Applying the redundant

Σ Fx = 0 Axc = 0

Σ Fy = 0 Ayc = 1 k ↓

Σ M A = 0 -MAC + 1×20= 0 MAC = 20 K-ft

Bending Moment Diagram

Determining fcc using conjugate-beam method,

20 1 2 266 6.67 K−ft 3

fCC =
EI 2 3(
× 20× × ×20 = ) EI

2666.67× 123
= =0.3∈↑
30000 ×512

4. Compatibility Condition

∆ C = ∆CO + fcc Cy = 0
 −3
∆CO = - fcc Cy = Cy= =10 K ↑
0.3

5. Reaction Forces

Using the equilibrium equations,

Σ Fx = 0, Ax = 0, Σ Fy = 0, A y − 32 +10 = 0, A y = 22 k ↑

Σ MA = 0 - MAC + 1 ×20 = 0 MAC = 20 K-ft

Using the principle of superposition,

6. Shear Force Diagram & Bending Moment Diagram

Using the reaction forces & the applied loads by the principle of superposition,
7.2 Slope Deflection Methods