316 CHAPTER 8 DEFLECTIONS

8.4 Moment-Area Theorems

w advantageous when used to solve problems involving beams, especially
A B
x dx
(a)
The initial ideas for the two moment-area theorems were developed by
Otto Mohr and later stated formally by Charles E. Greene in 1873. These
theorems provide a semigraphical technique for determining the slope of
the elastic curve and its deflection due to bending. They are particularly
those subjected to a series of concentrated loadings or having segments
with different moments of inertia.
To develop the theorems, reference is made to the beam in Fig. 8–14a.
If we draw the moment diagram for the beam and then divide it by the
flexural rigidity, EI, the “M/EI diagram” shown in Fig. 8–14b results. By
Eq. 8–2,

du = a b dx
M
M
___
EI M
___ EI
EI
Thus it can be seen that the change du in the slope of the tangents on
either side of the element dx is equal to the lighter-shaded area under the
x M/EI diagram. Integrating from point A on the elastic curve to point B,
A B
x dx
Fig. 8–14c, we have

(b) B
M
uB>A = dx (8–5)
LA EI

This equation forms the basis for the first moment-area theorem.
Theorem 1: The change in slope between any two points on the elastic
curve equals the area of the M/EI diagram between these two points.
The notation uB>A is referred to as the angle of the tangent at B
8
measured with respect to the tangent at A. From the proof it should be
evident that this angle is measured counterclockwise from tangent A to
tangent B if the area of the M/EI diagram is positive, Fig. 8–14c.
Conversely, if this area is negative, or below the x axis, the angle uB>A is
measured clockwise from tangent A to tangent B. Furthermore, from the
dimensions of Eq. 8–5, uB>A is measured in radians.

A B
uB/A
tan B tan A

elastic curve
(c)

Fig. 8–14
 8.4 MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS 317

The second moment-area theorem is based on the relative deviation of w

tangents to the elastic curve. Shown in Fig. 8–15c is a greatly exaggerated
view of the vertical deviation dt of the tangents on each side of the
differential element dx. This deviation is measured along a vertical line A B
passing through point A. Since the slope of the elastic curve and its x dx
deflection are assumed to be very small, it is satisfactory to approximate
the length of each tangent line by x and the arc ds¿ by dt. Using the (a)
circular-arc formula s = ur, where r is of length x, we can write dt = x du.
Using Eq. 8–2, du = 1M>EI2 dx, the vertical deviation of the tangent at
A with respect to the tangent at B can be found by integration, in which
M
___
case EI
B
M
tA>B = x dx (8–6)
LA EI
Recall from statics that the centroid of an area is determined from
x 1 dA = 1 x dA. Since 1 M>EI dx represents an area of the M/EI dia- x
A B
_
gram, we can also write x

B (b)
M
tA>B = x dx (8–7)
LA EI
Here x is the distance from the vertical axis through A to the centroid of
the area between A and B, Fig. 8–15b.
The second moment-area theorem can now be stated as follows:
Theorem 2: The vertical deviation of the tangent at a point (A) on x dx
the elastic curve with respect to the tangent extended from another A B
point (B) equals the “moment” of the area under the M/EI diagram tA/B tan A
between the two points (A and B). This moment is computed about dt
ds¿
point A (the point on the elastic curve), where the deviation tA>B is tan B
to be determined.
Provided the moment of a positive M/EI area from A to B is elastic curve 8
computed, as in Fig. 8–15b, it indicates that the tangent at point A is above (c)
the tangent to the curve extended from point B, Fig. 8–15c. Similarly,
negative M/EI areas indicate that the tangent at A is below the tangent
extended from B. Note that in general tA>B is not equal to tB>A, which is
shown in Fig. 8–15d. Specifically, the moment of the area under the M/EI
diagram between A and B is computed about point A to determine tA>B, A
B
Fig. 8–15b, and it is computed about point B to determine tB>A.
It is important to realize that the moment-area theorems can only be tA/B tB/A
used to determine the angles or deviations between two tangents on the tan A
beam’s elastic curve. In general, they do not give a direct solution for the tan B
slope or displacement at a point on the beam. These unknowns must first
be related to the angles or vertical deviations of tangents at points on elastic curve
the elastic curve. Usually the tangents at the supports are drawn in this (d)
regard since these points do not undergo displacement and/or have zero
slope. Specific cases for establishing these geometric relationships are Fig. 8–15
given in the example problems.
 318 CHAPTER 8 DEFLECTIONS

Procedure for Analysis

The following procedure provides a method that may be used to determine the
displacement and slope at a point on the elastic curve of a beam using the
moment-area theorems.

M/EI Diagram
• Determine the support reactions and draw the beam’s M/EI diagram.
• If the beam is loaded with concentrated forces, the M/EI diagram will consist of a
series of straight line segments, and the areas and their moments required for the
moment-area theorems will be relatively easy to compute.
• If the loading consists of a series of concentrated forces and distributed loads, it may
be simpler to compute the required M/EI areas and their moments by drawing the
M/EI diagram in parts, using the method of superposition as discussed in Sec. 4–5.
In any case, the M/EI diagram will consist of parabolic or perhaps higher-order
curves, and it is suggested that the table on the inside back cover be used to locate
the area and centroid under each curve.

Elastic Curve
• Draw an exaggerated view of the beam’s elastic curve. Recall that points of zero
slope occur at fixed supports and zero displacement occurs at all fixed, pin, and
roller supports.
• If it becomes difficult to draw the general shape of the elastic curve, use the
moment (or M/EI) diagram. Realize that when the beam is subjected to a positive
moment the beam bends concave up, whereas negative moment bends the beam
concave down. Furthermore, an inflection point or change in curvature occurs
where the moment in the beam (or M/EI) is zero.
• The displacement and slope to be determined should be indicated on the curve.
8 Since the moment-area theorems apply only between two tangents, attention
should be given as to which tangents should be constructed so that the angles or
deviations between them will lead to the solution of the problem. In this regard,
the tangents at the points of unknown slope and displacement and at the supports
should be considered, since the beam usually has zero displacement and/or zero
slope at the supports.

Moment-Area Theorems
• Apply Theorem 1 to determine the angle between two tangents, and Theorem 2
to determine vertical deviations between these tangents.
• Realize that Theorem 2 in general will not yield the displacement of a point on the
elastic curve. When applied properly, it will only give the vertical distance or
deviation of a tangent at point A on the elastic curve from the tangent at B.
• After applying either Theorem 1 or Theorem 2, the algebraic sign of the answer
can be verified from the angle or deviation as indicated on the elastic curve.
 8.4 MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS 319

EXAMPLE 8.6
Determine the slope at points B and C of the beam shown in Fig. 8–16a.
Take E = 2911032 ksi and I = 600 in4.
2k
A

B C
SOLUTION 15 ft
30 ft
M/EI Diagram. This diagram is shown in Fig. 8–16b. It is easier to
solve the problem in terms of EI and substitute the numerical data as (a)
a last step.

Elastic Curve. The 2-k load causes the beam to deflect as shown in
Fig. 8–16c. (The beam is deflected concave down, since M/EI is
negative.) Here the tangent at A (the support) is always horizontal.
The tangents at B and C are also indicated. We are required to find uB
and uC. By the construction, the angle between tan A and tan B, that M
––
is, uB>A, is equivalent to uB. EI
uB = uB>A 15 ft 15 ft
A x
Also, 30
B C
 __
uC = uC>A EI
60
 __
EI (b)
Moment-Area Theorem. Applying Theorem 1, uB>A is equal to the
area under the M/EI diagram between points A and B; that is,
30 k # ft 1 60 k # ft 30 k # ft
uB = uB>A = - a b115 ft2 - a - b115 ft2
EI 2 EI EI
675 k # ft2 A tan B uB/A
= - uC/A
tan A
EI B
uB
Substituting numerical data for E and I, and converting feet to inches,
we have C uC
-675 k # ft21144 in2>1 ft22 (c)
8
tan C
uB =
2911032 k>in21600 in42 Fig. 8–16
= - 0.00559 rad Ans.
The negative sign indicates that the angle is measured clockwise from
A, Fig. 8–16c.
In a similar manner, the area under the M/EI diagram between
points A and C equals uC>A. We have
60 k # ft 900 k # ft2
a- b130 ft2 = -
1
uC = uC>A =
2 EI EI
Substituting numerical values for EI, we have
-900 k # ft21144 in2>ft22
uC =
2911032 k>in21600 in42
= - 0.00745 rad Ans.
 320 CHAPTER 8 DEFLECTIONS

EXAMPLE 8.7
Determine the deflection at points B and C of the beam shown in
Fig. 8–17a. Values for the moment of inertia of each segment are
indicated in the figure. Take E = 200 GPa.
A
B C 500 Nm
SOLUTION
IAB  8(106) mm4 IBC  4(106) mm4
4m 3m M/EI Diagram. By inspection, the moment diagram for the beam is
(a) a rectangle. Here we will construct the M/EI diagram relative to IBC,
realizing that IAB = 2IBC. Fig. 8–17b. Numerical data for EIBC will be
substituted as a last step.

Elastic Curve. The couple moment at C causes the beam to deflect

as shown in Fig. 8–17c. The tangents at A (the support), B, and C are
indicated. We are required to find ¢ B and ¢ C. These displacements
can be related directly to the deviations between the tangents, so that
from the construction ¢ B is equal to the deviation of tan B relative to
tan A; that is,
M
____
EIBC ¢ B = tB>A
500
____
250
____ EIBC Also,
EIBC
¢ C = tC>A
x
A 2m B C

4m 3m
Moment-Area Theorem. Applying Theorem 2, tB>A is equal to the
moment of the area under the M>EIBC diagram between A and B
(b) computed about point B, since this is the point where the tangential
deviation is to be determined. Hence, from Fig. 8–17b,
250 N # m 2000 N # m3
¢ B = tB>A = c 14 m2 d12 m2 =
EIBC EIBC
8 Substituting the numerical data yields
2000 N # m3
¢B =
[20011092 N>m2][411062 mm411 m4>110324 mm42]
C tan C

A
B tan B C  tC/A
B  tB/A tan A
= 0.0025 m = 2.5 mm. Ans.
Likewise, for tC>A we must compute the moment of the entire
(c) M>EIBC diagram from A to C about point C. We have
250 N # m 500 N # m
Fig. 8–17 ¢ C = tC>A = c 14 m2 d15 m2 + c 13 m2 d11.5 m2
EIBC EIBC
7250 N # m3 7250 N # m3
= =
EIBC [20011092 N>m2][411062110-122 m4]
= 0.00906 m = 9.06 mm Ans.
Since both answers are positive, they indicate that points B and C lie
above the tangent at A.
 8.4 MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS 321

EXAMPLE 8.8
Determine the slope at point C of the beam in Fig. 8–18a.
E = 200 GPa, I = 6(106) mm4.

M
___
EI 60
___
EI
20 kN 30
___
EI

B x
A C D A C D B
3m 3m 6m 3m 3m 6m
(a) (b)

uC
D
C uD/C tan D horizontal
tan C
(c)

Fig. 8–18

SOLUTION
M/EI Diagram. Fig. 8–18b.

Elastic Curve. Since the loading is applied symmetrically to the

beam, the elastic curve is symmetric, as shown in Fig. 8–18c. We are
required to find uC. This can easily be done, realizing that the tangent
at D is horizontal, and therefore, by the construction, the angle uD>C
between tan C and tan D is equal to uC; that is,
8
uC = uD>C

Moment-Area Theorem. Using Theorem 1, uD>C is equal to the

shaded area under the M/EI diagram between points C and D. We
have
30 kN # m 60 kN # m 30 kN # m
b + 13 m2a b
1
uC = uD>C = 3 ma -
EI 2 EI EI
135 kN # m2
=
EI
Thus,
135 kN # m2
uC = = 0.112 rad
[200110 2 kN>m2][611062110-122 m4]
6
Ans.
 322 CHAPTER 8 DEFLECTIONS

EXAMPLE 8.9
8k
Determine the slope at point C of the beam in Fig. 8–19a.
A
C E = 29(103) ksi, I = 600 in4.
B

6 ft
SOLUTION
12 ft 6 ft
M/EI Diagram. Fig. 8–19b.
(a)
Elastic Curve. The elastic curve is shown in Fig. 8–19c. We are
required to find uC. To do this, establish tangents at A, B (the
supports), and C and note that uC>A is the angle between the tangents
at A and C. Also, the angle f in Fig. 8–19c can be found using
M
___ f = tB>A>LAB. This equation is valid since tB>A is actually very small,
EI so that tB>A can be approximated by the length of a circular arc
36
___
EI defined by a radius of LAB = 24 ft and sweep of f. (Recall that s = ur.)
12
___ From the geometry of Fig. 8–19c, we have
EI
tB>A
x uC = f - uC>A = - uC>A (1)
24
6 ft 12 ft 6 ft Moment-Area Theorems. Using Theorem 1, uC>A is equivalent to
(b) the area under the M/EI diagram between points A and C; that is,
12 k # ft 36 k # ft2
16 ft2a b =
1
uC>A =
2 EI EI
Applying Theorem 2, tB>A is equivalent to the moment of the area
under the M/EI diagram between B and A about point B, since this is
the point where the tangential deviation is to be determined. We have
36 k # ft
tB>A = c6 ft + 118 ft2 d c 118 ft2a bd
1 1
tan B 3 2 EI
36 k # ft
A B
8
+ 16 ft2c 16 ft2a bd
fC 2 1
uC
tB/A 3 2 EI
4320 k # ft3
uC/A tan C
=
EI
(c) tan A Substituting these results into Eq. 1, we have
Fig. 8–19 4320 k # ft3 36 k # ft2 144 k # ft2
uC = - =
124 ft2 EI EI EI
so that
144 k # ft2
uC =
2911032 k>in21144 in2>ft22 600 in411 ft4>11224 in42
= 0.00119 rad Ans.
 8.4 MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS 323

EXAMPLE 8.10
Determine the deflection at C of the beam shown in Fig. 8–20a. Take
E = 29(103) ksi, I = 21 in4.
M
___
EI
5 kft 5
___
A C EI 2.5
___
B EI
12 ft 12 ft
x
(a)
12 ft 12 ft
SOLUTION (b)
M/EI Diagram. Fig. 8–20b.

Elastic Curve. Here we are required to find ¢ C, Fig. 8–20c. This is

not necessarily the maximum deflection of the beam, since the loading
and hence the elastic curve are not symmetric. Also indicated in
Fig. 8–20c are the tangents at A, B (the supports), and C. If tA>B is
determined, then ¢¿ can be found from proportional triangles, that is,
¢¿>12 = tA>B>24 or ¢¿ = tA>B>2. From the construction in Fig. 8–20c,
we have
tA>B
¢C = - tC>B (1)
2

Moment-Area Theorem. We will apply Theorem 2 to determine

tA>B and tC>B. Here tA>B is the moment of the M/EI diagram between
A and B about point A,
5 k # ft 480 k # ft3
tA>B = c 124 ft2 d c 124 ft2a bd =
1 1
3 2 EI EI 8

and tC>B is the moment of the M/EI diagram between C and B about C.
2.5 k # ft 60 k # ft3
tC>B = c 112 ft2 d c 112 ft2a bd =
1 1 tan A
12 ft 12 ft
3 2 EI EI A B
C
Substituting these results into Eq. (1) yields ¿ C
tan C
1 480 k # ft3 60 k # ft3 180 k # ft3
tC/B
tA/B
¢C = a b - =
2 EI EI EI
Working in units of kips and inches, we have
tan B
180 k # ft311728 in3>ft32
(c)

¢C =
2911032 k>in2121 in42
Fig. 8–20

= 0.511 in. Ans.

 324 CHAPTER 8 DEFLECTIONS

EXAMPLE 8.11

6 kN/m
Determine the deflection at point C of the beam shown in Fig. 8–21a.
E = 200 GPa, I = 250(106) mm4.
A
C
B SOLUTION
8m 8m
24 kN M/EI Diagram. As shown in Fig. 8–21b, this diagram consists of a
72 kN
triangular and a parabolic segment.
(a)
Elastic Curve. The loading causes the beam to deform as shown in
Fig. 8–21c. We are required to find ¢ C. By constructing tangents at A,
M
___ B (the supports), and C, it is seen that ¢ C = tC>A - ¢¿. However, ¢¿
can be related to tB>A by proportional triangles, that is, ¢¿>16 = tB>A>8
EI

or ¢¿ = 2tB>A. Hence
8m 8m
¢ C = tC>A - 2tB>A (1)
x

Moment-Area Theorem. We will apply Theorem 2 to determine

192
 ___ tC>A and tB>A. Using the table on the inside back cover for the
EI
(b)
parabolic segment and considering the moment of the M/EI diagram
between A and C about point C, we have
192 kN # m
tan A
tC>A = c 18 m2 d c 18 m2a- bd
3 1
4 3 EI
192 kN # m
¿
+ c 18 m2 + 8 m d c 18 m2a- bd
tan B tB/A 1 1
A tC/A
B 3 2 EI
C 11 264 kN # m3
= -
EI
C
tan C
(c) The moment of the M/EI diagram between A and B about point B gives
192 kN # m 2048 kN # m3
8
tB>A = c 18 m2 d c 18 m2a- bd = -
1 1
Fig. 8–21
3 2 EI EI
Why are these terms negative? Substituting the results into Eq. (1) yields
11 264 kN # m3 2048 kN # m3
¢C = - - 2a- b
EI EI
7168 kN # m3
= -
EI
Thus,
- 7168 kN # m3
¢C =
[20011062 kN>m2][25011062110-122 m4]
= - 0.143 m Ans.
 8.4 MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS 325

EXAMPLE 8.12
Determine the slope at the roller B of the double overhang beam 10 kN
30 kN m
shown in Fig. 8–22a. Take E = 200 GPa, I = 18(106) mm4.

A D
SOLUTION B C
2m 2m 2m
M/EI Diagram. The M/EI diagram can be simplified by drawing it
5 kN 5 kN
in parts and considering the M/EI diagrams for the three loadings
each acting on a cantilever beam fixed at D, Fig. 8–22b. (The 10-kN (a)
load is not considered since it produces no moment about D.)

Elastic Curve. If tangents are drawn at B and C, Fig. 8–22c, the

slope B can be determined by finding tC>B, and for small angles, M
—
EI
tC>B
uB = (1)
2m 2 4 6
x

Moment Area Theorem. To determine tC>B we apply the moment –30

–—
area theorem by finding the moment of the M/EI diagram between EI
BC about point C. This only involves the shaded area under two of the +
M
diagrams in Fig. 8–22b. Thus, —
EI
20
-30 kN # m 10 kN # m
10 —
—
= 11 m2c12 m2a bd + a b c 12 m2a bd
2m 1 EI EI
tC>B
EI 3 2 EI x

53.33 kN # m3
2 4 6

=
EI
+
Substituting into Eq. (1), M
—
EI
53.33 kN # m3
10
—
uB = EI
12 m2[200110 2 kN>m3][1811062110-122 m4]
8
6
x
4 6
= 0.00741 rad Ans.

(b)

uB
uB tC/B

tan C
tan B 2m

(c)

Fig. 8–22