The statically indeterminate loading in bridge girders that are continuous

over their piers can be determined using the stiffness method.

Beam Analysis Using
the Stiffness Method 15
The concepts presented in the previous chapter will be extended here
and applied to the analysis of beams. It will be shown that once the
member stiffness matrix and the transformation matrix have been
developed, the procedure for application is exactly the same as that
for trusses. Special consideration will be given to cases of differential
settlement and temperature.

15.1 Preliminary Remarks

Before we show how the stiffness method applies to beams, we will first
discuss some preliminary concepts and definitions related to these
members.

Member and Node Identification. In order to apply the

stiffness method to beams, we must first determine how to subdivide the
beam into its component finite elements. In general, each element must
be free from load and have a prismatic cross section. For this reason the
nodes of each element are located at a support or at points where
members are connected together, where an external force is applied,
where the cross-sectional area suddenly changes, or where the vertical or
rotational displacement at a point is to be determined. For example,
consider the beam in Fig. 15–1a. Using the same scheme as that for
trusses, four nodes are specified numerically within a circle, and the three
elements are identified numerically within a square. Also, notice that the
“near” and “far” ends of each element are identified by the arrows written
alongside each element.
y
P
6 7 3 8
5 2 4 1
x
1 2 2 3 3 4
1

(a)

Fig. 15–1 575

 576 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

y¿ Global and Member Coordinates. The global coordinate

system will be identified using x, y, z axes that generally have their origin
at a node and are positioned so that the nodes at other points on the
2 3 beam all have positive coordinates, Fig. 15–1a. The local or member x¿,
x¿
2 y¿, z¿ coordinates have their origin at the “near” end of each element,
and the positive x¿ axis is directed towards the “far” end. Figure 15–1b
(b) shows these coordinates for element 2. In both cases we have used a
right-handed coordinate system, so that if the fingers of the right hand
Fig. 15–1 are curled from the x 1x¿2 axis towards the y 1y¿2 axis, the thumb points
in the positive direction of the z 1z¿2 axis, which is directed out of the
page. Notice that for each beam element the x and x¿ axes will be
collinear and the global and member coordinates will all be parallel.
Therefore, unlike the case for trusses, here we will not need to develop
transformation matrices between these coordinate systems.
15

P
Kinematic Indeterminacy. Once the elements and nodes have
9 4 1 7 been identified, and the global coordinate system has been established, the
8 5 2 6 degrees of freedom for the beam and its kinematic determinacy can be
determined. If we consider the effects of both bending and shear, then each
1 2 3 3 4 node on a beam can have two degrees of freedom, namely, a vertical
1 2 3
displacement and a rotation. As in the case of trusses, these linear and
(a) rotational displacements will be identified by code numbers. The lowest
code numbers will be used to identify the unknown displacements
D4 D1
D5 (unconstrained degrees of freedom), and the highest numbers are used to
identify the known displacements (constrained degrees of freedom). Recall
D2 D3 that the reason for choosing this method of identification has to do with the
(b) convenience of later partitioning the structure stiffness matrix, so that the
Fig. 15–2 unknown displacements can be found in the most direct manner.
To show an example of code-number labeling, consider again the con-
tinuous beam in Fig. 15–1a. Here the beam is kinematically indeterminate
to the fourth degree. There are eight degrees of freedom, for which code
numbers 1 through 4 represent the unknown displacements, and numbers
5 through 8 represent the known displacements, which in this case are all
zero. As another example, the beam in Fig. 15–2a can be subdivided into
three elements and four nodes. In particular, notice that the internal hinge
P at node 3 deflects the same for both elements 2 and 3; however, the
8 12 4 6
rotation at the end of each element is different. For this reason three code
9 3 5 7
numbers are used to show these deflections. Here there are nine degrees
1 2 3 4 of freedom, five of which are unknown, as shown in Fig. 15–2b, and four
1 2 3
known; again they are all zero. Finally, consider the slider mechanism
(a) used on the beam in Fig. 15–3a. Here the deflection of the beam is shown
in Fig. 15–3b, and so there are five unknown deflection components
D1
labeled with the lowest code numbers. The beam is kinematically
D2 D4
D3 indeterminate to the fifth degree.
D3 D5 Development of the stiffness method for beams follows a similar
procedure as that used for trusses. First we must establish the stiffness
(b)
matrix for each element, and then these matrices are combined to
Fig. 15–3 form the beam or structure stiffness matrix. Using the structure
 15.2 BEAM-MEMBER STIFFNESS MATRIX 577

matrix equation, we can then proceed to determine the unknown

displacements at the nodes and from this determine the reactions on
the beam and the internal shear and moment at the nodes.

15.2 Beam-Member Stiffness Matrix

In this section we will develop the stiffness matrix for a beam element or
member having a constant cross-sectional area and referenced from the
local x¿, y¿, z¿ coordinate system, Fig. 15–4. The origin of the coordinates
is placed at the “near” end N, and the positive x¿ axis extends toward the
“far” end F. There are two reactions at each end of the element,
consisting of shear forces qNy¿ and qFy¿ and bending moments qNz¿ and
qFz¿. These loadings all act in the positive coordinate directions.
In particular, the moments qNz¿ and qFz¿ are positive counterclockwise, 15
since by the right-hand rule the moment vectors are then directed along
the positive z¿ axis, which is out of the page.
Linear and angular displacements associated with these loadings also
follow this same positive sign convention. We will now impose each of
these displacements separately and then determine the loadings acting
on the member caused by each displacement.
y¿

qNy¿ dNy¿ qFy¿ dFy¿

qFz¿ dFz¿
x¿
qNz¿ dNz¿ N F

positive sign convention

Fig. 15–4
œ
y Displacements. When a positive displacement dNy¿ is imposed
while other possible displacements are prevented, the resulting shear
forces and bending moments that are created are shown in Fig. 15–5a.
In particular, the moment has been developed in Sec. 11–2 as Eq. 11–5.
Likewise, when dFy¿ is imposed, the required shear forces and bending
moments are given in Fig. 15–5b.
y¿ y¿
12EI d
qFy¿  _____ Fy¿
12EI d L3
qNy¿  _____ Ny¿
6EI d
qFz¿  ____ Ny¿
6EI d
qNz¿  ____
L3 L2 L2
Fy¿
dNy¿ dFy¿
x¿ x¿
6EI d
qNz¿  ____ 12EI d
qFy¿  _____ 12EI d
qNy¿  _____ 6EI d
L2
Ny¿
Ny¿ Fy¿ qFz¿  ____ Fy¿
L3 L3 L2

y¿ displacements
(a) (b)

Fig. 15–5
 578 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

y¿ y¿
6EI d
6EI d qFy¿  ____
qNy¿  ____ 6EI d Fz¿
Nz¿
dNz¿
2EI d qNy¿  ____ Fz¿ L2
L2 qFz¿  ____ L2
L Nz¿
x¿ x¿
4EI d 2EI d
qNz¿  ____ 6EI d
qFy¿  ____ qNz¿  ____ 4EI d
qFz¿  ____
L Nz¿ Nz¿ L Fz¿ dFz¿ L Fz¿
L2
(a)

Fig. 15–6

z œ Rotations. If a positive rotation dNz¿ is imposed while all other

possible displacements are prevented, the required shear forces and
moments necessary for the deformation are shown in Fig. 15–6a.
In particular, the moment results have been developed in Sec. 11–2 as
15 Eqs. 11–1 and 11–2. Likewise, when dFz¿ is imposed, the resultant
loadings are shown in Fig. 15–6b.
By superposition, if the above results in Figs. 15–5 and 15–6 are added,
the resulting four load-displacement relations for the member can be
expressed in matrix form as

Ny¿ Nz¿ Fy¿ Fz¿

12EI 6EI 12EI 6EI
qNy¿ - dNy¿
L3 L2 L3 L2
6EI 4EI 6EI 2EI
qNz¿ - 2 dNz¿
L2 L L L (15–1)
H X = H XH X
12EI 6EI 12EI 6EI
qFy¿ - - 2 - 2 dFy¿
L3 L L3 L
6EI 2EI 6EI 4EI
qFz¿ - 2 dFz¿
L2 L L L

These equations can also be written in abbreviated form as

q = kd (15–2)
The symmetric matrix k in Eq. 15–1 is referred to as the member stiffness
matrix. The 16 influence coefficients kij that comprise it account for the
shear-force and bending-moment displacements of the member. Physically
these coefficients represent the load on the member when the member
undergoes a specified unit displacement. For example, if dNy¿ = 1, Fig. 15–5a,
while all other displacements are zero, the member will be subjected
only to the four loadings indicated in the first column of the k matrix. In
a similar manner, the other columns of the k matrix are the member
loadings for unit displacements identified by the degree-of-freedom code
numbers listed above the columns. From the development, both equilibrium
and compatibility of displacements have been satisfied. Also, it should be
noted that this matrix is the same in both the local and global coordinates
since the x¿, y¿, z¿ axes are parallel to x, y, z and, therefore, transformation
matrices are not needed between the coordinates.
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 579

15.3 Beam-Structure Stiffness Matrix

Once all the member stiffness matrices have been found, we must
assemble them into the structure stiffness matrix K. This process depends
on first knowing the location of each element in the member stiffness
matrix. Here the rows and columns of each k matrix (Eq. 15–1) are
identified by the two code numbers at the near end of the member
1Ny¿, Nz¿2 followed by those at the far end 1Fy¿, Fz¿2. Therefore, when
assembling the matrices, each element must be placed in the same location
of the K matrix. In this way, K will have an order that will be equal to the
highest code number assigned to the beam, since this represents the total
number of degrees of freedom. Also, where several members are
connected to a node, their member stiffness influence coefficients will
have the same position in the K matrix and therefore must be 15
algebraically added together to determine the nodal stiffness influence
coefficient for the structure. This is necessary since each coefficient
represents the nodal resistance of the structure in a particular direction
(y¿ or z¿ ) when a unit displacement (y¿ or z¿ ) occurs either at the same
or at another node. For example, K23 represents the load in the direction
and at the location of code number “2” when a unit displacement occurs
in the direction and at the location of code number “3.”

15.4 Application of the Stiffness Method

for Beam Analysis
After the structure stiffness matrix is determined, the loads at the nodes
of the beam can be related to the displacements using the structure
stiffness equation
Q = KD

Here Q and D are column matrices that represent both the known and
unknown loads and displacements. Partitioning the stiffness matrix into
the known and unknown elements of load and displacement, we have

c d = c 11 dc d
Qk K K12 Du
Qu K21 K22 Dk

which when expanded yields the two equations

Qk = K11Du + K12Dk (15–3)

Qu = K21Du + K22Dk (15–4)

The unknown displacements Du are determined from the first of these

equations. Using these values, the support reactions Qu are computed for
the second equation.
 580 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

ⴝ
L

actual loading
(a)
wL
___ wL
___
2 2 wL
___ w wL
___
2 2

ⴙ
2 2 2 2
wL
____ wL
____ wL
____ wL
____
12 12 12 12
15 fixed-end actual loading and
element loading reactions on fixed-
on joints supported element

(b) (c)

Fig. 15–7

Intermediate Loadings. For application, it is important that the

elements of the beam be free of loading along its length. This is necessary
since the stiffness matrix for each element was developed for loadings
applied only at its ends. (See Fig. 15–4.) Oftentimes, however, beams will
support a distributed loading, and this condition will require modification
in order to perform the matrix analysis.
To handle this case, we will use the principle of superposition in a
manner similar to that used for trusses discussed in Sec. 14–8. To show
its application, consider the beam element of length L in Fig. 15–7a,
which is subjected to the uniform distributed load w. First we will apply
fixed-end moments and reactions to the element, which will be used in
the stiffness method, Fig. 15–7b. We will refer to these loadings as a
column matrix -q0. Then the distributed loading and its reactions q0 are
applied, Fig. 15–7c. The actual loading within the beam is determined
by adding these two results. The fixed-end reactions for other cases of
loading are given on the inside back cover. In addition to solving problems
involving lateral loadings such as this, we can also use this method to solve
problems involving temperature changes or fabrication errors.

Member Forces. The shear and moment at the ends of each beam
element can be determined using Eq. 15–2 and adding on any fixed-end
reactions q0 if the element is subjected to an intermediate loading.
We have
q = kd + q0 (15–5)
If the results are negative, it indicates that the loading acts in the opposite
direction to that shown in Fig. 15–4.
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 581

Procedure for Analysis

The following method provides a means of determining the

displacements, support reactions, and internal loadings for the
members or finite elements of a statically determinate or statically
indeterminate beam.

Notation
• Divide the beam into finite elements and arbitrarily identify each
element and its nodes. Use a number written in a circle for a node
and a number written in a square for a member. Usually an element
extends between points of support, points of concentrated loads,
and joints, or to points where internal loadings or displacements are 15
to be determined. Also, E and I for the elements must be constants.
• Specify the near and far ends of each element symbolically by
directing an arrow along the element, with the head directed
toward the far end.
• At each nodal point specify numerically the y and z code
numbers. In all cases use the lowest code numbers to identify all
the unconstrained degrees of freedom, followed by the remaining
or highest numbers to identify the degrees of freedom that are
constrained.
• From the problem, establish the known displacements Dk and
known external loads Qk. Include any reversed fixed-end loadings
if an element supports an intermediate load.

Structure Stiffness Matrix

• Apply Eq. 15–1 to determine the stiffness matrix for each element
expressed in global coordinates.
• After each member stiffness matrix is determined, and the rows
and columns are identified with the appropriate code numbers,
assemble the matrices to determine the structure stiffness matrix K.
As a partial check, the member and structure stiffness matrices
should all be symmetric.

Displacements and Loads

• Partition the structure stiffness equation and carry out the
matrix multiplication in order to determine the unknown
displacements Du and support reactions Qu.
• The internal shear and moment q at the ends of each beam
element can be determined from Eq. 15–5, accounting for the
additional fixed-end loadings.
 582 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

EXAMPLE 15.1
Determine the reactions at the supports of the beam shown in
Fig. 15–8a. EI is constant.

5 kN

2m 2m

(a)

Fig. 15–8
15

SOLUTION
Notation. The beam has two elements and three nodes, which are
identified in Fig. 15–8b. The code numbers 1 through 6 are indicated
such that the lowest numbers 1–4 identify the unconstrained degrees of
freedom.
The known load and displacement matrices are

0 1
-5
Dk = c d
2 0 5
Qk = D T
0 3 0 6
0 4

5 kN
6 5 2
4 3 1
1
1 2 2 3

(b)

Member Stiffness Matrices. Each of the two member stiffness

matrices is determined from Eq. 15–1. Note carefully how the code
numbers for each column and row are established.

6 4 5 3 5 3 2 1
1.5 1.5 -1.5 1.5 6 1.5 1.5 -1.5 1.5 5
k1 = EI 1.5 2 -1.5 1 4 k2 = EI 1.5 2 -1.5 1 3
D T D T
-1.5 -1.5 1.5 - 1.5 5 - 1.5 -1.5 1.5 - 1.5 2
1.5 1 -1.5 2 3 1.5 1 - 1.5 2 1
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 583

Displacements and Loads. We can now assemble these elements into

the structure stiffness matrix. For example, element K11 = 0 + 2 = 2,
K55 = 1.5 + 1.5 = 3, etc.Thus,
Q = KD
1 2 3 4 5 6
0 2 - 1.5 1 0 1.5 0 D1
-5 -1.5 1.5 -1.5 0 -1.5 0 D2
0 = EI 1 -1.5 4 1 0 1.5 D
F V F V F 3V
0 0 0 1 2 - 1.5 1.5 D4
Q5 1.5 - 1.5 0 -1.5 3 -1.5 0
Q6 0 0 1.5 1.5 - 1.5 1.5 0
15

The matrices are partitioned as shown. Carrying out the multiplication

for the first four rows, we have

0 = 2D1 - 1.5D2 + D3 + 0
5
- = - 1.5D1 + 1.5D2 - 1.5D3 + 0
EI
0 = D1 - 1.5D2 + 4D3 + D4
0 = 0 + 0 + D3 + 2D4

Solving,
16.67
D1 = -
EI
26.67
D2 = -
EI
6.67
D3 = -
EI
3.33
D4 =
EI

Using these results, and multiplying the last two rows, gives

Q5 = 1.5EI a - b - 1.5EI a - b + 0 - 1.5EI a b

16.67 26.67 3.33
EI EI EI
= 10 kN Ans.

Q6 = 0 + 0 + 1.5EI a - b + 1.5EI a b
6.67 3.33
EI EI
= - 5 kN Ans.
 584 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

EXAMPLE 15.2
Determine the internal shear and moment in member 1 of the
M0
compound beam shown in Fig. 15–9a. EI is constant.
1 2

L L SOLUTION
(a)
Notation. When the beam deflects, the internal pin will allow a
single deflection, however, the slope of each connected member will
be different. Also, a slope at the roller will occur. These four unknown
degrees of freedom are labeled with the code numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4,
Fig. 15–9b.
6 3 5
15 7 1 2 4

1 2 2 3 M0 0 1
1 0 5
Qk = ≥ ¥
0 2
L L Dk = C 0 S 6
0 3
0 7
(b) - M0 4
Fig. 15–9

Member Stiffness Matrices. Applying Eq. 15–1 to each member,

in accordance with the code numbers shown in Fig. 15–9b, we have

6 7 3 1 3 2 5 4
12 6 12 6 12 6 12 6
- 3 6 - 3 3
L3 L2 L L2 L3 L2 L L2
6 4 6 2 6 4 6 2
- 2 7 - 2 2
L2 L L L L2 L L L
k1 = EI H X k2 = EI H X
12 6 12 6 12 6 12 6
- 3 - 2 - 2 3 - 3 - 2 - 2 5
L L L3 L L L L3 L
6 2 6 4 6 2 6 4
- 2 1 - 2 4
L2 L L L L2 L L L

Displacements and Loads. The structure stiffness matrix is formed

by assembling the elements of the member stiffness matrices. Applying
the structure matrix equation, we have

Q = KD
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 585

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
⎡ ⎤ ⎡ 4 6 6 2 ⎤ ⎡ ⎤
1 ⎪ 0 ⎪ ⎪ L 0 - 2 0 0 D 1
L L2 L ⎪⎪ 1 ⎪
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ ⎪⎪ ⎪
2 ⎪ ⎪ ⎪ 0 ⎪ ⎪ D ⎪
4 6 2 6
0 - 0 0 2
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ L L2 L L2 ⎪⎪ 2 ⎪
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ ⎪⎪ ⎪
3 ⎪ 0 ⎪ ⎪ - 6 6 24 6 12
- 3 -
12 6 ⎪⎪
- 2 D3 ⎪ 3
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ L2 L2 L3 L2 L L3 L ⎪⎪ ⎪
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ 2 6 4 6 ⎪⎪ ⎪
4 ⎪ -M0 ⎪ = EI ⎪ 0 - 2 0 0 ⎪ ⎪ D4 ⎪ 4
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ L L2 L L ⎪⎪ ⎪
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ 6 12 6 12 ⎪⎪ ⎪
5 ⎪ Q5 ⎪ ⎪ 0 - 2 - 3 - 2 0 0 ⎪⎪ 0 ⎪ 5
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ L L L L3 ⎪⎪ ⎪
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ 6 12 12 6 ⎪⎪ ⎪ 15
6 ⎪ Q6 ⎪ ⎪ L2 0 - 3 0 0 2 ⎪⎪
0 ⎪ 6
L L3 L
⎪ ⎪ ⎪ ⎪⎪ ⎪
7 ⎪ ⎪ ⎪ 2 4 ⎪⎪
0 ⎪
6 6
Q7 0 - 2 0 0 7
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ L L L2 L ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
Multiplying the first four rows to determine the displacement yields
4 6
0 = D1 - 2 D3
L L
4 6 2
0 = D2 + 2 D3 + D4
L L L
6 6 24 6
0 = - 2 D1 + 2 D2 + 3 D3 + 2 D4
L L L L
2 6 4
-M0 = D2 + 2 D3 + D4
L L L
So that
M0L
D1 =
2EI
M0L
D2 = -
6EI
M0L2
D3 =
3EI
2M0L
D4 = -
3EI
Using these results, the reaction Q5 is obtained from the multiplication
of the fifth row.
12EI M0L2
a- b a b - a- b
6EI M0L 6EI 2M0L
Q5 = - 2
- 3 2
L 6EI L 3EI L 3EI
M0
Q5 = Ans.
L
This result can be easily checked by statics applied to member 2 .
 586 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

EXAMPLE 15.3
The beam in Fig. 15–10a is subjected to the two couple moments. If
the center support ② settles 1.5 mm, determine the reactions at the
supports. Assume the roller supports at ➀ and ③ can pull down or
push up on the beam. Take E = 200 GPa and I = 22110-62 m4.

4 kN  m 4 kN  m

1
1 2 2
3
2m 2m

15
(a)

Fig. 15–10

SOLUTION
Notation. The beam has two elements and three unknown degrees of
freedom. These are labeled with the lowest code numbers, Fig. 15–10b.
Here the known load and displacement matrices are

4 1 0 4
Qk = C 0 S 2 Dk = C - 0.0015 S 5
-4 3 0 6

6 5 4
3 4 kN  m 2 4 kN  m 1

1
1 2 2
3
2m 2m

(b)

Member Stiffness Matrices. The member stiffness matrices are

determined using Eq. 15–1 in accordance with the code numbers and
member directions shown in Fig. 15–10b. We have,
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 587

6 3 5 2
1.5 1.5 -1.5 1.5 6
k1 = EI 1.5 2 -1.5 1 3
D T
-1.5 - 1.5 1.5 - 1.5 5
1.5 1 -1.5 2 2
5 2 4 1
1.5 1.5 -1.5 1.5 5
k2 = EI 1.5 2 -1.5 1 2
D T
-1.5 -1.5 1.5 - 1.5 4
1.5 1 -1.5 2 1

15
Displacements and Loads. Assembling the structure stiffness
matrix and writing the stiffness equation for the structure, yields

1 2 3 4 5 6
4 2 1 0 -1.5 1.5 0 D1
0 1 4 1 -1.5 0 1.5 D2
-4 -1.5
F V = EI F
0 1 2 0 1.5 D3
VF V
Q4 -1.5 -1.5 0 1.5 - 1.5 0 0
Q5 1.5 0 -1.5 -1.5 3 - 1.5 -0.0015
Q6 0 1.5 1.5 0 -1.5 1.5 0

Solving for the unknown displacements,

4
= 2D1 + D2 + 0D3 - 1.5102 + 1.51- 0.00152 + 0
EI
0 = 1D1 + 4D2 + 1D3 - 1.5102 + 0 + 0
-4
= 0D1 + 1D2 + 2D3 + 0 - 1.51-0.00152 + 0
EI

Substituting EI = 200110621222110-62, and solving,

D1 = 0.001580 rad, D2 = 0, D3 = - 0.001580 rad

Using these results, the support reactions are therefore

Q4 = 2001106222110-62[- 1.510.0015802 - 1.5102 + 0 + 1.5102 - 1.51-0.00152 + 0] = - 0.525 kN Ans.

Q5 = 2001106222110-62[1.510.0015802 + 0 - 1.51-0.0015802 - 1.5102 + 31 -0.00152 - 1.5102] = 1.05 kN Ans.

Q6 = 2001106222110-62[0 + 1.5102 + 1.51- 0.0015802 + 0 - 1.51- 0.00152 + 1.5102] = - 0.525 kN Ans.

 588 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

EXAMPLE 15.4
Determine the moment developed at support A of the beam shown in
Fig. 15–11a. Assume the roller supports can pull down or push up on
the beam. Take E = 2911032 ksi, I = 510 in4.

SOLUTION
Notation. Here the beam has two unconstrained degrees of
freedom, identified by the code numbers 1 and 2.
The matrix analysis requires that the external loading be applied at
the nodes, and therefore the distributed and concentrated loads are
replaced by their equivalent fixed-end moments, which are determined
from the table on the inside back cover. (See Example 11–2.) Note that
15 no external loads are placed at ① and no external vertical forces are
placed at ② since the reactions at code numbers 3, 4 and 5 are to be
12 k
2 k/ft
unknowns in the load matrix. Using superposition, the results of the
matrix analysis for the loading in Fig. 15–11b will later be modified
by the loads shown in Fig. 15–11c. From Fig. 15–11b, the known
C
A B displacement and load matrices are
0 4
Qk = c d
24 ft 144 1
4 ft 4 ft Dk = C 0 S 5
1008 2
(a) 0 6
Member Stiffness Matrices. Each of the two member stiffness
matrices is determined from Eq. 15–1.
Member 1:
12EI 1212921103215102
4 5 6 = = 7.430
2 L3 [241122]3
3 1 6EI 612921103215102
1 1 2 = = 1069.9
2 2 3 L2 [241122]2
96 k ft  12 kft  1008 k  in.
412921103215102
12 k ft  144 k  in.
4EI
beam to be analyzed by stiffness method = = 205 417
L 241122
212921103215102
(b)
2EI
= = 102 708
L 241122
4 3 5 2
7.430 1069.9 -7.430 1069.9 4
k1 = 1069.9 205 417 -1069.9 102 708 3
24 k
2 k/ft
24 k
6 k 12 k 6 k D T
-7.430 - 1069.9 7.430 -1069.9 5
1069.9 102 708 - 1069.9 205 417 2
C
A 96 k ft  1152 k in. B Member 2:
12 k ft  144 k  in.
12EI 1212921103215102
beam subjected to actual load and = = 200.602
fixed-supported reactions L3 [81122]3
(c) 6EI 612921103215102
= = 9628.91
Fig. 15–11 L2 [81122]2
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 589

4EI 412921103215102
= = 616 250
L 81122
2EI 212921103215102
= = 308 125
L 81122
5 2 6 1
200.602 9628.91 -200.602 9628.91 5
k2 = 9628.91 616 250 -9628.91 308 125 2
D T
-200.602 -9628.91 200.602 -9628.91 6
9628.91 308 125 -9628.91 616 250 1
Displacements and Loads. We require
15
Q = KD
1 2 3 4 5 6
144 616 250 308 125 0 0 9628.91 - 9628.91 D1
1008 308 125 821 667 102 708 1069.9 8559.01 - 9628.91 D2
Q3 0 102 708 205 417 1069.9 - 1069.9 0 0
F V = F V F V
Q4 0 1069.9 1069.9 7.430 - 7.430 0 0
Q5 9628.91 8559.01 - 1069.9 -7.430 208.03 - 200.602 0
Q6 -9628.91 -9628.91 0 0 - 200.602 200.602 0
Solving in the usual manner,
144 = 616 250D1 + 308 125D2
1008 = 308 125D1 + 821 667D2
D1 = - 0.4673110-32 in.
D2 = 1.40203110-32 in.
Thus,
Q3 = 0 + 102 70811.402032110-32 = 144 k # in. = 12 k # ft
The actual moment at A must include the fixed-supported reaction of
+96 k # ft shown in Fig. 15–11c, along with the calculated result for Q3.
Thus,
MAB = 12 k # ft + 96 k # ft = 108 k # ftg Ans.
This result compares with that determined in Example 11–2.
Although not required here, we can determine the internal moment
and shear at B by considering, for example, member 1, node 2,
Fig. 15–11b. The result requires expanding
q1 = k1d + 1q021
4 3 5 2
q4 7.430 1069.9 -7.430 1069.9 0 24

T 110 2 + D
q 1069.9 205 417 -1069.9 102 708 0 -3 1152
D 3T = D T D T
q5 -7.430 -1069.9 7.430 -1069.9 0 24
q2 1069.9 102 708 -1069.9 205 417 1.40203 - 1152
 590 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

EXAMPLE 15.5
Determine the deflection at ① and the reactions on the beam shown
in Fig. 15–12a. EI is constant.

1
2m 2m

(a)

Fig. 15–12
15

SOLUTION
Notation. The beam is divided into two elements and the nodes and
members are identified along with the directions from the near to far
ends, Fig. 15–12b. The unknown deflections are shown in Fig. 15–12c.
In particular, notice that a rotational displacement D4 does not occur
because of the roller constraint.
P
3 1 5
4 2 6

1 2 2 3
1

(b)

Member Stiffness Matrices. Since EI is constant and the members

are of equal length, the member stiffness matrices are identical. Using
the code numbers to identify each column and row in accordance with
Eq. 15–1 and Fig. 15–12b, we have
3 4 1 2
1.5 1.5 -1.5 1.5 3
1.5 2 - 1.5 1 4
k1 = EI D T
-1.5 - 1.5 1.5 - 1.5 1
1.5 1 - 1.5 2 2
1 2 5 6
1.5 1.5 -1.5 1.5 1
1.5 2 - 1.5 1 2
k2 = EI D T
-1.5 - 1.5 1.5 - 1.5 5
1.5 1 - 1.5 2 6
 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 591

Displacements and Loads. Assembling the member stiffness

matrices into the structure stiffness matrix, and applying the structure
stiffness matrix equation, we have

Q = KD
1 2 3 4 5 6
-P 3 0 -1.5 -1.5 - 1.5 1.5 D1
0 0 4 1.5 1 - 1.5 1 D2
0 -1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0 0 D
F V = EI F V F 3V
Q4 -1.5 1 1.5 2 0 0 0
Q5 -1.5 - 1.5 0 0 1.5 -1.5 0
Q6 1.5 1 0 0 - 1.5 2 0 15

Solving for the displacements yields

P
- = 3D1 + 0D2 - 1.5D3
EI D1
0 = 0D1 + 4D2 + 1.5D3 D3
D2

0 = - 1.5D1 + 1.5D2 + 1.5D3

1.667P (c)
D1 = -
EI
P
D2 =
EI
2.667P
D3 = - Ans.
EI

Note that the signs of the results match the directions of the
deflections shown in Fig. 15–12c. Using these results, the reactions
therefore are

Q4 = - 1.5EI a - b + 1EI a b + 1.5EI a - b

1.667P P 2.667P
EI EI EI
= - 0.5P Ans.

Q5 = - 1.5EI a - b - 1.5EI a b + 0a - b
1.667P P 2.667P
EI EI EI
= P Ans.

Q6 = 1.5EI a - b + 1EI a b + 0a - b
1.667P P 2.667P
EI EI EI
= - 1.5P Ans.
 592 CHAPTER 15 B E A M A N A LY S I S U S I N G THE STIFFNESS METHOD

PROBLEMS

15–1. Determine the moments at ① and ③. Assume ② is a 15–5. Determine the support reactions. Assume ② and ③
roller and ① and ③ are fixed. EI is constant. are rollers and ① is a pin. EI is constant.
15–2. Determine the moments at ① and ③ if the support ②
moves upward 5 mm. Assume ② is a roller and ① and ③ are
fixed. EI = 60(106) N # m2.

5 4 6
6 15 kN/ m 5 4
25 kN/m 1
2 3
2 1 3
15 1 1 2 2 3
1 1 2 2 3
6m 8m
6m 4m
Prob. 15–5
Probs. 15–1/15–2

15–3. Determine the reactions at the supports. Assume 15–6. Determine the reactions at the supports. Assume ①
the rollers can either push or pull on the beam. EI is is fixed ➁ and ③ are rollers. EI is constant.
constant.

6 4 3 5 4 3
6 kN/m 10 kN/ m
5 20 kNm 1 6 1
2
2

1 2 1 2 2 3
1 2 3 1
12 m 8m 6m 8m

Prob. 15–3 Prob. 15–6

*15–4. Determine the reactions at the supports. Assume ① 15–7. Determine the reactions at the supports. Assume
is a pin and ② and ③ are rollers that can either push or pull ① and ③ are fixed and ② is a roller. EI is constant.
on the beam. EI is constant.

5 2 3
7 3k 9 kN/m
8 6 5
6 kN/m
1 2 3 4 6 1
4
1 1 2 2 3 3 4
1 2 2
3
1
10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 6m 4m

Prob. 15–4 Prob. 15–7

 15.4 APPLICATION OF THE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR BEAM ANALYSIS 593

*15–8. Determine the reactions at the supports. EI is 15–11. Determine the reactions at the supports. There is a
constant. smooth slider at ①. EI is constant.

6 4 3 1
5
15 kN/m 30 kN/m
7 2 1
2
1 1 2
1 2 4
1 3 2 3
4m
4m 3m
Prob. 15–11

Prob. 15–8 15

15–9. Determine the moments at ② and ③. EI is constant. *15–12. Use a computer program to determine the reactions
Assume ①, ②, and ③ are rollers and ④ is pinned. on the beam. Assume A is fixed. EI is constant.

4 kN/ m 12 k
4 k/ ft
1 2 3 4

1 1 2 2 3 3 4 B C D
A
20 ft 15 ft 8 ft 8 ft
12 m 12 m 12 m
Prob. 15–12
Prob. 15–9

15–10. Determine the reactions at the supports. Assume ② 15–13. Use a computer program to determine the reactions
is pinned and ① and ③ are rollers. EI is constant. on the beam. Assume A and D are pins and B and C are
rollers. EI is constant.

4 5 3 k/ ft 6
3 k/ ft

1 2 3
1 1 2 2 3 A B C D

4 ft 8 ft 8 ft 4 ft 8 ft 20 ft 8 ft

Prob. 15–10 Prob. 15–13