Influence Lines: CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar

7.
Influence Lines
CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

Outline
• Introduction
• Procedures of Analysis
• Influence Lines for Beams by Equations
• Influence Lines for Beams by Tabulating Values
• Calculation of Functions From I.L.

• Qualitative Influence Lines
• Influence Lines for Trusses
1. Introduction
• Structures are designed to support dead load, live load,
wind, etc.
• Dead load (weight of structure) remains stationary on

structure, while live load (people, furniture and movable
partition weight) vary in position on the structure.
• So far, we have been able to obtain internal forces in

beams (shear and moment) subjected to loads located at
predetermined positions!
1. Introduction
• Therefore, there is a need to know where to place the
live load so that maximum internal forces within a
structure are obtained and designed for. Without
considering the critical load effect results in deficient
• structures.
This is particularly important in structures subjected to
large live loads (compared to dead load) that constantly
move on the structure (such as bridges, cranes, conveyor
belts, etc.).

1. Introduction
• The concept of Influence line was developed by German
Prof. Emil Winkler in 1867. The Influence Line Diagram
(ILD) concept is used for the analysis of structures that
are subjected to variable or moving loads.
• IDL allows the engineer to determine the critical location
of a moving load for maximum effect at a critical point on
the structures.

1. Introduction
Highway Bridges

1. Introduction
Cranes

1. Introduction
Conveyor Belts

2. Procedures of Analysis
• An Influence line represents the variation of a reaction,
shear force, or bending moment at a specific point on a
structure as a unit concentrated load moves over the
member.
• Once the influence line diagram is determined, the
critical location of the live load which will cause the
greatest effect on a specific point on the structure can
be found easily.

• Although the method for constructing an influence line
diagram for a beam is simple, it is important to
remember the difference between constructing an
influence line diagram and constructing a shear or
• moment
Influencediagram.
lines represent the effect of a moving load only
at a specified point on a member, whereas shear and
moment diagrams represent the effect of fixed loads at
all points along the member.

0
• Consider the following influence line diagram for moment
at point C (which we will learn how to construct later).

1
This value represents

This value represents the moment at C
the moment at C when a unit load is
when a unit load is placed at B.
placed at A.

2

the moment at C
the moment at C when
when a unit load is
a unit load is placed at
placed at C.
10 ft from D.

3

the moment at C
when a unit load is
placed at D.

4
There are three methods for finding influence lines diagrams for a beam:
1) Influence Line Equations
Place UNIT LOAD at a variable location x. Perform a static analysis to determine
the function of reaction/shear/moment at the specific point in terms of x.
2) Tabulate Values
Place UNIT LOAD at a number of fixed locations. Perform a series of static
analyses to determine the value of reaction/shear/moment at the specific
point. Tabulate the values.
3) Muller-Breslau Principle
Influence Line for a function is to the same scale as the deflected shape of the
beam when the beam is acted upon by the function
2. Procedure of Analysis
• Hints concerning Methods 1 and 2:
• Beware of points of external supports
• Beware of points of discontinuities (internal

hinges/rollers, etc.).
• Beware of the points at which the functions are being
calculated.
• Influence lines of statically determinate beams consist of
straight line segments.
3. Influence Lines for Beams by Equations
• The procedure for determining the influence line at a
point on a beam, say P, for any function (reaction, shear
or moment) consists of:
• Place a unit load (load of magnitude equal to 1) at a
point x along the beam.
• Use the equations of equilibrium to find the value of
the function at a specific point P due to the
concentrated load at x.

• Repeat steps 1 and 2 for various values of x over the

whole beam.
• Plot the values of the function (reaction, shear or

moment) versus the distance x.

Note:
• The number of equations of influence lines along the
beam is dependent on the presence of internal
hinges/rollers.
• Also, for influence lines for shear and moment at a point
on the beam, there will be different equations before and
after the point under consideration.
• However, the equation of the influence line for a reaction
at point on the beam will not change before and after the
point. 19
CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar
For I.L. for Reaction at A, place a unit load at x between A

and B and find RA in terms of x

For I.L. for Shear at C:

• Place a unit load at x between A and C and find VC in terms of
x
• Place a unit load at x between C and B and find VC in terms of
x between A & C
x
x between C & B

For I.L. for Reaction at A:

• Place a unit load at x between A and C and find RA in terms of
x
• Place a unit load at x between Cx between
and B A &and
C find RA in terms of
x
x between C & B

For I.L. for Moment at D:

• Place a unit load at x between A and C and find MD in terms of
x.
• Place a unit load at x between C and D and find MD in terms of
x.
• Place a unit load at x between D and B and find MD in terms of

x.
• To illustrate the method of constructing influence lines,
we consider an overhang beam of total length of 2L.
• Assume that the beam will be fabricated from 2 pieces,

each of length L, spliced together. The final beam will
behave like a one made from one piece.
• Also, assume that the left support of the beam is bearing

against a “weak” brick column.


• Assume the beam has a negligible weight, but is
subjected to a uniform live load, wL, that can act at any
point along the beam.
• It is important to determine the maximum vertical force
on the column (RB) so that we can ensure that the
applied load on the column is within acceptable limits.
• Further, it is important to know what are the maximum
shear force and bending moment in the splice (VC & MC)
so that adequate number of bolts are used.
• We start by computing the value of reaction at B, RB, as
a unit load moves along the beam from point A to C.
• We note that the unit load can be located on either the

left (on the overhang or between B & C) or right- hand
side of the splice, but not on both.
• It is apparent that one equation of RB, as a function of x,
is capable of defining the reaction at B for all values of x.

MD=0=> (1)(2L-x) - RB(1.5L) =0

or
RB =

• The result is referred to as the influence line for reaction
at B. It can now be plotted:

• The influence line diagram for RB shows that when the
unit load is at A then RB= 1.33, when it is at B then RB =
1.0, and when it is at D then RB = 0.
• Hence, the worst location of the unit load for RB is when
it is at point A.
• Also, all vertical downward loads on the beam will cause
upward reaction at B (or downward force on brick
column), no matter where they are located.

• Based on the above, the uniformly distributed live load,
wL, must be placed along the whole length of the beam.
This will result in the largest reaction at B:
MD=0=> (wL)(2L)(L) - RB(1.5L) =0
or RB = 1.33wLL
• Now, to find the variation in the shear at the splice, VC,
as a load moves from point A to D, we place a unit load
at a distance x and compute VC as a function of x.
• To find the equation of Vc, we need to cut the beam at C,
isolate the left part and apply the equation of equilibrium
(Fy=0). Two cases need to be considered:
i- Unit load on left of C (x < L), and
ii- Unit load on right of C (x > L).

• i- Unit load on left of C (x < L):
• We can use the previously calculated result of RB.
 Fy=0=>(2L-x)/(1.5L) – 1 - VC =0
or VC = (0.5L-x)/(1.5L)

• ii- Unit load on right of C (x > L):
• We can use the previously calculated result of RB.
The unit load will not appear on the FBD of left
segment:
 Fy=0 => (2L-x)/(1.5L) - VC =0

or VC = (2L-x)/(1.5L)

• The results can now be plotted:
• i. VC = (0.5L-x)/(1.5L) for (0 ≤ x < L)

• ii. VC = (2L-x)/(1.5L) for (L < x ≤ 2L)

• The influence line diagram for shear at C shows that
when the unit load is between B and C, VC is negative.
Otherwise it is positive.
• The worst location of the unit load for VC is when it is just
right of point C.
• Placing a uniform load along the whole beam will not

cause the maximum shear at point C. Maximum VC
occurs when the load is placed along AB and CD only.


wL, must be placed along AB and CD. This will result in
the largest shear at C:
Fy=0 => -(wL)(0.5L) + 0.917wLL - VC = 0

or VC = 0.417wLL
• Finally, to find variation in moment at the splice, MC, as a
load moves from point A to D, we place unit load at a
distance x and compute MC as a function of x.
• To find the equation of M , we need to cut the beam at C,
isolate the left part and apply the equation of
equilibrium (MC=0). Two cases need to be considered:
i- Unit load on left of C (x < L), and

ii- Unit load on right of C (x > L).

i- Unit load on left of C (x < L):
Use the calculated result of RB.
MC=0 => [(2L-x)/(1.5L)](L/2) – 1*(L-x) - MC =0

or MC = (2x-L)/3
ii- Unit load on right of C (x > L):

The unit load will not appear on the FBD of left segment:
 MC=0 => [(2L-x)/(1.5L)](L/2) - MC =0

or MC = (2L-x)/3

• The results can now be plotted:
i. MC = (2x-L)/3 for (0 < x < L)
ii. MC = (2L-x)/3 for (L < x < 2L)

• The influence line diagram for moment at C shows that
when the unit load is between A and B, MC is negative.
Otherwise it is positive.
• The worst location of the unit load for MC is when it is at
either point A (for M-) or C (for M+).
• Also, placing loads along the whole beam will not cause
the maximum moment at point C.

wL, must be placed along AB for maximum negative MC:
MC=0 => (wL)(0.5L)(0.75L)- (0.583wLL)(0.5L) + MC=0

or MC = -0.0833wLL2

• The uniformly distributed live load, wL, must be placed
along BCD for maximum positive MC:
MC=0 => (wL)(0.5L)(0.25L)- (0.75wLL)(0.5L) + MC=0

or M = +0.25wLL2

• Example 1:
Given the following simple beam with overhangs. Find

the I.L. diagrams for RB, (VB)R, VC and MD. Where shall a
uniform live load of 10 kips/ft be placed for maximum effect
on each of the four functions?

• Solution:
(a) I.L. for RB:
i- 0 < x < 60 ft
ME = 0 => RB = (50-x)/40
Note that we do not need to split this range into

two or three segments.
• The corresponding diagram for the influence line for
reaction at B is shown below.

(b) I.L. for (VB)R:

i- 0 < x < 10 ft Cut just right of B
and isolate AB as FBD:
Fy=0=> (VB)R = (10-x)/40

ii- 10 < x < 60 ft Cut just right of B

and isolate AB as FBD (unit load will
not appear):
Fy = 0 => (V ) = (50-x)/40
Note that we do not need to split this range into two ranges
(10-50 ft and 50-60 ft).
shear just right of B is shown below.

(c) I.L. for (VC):
i- 0 < x < 20 ft Cut at C and isolate

AC as FBD:
Fy = 0 => VC = (10-x)/40

(0-10 ft and 10-20 ft).
ii- 20 < x < 60 ft Cut at C and isolate AB as FBD (unit

load will not appear):
Fy = 0 => VC = (50-x)/40
(20-50 ft and 50-60 ft).
• The corresponding diagram for the influence line for shear
at C is shown below.
I.L. for VC
• (d) I.L. for (MD):
• i- 0 < x < 30 ft Cut at D and

isolate AD as FBD:
MD = 0 => MD = (x-10)/2

Note that we do not need to split this range into two
ranges (0-10 ft and 10-30 ft).
• ii- 30 < x < 60 ft Cut D and isolate AD as FBD (unit
load will not appear):
MD = 0 => MD = (50-x)/2
Note that we do not need to split this range into two

ranges (30-50 ft and 50-60 ft).
moment at D is shown below.

• Use the previously generated I.L. diagrams to find the
location of a uniformly distributed 10 kip/ft live load on
the beam for maximum:
1. RB: Place the uniform load between A and E for

maximum upward reaction, and between E and F for
maximum downward reaction.


2. (VB)R: Place the uniform load between A and E since the

positive area under the I.L. diagram is larger than the
negative area.

3. VC: Place the uniform load between A and B and also

between C and E since the positive area under the I.L.
diagram is larger than the negative area.

4. MD: Place the uniform load between B and E for
positive moment, and between A and B and also E and F
for maximum negative moment.

4. Influence Lines for Beams by Tabulating Values
• In this method, a unit load is placed discretely at as many

as needed critical points along the beam, and the value
of the required function at a specified point is computed.
• Critical points along the beam are:

• Beginning of beam
• Ending of beam
• Internal hinge/roller locations
• Locations of the specified shear (before and after) or
moment functions (at the point)

• For reaction at A:
• Place unit load at A and find RA
• Place unit load at B and find RA
• For shear at C:
• Place unit load at A and find VC
• Place unit load just left of C and find VC
• Place unit load just right of C and find VC
• Place unit load at B and find VC
• For reaction at A:
• Place unit load at A and find RA
• Place unit load just left of C and find RA
• Place unit load at B and find RA
• For moment at D:
• Place unit load at A and find MD
• Place unit load at C and find MD
• Place unit load at D and find MD
• Place unit load at B and find MD

• To illustrate this approach, we consider the same
overhang beam example discussed in the previous
section:
• For the above beam, we need to determine the I.L.

diagrams for RB, VC and MC.

• To find the I.L. for RB, we:
• Place a unit at A and find RB
• Place a unit at D and find RB
Note: No need to place unit loads in- between A and D.

MD=0 => RB = 1x2L/1.5L =

1.333
MD=0 => RB = 1x0/1.5L = 0

5. Calculation of Functions From I.L.
• The I.L. indicates that the reaction at D due to live load
may either be up or down, depending on the location of
the unit load.
• Placing live load between A and C will cause RD to be
down (uplift), while placing live load between C and D
will cause it to be up. Both conditions are important and
must be designed for.
• Dead load will always be on the beam at all times.

• Maximum RD:
I.L. for RD
RD = (1)(-0.25)(30)/2 + (1+5)(1)(40)/2]
=> R = 116.25 k. (up)

• Minimum RD:
I.L. for RD
RD = (1+5)(-0.25)(30)/2 + (1)(1)(40)/2]
=> RD = -2.5 k. (down)

Example 3:
The compound beam is subjected to a 2- axle car load.

Compute the maximum shear and moment at point B due
to the car (travelling from right to left).

Solution:
a) Unit load between A & B (x < 10 m):
• Cut at D and isolate DE:

MD=0 => RE = 0
Fy=0 & Fx=0 => VD = 0 & PD = 0
• From FBD of ABCD,
MA=0 => RC = x/15
• Now, cut at B and isolate BCD:

Fy=0 => VB = -x/15
MB=0 => MB = x/3
• b) Unit load between B & D (10<x<20m):

MD=0 => RE = 0
Fy=0 => VD = 0 & Fx=0 => PD = 0

• From FBD of ABCD:
• MA=0 => RC= x/15

• Now, cut at B and isolate BCD:
Fy=0 => VB=(15-x)/15
MB=0 => MB=2(15-x)/3
• c) Unit load between D & E (20<x<25m):

MD=0 => RE = (x-20)/5
From FBD of whole beam:

MC=0 => RA = (x-25)/15
• From FBD of AB,
Fy = 0 => VB=(x-25)/15
MB = 0 => MB=2(x-25)/3


• Max. Shear at B:
• By inspection, place rear axle at B.
(VB)max= |15(-8/15)+10(-2/3)| = 14.67 kN

• Max. Positive Moment at B:
• Place either front or rear axle at B.
(M+B)max= Max{[15(10/3)+10(2)]
Or [15(8/3)+10(10/3)]}=73 kN-m
• Max. Positive Moment at B:
• Place either front or rear axle at B.
(M+B)max= 15(-10/3)+10(-2)] = -70 kN-m

Exercise 1:
A beam is subjected to uniform dead load of 2 k/ft and

uniform live load of 4 k/ft.Draw the influence line diagram
for shear at C, specify the location of live load for
maximum shear at C, and compute the corresponding value
of the shear at C.

Exercise 2:
A beam is subjected to the truck load shown. Use

influence lines to determine the maximum moment at C
due to the truck axle weights and spacing.

6. Qualitative Influence Lines
• Heinrich Muller-Breslau developed in 1886 a
method for quickly constructing the shape of an
influence line.
• The Muller-Breslau principle states that:
“The influence line for a function (reaction, shear or
moment) is the same as the deflected shape of the beam
when it is acted on by a unit deformation due to the
function, with the ability of the beam to resist the
deformation of the function being removed”
• To illustrate the method, we consider a simply-supported
beam of length L.

• To determine the I.L. for RA, we remove the ability of the
beam to resist movement in the vertical direction at A
(by using a guided roller) and apply a unit displacement
vertically. The deflected shape of the beam is the I.L. for
RA.

• To Find the I.L. for VB, we remove the ability of the beam
to resist shear at B (by using a guided roller) and apply a
unit relative vertical displacement, while keeping the
slopes on each side the same. The deflected shape is the
I.L. for VB.
1+2=1
tan=2/(L/4)=1/(3L/4)

• This is a sample slide

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7.

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

• Influence Lines for Beams by Equations

• Influence Lines for Beams by Tabulating Values

• Calculation of Functions From I.L.

• Dead load (weight of structure) remains stationary on

• So far, we have been able to obtain internal forces in

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 4

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 5

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 6

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 7

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 8

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 9

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

This value represents

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

This value represents

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

This value represents

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 1

• Beware of points of external supports

• Beware of points of discontinuities (internal

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 17

• Repeat steps 1 and 2 for various values of x over the

• Plot the values of the function (reaction, shear or

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 18

For I.L. for Reaction at A, place a unit load at x between A

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 20

For I.L. for Shear at C:

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 21

For I.L. for Reaction at A:

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 22

For I.L. for Moment at D:

• Place a unit load at x between D and B and find MD in terms of

• Assume that the beam will be fabricated from 2 pieces,

• Also, assume that the left support of the beam is bearing

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 24

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 25

• We note that the unit load can be located on either the

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 27

MD=0=> (1)(2L-x) - RB(1.5L) =0

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 28

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 29

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 30

MD=0=> (wL)(2L)(L) - RB(1.5L) =0

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 32

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 33

 Fy=0 => (2L-x)/(1.5L) - VC =0

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 34

• i. VC = (0.5L-x)/(1.5L) for (0 ≤ x < L)

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 35

• Placing a uniform load along the whole beam will not

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 36

• Based on the above, the uniformly distributed live load,

Fy=0 => -(wL)(0.5L) + 0.917wLL - VC = 0

i- Unit load on left of C (x < L), and

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 38

MC=0 => [(2L-x)/(1.5L)](L/2) – 1*(L-x) - MC =0

ii- Unit load on right of C (x > L):

 MC=0 => [(2L-x)/(1.5L)](L/2) - MC =0

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 40

CIEN 311 Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar 41