1.0 Structural Classification and Indeterminacy
1.1 Determinacy vs. Indeterminacy
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Determinacy: A structure where all reactions and internal forces can be found using equilibrium equations alone ($$\displaystyle r = 2j $$ for planar trusses, $$\displaystyle r = 3 $$ for simple beams).
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Indeterminacy: A structure where equilibrium equations are insufficient; additional compatibility conditions are needed. Classified as:
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Statically Indeterminate: Unknowns > equilibrium equations.
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Kinematically Indeterminate: Unknown displacements > compatibility equations.
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Significance: Indeterminate structures are stiffer, stronger, and more economical but require advanced analysis methods (e.g., slope-deflection, moment distribution).
1.2 Static Indeterminacy ($$\displaystyle N_s $$)
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Definition: $$\displaystyle N_s = r - e $$, where $r$ = total unknown reactions/members, $e$ = independent equilibrium equations.
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For Beams:
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Fixed-fixed beam: $$\displaystyle N_s = 2 $$ (2 extra moments).
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Continuous beam: $$\displaystyle N_s = \text{number of spans} - 1 $$ (for constant EI).
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For Plane Frames (neglecting axial deformations):
$$N_s = 3m + r - 3j$$
where $m$ = members, $r$ = external reactions, $j$ = joints.
- For Trusses:
$$N_s = m + r - 2j$$
(Planar truss, pin joints).
- Example: A portal frame (4 members, 4 joints, 6 reactions) → $$\displaystyle N_s = 3(4) + 6 - 3(4) = 6 $$.
1.3 Kinematic Indeterminacy ($$\displaystyle N_k $$)
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Definition: Number of independent joint translations/rotations needed to define the structure's deformed shape.
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For Beams: $$\displaystyle N_k = \text{number of unrestrained rotations/translations} $$.
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For Frames: $$\displaystyle N_k = \text{number of free joint rotations} + \text{number of free joint translations} $$.
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Key Relationship: For a stable, isostatic structure, $$\displaystyle N_s + N_k = \text{total degrees of freedom prevented by supports} $$.
[!TIP] For a stable planar structure, if $$\displaystyle N_s = 0 $$, then $$\displaystyle N_k = 3j - r $$ (for frames, ignoring axial).
1.4 Stability of Structures
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External Stability: Sufficient reactions to prevent rigid-body motion ($r \geq 3$ for planar).
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Internal Stability: Members arranged to prevent mechanism formation (no partial collapses).
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Criteria:
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$$\displaystyle N_s \geq 0 $$ and $$\displaystyle N_k \geq 0 $$.
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Structure must be properly constrained (no mechanisms).
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Check for redundant constraints (e.g., three parallel supports may cause instability).
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1.5 Sway vs. Non-sway Structures
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Sway Structure: Subjected to horizontal loads or asymmetric vertical loads causing lateral displacement (e.g., portal frames with side load).
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Non-sway Structure: Loads are symmetric or vertical only, no significant lateral displacement (e.g., symmetric building under gravity load).
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Analysis Implication:
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Sway frames require additional equations (e.g., chord rotation in slope-deflection).
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Non-sway frames can be analyzed as no-sway (simpler).
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2.0 Energy Methods and Fundamental Theorems
2.1 Strain Energy ($U$)
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Definition: Energy stored in an elastic body due to deformation.
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Expressions:
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Axial: $$\displaystyle U = \int_0^L \frac{N^2}{2EA} dx $$
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Bending: $$\displaystyle U = \int_0^L \frac{M^2}{2EI} dx $$
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Shear: $$\displaystyle U = \int_0^L \frac{V^2}{2GA} dx $$ (often neglected for slender beams).
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Gradually Applied Loads: $$\displaystyle U = \frac{1}{2} P \delta $$ (for single force $P$ causing displacement $\delta$).
2.2 Principle of Virtual Work
- Statement: For a structure in equilibrium, the external virtual work equals internal virtual work for any compatible virtual displacement.
$$\delta W_{ext} = \delta W_{int}$$
- Application to Beams:
$$\delta = \int_0^L \frac{M m}{EI} dx$$
where $M$ = actual moment, $m$ = moment due to unit virtual load at the point/direction of desired displacement.
- Application to Trusses:
$$\delta = \sum \frac{N n L}{EA}$$
where $N$ = actual force, $n$ = force in member due to unit load.
2.3 Castigliano's Theorems
- First Theorem: Partial derivative of strain energy w.r.t. a force gives displacement in that force's direction.
$$\frac{\partial U}{\partial P} = \delta_P$$
(Valid for linear elastic materials).
- Second Theorem: Partial derivative w.r.t. a moment gives rotation.
$$\frac{\partial U}{\partial M} = \theta_M$$
- Application: Compute $U$ from $M(x)$, then differentiate. For beams, $$\displaystyle U = \int \frac{M^2}{2EI} dx $$.
2.4 Maxwell's Reciprocal Deflection Theorem
- Statement: The deflection at point $A$ in direction $1$ due to load at $B$ in direction $2$ equals deflection at $B$ in direction $2$ due to same load at $A$ in direction $1$.
$$\delta_{A2} = \delta_{B1}$$
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Significance: Symmetry in flexibility matrix; simplifies calculations (e.g., only need half the influence lines).
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Derived from Betti's theorem (see 2.5).
2.5 Betti's Theorem
- Statement: For two systems of loads $$\displaystyle \{P_1\} $$ and $$\displaystyle \{P_2\} $$ on same structure:
$$\sum P_1 \delta_2 = \sum P_2 \delta_1$$
where $$\displaystyle \delta_2 $$ = displacements from $$\displaystyle \{P_1\} $$ at load points of $$\displaystyle \{P_2\} $$, and vice versa.
- Relationship: Maxwell's theorem is a special case when $$\displaystyle \{P_1\} $$ and $$\displaystyle \{P_2\} $$ are unit loads at different points/directions.
2.6 Complementary Energy
- Brief: $$\displaystyle U^* = \int \frac{M^2}{2EI} dx $$ for beams (same as $U$ for linear elastic). Used in minimum potential energy and Rayleigh-Ritz methods.
3.0 Arches
3.1 Classification
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By Material: Masonry, concrete, steel.
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By Shape: Parabolic (optimal for UDL), circular, elliptical.
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By Structural System:
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Three-hinged: Hinges at supports and crown → statically determinate.
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Two-hinged: Hinges at supports only → statically indeterminate (1°).
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Fixed: No hinges → statically indeterminate (3°).
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3.2 Three-Hinged Arches
3.2.1 Horizontal Thrust ($H$)
- Parabolic arch, UDL $w$:
$$H = \frac{w l^2}{8h}$$
where $l$ = span, $h$ = central rise.
- Parabolic arch, point load $W$ at distance $a$ from left:
$$H = \frac{W a b}{l h}$$
where $$\displaystyle b = l - a $$.
- General: From Eddy's theorem (see 3.2.2).
3.2.2 Eddy's Theorem
- Statement: The horizontal thrust at the supports of a three-hinged arch equals the bending moment at the crown divided by the rise.
$$H = \frac{M_c}{h}$$
- Application: Compute $$\displaystyle M_c $$ by taking moment about crown hinge from left/right segment.
3.2.3 Internal Forces at Any Section
- Normal thrust ($N$):
$$N = H \sec \phi + V \sin \phi$$
where $\phi$ = angle of tangent, $V$ = shear.
- Shear ($V$):
$$V = \text{vertical reaction} - \text{load left of section}$$
- Bending moment ($M$):
$$M = M_{\text{simply supported beam at same }x} - Hy$$
where $y$ = ordinate of arch axis from supports' line.
- BMD: Positive (sagging) near crown for UDL? Actually, for UDL on parabolic arch, BMD is everywhere positive (no negative moments).
3.3 Two-Hinged and Fixed Arches
- Two-hinged, parabolic, central point load $W$:
$$H = \frac{W l}{8h} \left(1 - \frac{W}{P}\right)$$
(approx), where $P$ = total arch weight? Actually, exact indeterminate solution requires strain energy.
[!TIP] For two-hinged arches, rib shortening reduces horizontal thrust (see 10.2).
- Fixed arches: Much stiffer; negative moments at supports.
3.4 Temperature Effects on Three-Hinged Arches
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No effect on reactions (determinacy). But bending moments induced due to thermal curvature.
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For rise change $$\displaystyle \Delta h = \alpha h \Delta T $$ (if crown free to move? Actually, for three-hinged, crown hinge allows rotation, so no additional stresses? Correction: Temperature causes no additional reactions in three-hinged arch because it is statically determinate; only deformations change.
3.5 Lintels vs. Arches
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Lintels (beams) preferred because:
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Simpler construction.
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No horizontal thrust → lighter foundations.
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Easier to accommodate differential settlement.
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Arches require abutments to resist thrust.
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4.0 Cables
4.1 Definition & Characteristics
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Flexible, no bending stiffness → carries loads only by tension.
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Shape adjusts to load (catenary or parabola).
4.2 Assumptions
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Cable is perfectly flexible (no moment resistance).
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Loads are perpendicular to cable axis (or self-weight included as UDL).
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Cable weight negligible or uniformly distributed horizontally.
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Supports are frictionless pins.
4.3 Cable Shape
- Catenary: Under self-weight (uniform along arc).
$$y = \frac{H}{w} \left( \cosh \frac{w x}{H} - 1 \right)$$
- Parabolic: Under UDL horizontally (approximation for small sag).
$$y = \frac{w}{2H} x^2$$
(for symmetric cable, origin at vertex).
4.4 Tension in Segments
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Concentrated loads: Use joint equilibrium (tension along cable).
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Parabolic with UDL:
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Horizontal component $H$ = constant.
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Vertical component $$\displaystyle V(x) = w x $$ (from left support).
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Tension at support: $$\displaystyle T = \sqrt{H^2 + (w l/2)^2} $$.
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Minimum tension at midspan (for symmetric) = $H$.
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4.5 Cable Length
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Parabolic: $$\displaystyle L \approx l \left(1 + \frac{8h^2}{3l^2}\right) $$ (for small sag $h$).
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With concentrated loads: Sum lengths of straight segments: $$\displaystyle L = \sum \sqrt{(\Delta x)^2 + (\Delta y)^2} $$.
5.0 Truss Analysis
5.1 Assumptions
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Pin joints (no moment transfer).
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Axial loads only in members.
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Straight members, negligible joint deformation.
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Loads applied only at joints.
5.2 Methods of Analysis
5.2.1 Method of Joints
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Procedure:
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Find support reactions.
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Isolate a joint with ≤2 unknowns.
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Apply $$\displaystyle \sum F_x = 0 $$, $$\displaystyle \sum F_y = 0 $$.
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Proceed joint by joint.
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Limitation: Tedious for large trusses.
5.2.2 Method of Sections
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Procedure:
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Cut through max 3 members (unknowns).
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Take moment about a point to solve for one member.
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Use $$\displaystyle \sum F_x, \sum F_y $$ for others.
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Advantage: Directly finds specific member forces without analyzing all joints.
5.3 Special Truss Configurations
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Warren truss with verticals: Common for bridges; diagonals in tension/compression alternating.
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Influence lines for truss members: Use method of joints or sections; ILD is piecewise linear.
5.4 Member Force Determination
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Zero-force members: Under specific loading, some members carry no force (e.g., in symmetric truss with symmetric load, central vertical may be zero).
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Point loads vs. UDL: Treat UDL as series of point loads or use influence lines for max effect.
6.0 Influence Lines
6.1 Definition & Importance
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Definition: Graph of reaction, shear, or moment at a specific point as a unit load moves across the structure.
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Importance: Determine maximum effect of moving loads (e.g., vehicles on bridges).
6.2 Muller-Breslau Principle
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Statement: The influence line for a reaction/shear/moment is obtained by:
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Remove the restraint corresponding to the desired function.
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Apply a unit displacement (rotation for moment, translation for shear/reaction) in the positive direction.
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The deformed shape is the influence line (qualitative).
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Application: Quick sketch for ILD shape; then compute ordinates.
6.3 Influence Lines for Beams
6.3.1 Shear Force at Section
- Shape: Two triangles meeting at section; value = ±1.
6.3.2 Bending Moment at Section
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Shape: Two straight lines from supports to section, with peak at section.
- For mid-span: Triangle with max = $l/4$.
6.3.3 Reaction at Support
- Shape: Straight line from 0 at opposite support to 1 at own support.
6.4 Influence Lines for Truss Members
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Method: Use method of joints with moving unit load.
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Example: Diagonal in Warren truss → ILD has positive and negative segments.
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Key: Member force = $P \times \text{ILD ordinate}$.
6.5 Application of Moving Loads
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Single concentrated load: Max effect = $P \times \max(\text{ILD})$.
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UDL longer than span (EUDL):
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Max shear = $w \times \text{area under ILD}$.
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Max moment = $w \times \text{area under moment ILD}$.
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Train of loads: Position loads to maximize effect (like "squeezing" ILD).
6.6 Determination of Maximum Effects
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Positive max: Place load where ILD is positive and largest.
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Negative max: Place load where ILD is negative and largest (most negative).
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Example: For mid-span moment, max = $P \times (l/4)$ for single load; for EUDL, max = $$\displaystyle w l^2/8 $$.
7.0 Continuous Beams
7.1 Analysis Methods
7.1.1 Slope Deflection Method
- Equation:
$$M_{AB} = \frac{2EI}{L} (2\theta_A + \theta_B - 3\psi) + M_{AB}^{fixed}$$
where $$\displaystyle \psi = \Delta/L $$ (chord rotation, for sway).
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Sway frames: Additional equilibrium equation for horizontal reactions.
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Fixed vs. Pinned: Stiffness factor $$\displaystyle K = \frac{4EI}{L} $$ (fixed), $$\displaystyle K = \frac{3EI}{L} $$ (pinned).
7.1.2 Three-Moment Equation
- For two spans (constant $EI$):
$$M_A l_1 + 2M_B (l_1 + l_2) + M_C l_2 = -6 \left( \frac{A_1 a_1}{l_1} + \frac{A_2 a_2}{l_2} \right)$$
where $A$ = area of M diagram, $a$ = distance from centroid to left end.
- For different $EI$: Include stiffness factors.
7.1.3 Moment Distribution Method
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Stiffness Factor ($K$):
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Fixed end: $$\displaystyle K = \frac{4EI}{L} $$.
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Pinned end: $$\displaystyle K = \frac{3EI}{L} $$.
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Distribution Factor (DF):
$$DF_{AB} = \frac{K_{AB}}{\sum K_{AB}}$$
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Carry-over: Half of moment distributed to far end.
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Procedure: Lock joints → distribute unbalanced moments → carry over → repeat until negligible.
7.2 Fixed End Moments (FEM)
- UDL on span $AB$:
$$FEM_{AB} = -\frac{wL^2}{12}, \quad FEM_{BA} = +\frac{wL^2}{12}$$
- Point load $P$ at distance $a$ from $A$:
$$FEM_{AB} = -\frac{Pb^2 a}{L^2}, \quad FEM_{BA} = -\frac{Pa^2 b}{L^2}$$
where $$\displaystyle b = L - a $$.
- Sinking support: $$\displaystyle FEM = \frac{6EI \Delta}{L^2} $$ (sign depends on direction).
7.3 Support Settlement Effects
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Induced moments even without external load.
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In slope-deflection: include $$\displaystyle \psi = \Delta/L $$.
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In moment distribution: treat settlement as fixed-end moment.
[!TIP] For a beam fixed at both ends, if right support settles by $\Delta$, FEM at left = $$\displaystyle +\frac{6EI\Delta}{L^2} $$, at right = $$\displaystyle -\frac{6EI\Delta}{L^2} $$.
7.4 Diagram Construction
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BMD: Sum moments from left/right; continuous at supports.
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SFD: From loads and reactions; check at supports.
7.5 Reaction Calculation
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After finding moments, use $$\displaystyle \sum M = 0 $$ for each span to get reactions.
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For fixed supports: $$\displaystyle V_A = \frac{M_{AB} + M_{BA}}{L} + \text{load effect} $$.
8.0 Deflection of Beams
8.1 Deflection-Slope Relationships
$$EI \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = M(x)$$
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Integrate: $$\displaystyle \theta = \frac{dy}{dx} $$, $$\displaystyle y = \int \theta dx $$.
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Apply boundary conditions (e.g., $$\displaystyle y=0 $$ at fixed, $$\displaystyle \theta=0 $$ at fixed).
8.2 Cantilever Beams
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UDL $w$:
- $$\displaystyle \delta_{free} = \frac{wL^4}{8EI} $$, $$\displaystyle \theta_{free} = \frac{wL^3}{6EI} $$.
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Point load $P$ at free end:
- $$\displaystyle \delta = \frac{PL^3}{3EI} $$, $$\displaystyle \theta = \frac{PL^2}{2EI} $$.
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Relation: $$\displaystyle \delta = \frac{2}{3} \theta L $$ for UDL? Actually, for UDL: $$\displaystyle \delta/\theta = (wL^4/8EI) / (wL^3/6EI) = \frac{3}{4}L $$.
[!TIP] Past exam: Given $\delta$ and $\theta$, find $L$: Use $$\displaystyle \delta = f(L) \cdot \frac{P}{EI} $$ or $$\displaystyle \theta = g(L) \cdot \frac{P}{EI} $$, eliminate $P/EI$.
8.3 Propped Cantilevers
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Prop reaction ($R$): From $$\displaystyle \delta_{prop} = 0 $$ (if prop rigid).
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Deflection: Use unit load or integration.
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With prop settlement $\Delta$: $$\displaystyle \delta_{mid} = \text{calculated} - \Delta $$? Actually, settlement reduces effective prop height.
8.4 Overhanging Beams
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Deflection at overhang end: Compute $M$ diagram, integrate from fixed end.
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Example: Overhang with point load at end → similar to cantilever.
8.5 Strain Energy Method for Deflection
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Castigliano's theorem: $$\displaystyle \delta = \frac{\partial U}{\partial P} $$.
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Unit load method: $$\displaystyle \delta = \int \frac{M m}{EI} dx $$.
[!TIP] For beams with different EI segments, split integral.
8.6 Beams with Varying Flexural Rigidity
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Piecewise integration: For each segment with constant $EI$, integrate $M/EI$, match slopes/deflections at interfaces.
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Example: Step change in $I$ → continuity of $y$ and $\theta$.
9.0 Portal Frames and Sway Frames
9.1 Classification
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Sway: Horizontal load causes lateral displacement (e.g., side load on portal).
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Non-sway: No horizontal load or symmetric load → no sway.
9.2 Analysis of Portal Frames
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Support conditions: Hinged, roller, fixed.
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Example: Hinged at A, roller at D, horizontal load at D.
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Sway: chord rotation $$\displaystyle \psi = \Delta/L $$.
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Use slope-deflection with chord rotation term.
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9.3 Displacement Calculation
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Horizontal displacement of roller end:
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Using virtual work: $$\displaystyle \Delta = \int \frac{M m}{EI} dx $$ (with unit horizontal load at D).
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Using slope-deflection: solve for $\psi$, then $$\displaystyle \Delta = \psi L $$.
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9.4 Moment Distribution for Frames
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Sway frames: Additional unknown $\psi$; need extra equilibrium equation (e.g., $$\displaystyle \sum H = 0 $$).
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Procedure:
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Assume $$\displaystyle \psi = 0 $$ (no-sway), distribute moments.
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Apply unit sway (e.g., $$\displaystyle \Delta = 1 $$), distribute moments.
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Combine to satisfy horizontal equilibrium.
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10.0 Special Topics and Miscellaneous
10.1 Column Analogy Method
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Concept: Replace beam with an equivalent column of same length, with flexural rigidity $EI$ and axial rigidity $EA$? Actually, analogy: bending moment diagram of beam ↔ axial thrust in column.
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Application: Fixed beam with arbitrary loading → compute "column" axial force from "load" = $M/EI$ diagram.
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Example: Fixed beam with UDL → $M$ diagram parabolic → "column" under parabolic "load" → fixed-end moments from "axial" formula.
10.2 Effect of Rib Shortening on Two-Hinged Arches
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Cause: Horizontal thrust $H$ causes axial compression → shortens arch rib → reduces rise → increases $H$ (positive feedback).
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Correction: $$\displaystyle H_{actual} = \frac{H_{ideal}}{1 + \frac{H_{ideal} l}{2EA h}} $$ (approx).
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Result: $H$ is less than ideal (no shortening) because shortening relieves some thrust? Actually, rib shortening increases horizontal thrust because arch tries to flatten more. Correction: The formula shows $$\displaystyle H_{actual} > H_{ideal} $$? Let's derive: Shortening $$\displaystyle \delta = \frac{H l}{EA} $$, additional rise change $$\displaystyle \Delta h = \delta \cdot (h/l) $$? Actually, standard: $$\displaystyle H = \frac{H_0}{1 - \frac{H_0 l}{EA h}} $$? I need to check: For two-hinged arch, rib shortening reduces horizontal thrust because the arch becomes slightly longer, reducing curvature? Wait, common knowledge: Rib shortening increases horizontal thrust. But formula: $$\displaystyle H = \frac{H_0}{1 + \frac{H_0 l}{EA h}} $$? Actually, from strain energy: $$\displaystyle H = \frac{H_0}{1 + \frac{H_0^2 l}{2EA M_0}} $$? I'll state: Rib shortening causes additional axial strain, which increases horizontal thrust. The corrected thrust is greater than the ideal (ignoring shortening).
10.3 EUDL (Essentially Uniformly Distributed Load)
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Definition: UDL longer than span (e.g., train of wagons).
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Application: For maximum effect, place load so that influence line area is fully covered.
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Max shear: $w \times \text{area of ILD for shear}$.
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Max moment: $w \times \text{area of ILD for moment}$.
10.4 Comparative Methods: Truss Analysis
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Method of Sections advantages:
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Directly finds specific member without full analysis.
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Faster for interior members.
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Useful when only few member forces needed.
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Method of Joints: Better for all members or when joints are sequentially accessible.
10.5 Numerical Problem Types (from past papers)
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Given $\delta$ and $\theta$ for cantilever, find $L$:
- Use $$\displaystyle \delta = \frac{wL^4}{8EI} $$, $$\displaystyle \theta = \frac{wL^3}{6EI} $$ → $$\displaystyle \frac{\delta}{\theta} = \frac{3}{4}L $$ → $$\displaystyle L = \frac{4\delta}{3\theta} $$.
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Moment for zero deflection at point:
- Apply unit load at point, compute $\delta$ due to actual load; set $$\displaystyle \delta + M \cdot m = 0 $$? Actually, use Castigliano or virtual work: $$\displaystyle \delta_{actual} + M_{applied} \cdot m_{unit} = 0 $$ → $$\displaystyle M_{applied} = -\delta_{actual} / m_{unit} $$.
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Max BM for moving UDL on girder:
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ILD for mid-span moment: triangle, max ordinate = $l/4$.
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Max BM = $$\displaystyle w \times \text{area under ILD} = w \times \frac{1}{2} \cdot l \cdot \frac{l}{4} = \frac{w l^2}{8} $$ (if UDL covers entire span).
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If UDL shorter, position to maximize area.
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Final Note: Always check stability and indeterminacy first. For arches, remember three-hinged is determinate; use Eddy's theorem for thrust. For influence lines, Muller-Breslau gives shape; compute ordinates via equilibrium or geometry. For continuous beams, moment distribution is most common in exams.