Unit III – Deflection in Beams

2. Macaulay’s method: 𝑊1 𝑊2

This is a convenient method for A C D B

𝑎
determining the deflections of 𝑏
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵
a beam subjected to point loads 𝑥
𝑙
or in general discontinuous loads.
Example:
In general at any section the B.M. is given by,
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑉𝐴 𝑥 − 𝑊1 𝑥 − 𝑎 − 𝑊2 𝑥 − 𝑏

The manner in which the above expression is written should

be noted.
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
1
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
2. Macaulay’s method: 𝑊1 𝑊2
𝑎
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑉𝐴 𝑥 − 𝑊1 𝑥 − 𝑎 − 𝑊2 𝑥 − 𝑏 C D B
A 𝑏
As the magnitude of 𝑥 goes on 𝑥
𝑉𝐴 𝑙 𝑉𝐵
Increasing so that the law of Loading
changes, additional expression appear.

For values of 𝑥 between 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑎, only the first term of the

above expression should be considered.

For values of 𝑥 between 𝑥 = 𝑎 and 𝑥 = 𝑏, only the first two terms

of the above expression should be considered.

For values of 𝑥 between 𝑥 = 𝑏 and 𝑥 = 𝑙, all the terms of the

above expression should be considered.
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
2
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
2. Macaulay’s method: 𝑊1 𝑊2
𝑎
𝑑2 𝑦 C D B
𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑉𝐴 𝑥 − 𝑊1 𝑥 − 𝑎 A 𝑏
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
−𝑊2 𝑥 − 𝑏 −− −(𝑖) 𝑉𝐴 𝑙 𝑉𝐵
Integrating Equation (i) we get, the general expression for slope
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−𝑎 2 𝑥−𝑏 2
𝐸𝐼 = 𝑉𝐴 + 𝑐1 − 𝑊1 − 𝑊2 −− −(𝑖𝑖)
𝑑𝑥 2 2 2
It is very important to note the following two points
(a) The constant of integration 𝑐1 should written after the first term
of the above expression.
𝑥−𝑎 2
(b) The quantity (𝑥 − 𝑎) should be integrated as and not as
2
𝑥2
− 𝑎𝑥.
2
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
3
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
𝑊1 𝑊2
2. Macaulay’s method: 𝑎
C D B
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−𝑎 2
A
𝐸𝐼 = 𝑉𝐴 + 𝑐1 − 𝑊1 𝑏
𝑑𝑥 2 2 𝑥
𝑥−𝑏 2 𝑉𝐴 𝑙 𝑉𝐵
−𝑊2 −− −(𝑖𝑖)
2

(c) Similarly the quantity (𝑥 − 𝑏) should be integrated as

𝑥−𝑏 2 𝑥2
and not as − 𝑏𝑥.
2 2
Integrating Equation (ii), we get the deflection equation
𝑥3 𝑥−𝑎 3
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑉𝐴 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 − 𝑊1
6 6
𝑥−𝑏 3
−𝑊2 −− −(𝑖𝑖𝑖)
6
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
4
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
𝑊1 𝑊2
2. Macaulay’s method: 𝑎
C D B
𝑥3 A 𝑏
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑉𝐴 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑥
6 𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵
𝑥−𝑎 3 𝑥−𝑏 3 𝑙
−𝑊1 − 𝑊2 −− −(𝑖𝑖𝑖)
6 6

The constant 𝑐1 and 𝑐2 can be evaluated if end conditions are

known.

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

5
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Problem 1:
A simply supported beam AB of span 10 m is subjected to
an u.d.l. of 20 kN/m for a length of 6 m from the left
support A and a concentrated load of 40 kN at 2 m from
the right support B. Determine the slope at the support A
and the deflection under the concentrated load interms of
the flexural rigidity EI.

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

6
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 20 kN/m 40 𝑘𝑁
Taking moments about A, A
C B
(𝑉𝐵 × 10) = 40 × 8 + 6𝑚 2m 2m
𝑥
𝑉𝐴 =92 10 𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =68
(20 × 6 ×3)
𝑉𝐵 = 68 𝑘𝑁
𝑉𝐴 = 20 × 6 + 40 − 68 = 92 𝑘𝑁.

By using Macaulay’s method

The B.M. at any section distant 𝑥 from the end B is given by,
𝑑2 𝑦 𝑥−4 2
𝐸𝐼 2 = 68 𝑥 − 40 x − 2 − 20 −− −(i)
𝑑𝑥 2
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
7
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 20 kN/m 40 𝑘𝑁
𝑑2 𝑦 C B
𝐸𝐼 2 = 68 𝑥 − 40 x − 2 A 6𝑚
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
2m 2m
𝑥−4 2 𝑉𝐴 =92 10 𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =68
−20 −− −(i)
2

Integrating the above equation, we get slope equation,

𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−2 2 𝑥−4 3
𝐸𝐼 = 68 + 𝑐1 − 40 − 10 − − ii
𝑑𝑥 2 2 3
Integrating the above equation, we get deflection equation,
𝑥3 𝑥−2 3
𝑥−4 4
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 68 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 − 20 − 10 − −(iii)
6 3 12
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE 8
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 20 kN/m 40 𝑘𝑁
𝑥3 A
C B
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 68 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 6𝑚 2m 2m
6 𝑥
𝑥−2 3 𝑥−4 4 𝑉𝐴 =92 10 𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =68
−20 − 10 − −(iii)
3 12
At the point B, i.e at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0
From equation (iii), 0 = 0 + 0 + 𝑐2
∴ 𝑐2 = 0
At the point A, i.e.,at 𝑥 = 10 𝑚, 𝑦 = 0
103
From equation (iii), 0 = (68 × ) + (𝑐1 × 10) + 0
6
10 − 2 3 10 − 4 4
−20 − 10
3 12
∴ 𝑐1 = −684.
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
9
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 20 kN/m 40 𝑘𝑁
∴ 𝑐1 = −684, 𝑐2 = 0 substitute A C B
6𝑚 2m 2m
in equations (ii) and (iii). 𝑥
𝑉𝐴 =92 10 𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =68
From equation (ii),
𝑑𝑦 2 2 𝑥−4 3
𝐸𝐼 = 34𝑥 − 684 − 20 𝑥 − 2 − 10 − − ii𝑎 slope eqn.
𝑑𝑥 3

At A, 𝑥 = 10 𝑚,
𝑑𝑦 10 − 4 3
𝐸𝐼 = 34 × 102 − 684 − 20 10 − 2 2 − 10
𝑑𝑥 3
𝑑𝑦 716
=
𝑑𝑥 𝐴 𝐸𝐼

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

10
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 20 kN/m 40 𝑘𝑁
From equation (iii), C B
A 6𝑚 2m 2m
𝑥3 𝑥
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 34 − 684𝑥 𝑉𝐴 =92 10 𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =68
3
𝑥−2 3 𝑥−4 4
−20 − 10 − −(iiia)
3 12
At point C, i.e., at at 𝑥 = 2 𝑚,
23 2−2 3
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑐 = 34 × − 684 × 2 − (20 ×
3 3
1277.33
∴ 𝑦𝑐 = −
𝐸𝐼
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
11
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Problem 2:
A horizontal beam 4 m long is supported at the left end ‘A’
and at ‘B’ 1m from the right end C. It carries an uniformly
distributed load of 10 kN/m over the span AB and A point
load of 5 kN at the free end C. Determine the slope at the
support A and the deflection at 1 m from left support A in
terms of its flexural rigidity.

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

12
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 10 kN/m 5 𝑘𝑁
Taking moments about A, B C
A 3𝑚 1m
(𝑉𝐵 × 3) = 5 × 4 + 𝑥
𝑉𝐴 =13.33 4𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =21.67
(10 × 3 ×1.5)
𝑉𝐵 = 21.67 𝑘𝑁
𝑉𝐴 = 10 × 3 + 5 − 21.67 = 13.33 𝑘𝑁.

By using Macaulay’s method

The B.M. at any section distant 𝑥 from the end C is given by,
𝑑2 𝑦 𝑥−1 2
𝐸𝐼 2 = −5 𝑥 + 21.67 x − 1 − 10 −− −(i)
𝑑𝑥 2
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
13
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 10 kN/m 5 𝑘𝑁
𝑑2 𝑦 B C
𝐸𝐼 2 = −5 𝑥 + 21.67 x − 1 A
𝑑𝑥 3𝑚 1m
𝑥−1 2 𝑥
𝑉𝐴 =13.33 4𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =21.67
−10 −− −(i)
2
Integrating the above equation, we get slope equation,
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−1 2 𝑥−1 3
𝐸𝐼 = −5 + 𝑐1 + 21.67 − 10 − − ii
𝑑𝑥 2 2 6
Integrating the above equation (ii), we get deflection equation,
𝑥3 𝑥−1 3 𝑥−1 4
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = −5 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 + 21.67 − 10
6 6 24
− −(iii)

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

14
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 10 kN/m 5 𝑘𝑁

𝑥3 B C
A 3𝑚
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = −5 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 1m
6 𝑥
𝑥−1 3 𝑥−1 4 𝑉𝐴 =13.33 4𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =21.67
+21.67 − 10 − −(iii)
6 24
At the point B, i.e at 𝑥 = 1 𝑚, 𝑦 = 0
13
From equation (iii), 0 = −5( ) + 𝑐1 (1) + 𝑐2
6
∴ 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = 0.833 −− −(A)
At the point A, i.e.,at 𝑥 = 4 𝑚, 𝑦 = 0
43
From equation (iii), 0 =−(5 × )
+ (𝑐1 × 4) + 𝑐2
6
4−1 3 4−1 4
+21.67 − 10
6 24
∴ 4𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = −10.435 −− −(𝐵)
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
15
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 10 kN/m 5 𝑘𝑁
4𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = −10.435 −− −(𝐵) B C
A
𝑐1 + 𝑐2 = 0.833 −− −(A) 3𝑚 1m
𝑥
𝑉𝐴 =13.33 4𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =21.67
3𝑐1 = −11.268 −− − B − (A)
𝑐1 = −3.756
𝑐2 = 0.833 − −3.756 = 4.589
∴ 𝑐2 = 4.589
Substitute 𝑐1 and 𝑐2 values in equation (ii) and (iii)
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−1 2 𝑥−1 3
𝐸𝐼 = −5 − 3.756 + 21.67 − 10 − − iia
𝑑𝑥 2 2 6

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

16
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 10 kN/m 5 𝑘𝑁
3 B C
𝑥 A 3𝑚 1m
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = −5 − 3.756𝑥 + 4.589 𝑥
6 𝑉𝐴 =13.33
𝑥−1 3 𝑥−1 4 4𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =21.67
+21.67 − 10 − −(𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑎)
6 24
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−1 2 𝑥−1 3
𝐸𝐼 = −5 − 3.756 + 21.67 − 10 − − iia
𝑑𝑥 2 2 6
At A, i.e. at x= 4m, from Equation (iia),
𝑑𝑦 42 4−1 2
4−1 3
𝐸𝐼 = −5( ) − 3.756 + 21.67 − 10 − − iia
𝑑𝑥 𝐴
2 2 6
𝒅𝒚 𝟖. 𝟕𝟓𝟗
=
𝒅𝒙 𝑨
𝑬𝑰
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
17
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution: 10 kN/m 5 𝑘𝑁
D B C
3
𝑥 A 3𝑚 1m
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = −5 − 3.756𝑥 + 4.589 𝑥
6 𝑉𝐴 =13.33
𝑥−1 3 𝑥−1 4 4𝑚 𝑉𝐵 =21.67
+21.67 − 10 − −(𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑎)
6 24

At D, i.e. at x= 3m, from Equation (iiia),

43 3−1 3 3−1 3
𝐸𝐼 𝑦 𝐷 = −5 − 3.756 3 + 4.589 + 21.67 − 10
2 2 6
−𝟔. 𝟗𝟓
𝒚𝑫 =
𝑬𝑰

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

18
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Problem 3:
A simply supported beam AB 9 m span is subjected to a
vertical point load of 30 kN at 3 m from the left support A
and a clockwise moment of 20 kNm at 3 m from the right
support B. Using Macaulay’s method, determine the slope
at A and the deflection under the point load. E= 2× 105
MPa and 𝐼 = 12 × 108 𝑚𝑚4 .

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

19
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution:
30 kN
Taking moments about A, 20 kN m
C D
𝑅𝐵 × 9 = (30 × 3)+20 A 3m 3m 3m B
𝑅𝐵 = 12.22 𝑘𝑁
17.78 x
𝑅𝐴 = 30 − 12.22
= 17.78 𝑘𝑁

Using macaulay’s method, the B.M. at any section from A

is given by,
𝑑2 𝑦 0
𝐸𝐼 2 = 17.78𝑥 − 30 𝑥 − 3 + 20 𝑥 − 6
𝑑𝑥
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
20
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution:
𝑑2 𝑦 30 kN
20 kN m
𝐸𝐼 2 = 17.78𝑥 − 30 𝑥 − 3
𝑑𝑥 C D
+20 𝑥 − 6 0 A 3m 3m 3m B
By integrating , x
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−3 2
𝐸𝐼 = 17.78 + 𝑐1 − 30 + 20 𝑥 − 6
𝑑𝑥 2 2
By integrating,
𝑥3 𝑥−3 3 𝑥−6 2
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 17.78 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 − 30 + 20
6 6 2
At x=0, y=0, from the above deflection equation,
0 = 0 + 0 + 𝑐2
∴ 𝑐2 = 0
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
21
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution:
𝑥3 30 kN
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 17.78 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + 𝑐2 20 kN m
6 C D
𝑥−3 3 𝑥−6 2 A 3m 3m B
−30 + 20 3m
6 2 x
At x=9 m, y=0, from the above deflection equation,
93 9−3 3 9−6 2
0 = 17.78 + 𝑐1 9 + 𝑐2 − 30 + 20
6 6 2
∴ 𝑐1 = −130.03
𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−3 2
∴ 𝐸𝐼 = 17.78 − 130.03 − 30 + 20 𝑥 − 6 --(i)
𝑑𝑥 2 2
slope equation
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
22
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution:
𝑥3 30 kN
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 17.78 − 130.03𝑥 20 kN m
6 C D
𝑥−3 3 𝑥−6 2
−30 + 20 ---(ii) A 3m 3m 3m B
6 2
deflection equation. x

𝑑𝑦 𝑥2 𝑥−3 2
∴ 𝐸𝐼 = 17.78 − 130.03 − 30 + 20 𝑥 − 6 --(i)
𝑑𝑥 2 2
slope equation
Slope at A, i.e., i.e. at x=0,
𝑑𝑦 130.03 130.03 −4
=− =− = −5.418 × 10
𝑑𝑥 𝐴
𝐸𝐼 2.4 × 105
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
23
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Solution:
𝑥3 30 kN
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 17.78 − 130.03𝑥 20 kN m
6 C D
𝑥−3 3 𝑥−6 2
−30 + 20 ---(ii) A 3m 3m 3m B
6 2
deflection equation. x

Deflection at C, i.e., at x= 3m, from (ii),

33 3−3 3
𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑐 = 17.78 − 130.03(3) − 30
6 6
310.08 310.08 −3 𝑚
𝑦𝑐 = − =− = −1.292 × 10
𝐸𝐼 2.4 × 105
∴ 𝑦𝑐 = 1.292 𝑚𝑚 (𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑)
Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,
24
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Problem 4 (H.W.):
A beam ABC is loaded as shown in Figure. If E= 2× 105
N/𝑚𝑚2 and 𝐼 = 9 × 107 𝑚𝑚4 , determine (i) slope at the
end ‘A’ (ii) deflection at the free end ‘C’ (iii) Maximum
deflection.
15 kN 2 kN/m

A 6m 4m B 2m

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

25
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE
 Unit III – Deflection in Beams
Problem 5 (H.W.):
A beam of uniform section 10 m long is simply supported
at its ends and is subjected to 100 kN and 60 kN at
distance of 2 m and 5 m respectively, from the left end.
Compute the deflection under each load using Macaulay’s
method. Assume E=200 Gpa and I=0.0118 𝑚4 .

Dr.P.Venkateswara Rao, Associate Professor,

26
Dept. of Civil Engg., SVCE