Department of Civil Engineering

European University of Bangladesh

Full Module Specification

Module Title/Course Name Structural Analysis and Design II
Module Code : CE-411
Module Level : Final
Academic Year : Spring-2017
Md. Imam Hossain
Contact Person :
Imamhossain_11@yahoo.com
Room No.-501, Civil Building,
Contact Address :
Mirpur Campus
Counseling Hour : Before or after class or by appointment
Module Credit : 3.0
Pre Requisites : CE-215
Co Requisites : CE-417
Duration of Module : 12
Grading : As outlined in the University policy

Class room lecturer, multimedia

Teaching Methodology presentation ,discussion, group study,
assignment, presentation, etc.

Attendance =20
Continuous Assessment =20
Method of Evaluation Mid-term =30
Final =30
TOTAL =100
 CE411
Structural Analysis and Design II
3.0 Credits, 3.0 hours/ week

 Analysis of Multi-storied Structures by Portal Method

 Analysis of Multi-storied Structures by Cantilever Method
 Analysis of statically indeterminate beams and frames by moment distribution
method
 Consistent deformation/ Flexibility stiffness matrix
 Member stiffness
 Stiffness methods
 Algorithms for implementation direct stiffness method in computer
 Influence lines of statically indeterminate beams and frames

 Books:
1. Elementary Structural Analysis(4th Edition)-by C.H.Noris,J.Wilbur,S.Utku
2. A Matrix Approach-GS Pandit,S.P.Gupta
3. Interminate Structural Analysis-J.S.Kenney
4. Structural Analysis and Design II-Dr.S. Ahmed BUET
5. Bangladesh National Building Code(BNBC’93)
6. Structural Analysis-R.C.Hibbeler

1
 Analysis of Multi-storied Structures by Portal Method

Approximate methods of analyzing multi-storied structures are important because such structures are
statically highly indeterminate. The number of assumptions that must be made to permit an analysis by
statics alone is equal to the degree of statical indeterminacy of the structure.

Assumptions
The assumptions used in the approximate analysis of portal frames can be extended for the lateral load
analysis of multi-storied structures. The Portal Method thus formulated is based on three assumptions

1. The shear force in an interior column is twice the shear force in an exterior column.
2. There is a point of inflection at the center of each column.
3. There is a point of inflection at the center of each beam.

Assumption 1 is based on assuming the interior columns to be formed by columns of two adjacent bays or
portals. Assumption 2 and 3 are based on observing the deflected shape of the structure.

Example
Use the Portal Method to draw the axial force, shear force and bending moment diagrams of the three-storied
frame structure loaded as shown below.
18k Column shear forces are at the ratio of 1:2:2:1.
M N O P ∴Shear force in (V) columns IM, JN, KO, LP are
2@10′=20′

12k [18 × 1/(1 + 2 + 2 + 1) =] 3k, [18 × 2/(1 + 2 + 2 + 1) =] 6k,

I J K L 6k, 3k respectively. Similarly,
VEI = 30×1/(6) = 5k, VFJ = 10k, VGK = 10k, VHL = 5k; and
6k
E F G H VAE = 36×1/(6) = 6k, VBF = 12k, VCG = 12k, VDH = 6k
12′

Bending moments are

A B C D MIM = 3×10/2 = 15k′, MJN = 30k′, MKO = 30k′, MLP = 15k′
15′ 10′ 15′ MEI = 5×10/2 = 25k′, MFJ = 50k′, MGK = 50k′, MHL = 25k′
MAE = 6×10/2 = 30k′, MFJ = 60k′, MGK = 60k′, MHL = 30k′
The rest of the calculations follow from the free-body diagrams

3 6 6 3 15 30 30 15 -15 -9 -3

50 25 -10 -2
5 10 10 5 25 50 -6

-5 -3 -1
6 12 12 6 36 72 72 36

Column SFD (k) Column BMD (k-ft) Beam AFD (k)

15 15 15
-2 -3 -2
2 1 -1 -2
40 40 40
-8
-5.33 -5.33 7.33 3.67 -3.67 -7.33
61 61 61
-8.13 -12.2 -8.13
15.5 7.75 -7.75 -15.5

Beam BMD (k-ft) Beam SFD (k) Column AFD (k)

2
 Problems on Lateral Load Analysis by Portal Method
1. The figure below shows the shear forces (kips) in the interior columns of a two-storied frame. Use the
Portal Method to calculate the corresponding
(i) applied loads P 1 and P 2 , (ii) column bending moments, (iii) beam axial forces.

P2
3 10′
P1
5 12′

20′ 20′

2. The figure below shows the applied loads (F 1 , F 2 ) and shear force (V EF ) in column EF of a two-storied
frame. If F 2 = 10 k, and V EF = 5 k, use the Portal Method to calculate the
(i) applied load F 1 , (ii) maximum column bending moments.
A D
F1

10′
B E
F2
VEF 12′
C F

20′ 15′ 15′

3. For the structure shown in Question 2, use the Portal Method to calculate the lateral loads F 1 , F 2 if the
axial forces in beams AD and BE are 10 kips and 15 kips respectively.

4. For the structure shown below, use the Portal Method to

(i) draw the bending moment diagrams of the top floor beams AB and BC
(i) calculate the applied load F 1 if the maximum bending moment in column EH is 30 k-ft.

A B C
F2 = 10 k
10′
D E F
F1

14′
G H I

15′ 15′

5. The figure below shows the exterior column shear forces (kips) in a four-storied fame.
Calculate (i) the applied loads, (ii) beam shear forces.

5
4 @ 10′ = 40′

10

15

20

20′ 10′

3
 Analysis of Multi-storied Structures by Cantilever Method

Although the results using the Portal Method are reasonable in most cases, the method suffers due to the
lack of consideration given to the variation of structural response due to the difference between sectional
properties of various members. The Cantilever Method attempts to rectify this limitation by considering the
cross-sectional areas of columns in distributing the axial forces in various columns of a story.

Assumptions
The Cantilever Method is based on three assumptions

1. The axial force in each column of a storey is proportional to its horizontal distance from the
centroidal axis of all the columns of the storey.
2. There is a point of inflection at the center of each column.
3. There is a point of inflection at the center of each beam.

Assumption 1 is based on assuming that the axial stresses can be obtained by a method analogous to that
used for determining the distribution of normal stresses on a transverse section of a cantilever beam.
Assumption 2 and 3 are based on observing the deflected shape of the structure.

Example
Use the Cantilever Method to draw the axial force, shear force and bending moment diagrams of the three -
storied frame structure loaded as shown below.
18k The dotted line is the column centerline (at all floors)
M N O P ∴Column axial forces are at the ratio of 20: 5: −5: −20.
2@10′=20′

12 k ∴Axial force in (P) columns IM, JN, KO, LP are

I J K L [18 × 5 × 20/{202 + 52 + (−5)2 + (−20)2} = ] 2.12k, [18 × 5
6k
× 5/(202 + 52 + (−5)2 + (−20)2} = ] 0.53k, −0.53k, −2.12k
E F G H respectively.
12′

Similarly, PEI = 330×20/(850) = 7.76k, PFJ = 1.94k, PGK =

A B C D −1.94k, PHL = −7.76k; and
15′ 5′ 5′ 15′ PAE = 696×20/(850) = 16.38k, PBF = 4.09k, PCG = −4.09k,
PDH = 16.38k
The rest of the calculations follow from the free-body diagrams
15.9 13.2 15.9
2.12 0.53 -0.53 -2.12 -2.65 -2.12
-2.12
42.4 35.3 42.4
7.76 1.94 -1.94 -7.76 -5.65 -7.06 -5.64
64.6 53.8 64.6
-8.61 -10.76 -8.61
16.38 4.09 -4.09 -16.38

Column AFD (k) Beam SFD (k) Beam BMD (k-ft)

15.9 29.1 29.1 15.9 3.18 5.82 5.82 3.18 -14.82 -3.04
-8.98

26.5 48.5 48.5 26.5 -9.88 -2.12

5.30 9.70 9.70 5.30 -6.00

38.1 69.9 69.9 38.1 -4.95 -3.00 -1.05

6.35 11.65 11.65 6.35

Column BMD (k-ft) Column SFD (k) Beam AFD (k)

4
 Results from ‘Exact’ Structural Analysis
18k
2@10′=20′ M N O P
All members have equal cross-sections
12k
I J K L
6k
E F G H
12′

A B C D
15′ 10′ 15′

19.4 -16.3 18.4 16.2 -19.3

2.38 1.30 -1.32 -2.38 -4.68 -2.36
-2.36
38.1 -33.9 43.2 33.8 -37.9
7.19 5.13 -5.18 -7.14 -4.80 -8.63 -4.78
47.4 -40.9 50.8 40.8 -47.1
-5.89 -10.17 -5.86
13.07 -9.41 -9.48 -13.00

Column AFD (k) Beam SFD (k) Beam BMD (k-ft)

19.4 34.7 34.6 19.3

2.90 6.13 6.11 2.87 -15.10 -8.98 -2.87
-9.5 -26.5 -26.4 -9.4
28.6 50.5 50.5 28.5
-9.75 -2.27
5.15 9.87 9.85 5.13 -6.01
-22.9 -48.1 -48.1 -22.8
24.5 43.6 43.5 24.3
-3.55 -2.97 -2.40
7.59 10.45 10.41 7.53
-51.5 -60.9 -60.7 -51.0
Column BMD (k-ft) Column SFD (k) Beam AFD (k)
Interior columns have twice the area of exterior columns

39.2 -38.1 55.1 38.2 -39.1

-5.73 -12.37 -5.15
12.26 12.26 -12.95 -11.57

Column AFD (k) Beam SFD (k) Beam BMD (k-ft)

18.5 43.3 42.4 18.4

-4.66 -2.65 -1.31
5.73 12.37 12.21 5.69
-38.8 -80.4 -38.4
-79.8
Column BMD (k-ft) Column SFD (k) Beam AFD (k)

5
 Problems on Lateral Load Analysis by Cantilever Method
1. The figure below shows the axial forces (kips) in the exterior columns of a two-storied frame.
If the cross-sectional area of column ABC is twice the area of the other columns, use the Cantilever
Method to calculate the corresponding applied loads P 1 and P 2 .
A
P2
3 10′
B
P1

12 12′
C
20′ 20′
2. For the structure shown below, use the Cantilever Method to calculate the lateral loads F 1 , F 2 if the shear
forces in beams AB and DE are 10 kips and 15 kips respectively. Assume all the columns have the same
cross-sectional area.
A B C
F2
8′
D E F G
F1

15′

H I J K
20′ 10′ 20′
3. Use the Cantilever Method to draw the axial force, shear force and bending moment diagrams of the
three-storied structure loaded as shown below.
18k
Columns with area 2A

M N O P
2@10′=20′

12k
I J K L
6k
E F G H
12′

A B C D
15′ 10′ 15′
4. Figure (a) below shows the exterior column axial forces (kips) in a three-storied fame.
Use the Cantilever Method to calculate (i) the applied loads, (ii) beam bending moments, (iii) column
bending moments. Assume all the columns to have equal cross-sectional areas.
3 @ 10′ = 30′
3 @ 10′ = 30′

10
5 7 2
15

20′ 10′ 20′ 10′

Fig. (a) Fig. (b)

5. Figure (b) above shows the column shear forces (kips) in a three-storied fame.
Calculate the column BM, beam BM, beam SF and column AF.
Also check if they satisfy the conditions for Cantilever Method (for equal column areas).

6
 Approximate Analysis of Bridge Portal and Mill Bent

Bridge Portals and Mill Bents

Portals for bridges or bents for mill buildings are often arranged in a manner to include a truss between two
flexural members. In such structures, the flexural members are continuous from the foundation to the top and
are designed to carry bending moment, shear force as well as axial force. The other members that constitute
the truss at the top of the structure are considered pin-connected and to carry axial force only.

Bridge Portal Mill Bent

Such a structure can be statically indeterminate to the first or third degree, depending on whether the
supports are assumed hinged of fixed. Therefore, the same three assumptions made earlier for portal frames
can be made for the approximate analysis of these structures also; i.e., for a load applied at the top

1. The horizontal support reactions are equal

2. There is a point of inflection at the center of the unsupported height of each fixed based column

Example
In the bridge portal loaded as shown below, draw the bending moment diagrams of columns AB and CD.

B C Assuming the total load to be applied equally (i.e., 25/2 =

12.5 k and 12.5 k) at A and B, the horizontal reactions are
10′ HA = 12.5 + 12.5/2 = 18.75 k, HB = 12.5/2 = 6.25 k
Also, BM = 0 at the midpoint of the free height; i.e., at 15/2
1 k/ft F
E = 7.5′ from the bottom.
15′ ∴−MA + 18.75 × 7.5 − 7.5 × 7.5/2 = 0 ⇒ MA = 112.5 k-ft
−MD + 6.25 × 7.5 = 0 ⇒ MD = 46.88 k-ft
A D
∴∑MA = 0 ⇒ −112.5 − 46.88 + 25 × 12.5 −VD × 20 = 0
MA MD
HA HD ⇒ VD = 7.66 k
VA VD ∴∑Fy = 0 ⇒ VA + VD = 0 ⇒ VA = −7.66 k
20′
RB RC

RE 56.25 RF 46.88

18.75 k 6.25 k
112.5 k-ft 112.5 46.88 k-ft 46.88

7.66 k BMD (k-ft) of AB 7.66 k BMD (k-ft) of CD

7
 Approximate Analysis of Statically Indeterminate Trusses

Two approximate methods are commonly used for the analysis of statically indeterminate trusses. The
methods are based on two basic assumptions
Method 1: Diagonal members take equal share of the sectional shear force
Method 2: Diagonal members can take tension only (i.e., they cannot take any compression)

Example
Calculate member forces GC, BH, GH, BC of the statically indeterminate truss shown below assuming
(i) Diagonal members take equal share of the sectional shear force,
(ii) Diagonal members can take tension only.

5k 10 k 10 k 10 k 5k
x
F G H I J
20 k

15′
A 36.9° E
20 k
B C D
x

23.75 k 4 @20′ = 80′ 16.25 k

∑F x = 0⇒ E x + 20 = 0 ⇒ E x = −20
∑M E = 0 ⇒ 20 × 15 + (5 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 5) × 40 + A y × 80 = 0 ⇒ A y = −23.75 k
∑F y = 0⇒ A y + E y + 5 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 5 = 0 ⇒ E y = −16.25 k
(i) At section x-x,
∑F x = 0 ⇒ F GH + F BC + F BH cos 36.9° + F GC cos 36.9° + 20 = 0
⇒ F GH + F BC + 0.8 F BH + 0.8 F GC + 20 = 0
∑F y = 0 ⇒ F BH sin 36.9° − F GC sin 36.9° + 5 + 10 − 23.75 = 0
⇒ 0.6 F BH − 0.6 F GC = 8.75
Assuming diagonal members to take equal share of the sectional shear force
⇒ 0.6 F BH = −0.6 F GC = 8.75/2 = 4.375 ⇒ F BH = 7.29 k, F GC = −7.29 k
∑M B = 0 ⇒ −23.75 × 20 + 5 × 20 + 20 × 15 − 0.8 × 7.29 × 15 + F GH × 15 = 0 ⇒ F GH = 10.83 k
∴∑F x = 0 ⇒ F GH + F BC + 0.8 F BH + 0.8 F GC + 20 = 0 ⇒ F BC = −30.83 k
(ii) Assuming the diagonal member GC to fail in compression (i.e., to be non-existent)
At section x-x,
∑F x = 0 ⇒ F GH + F BC + F BH cos 36.9° + 20 = 0 ⇒ F GH + F BC + 0.8 F BH + 20 = 0
∑F y = 0 ⇒ F BH sin 36.9° + 5 + 10 − 23.75 = 0 ⇒ F BH = 14.58 k
∑M B = 0 ⇒ −23.75 × 20 + 5 × 20 + 20 × 15 + F GH × 15 = 0 ⇒ F GH = 5 k
∴∑F x = 0 ⇒ F GH + F BC + 0.8 F BH + 20 = 0 ⇒ F BC = −36.67 k

Note: The actual values from GRASP (assuming identical member sections) are
F BH = 4.88 k, F GC = −9.71 k, F GH = 12.77 k, F BC = −28.90 k

8
 Problems on Approximate Analysis of Bridge Portal, Mill Bent and Truss

1. In the mill bent shown below, use the portal method to calculate the axial forces in members BG and EH
and draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams of ABC and DEF.

10 k
C D 10′
G H
45° 45° 20′

E
B
1 k/ft
40′

A F

4 @20′ = 80′

2. In the mill bent shown below,

(i) Use the Portal Method to draw the bending moment diagram of the member KLM.
(ii) Calculate the forces in EG and FH, assuming them to take equal share of the sectional shear.

D E H I N
10 k

10′
10 k
C J M
F G
10′
B L
10′
A K
4 @10′ = 40′

3. In the bridge portal shown below, compression in member DG is 10 kips. Use the Portal Method to
(i) calculate the load w per unit length, assuming the diagonal members to share the sectional shear
force equally.
(ii) draw the BMD and SFD of the member FGH for the value of w calculated in (i).

C D H

25′
w kip per ft

B G
E

50′

A F
2 @50′ = 100′

9
4. In the structure shown below,
(i) Use the Portal Method to calculate the reactions at support A, G and draw the BMD of ABC.
(ii) Calculate the forces in members CD, BE, CF, assuming diagonal members to take tension only.
D
5k
5k 5k
10′
C E I
10 k
10′

B H
F

20′

A G
2 @20′ = 40′

5. In the bridge portal shown below,

(i) Use the Portal Method to calculate the reactions at support A and force in member BE.
(ii) Calculate the forces in members GI and FH, assuming diagonal members to take tension only.
G H M
10 k
D 10′
C
10 k
E F I L
10′
B
1 k/ft K
10′
A J
4 @10′ = 40′

10
 Deflection Calculation by the Method of Virtual Work
Method of Virtual Work
Another way of representing the equilibrium equations is by energy methods, which is based on the law of
conservation of energy. According to the principle of virtual work, if a system in equilibrium is subjected to
virtual displacements, the virtual work done by the external forces (δW E ) is equal to the virtual work done
by the internal forces (δW I )
δW E = δW I …...…………………(1)
where the symbol δ is used to indicate ‘virtual’. This term is used to indicate hypothetical increments of
displacements and works that are assumed to happen in order to formulate the problem.
Consider the body loaded as shown in Fig. 1. Under the given
loading conditions, the point A deflects an amount ∆ in the direction B
shown in the Figure. Moreover the same load causes the element B dL
within the body to extend an amount dL in the direction shown.
A u
If a virtual unit load (i.e., a load of magnitude 1), when applied in
the direction of ∆, causes a virtual internal force u in the element B ∆
1
in the direction of dL, the virtual work done by the external forces
Fig. 1
δWE = 1. ∆ …...…………………(2)
while the virtual work done by the virtual internal force (u) on B is = u. dL …...…………………(3)
∴The total internal virtual work done is δW I = Σ u. dL …...…………………(4)
where the symbol Σ indicates the summation over the lengths of all the elements within the body.
In this formulation, the terms in italic indicate virtual loads or internal forces.
∴The principle of virtual work [Eq. (1)] ⇒ 1. ∆ = Σ u. dL ⇒ ∆ = Σ u. dL …...…………………(5)
It is to be noted here that the term ∆ above can indicate the deflection or rotation of the body, depending on
which the virtual load (1) can be a unit force or a unit moment applied in the direction of ∆.
Deflection of Truss due to External Loads
The above principle can be applied to calculate the deflection of a truss due to axial deformation of its
members. This axial deformation can be caused be caused by external loads on the truss, temperature change
or misfit of member length. The axial deformation due to external loads is caused by the internal forces
within the truss members, the resulting extension of a truss member being
dL = N 0 L/EA …...…………………(6)
where N 0 , L, E and A stand for the axial force (due to external loads), length, modulus of elasticity and
cross-sectional area of a truss member. The internal force u due to the unit virtual load is often expressed by
N 1 , from which the equation for truss deflection [Eq. (5)] becomes ∆ = Σ N 1 . N 0 L/EA ……….……(7)
Example
Calculate the vertical deflection of the point B of the truss ABCDEF due to the external loads applied
[Given: EA/L = 500 kip/ft, for all the truss members].
F E D F E F E D
10 10 D 0 0
20′ 7.07 0 -14.14 10 k 0.707 -1 0.707 0
10 k 0 -7.07 0

A B C A -5 -5 C A -0.5 -0.5 C
B B
1
3 @ 20′ = 60′ N0 (k) N1

Using member forces N 0 and N 1 from the above analyses, ∆ = Σ N 0 N 1 L/EA ……….……(7)
∴Ignoring zero force members,
∆ B,v = {(7.07) (0.707) + (−7.07) (0.707) + (−5) (−0.5) + (−5) (−0.5)}/500 = 0.01 ft

11
Deflection of Truss due to Temperature Change and Misfit
In addition to external loads, a truss joint may deflect due to change in member lengths (i.e., become longer
or shorter than its original length) caused by change in temperature or geometrical misfit of any truss
member (being longer or shorter than its specified length).

∴In Eq. (5); i.e., ∆ = Σ u. dL …...…………………(5)

the tem dL (elongation of a truss member) can also be due to temperature change or fabrication defect of any
truss member.

The change in length due to increase in the temperature ∆T is = α∆T L …...…………………(8)

where α = Coefficient of thermal expansion; i.e., change of length of a member of unit length due to unit
change of temperature, ∆T = Change of temperature of a member of length L.

Adding to it a geometric misfit (due to fabrication defect) of ∆L, the total elongation of a truss member
dL = N 0 L/EA + α∆T L + ∆L
…...…………………(9)
from which the equation for truss deflection [Eq. (5)] becomes
∆ = Σ N 1 dL = Σ N 1 (N 0 L/EA + α∆T L + ∆L) …...…………………(10)

Example
Calculate the vertical deflection of joint B of the truss ABCDEF shown below due to
(i) temperature rise of 30°F in the bottom cord members AB and BC,
(ii) fabrication defects resulting in vertical members BF and CE to be made 0.25″ shorter than specified
[Given: Coefficient of thermal expansion α = 5.5 × 10-6/°F, for all the truss members].
F E D
0 0
20′ -0.25 0
-0.25 0.707 -1 0.707 0

A C 0.0396 0.0396 -0.5 -0.5

B
1
3 @ 20′ = 60′ dL (in) N1

(i) For members AB and BC, α = 5.5 × 10-6/°F, ∆T = 30°F, L = 20 ft = 240 in

∴dL = α∆T L = (5.5 × 10-6) (30) (240) = 0.0396 in
∴Ignoring zero force members, ∆ B,v = (0.0396) (-0.5) + (0.0396) (-0.5) = −0.0396 in

(ii) For members BF and CE, dL = −0.25 in

∴Ignoring zero force members, ∆ B,v = (−0.25) (-1) + (−0.25) (0) = 0.25 in

Support Settlement
Settlement of supports due to consolidation or instability of the subsoil/foundation is a major reason of
deflection of structures. There is a fundamental difference between the effect of support settlement on
statically determinate and indeterminate structures. While it causes deflection due to geometrical changes
only in statically determinate structures, it induces internal stresses in statically indeterminate structures
(which may even be more significant than the forces due to external loads).

The effect of support settlement on statically indeterminate structures is dealt separately but the following
figure shows the deflected shape of the truss ABCDEF shown above due to settlement of support C.

12
 Problems on Truss Deflection by the Method of Virtual Work

Assume EA/L = 500 k/ft, α = 5.5 × 10-6/°F for the following trusses.
B
1. Calculate ∆ E,h due to A 10 k
(i) The external load
(ii) ∆T = 50°F for CD and CE. 12′

C E
D
12′ 12′

2. Calculate ∆ B-C(rel) due to 15 k 15 k

(i) The external loads
(ii) ∆L = 0.5″ for CD and CE. C D E
12′
A B

12′ 12′

3. Calculate ∆ A-C(rel) due to 10 k C

(i) The external loads
(ii) ∆T = −50°F for AB and AD.
17.32′

30° 60°
B D
60° 30°

17.32′

A 10 k

4. Calculate ∆ C,v and ∆ C,h due to the external loads.

A B C D E
10k 20k

25′
45°
F H
G

4 @25′ = 100′

5. Calculate ∆ B,v and ∆ D(along AD) due to the external loads.

10 k

D 20 k

12′

A C
B
12′ 12′

13
 Flexibility Method for 2-degree Indeterminate Trusses

D C 10 k
EA/L = constant = 1000 k/ft
(Note: EA ≠ constant)

dosi = 1×6 + 4 – 2×4 = 2

10′ The horizontal reaction H B and member force F BD
are taken as the two redundants.

A B

10′

(0) 10 k (0) (−0.707)

(1)
(14.14) (−10) (0) (0) (0) (−0.707) (−0.707)
(0)
(1)

(0) (1) (−0.707)

Case 0 (HB = 0, FBD = 0) Case 1 (HB = 1) Case 2 (FBD = 1)

[Forces N0 (k)] [Forces N1] [Forces N2]

∆ 1,0 = ∑{N 1 N 0 /(EA/L)} = {0×0 + 0×0 + 0×14.14 + 0×(–10) + 1×0}/1000 = 0 ft

∆ 2,0 = ∑{N 2 N 0 /(EA/L)} = {14.14×1 + (–10)×(–0.707)}/1000 = 21.21×10-3 ft
∆ 1,1 = ∑{N 1 N 1 /(EA/L)} = {02 + 02 + 02 + 02 + 12}/1000 = 1×10-3 ft/k
∆ 1,2 = ∆ 2,1 = ∑{N 1 N 2 /(EA/L)} = {1×(–0.707)}/1000 = –0.707×10-3 ft/k
∆ 2,2 = ∑{N 2 N 2 /(EA/L)} = {4× (–0.707)2 + 2×12}/1000 = 4×10-3 ft/k

∴(1×10-3) H B + (–0.707×10-3) F BD = 0
(–0.707×10-3) H B + (4×10-3) F BD = –21.21×10-3
⇒ H B = – 4.29 k, and F BD = – 6.06 k

∴N = N 0 + N 1 H B + N 2 F BD
⇒ F AB = 0 +1× (– 4.29) + (–0.707)× (–6.06) = 0, F BC = –10 + 0 + (–0.707)×(–6.06) = –5.71 k
F CD = 0 +0 + (–0.707)×(–6.06) = 4.29, F DA = 0 +0 + (–0.707)×(–6.06) = 4.29 k
F AC = 14.14 + 0 +(1)×(–6.06) = 8.08 k, F BD = – 6.06 k

14
 Problems on Flexibility Method for Trusses (from past exams)
A B
1. 10 k

Also solve if C moves 0.10′ to right 12′

C D E
12′ 12′

D
2. 10 k

Also solve if B settles 0.10′ 10′

A B C

10′ 10′
15 k
3.
C D E

12′

A B

12′ 12′

C
4. 10 k

17.32′

30° 60°
B D
30°
60°

17.32′

A 4@10′ = 40′

5. 10 k

D 20 k

Also solve if C settles 0.10′

12′

A B C

12′ 12′

15
6.
A B 10 k

43.3′
30°
30° 60° 60°
E C
D

50′ 50′
7. A
28.9′
B H
C
57.7′

D 30° 30° G 60°

I 60°
57.7′
60° 60° 10 k
E F
50′ 50′ 50′

8.
60° 10 k
A B C D E Support E moves 0.10′ rightwards
17.32′ 30°
30′ H G
45°
I
6 @30′ = 180′ F

9.
C
Support A moves 0.10′ rightwards
86.6′ B D
10 k
A 30° 60° 60° 30° E
G F

3@100′ = 300′
10. B C
A

25′
D E
10 k 10 k
25′
45° G 45°
F H

4@25′ = 100′

16
 Solutions for Problems on Flexibility Method for Trusses

1. A B
10 k Also support C moves 0.10′ rightwards
12′ Assume EA/L = Constant = 500 k/ft
dosi = 7 + 4 −2×5 = 1

C D E
12′ 12′

(0) 10 k

(0) (0)
(7.07) (−7.07)
1
(−5) (−5) (−1) (−1)

N 0 (k) (X C = 0) N 1 (X C = 1)

∆ 1,0 = {(−5) (−1)+ (−5) (−1)}/500 = 0.02′, ∆ 1,1 = {(−1) 2+ (−1)2}/500 = 0.004
∴0.004 X C + 0.02 = 0.10 ⇒ X C = 20 k
∴N = N 0 + X C N 1 ⇒ P AB = 0, P AC = 0, P BC = 7.07 k, P BD = 0, P BE = −7.07 k, P CD = −25 k, P BE = −25 k

2. D
10 k Also support B settles 0.10′
10′ Assume EA/L = Constant = 500 k/ft
dosi = 5+ 4 −2×4 = 1

A B C

10′ 10′

10 k

(0) (0.707) (0.707)

(7.07) (−7.07) (−1)

(5) (5) (−0.5) (−0.5)

1
N 0 (k) (Y B = 0) N 1 (Y B = 1)

∆ 1,0 = {(5) (−0.5)+(5) (−0.5)+ (7.07) (0.707)+ (−7.07) (0.707)}/500 = −0.01′

∆ 1,1 = {(−0.5)2+ (−0.5)2+ (0.707)2+ (−1)2+ (0.707)2}/500 = 0.005
∴0.005 Y B − 0.01 = −0.10 ⇒ Y B = −18 k
∴N = N 0 + Y B N 1 ⇒ P AB = 14 k, P BC = 14 k, P AD = −5.66 k, P BD = 18 k, P CD = −19.80 k

17
3. 15 k 15 k
C D E (0) (0) (−0.707) (0)

12′ (0) (15) (−0.707) (−0.707)

(0) (0) (0) (1) (1) (0)

A B (0)
12′ 12′ (−0.707)
N 0 (k) (P BC = 0) N 1 (P BC = 1)

EA/L = Constant = 500 k/ft, dosi = 8+3 −2×5 = 1

∆ 1,0 = {(15) (−0.707)}/500 = −0.0212′, ∆ 1,1 = {4×(−0.707)2 +2× (1)2}/500 = 0.008
∴0.008 P BC − 0.0212 = 0 ⇒ P BC = 2.65 k
∴N = N 0 + P BC N 1
⇒ P AB = −1.87 k, P AC = −1.87 k, P CD = −1.87 k, P BD = 15.13 k, P BC = 2.65 k, P AD = 2.65 k,
P DE = 0, P BE = 0

4. C
10 k

EA/L = Constant = 1000 k/ft

17.32′ dosi = 6 +3−2×4 = 1
60°
B 30° D
60° 30°

17.32′

4@10′ = 40′
10 k

(8.66) (0) (−5) (−0.866) (−0.5)

(1)

(2.5) (1)

(0) (0) (−0.5) (−0.866)

N 0 (k) (P AC = 0) N 1 (P AC = 1)

∆ 1,0 = {(8.66) (−0.866)+(−5) (−0.5)+(2.5) (1)}/1000 = −0.0025′

∆ 1,1 = {2×(−0.5)2+2×(−0.866)2+2× (1)2}/1000 = 0.004
∴0.004 P AC − 0.0025 = 0 ⇒ P AC = 0.63 k
∴N = N 0 + P AC N 1
⇒ P AB = −0.31 k, P BC = 8.12 k, P CD = −5.31 k, P DA = −0.54 k, P AC = 0.63 k, P BD = 3.13 k

18
5. 10 k
D Also support C settles 0.10′
20 k Assume EA/L = Constant = 500 k/ft
10′ dosi = 5+5−2×4 = 2

A B C
10′ 10′

10 k
20 k

(−28.28) (30) (0) (0) (0) (0) (−1.41) (−1.41) 1

(2)

(0) (0) (1) 1 (0) (1) (1)

N 0 (k) N 1 (X B = 1) N 2 (Y C = 1)

∆ 1,0 = 0, ∆ 2,0 = {(−28.28) (−1.41) + (30) (2)}/500 = 0.20′

∆ 1,1 = (1)2/500 = 0.002, ∆ 1,2 = ∆ 2,1 = (1)×(1)/500 = 0.002, ∆ 2,2 = {2×(−1.41)2+ (2)2+2× (1)2}/500 = 0.02
∴0.002 X B + 0.002 Y C + 0 = 0
0.002 X B + 0.02 Y C + 0.20 = −0.10
∴X B = 16.67 k, Y C = −16.67 k
∴N = N 0 + X B N 1 + Y C N 2
⇒ P AB = 0, P BC = −16.67 k, P AD = −4.71 k, P BD = −3.33 k, P CD = 23.57 k

19
 Flexibility Method for 1-degree Indeterminate Beams

Example 1
P
EI = constant
A B C dosi = 3 × 1 + 4 – 3 × 2 = 1
Take R A as the redundant

L/2 L/2 ∴∆ 1,0 + R A ∆1,1 = ∆A = 0 …………..…(i)

m0 ∆1,0 = (L/2)/6 × [2L + L/2] (–PL/2)/EI = – 5PL3/48EI

−PL/2

L ∆1,1 = ∫m1 m1 dS/EI

L/2
= L/3 (L) (L)/EI = L3/3EI
m1
∴(i) ⇒ – 5PL 3/48EI + L3/3EI = 0 ⇒ RA = 5P/16

5PL/32 ∴M = m0 + RA m1 = m0 + (5P/16) m1
M MA = 0, MB = 5PL/32, MC = –PL/2 + 5PL/16 = –3PL/16

−3PL/16

Example 2

1 k/ft
EI = constant
A B C dosi = 3 × 2 + 4 – 3 × 3 = 1
Take RB as the redundant

10′ 10′ ∴∆1,0 + RB ∆1,1 = ∆B = 0 …………..…(i)

50
37.5
∆1,0 = 2 × [2 × 37.5 + 50] (–5 × 10/6)/EI = –2083.33/EI
m0 (k′)

∆1,1 = ∫m1 m1 dS/EI

m1 (′) = 2 × 10/3 (–5) (–5)/EI = 166.67/EI

–5 ∴(i) ⇒ –2083.33/EI + 166.67 RB/EI = 0

⇒ RB = 12.5 k
6.25 6.25
∴M = m0 + RB m1 = m0 + 12.5 m1
M (k′) MA = 0, MB = 50 – 62.5 = – 12.5 k′, MC = 0

– 12.5

20
 Flexibility Method for 2-degree Indeterminate Beams

Example 3

10 k 10 k

A B C D E
dosi = 3×2 + 5 – 3×3 = 2

EI = 1 EI = 1 ∆1,0 + RA ∆1,1 + RC ∆1,2 = ∆A = 0 ……(i)

5′ 5′ 5′ 5′ ∆2,0 + RA ∆2,1 + RC ∆2,2 = ∆C = 0 ……(ii)

m0 (k′) ∆1,0 = ∫m1 m0 dS/EI

0 0 = {10/6 (–100) (30+5)
–50 –100 + 5/6[(–100)(30+20) + (–200)(40+15)]}/EI
–200 = –19166.67/EI

10 15 20 ∆2,0 = ∫m2 m0 dS/EI

5 = {5/6 (5) (–200–50)
m1 (′) + 5/6 [(5)(–200–200)+(10)(–400–100)]}/EI = – 6875/EI

∆1,1 = ∫m1 m1 dS/EI = 20/3 (20) (20)/EI

= 2666.67/EI

5 10 ∆1,2 = ∆2,1 = ∫m1 m2 dS/EI

m2 (′) = {5/6(5)(30+10)
+5/6 [(5)(30+20)+(10)(40+15)]}/EI
= 833.33/EI

∆2,2 = ∫m2 m2dS/EI = 10/3 (10) (10)/EI

= 333.33/EI

∴Avoiding the factors EI

(i) ⇒ 2666.67 RA + 833.33 RC = 19166.67
(ii) ⇒ 833.33 RA + 333.33 RC = 6875
⇒ RA = [19166.67 × 333.33 – 833.33 × 6875]/[2666.67 × 333.33 – 833.332] = 3.39 k
and RC = [2666.67 × 6875 – 833.33 × 19166.67]/[2666.67 × 333.33 – 833.332] = 12.14 k

∴ M = m0 + RA m1 + RC m2 = m0 + 3.39 m1 + 12.14 m2
MA = 0, MB = 0 + 3.39 × 5+ 0 × 12.14 = 16.95 k′, MC = –50 + 3.39 × 10 +0× 12.14 = –16.10 k′,
MD = –100 + 3.39 × 15 + 5 × 12.14 = 11.55 k′, ME = –200 + 3.39 × 20 + 10 × 12.14 = –10.80 k′

16.95
11.55

M (k′)

–10.80
–16.10

21
 Analysis for Support Settlement

Example 4
Support B settles 0.10′
A B C EI = 40×103 k-ft2
dosi = 3×2 + 4 – 3×3 = 1

∆1,0 + RB ∆1,1 = ∆B = –0.10 ……(i)

10′ 10′ ∆1,0 = 0

m1 (′) ∆1,1 = ∫m1 m1 dS/EI

= 2 × 10/3 (–5) (–5)/EI = 166.67/40×103

–5 ∴(i) ⇒ 166.67 RB/40×103 + 0 = –0.10

⇒ RB = – 4000/166.67 = –24 k
120
∴ M = m0 + RB m1 = –24 m1 [in k′]

M (k′)

Example 5
Support C settles 0.10′
EI = 40×103 k-ft2
A B C D E dosi = 2

∆1,0 + RA ∆1,1 + RC ∆1,2 = ∆A = 0.…..….(i)

10′ 10′ ∆2,0 + RA∆2,1 + RC ∆2,2 = ∆C = –0.10.…(ii)

∆1,0 = 0, ∆2,0 = 0
∆1,1 = ∫m1 m1 dS/EI = 2666.67/EI, ∆1,2 = ∆2,1 = 833.33/EI, ∆2,2 = 333.33/EI

∴(i) ⇒ (2666.67/EI) RA + (833.33/EI) RC = 0

(ii) ⇒ (833.33/EI) RA + (333.33/EI) RC = –0.10
⇒ RA = 17.14 k, and RC = –54.86 k

∴ M = m0 + RA m1 + RC m2 = 17.14 m1 – 54.86 m2 [in k′]

MA = 0, MB = 17.14 × 5 – 0 × 54.86 = 85.70, MC = 17.14 × 10 – 0 × 54.86 = 171.40,
MD = 17.14 × 15 – 5 × 54.86 = –17.20, ME = 17.14 × 20 – 10 × 54.86 = – 205.80

171.40

M (k′)

–205.80

22
 Combined Flexural, Shear and Axial Deformations

B C
10 k
EA = 400×103 k, GA* = 125×103 k
EI = 40×103 k-ft2
dosi = 3×3 + 4 – 3×4 = 1
10′
The vertical reaction at D (VD) is taken
as the redundant.

A D

10′

–10

–10

100

x0 (k) v0 (k) m0 (k′)

10

–1

1
–1

x1 v1 m1 (′)

∆1,0 = ∫ (x1 x0/EA) dS + ∫ (v1 v0 /GA*) dS + ∫ (m1 m0 /EI) dS

= 0 + 0 + 10/2 (100)(10)/(40×103) = 0.125 ft
∆1,1 = ∫ (x1 x1/EA) dS + ∫ (v1 v1 /GA*) dS + ∫ (m1 m1 /EI) dS
= 2×10×(1×1)/(400×103)+10×(1×1)/(125×103)+[10×(10×10)+10×(10×10)/3]/(40×103)
= 0.05×10–3 + 0.08×10–3 +33.33×10–3 = 33.46×10–3
∴VD = –0.125/33.46×10–3 = –3.74 k

23
 Problems on Flexibility Method (Beams/Frames)

Assume EA = 400×103 k, GA* = 125×103 k, EI = 40×103 k-ft2

Beams

1. 100 k′ 2. 10 k 10 k

10′ 4@5′

1 k/′
3. 10 k 4.

Guided Rollers

10′ 10′ 10′ 10′

1 k/′
5. 10 k 6.

5′ 5′ 10′ 10′ 10′ 10′

7. 10 k 10 k 8. Support settles 0.10′

5′ 5′ 10′ 5′ 5′ 3@10′

Frames
10 k 10 k

9. 10.

1 k/′
20′ 20′

10′ 10′ 10′ 5′ 5′

24
 Solution of Problems on Flexibility Method (Beams/Frames)

1. dosi = 3 + 4 – 6 = 1; i.e., assume RA as the redundant

10

m0 (k′) m1 (′)

–100 RA = 1

50
∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS = 10/2 (–100) (10)/(40×103) = –0.125 ft
∆1,1 = ∫ (m1 m1/EI) dS = 10/3 (10×10)/(40×103) = 8.33×10–3 ft/k M (k′)
∴RA = 0.125/(8.33×10–3) = 15 k
–100

2. dosi = 6 + 4 – 9 = 1; i.e., assume RB as the redundant

50 50

m0 (k′) –5 m1 (′)

RB = 1

∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS = 2 {5/3 (50) (–2.5) +5/2 (50) (–2.5 –5)}/(40×103) = –0.0573 ft
∆1,1 = ∫ (m1 m1/EI) dS = 2 {10/3 (–5) (–5)}/(40×103) = 4.17×10–3 ft/k 15.63
∴RB = 0.0573/(4.17×10–3) = 13.75 k M (k′)

–18.75
3. dosi = 3 + 4 – 6 = 1; i.e., assume MA as the redundant

100
MA = 1
m0 (k′) m1 (′)

−1

∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS = {10/2 (100) (–1) +10 (100) (–1)}/(40×103) = –0.0375 ft
∆1,1 = ∫ (m1 m1/EI) dS = 20 (–1) (–1)/(40×103) = 0.5×10–3 ft/k M (k′)
25
∴MA = 0.0375/(0.5×10–3) = 75 k-ft
–75

4. dosi = 6 + 4 – 9 = 1; i.e., assume RB as the redundant

50
37.5

m0 (k′) –5 m1 (′)

RB = 1
∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS = 2 {10/6 (2 × 37.5 + 50) (–5)}/(40×103) = –0.0521 ft
∆1,1 = 4.17×10–3 ft/k (as in Problem 2) 6.25 6.25
∴RB = 0.0521/(4.17×10–3) = 12.5 k M (k′)

–12.5

25
5. dosi = 9 + 5 – 12 – 1 = 1; i.e., assume RC as the redundant

25 10

m0 (k′) m1 (′)

−50 RC = 1
−100
∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS = 10/6 (–50–2×100) (10)/(40×103) = –0.1042 ft
∆1,1 = ∫ (m1 m1/EI) dS = 10/3 (10)×(10)/(40×103) = 8.33×10–3 ft/k 25 25
∴RB = 0.1042/(8.33×10–3) = 12.5 k M (k′)

–50
6. dosi = 6 + 5 – 9 = 2; i.e., assume RB and MC as the redundants
50
37.5 1
0.5
m0 (k′) –5 m2
m1 (′)

RB = 1 MC = 1
∆1,0 = –0.0521 ft, ∆1,1 = 4.17×10 ft/k –3
(as in Problem 4)
∆2,0 = ∫ (m0 m2/EI) dS = 20/6 (2×50+0) (1)/(40×103) = 8.33×10–3 rad
∆1,2 = ∆2,1 = ∫ (m1 m2/EI) dS = {10/3 (–5)(0.5) +10/6 (–5)(1+2×0.5)}/(40×103) = –0.625×10-3 rad/k
∆2,2 = ∫ (m2 m2/EI) dS = 20/3 (1)(1)/(40×103) = 0.167×10-3 rad/k-ft
∴4.17 RB – 0.625 MC = 52.1; and –0.625 RB + 0.167 MC = –8.33
⇒ RB = 11.43 k, MC = –7.14 k-ft

7.14 1.34
M (k′)

–7.14
–10.71
7. dosi = 6 + 5 – 9 = 2; i.e., assume RB and RC as the redundants
50 50

m0 (k′) −6.67 −6.67

m1 (′) m2 (′)

RB = 1 RC = 1
∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS
=−{5/3(50)(3.33)+5/2(50)(3.33+6.67)+15/2(50)(6.67+1.67)+5/3(50)(1.67)}/(40×103)= −119.8×10–3 ft
∆1,1 = ∫ (m1 m1/EI) dS = {10/3 (−6.67) (−6.67) + 20/3 (−6.67) (−6.67)}/(40×103) = 11.11×10–3 ft/k
∆1,2 = ∆2,1 = ∫ (m1 m2/EI) dS = [10/3(−6.67)(−3.33) + 10/6{(−6.67)(−2×3.33−6.67)
+(−3.33)(−2×6.67−3.33)}+10/3(−6.67)(−3.33)]/(40×103) = 9.72×10–3 ft/k
∆2,0 = ∆1,0 = −119.8×10–3 ft, ∆2,2 = ∆1,1 = 11.11×10–3 ft/k
∴RB = RC = 5.75 k (i.e., upward)
21.25

M (k′)

−7.5

26
8. dosi = 6 + 5 – 9 = 2; i.e., assume RB and RC as the redundants
m0 is zero here, but m1 and m2 are same as in Problem 7.
∆1,0 = ∫ (m0 m1/EI) dS = 0, ∆2,0 = ∫ (m0 m2/EI) dS = 0
∆1,1 = 11.11×10–3 ft/k, ∆1,2 = ∆2,1 = 9.72×10–3 ft/k, ∆2,2 = ∆1,1 = 11.11×10–3 ft/k
∴11.11×10–3 RB + 9.72×10–3 RC = −0.10
9.72×10–3 RB + 11.11×10–3 RC = 0 ⇒ RB = −38.4 k (i.e., downward), RC = 33.6 k (i.e., upward)
144

M (k′)

−96

9. dosi = 6 + 4 – 9 = 1; i.e., assume RC as the redundant

10
−100

−150

−10 x0 (k) v0 (k)

20 m0 (k′)
−300

1
20
−1

x1 v1 m1 (′)

∆1,0 = ∫(x0 x1/EA) dS + ∫(v0 v1/GA*) dS + ∫(m0 m1/EI) dS

= 20(−10)(1)/(400×103) + 10(10)(−1)/(125×103)
−{10/6(100)(2×20+10)+20/6(100+4×150+300)(20)}/(40×103) = (−0.5−0.8−1875)×10-3 = −1.876 ft
∆1,1 = ∫(x1 x1/EA)dS + ∫(v1 v1/GA*)dS + ∫(m1 m1/EI)dS = 20(1)(1)/(400×103) + 20(−1)(−1)/(125×103) +
{20/3 (20) (20) + 20 (20) (20)}/(40×103) = (0.05 + 0.16 + 266.67)×10-3 = 0.2669 ft/k
∴RB = 1.876/(0.2669) = 7.03 k

70.31
2.97
40.63

−7.03

−9.37

−2.97 X (k) V (k) M (k′)

20
−159.37

27
10. dosi = 6 + 4 – 9 = 1; i.e., assume RA as the redundant

25
5
−5

−5

x0 (k) v0 (k) m0 (k′)

1 10
5
−1

x1 v1 m1 (′)

∆1,0 = ∫(x0 x1/EA) dS + ∫(v0 v1/GA*) dS + ∫(m0 m1/EI) dS

= 20(−5)(2)/(400×103) + 5{(5)(−1)+(−5)(−1)}/(125×103) +{5/6(25)(2×5+10)+5/3(25)(5)}/(40×103)
= (−0.5 + 0 + 15.63)×10-3 = 15.13 ×10-3 ft
∆1,1 = ∫(x1 x1/EA) dS + ∫(v1 v1/GA*) dS + ∫(m1 m1/EI) dS
= 20(2)(2)/(400×103) + {10(1)(1)+10(−1)(−1)}/(125×103) + 2{10/3(10)(10)}/(40×103)
= (0.2 + 0.16 + 16.67)×10-3 = 17.03 ×10-3 ft/k
∴RA = −15.13×10-3/(17.03×10-3) = −0.889 k

20.55
5.89
−0.89 −4.11

−6.78 −8.89

X (k) V (k) M (k′)

28
 The Moment Distribution Method

Fixed End Reactions for One-dimensional Prismatic Members under Typical Loadings

PL/8 P −PL/8 wL2/12 w −wL2/12

L/2 L/2 L

P/2 P/2 wL/2 wL/2

w
Pab2/L2 P − Pa2b/L2 wL2/30 −wL2/20

a b L

Pb2 (3a+b)/L3 Pa2 (a+3b)/L3 3wL/20 7wL/20

M/4 M M/4
P

L/2 L/2 −Pb/L a b −Pa/L

3M/2L −3M/2L

4EIθ/L 2EIθ/L 6EI∆/L2 6EI∆/L2

θ
∆

6EIθ/L2 −6EIθ/L2 12EI∆/L3 −12EI∆/L3

L L

29
 End Rotation and Rotational Stiffness of Fixed Ended Prismatic Members

MA MB
θ
MA/EI MB/EI
A EI = Constant B
VA VB
L L

Using the Moment Area Theorems between A and B

1st Theorem ⇒ (MA/EI + MB/EI) × L/2 = −θ
⇒ MA + MB = − 2 EIθ/L ……………………..……...(1)
2nd Theorem ⇒ MA/EI × L/2 × L/3 + MB/EI × L/2 × 2L/3 = 0 ⇒ (MA/6 + MB/3) L2 = 0
⇒ MB = − MA/2 ..…………………..………(2)
∴(1) ⇒ MA/2 = − 2 EIθ/L ⇒ MA = − 4 EIθ/L …………………..………..(3)
and (2) ⇒ MB = 2 EIθ/L …………………..………..(4)

The term 4EI/L is called the rotational stiffness and the ratio (−MB/MA =) 0.5 the carry over factor of the
member AB.

Taking ∑MB = 0 and ∑MA = 0, VA and VB can be derived to be 6EI/L2 and −6EI/L2.

Note that for anti-clockwise rotation θ, the moments MA and MB are both anti-clockwise but have different
signs in the BMD.

End Deflection and Shear Stiffness of Fixed Ended Prismatic Members

MA MB

∆ MA/EI MB/EI
A EI = Constant B
VA VB
L L

Using the Moment Area Theorems between A and B

1st Theorem ⇒ (MA/EI + MB/EI) × L/2 = 0 ⇒ MB = − MA ……………………..……...(1)
2 Theorem ⇒ MA/EI × L/2 × L/3 + MB/EI × L/2 × 2L/3 = ∆ ⇒ MA + 2MB = 6EI∆/ L2 ...………(2)
nd

∴(1), (2) ⇒ −MA = 6EI∆/ L2 ⇒ MA = −6EI∆/ L2 …………………..………..(3)

and (2) ⇒ MB = 6EI∆/ L2 …………………..………..(4)

Taking ∑MB = 0 and ∑MA = 0, VA and VB can be derived to be 12EI∆/L3 and −12EI∆/L3.

The term 12EI/L3 is called the shear stiffness of the member AB.

Note that MA and MB are both anti-clockwise here but have different signs in the BMD.

30
 Rotation of a Joint and Moment Distribution Factors (MDF)

A KOB
KOA MO

O KOC C

KOE
E
KOD

Flexural members OA, OB, OC…...are joined at joint O and have rotational stiffnesses of KOA, KOB,
KOC…….respectively; i.e., for unit rotation of the joint O they require moments KOA, KOB, KOC…….
respectively to be applied at O.

If a moment MO applied at joint O causes it to rotate by an angle θ, the following moments are needed to
rotate members OA, OB, OC…...
MOA = KOA θ ………..(1)
MOB = KOB θ ………..(2)
MOC = KOC θ ………..(3)
………………………
Adding (1), (2), (3)…. ⇒ MOA + MOB + MOC + …….= KOA θ + KOB θ + KOC θ +…… ………..(4)
Since MO = MOA + MOB + MOC + ……….
MO = (KOA + KOB + KOC +……) θ = KO θ [KO = KOA + KOB + KOC +……]
⇒ θ = MO/(KO) ………..(5)
∴(1) ⇒ MOA = [KOA/KO] MO ………..(6)
(2) ⇒ MOB = [KOB/KO] MO ………..(7)
(3) ⇒ MOC = [KOC/KO] MO ………..(8)
………………………

The factors [KOA/KO], [KOB/KO], [KOC/KO]………..are the moment distribution factors (MDF) of members
OA, OB, OC……..respectively. Therefore the distributed moments in members are proportional to their
respective MDFs.

Example

10 k
0.60 12.5 −12.5 3.75 7.5 16.25 −5.0

0.40 5.0 5.0

15′
EI = Constant

2.5 2.5
5′ 5′

[Load and MDF] [FEM] [Dist M] [Total end M]

31
 Problems on Moment Distribution
Assume EI = constant = 40×103 k-ft2
Beams

1. 1 k/′ Support A settles 0.05′

A

10′ 20′
5k
B
D
2. 5k 1 k/′ 3. A C
A 20′ 20′ 5′
A and B are guided roller supports
10′ 20′ EIAB = 2 EI

4.
1 k/′ 10 k
B in an Internal Hinge
EIDE = 2 EI
B
A E
C D
10′ 5′ 5′ 5′ 15′

5. 100 k′ 10 k 6. 1 k/′

Guided Roller
8′
10′

Support A settles 0.05′ Joint A rotates 1º anticlockwise

6′ 10′
5′ 5′

1 k/′ 1 k/′ 1 k/′ 1 k/′

7. 8.

4@10′ 5@10′
Frames
Support settles 0.10′
9. 10 k 10.
5′
10′
5′

1 k/′ 10′
10′ 10′

10′ 10′

32
 1. 10 k
1 k/ft

A B C D E

EI = Constant
12′ C is an Internal Hinge

4′ 8′ 4′ 8′
2.
A B C

10 k
9′ EI = 40,000 k-ft2

Support E moves 0.05′ downwards

D E
12′ 15′

3.
A B C

6′
D EI = 40,000 k-ft2

Both D and E settle by 0.25″ 6′

E

16′ 9′

4.
D E

EI = 40,000 k-ft2
10′
Both A and B settle by 1″
A C

10′

10′ 10′

33
 Moment Distribution for Frames (from past exams)
1. 10 k 1 k/ft
5k 5k 0 0.60

A B C D 20.0 5.33 −5.33

15 k 0.40
12′ EI = Constant
4′ 8′ −10.13 −15.20 −7.60
−9.87 −12.93
E
−5.07
4′ 8′

20.0
9.87

40 40
10.13 12.93

BMD (k′)

5.07

10 k
2.
A B C

9′
EI = 40,000 k-ft2
Support E moves 0.05′ downwards ∴6EI∆/L2
= 6×40000×0.05/152 =53.33 k ′
D E

12′ 15′

−120 0.50 0.375

0.50 0.625
39.89 53.33 53.33
33.33 6.56 33.34 16.67 −45.80
−13.13 −26.25 −43.75
6.57 3.28
80.11 −1.23 −2.05
16.67 3.28 45.80
19.95
−21.88 −1.02
−22.90

120 80.11 45.80

39.89

BMD (k′)

19.94 22.90

34
3.
A B C
6′

EI = 40,000 k-ft2
D
Both D and E settle by 0.25″ 6′

16′ 9′ 34.59

14.24
0.27 0.24 0.43 5.49
0.73 0.33 20.35

−61.73 −61.73
7.51 15.02 20.02 26.69 13.34
−5.46 −2.05 −1.03 2.74
0.12 0.25 0.33 0.45 0.22 -48.17
−0.03 −0.09 14.24 20.35 −34.59 −48.17
−5.49 5.49 10.17

BMD (k′)
−2.74 10.17

4/7 3/7
4. D E
−200 −200
100 200
54.92 2.97 −5.19 57.14 42.86+2.22
10′ −54.92 0
4/11
A C 19.12 −0.54 1.48 −10.39 28.57
2
EI = 40,000 k-ft 3/11 4/11
Both A and B settle by 1″
−7.79 −10.39
10′ 10′ 10′ −0.40 −0.54
−8.19 −10.93
B

54.92 −5.47

54.92

BMD (k′)

19.12

8.19 10.93

5.47

35
 Joint Displacements and Forces

1. Coordinate Systems
y z

x x

z y
Fig. 1: Coordinate System1 Fig. 2: Coordinate System2
(widely used and also applied in this course) (used in some formulations)

2. Sign Convention for Joint Displacements and Forces

uy Fy

θy My

ux Fx
θx Mx
θz Mz

uz Fz
Fig. 3: Sign convention for Displacements Fig. 4: Sign convention for Forces

3. Sign Convention for Two-dimensional Problems

uy Fy

θz ux Mz Fx

Fig. 5: Two-Dimensional Displacements Fig. 6: Two-Dimensional Forces

36
 Stiffness Matrix for Truss Members in the Local Axes System

Consider a truss member AB subjected to forces (XA, YA) and (XB, YB) at joints A and B.

YA YB

XA XB
A B

Assume that the length of the member is L, its modulus of elasticity is E and cross-sectional area A.
∴The axial stiffness of the member, Sx = Load to produce unit deflection = EA/L
Also assume that the member has no flexural or shear stiffness.

If the displacements of joints A and B are (uA, vA) and (uB, vB), the effect of the external forces may result in
the following cases.

(uA=1) (vA=1)
uA=1
vA=1
Sx uA Sx uA
A B

(uB=1) (vB=1)
uB=1
vB=1
Sx uB Sx uB
A B

Equilibrium equations:

∑Fx(A) = 0 ⇒ XA = Sx uA + 0 − Sx uB + 0 ……………….(1)
∑Fy(A) = 0 ⇒ YA = 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 ……………….(2)
∑Fx(B) = 0 ⇒ XB = −Sx uA + 0 + Sx uB + 0 ……………….(3)
∑Fy(B) = 0 ⇒ YB = 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 ……………….(4)
Eqs. (1)~(4) can be summarized in matrix form as

Sx 0 −Sx 0 uA XA
0 0 0 0 vA = YA
−Sx 0 Sx 0 uB XB
0 0 0 0 vB YB
⇒ KmL umL = pmL ………………(5)
where KmL = The stiffness matrix of member AB in the local axis system,
umL = The displacement vector of the member in the local axis system, and
pmL = The force vector of the member in the local axis system

37
 Transformation of Stiffness Matrix from Local to Global Axes

The member matrices formed in the local axes system can be

transformed into the global axes system by considering the angles they make with the
horizontal.
The local vectors and global vectors are related by the following equations.
vBG
vBL uBL
B uBG

vAG θ
vAL
A uAG
uAL
Local and global joint displacements of a truss member

uAL = uAG cos θ + vAG sin θ …………………(6)

vAL = −uAG sin θ + vAG cos θ …………………(7)
uBL = uBG cos θ + vBG sin θ …………………(8)
vBL = −uBG sin θ + vBG cos θ …………………(9)
In matrix form
uAL cos θ sin θ 0 0 uAG
vAL −sin θ cos θ 0 0 vAG
=
uBL 0 0 cos θ sin θ uBG
vB L 0 0 −sin θ cos θ vBG
⇒ umL = Tm umG …………………(10)
where Tm is called the transformation matrix for member AB, which connects the displacement vector
umL in the local axes of AB with the displacement vector umG in the global axes.
A similar expression can be obtained for the force vectors pmL and pmG; i.e.,
⇒ pmL = Tm pmG …………………(11)

∴Eq. (5) can be rewritten as ⇒ KmL Tm umG = Tm pmG …………….……(12)

⇒ (Tm Km Tm) um = pm
-1 L G G

⇒ (TmT KmL Tm) umG = pmG ...………….……(13)

where Tm is the transpose of the transformation matrix Tm, which is also = Tm-1
T

If (TmT KmL Tm) is written as KmG, the member stiffness matrix in the global axis system, then

C2 CS −C2 −CS
CS S2 −CS −S2 [where C = cos θ, S = sin θ]
KmG = Sx
−C2 −CS C2 CS
−CS −S2 CS S2

38
 Assembly of Stiffness Matrix and Load Vector of a Truss

Assemble the global stiffness matrix and write the global load vector of the truss shown below.
Also write the boundary conditions [EA/L = Constant = 500 kip/ft].

10k u8
D 20k
u7

10′
u2 u4 u6

u1 u3 u5
A B C

10′ 10′

Member AB: (C = 1, S = 0) Member BC: (C = 1, S = 0) Member BD: (C = 0, S = 1)

1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 3 4 7 8
1 0 −1 0 1 1 0 −1 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
KABG = 500 0 0 0 0 2 KBCG = 500 0 0 0 0 4 KBDG = 500 0 1 0 −1 4
−1 0 1 0 3 −1 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 7
0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 6 0 −1 0 1 8

Member AD: (C = 1/√2, S = 1/√2) Member CD: (C = −1/√2, S = 1/√2)

1 2 7 8 5 6 7 8
0.5 0.5 −0.5 −0.5 1 0.5 −0.5 −0.5 0.5 5
KADG = 500 0.5 0.5 −0.5 −0.5 2 KCDG = 500 −0.5 0.5 0.5 −0.5 6
−0.5 −0.5 0.5 0.5 7 −0.5 0.5 0.5 −0.5 7
−0.5 −0.5 0.5 0.5 8 0.5 −0.5 −0.5 0.5 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1+0.5 0+0.5 −1 0 −0.5 −0.5 1 XA
0+0.5 0+0.5 0 0 −0.5 −0.5 2 YA
−1 0 1+1+0 0+0+0 −1 0 0 0 3 XB
0 0 0+0+0 0+0+1 0 0 0 −1 4 YB
KG = 500 −1 0 1+0.5 0−0.5 −0.5 0.5 5 pG = 0
0 0 0−0.5 0+0.5 0.5 −0.5 6 YC
7
−0.5 −0.5 0 0 −0.5 0.5 0+0.5+0.5 0+0.5−0.5 −20
8
−0.5 −0.5 0 −1 0.5 −0.5 0+0.5−0.5 1+0.5+0.5 10

Boundary Conditions: u1 = 0, u2 = 0, u3 = 0, u4 = 0, u6 = 0

39
 Boundary Conditions, Support Reactions and Member Forces

After assembly of the member stiffness matrices, the equilibrium equations were

1.5 0.5 −1 0 0 0 −0.5 −0.5 u1 XA

0.5 0.5 0 0 0 0 −0.5 −0.5 u2 YA

−1 0 2 0 −1 0 0 0 u3 XB

500 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 −1 u4 = YB
0
0 0 −1 0 1.5 −0.5 −0.5 0.5 u5
YC
0 0 0 0 −0.5 0.5 0.5 −0.5 u6
u7 −20
−0.5 −0.5 0 0 −0.5 0.5 1 0
u8 10
−0.5 −0.5 0 −1 0.5 −0.5 0 2

Applying the boundary conditions (u1 = 0, u2 = 0, u3 = 0, u4 = 0, u6 = 0), the equations are modified to

1.5 −0.5 0.5 u5 0 u5 = −22.22 × 10-3 ft

500 −0.5 1 0 u7 = −20 ⇒ u7 = −51.11 × 10-3 ft
0.5 0 2 u8 10 u8 = 15.56 × 10-3 ft

Once displacements are known, support reactions can be calculated from equilibrium equations; i.e.,
XA = 750 u1 + 250 u2 −500 u3 + 0 u4 + 0 u5 + 0 u6 −250 u7 −250 u8 = 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 +12.78 −3.89
= 8.89k
Similarly, YA = 12.78 −3.89 = 8.89k, XB = 11.11k, YB = −7.78k, YC = 5.56 −12.78 −3.89 = −11.11k

The bar forces can be calculated from the equation PAB = (EA/L) {(uBG−uAG) cos θ + (vBG−vAG) sin θ}
∴PAB = 500{(u3−u1) cos 0°+(u4−u2) sin 0°}= 0, PBC = 500 {(u5−u3) cos 0°+(u6−u4) sin 0°}= −11.11 k
PBD = 500{(u7−u3) cos 90°+(u8−u4) sin 90°}=7.78k, PAD= 500{(u7−u1)cos 45°+(u8−u2)sin 45°}= −12.57k
PCD = 500 {(u7−u5) cos 135°+(u8−u6) sin 135°}= 15.71k

In addition to the externally applied forces if the support C settles 0.10′, then u6 = −0.10′ is known
∴Applying boundary conditions (u1 = 0, u2 = 0, u3 = 0, u4 = 0, u6 = −0.10′), the equations become

1.5 −0.5 0.5 u5 0+250 u6 −25 u5 = −33.33 × 10-3 ft

500 −0.5 1 0 u7 = −20−250 u6 = 5 ⇒ u7 = −6.67 × 10-3 ft
0.5 0 2 u8 10+250 u6 −15 u8 = −6.67 × 10-3 ft

∴PAB = 0, PBC = −16.67 k, PBD = −3.33k, PAD = −4.71k, PCD = 23.57k

40
 Stiffness Formulation using Equilibrium of Joints

10k u8
D 20 k
u7

10′
YA YB YC u2 u4 u6

XA XB u1 u3 u5
A B C
EA/L = Constant = 500 kip/ft
10′ 10′

For the truss ABCD, the equilibrium equations of joints A, B, C and D take the following forms when the
equation for member force [i.e., PAB = (EA/L) {(uBG −uAG) cos θ + (vBG −vAG) sin θ}] is applied
∑FxA= 0 ⇒ XA+PAB+PAD cos 45°= 0
⇒ XA + 500(u3−u1) + 500{(u7−u1)cos 45° + (u8−u2)sin 45°}cos 45° = 0
⇒ 500 {(1.0 + 0.5) u1 + 0.5 u2 −1.0 u3 − 0.5 u7 − 0.5 u8} = XA …………………(1)
∑FyA = 0 ⇒ YA + PAD sin 45° = 0 ⇒ YA + 500 {(u7−u1) cos 45° + (u8−u2) sin 45°} sin 45° = 0
⇒ 500 {0.5 u1 + 0.5 u2 − 0.5 u7 − 0.5 u8} = YA …………………(2)
∑FxB = 0 ⇒ XB − PAB + PBC = 0 ⇒ XB − 500 (u3−u1) + 500 (u5−u3) = 0
⇒ 500 {− 1.0 u1 + 2.0 u3 − 1.0 u5} = XB …………………(3)
∑FyB = 0 ⇒ YB + PBD = 0 ⇒ YB + 500 (u8−u4) = 0
⇒ 500 {1.0 u4 − 1.0 u8} = YB …………………(4)
∑FxC = 0 ⇒ − PBC − PCD cos 45° = 0
⇒ −500 (u5−u3) −500{(u7−u5)cos 135° + (u8−u6)sin 135°}cos 45° = 0
⇒ 500 {− 1.0 u3 + (1.0 + 0.5) u5 − 0.5 u6 − 0.5 u7 + 0.5 u8} = 0 …………………(5)
∑FyC = 0 ⇒ YC + PCD sin 45° = 0 ⇒ YC + 500 {(u7−u5) cos 135° + (u8−u6) sin 135°} sin 45° = 0
⇒ 500 {−0.5 u5 + 0.5 u6 + 0.5 u7 − 0.5 u8} = YC …………………(6)
∑FxD = 0 ⇒ − 20 − PAD cos 45° + PCD cos 45° = 0 ⇒ − 20 − 500 {(u7−u1)cos 45° + (u8−u2)sin 45°} cos 45° +
500 {(u7−u5) cos 135° + (u8−u6) sin 135°} cos 45° = 0
⇒ 500 {−0.5 u1 − 0.5 u2 − 0.5 u5 + 0.5 u6 + (0.5 + 0.5) u7 + (0.5 − 0.5) u8} = −20 ………….……(7)
∑FyD = 0 ⇒ 10 − PBD − PAD sin 45° − PCD sin 45°= 0
⇒ 10 − 500 (u8−u4) − 500 {(u7−u1) cos 45° + (u8−u2) sin45°} sin45°
− 500 {(u7−u5) cos 135° + (u8−u6) sin 135°} sin 45° = 0
⇒ 500{−0.5 u1−0.5 u2 − 1.0 u4 + 0.5 u5 − 0.5 u6 + (0.5 − 0.5) u7+ (1.0 + 0.5 + 0.5) u8}= 10 .…………….(8)
Eqs. (1)~(8) are the same equations given by the Stiffness Matrix assembled earlier.
After applying boundary conditions for the known displacements u1, u2, u3, u4 and u6, Eqs. (5), (7) and (8)
can be solved for the three unknown displacements u5, u7 and u8, whereupon Eqs. (1)~(4) and (6) can be
used to calculate the support reactions XA, YA, XB, YB and YC.

41
 Problems on Stiffness Method for Trusses
1. Calculate the horizontal and vertical deflections at joints c and d of the plane truss loaded as shown
below if P = 50 kN, Q = 50 kN [Given: Sx = constant = 10 kN/mm].

a b
10m
c d
P
10m
Q
e f
10m 10m 10m
2. In the truss shown below, ignore the zero-force members and formulate the stiffness matrix, load vector
and write down the boundary conditions [Given: EA/L = constant = 1000 kip/ft].
A B C

25′
D E
10 k 10 k
25′
45° G 45°
F H
4@25′ = 100′
3. In the truss shown below, ignore the zero-force members and formulate the stiffness matrix, load vector
and write down the boundary conditions [Given: EA/L = constant = 1000 kip/ft].
P P
B C D E F
28.9′
J 30°
50′ I
45°
K
H
86.6′
60°
A
6 @50′ = 300′ G

4. The tensile forces in members ac, ce and bd of the plane truss described in Question 1 are all equal to
100 kN. Without formulating the stiffness matrix, calculate the
(i) Deflections at joints c and d, (ii) Applied forces P and Q [Given: Sx = constant = 10 kN/mm].
5. For the truss described in Question 2, the force in member DE is 8 k (tension). Calculate the forces in
the other members of the truss and deflections of joints D and E.
6. In the truss abcdef shown below, calculate the applied forces Px and Py needed for joint a to deflect 0.10′
rightward and e to deflect 0.10′ downward [Given: Sx = constant = 500 kip/ft].

43.3′

a b d e
Px

Py 43.3′
f

50′ 25′ 25′ 50′

42
 Stiffness Matrix for 2-Dimensional Frame Members in the Local Axes System

Consider a frame member AB subjected to forces (XA, YA, MA) and (XB, YB, MB) at joints A and B.

YA YB
MA MB
XA XB
A B

Assume that the length of the member = L, its modulus of elasticity = E, cross-sectional area = A and
moment of inertia about z-axis = I.
∴The axial stiffness of the member, Sx = Load to produce unit deflection = EA/L
Also assume S1 = shear stiffness = 12EI/L3, S2 = 6EI/L2, S3 = flexural stiffness = 4EI/L, S4 = 2EI/L

If the displacements and rotations of joints A and B are (uA, vA, θA), (uB, vB, θB) and the fixed-end reactions
are denoted by ‘FE’, the external forces may result in the following cases.
FEYA FEYB

FEXA FEXB
FEMA FEMB

(uA=1) (vA=1) (θA=1)

uA=1 S1 S2
vA =1 S2 S2 θA=1 S4
Sx Sx S3
A B S1 S2

(uB=1) (vB=1) (θB=1) S2

uB=1 S2 S3
S2 vB =1 θB=1
Sx Sx S1 S4
A B
S1 S2
Equilibrium equations:
∑Fx(A) = 0 ⇒ XA = FEXA + Sx uA + 0 + 0 − Sx uB + 0 + 0 ……………….(1)
∑Fy(A) = 0 ⇒ YA = FEYA + 0 + S1 vA + S2 θA + 0 − S1 vB + S2 θB ……………….(2)
∑Mz(A) = 0 ⇒ MA = FEMA + 0 + S2 vA + S3 θA + 0 − S2 vB + S4 θB ……………….(3)
∑Fx(B) = 0 ⇒ XB = FEXB −Sx uA + 0 + 0 + Sx uB + 0 + 0 ……………….(4)
∑Fy(B) = 0 ⇒ YB = FEYB + 0 − S1 vA − S2 θA + 0 + S1 vB − S2 θB ……………….(5)
∑Mz(B) = 0 ⇒ MB = FEMB + 0 + S2 vA + S4 θA + 0 − S2 vB + S3 θB ……………….(6)

Sx 0 0 −Sx 0 0 uA XA FEXA
0 S1 S2 0 −S1 S2 vA YA FEYA
0 S2 S3 0 −S2 S4 θA MA FEMA
⇒ = −
−Sx 0 0 Sx 0 0 uB XB FEXB
0 −S1 −S2 0 S1 −S2 vB YB FEYB
0 S2 S4 0 −S2 S3 θB MB FEMB

⇒ KmL umL = qmL − fmL = pmL ………………(7)

where KmL = The stiffness matrix of member AB in the local axis system,
umL = The displacement vector of the member in the local axis system, and
pmL = The force vector of the member in the local axis system
(= qmL − fmL = Imposed load vector − Fixed end reaction vector)

43
 Transformation of Stiffness Matrix from Local to Global Axes

The member matrices formed in the local axes system can be transformed into the global axes system by
considering the angles they make with the horizontal. The local displacements/rotations and global
displacements/rotations are related by the following equations.
vBG
vBL uBL
B uBG
θBL, θBG

vAG θ
L
vA
A uAG
uAL θAL, θAG
Local and global joint displacements and rotations of a frame member
uAL = uAG cos θ + vAG sin θ …………………(8)
vAL = −uAG sin θ + vAG cos θ …………………(9)
θAL = θAG ..………………(10)
uBL = uBG cos θ + vBG sin θ ………………..(11)
vBL = −uBG sin θ + vBG cos θ ………………..(12)
θBL = θBG ………………..(13)
In matrix form, using C = cos θ, S = sin θ

uAL C S 0 0 0 0 uAG
vAL −S C 0 0 0 0 vAG
θA L 0 0 1 0 0 0 θAG
uBL
= 0 0 0 C S 0 uBG
vBL 0 0 0 −S C 0 vBG
θB L 0 0 0 0 0 1 θBG
⇒ umL = Tm umG …………………(14)
where Tm is the transformation matrix for member AB, which connects the displacement vector umL in the
local axes of AB with the displacement vector umG in the global axes.

A similar expression can be obtained for the force vectors pmL and pmG; i.e.,
⇒ pmL = Tm pmG …………………(15)
∴Eq. (7) can be rewritten as ⇒ KmL Tm umG = Tm pmG …………….……(16)
⇒ (Tm−1 KmL Tm) umG = pmG
⇒ (TmT KmL Tm) umG = pmG ...………….……(17)
where Tm is the transpose of the transformation matrix Tm, which is also = Tm−1
T

If (TmT KmL Tm) is written as KmG, the member stiffness matrix in the global axis system, then
KmG umG = pmG ...………….……(18)

44
 Assembly of Stiffness Matrix and Load Vector of a 2D Frame

The general form of the stiffness matrix for any member of a 2-dimensional frame is

SxC2+S1S2 (Sx−S1)CS −S2S −(SxC2+S1S2) −(Sx−S1)CS −S2S

(Sx−S1)CS SxS2+S1C2 S2C −(Sx−S1)CS −(SxS2+S1C2) S2C
KmG = −S2S S2C S3 S2S −S2C S4
−(SxC2+S1S2) −(Sx−S1)CS S2S SxC2+S1S2 (Sx−S1)CS S2S
−(Sx−S1)CS −(SxS2+S1C2) −S2C (Sx−S1)CS (SxS2+S1C2) −S2C
−S2S S2C S4 S2S −S2C S3

Example
Assemble the global stiffness matrix and write the global load vector of the frame shown below.
Also write the boundary conditions [E, A, I are constant for all the members].
10 k
Since E, A, I and L are uniform, so are Sx, S1, S2, S3 and S4
A B 20 k
3 2 4
If E = 500×10 ksf, A = 1 ft , I = 0.10 ft , L = 10 ft
Sx = EA/L = 50,000 k/ft
S1 = 12EI/L3 = 600 k/ft, S2 = 6EI/L2 = 3,000 k/rad 5′ 5′
S3 = 4EI/L = 20,000 k-ft/rad, S4 = 2EI/L =10,000 k-ft/rad 1 k/ft
10′
For member AB, C = 1, S = 0
For member BC, C = 0, S = −1
C

d.o.k.i = 3×3 = 9, which are (uA, vA, θA), (uB, vB, θB) and (uC, vC, θC), denoted by u1~u9.

1 2 3 4 5 6 4 5 6 7 8 9
Sx 0 0 −Sx 0 0 S1 0 S2 −S1 0 S2
0 S1 S2 0 −S1 S2 0 Sx 0 0 −Sx 0
0 S2 S3 0 −S2 S4 KBCG = S2 0 S3 −S2 0 S4
KABG =
−Sx 0 0 Sx 0 0 −S1 0 −S2 S1 0 −S2
0 −S1 −S2 0 S1 −S2 0 −Sx 0 0 Sx 0
0 S2 S4 0 −S2 S3 S2 0 S4 −S2 0 S3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Sx 0 0 −Sx 0 0 u1 XA 0
0 S1 S2 0 −S1 S2 u2 YA 5.0
0 S2 S3 0 −S2 S4 u3 0 12.5
−Sx 0 0 Sx+S1 0+0 0+S2 −S1 0 S2 u4 −20 0 + 5.0
0 −S1 −S2 0+0 S1+Sx −S2+0 0 −Sx 0 u5 = 0 − 5.0 + 0
0 S2 S4 0+S2 −S2+0 S3+S3 −S2 0 S4 u6 0 −12.5+8.33
−S1 0 −S2 S1 0 −S2 u7 XC 5.0
0 −Sx 0 0 Sx 0 u8 YC 0
S2 0 S4 −S2 0 S3 u9 MC −8.33

Boundary Conditions: u1 = 0, u2 = 0, u7 = 0, u8 = 0, u9 = 0

Therefore, the matrices and vectors can be modified accordingly (similar to the analysis of truss).
Solving the resulting (4×4) matrix, the following displacements and rotations are obtained
u3 = −8.12×10−4 rad, u4 = −5.14×10−4 ft, u5 = −1.27×10−4 ft, u6 = 3.36×10−4 rad

45
 Stiffness Method for 2-D Frame neglecting Axial Deformations
If axial deformations are neglected in the problem shown before, the displacements u4 and u5 are zero and
the only unknown displacements are the rotations u3 and u6. In that case, modified equilibrium equations are
S3 u3 + S4 u6 = −12.5 ⇒ 20×103 u3 + 10×103 u6 = −12.5
and S4 u3 + 2S3 u6 = 4.17 ⇒ 10×103 u3 + 40×103 u6 = 4.17
[Note: S1 = 600 k/ft, S2 = 3,000 k/rad, S3 = 20,000 k-ft/rad, S4 = 10,000 k-ft/rad]
Solving, u3 = −7.74×10−4 rad, u6 = 2.98×10−4 rad [instead of −8.12×10−4, 3.36×10−4 found before]
∴If the axial deformations are neglected, the calculations and formulations are much simplified without
significant loss of accuracy.
Neglecting the axial deformations, the earlier problem can be formulated as shown below

u3 10 k u6
A B Here, d.o.k.i. = 2
20 k There can be three cases of response
(i) Case0: The fixed-end reactions
(ii) Case1: The reactions due to u3
(iii) Case2: The reactions due to u6

5k 5k S2 S2
12.5 k′ 12.5 k′ S4 S3
25 k S2
8.33 k′ S3 S4
S2 S2 S3

8.33 k′ S4
Case 0 (FER) 5k Case 1 (u3 = 1) Case 2 (u6 = 1) S2

Equilibrium equations:
∑Mz(A) = 0 ⇒ 12.5 + S3 u3 + S4 u6 = 0 ⇒ 20×103 u3 + 10×103 u6 = −12.5
∑Mz(B) = 0 ⇒ −12.5 + 8.33 + S4 u3 + (S3+S3) u6 = 0 ⇒ 10×103 u3 + 40×103 u6 = 4.17
Solving the two equations, u3 = −7.74×10−4 rad, u6 = 2.98×10−4 rad

Calculation of Internal Forces (SF and BM):

SF(A) = 5 + S2 u3 + S2 u6 = 5 + 3,000×(−7.74×10−4) + 3,000×(2.98×10−4) = 3.54 k
SF(B) (in AB) = 5 − S2 u3 − S2 u6 = 5 − 3,000×(−7.74×10−4) − 3,000×(2.98×10−4) = 6.46 k
SF(B) (in BC) = 25 + 0 + S2 u6 = 25 + 3,000×(2.98×10−4) = 25.89 k
SF(C) (in BC) = 5 + 0 − S2 u6 = 5 − 3,000×(2.98×10−4) = 4.11 k should be zero

BM(A) = 12.5 + S3 u3 + S4 u6 = 12.5 + 20,000×(−7.74×10−4) + 10,000×(2.98×10−4) = 0

BM(B) (in AB) = −12.5+ S4 u3 + S3 u6 =−12.5+ 10,000×(−7.74×10−4)+ 20,000×(2.98×10−4) = −14.28 k′
BM(B) (in BC) = 8.33 + 0 + S3 u6 = 8.33 + 20,000×(2.98×10−4) = 14.29 k′
BM(C) = −8.33 + 0 + S4 u6 = −8.33 + 10,000×(2.98×10−4) = −5.35 k′ should be equal

46
 Problems on Stiffness Method for Beams/Frames

1. 1 k/′ Support A settles 0.05′

A Neglect axial deformations and assume
EI = 40,000 k-ft2
10′ 20′
5k
B
D
2. 5k 1 k/′ 3. A C
A 20′ 20′ 5′

A and B are guided roller supports; EIAB = 2 EI

10′ 20′
4. B in an Internal Hinge 5. 1 k/′
1 k/′ 10 k EIDE = 2 EI

A C D E
B
10′ 5′ 5′ 5′ 15′ 10′ 20′

6. Assemble the stiffness matrix, load vector and calculate the unknown joint deflections and rotations of
the beam ABC shown below, considering flexural and axial deformations as well as boundary conditions
[Given: P = 250 k, w = 1 k/ft, F = 10 k, E = 400 × 103 k/ft2].
w F
A B C
P 15″
P/2
15′ 15′
10″
A and C are Guided Rollers Beam Section

7. 100 k′ 10 k 8. 1 k/′

Guided Roller
8′
10′

Support A settles 0.05′ Joint A rotates 1º anticlockwise

6′ 10′
5′ 5′

47
 Analysis of Three-Dimensional Trusses and Frames

1. Three-Dimensional Trusses
Three-dimensional trusses have 3 unknown displacements at each joint; i.e., the deflection u
along x-axis, deflection v along y-axis and deflection w along z-axis. Therefore the size of
the member stiffness matrix is (6×6). If Sx = EA/L, then the stiffness matrix in the local axes
system is

1 0 0 −1 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
KmL = Sx 0 0 0 0 0 0
−1 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0

The member stiffness matrix in the global axes system is

Cx2 CxCy CxCz −Cx 2 −CxCy −CxCz

CyCx Cy2 CyCz −CyCx −Cy2 −CyCz
KmG = Sx CzCx CzCy Cz2 −CzCx −CzCy −Cz2
−Cx 2 −CxCy −CxCz Cx 2 CxCy CxCz
−CyCx −Cy2 −CyCz CyCx Cy2 CyCz
−CzCx −CzCy −Cz2 CzCx CzCy Cz2

where Cx = cos α, Cy = cos β, Cz = cos γ

[α, β and γ are the angles the member makes with the coordinate axes x, y and z respectively]
After assembling the stiffness matrix and load vector and applying known boundary conditions, the
unknown displacements are calculated by any standard method of solving simultaneous equations.
Once the displacements are known, the member forces are calculated by the following equation
PAB = Sx [(uB−uA) Cx + (vB−vA) Cy + (wB−wA) Cz]

2. Three-Dimensional Frames
Three-dimensional frames have 6 unknown displacements at each joint; i.e., the deflections (u, v, w) along
the x, y and z-axis and rotations (θx, θy, θz) around the x, y and z-axis. Therefore the size of the member
stiffness matrix is (12×12), which has the following form in the local axes system

Sx −Sx
S1z S2z −S1z S2z
S1y −S2y −S1y −S2y
Tx −Tx
−S2y S3y S2y S4y
S2z S3z −S2z S4z
−Sx Sx
−S1z −S2z S1z −S2z
−S1y S2y S1y S2y
−Tx Tx
−S2y S4y S2y S3y
S2z S4z −S2z S3z

KmL =The transformation matrix Tm and the transformed stiffness matrix KmG in the global axes system are
complicated and not written here. However, the method of applying boundary conditions and solving for the
unknown displacements are similar to the methods mentioned earlier.

48
 Assembly of Stiffness Matrix and Load Vector of a Three-Dimensional Truss
Assemble the global stiffness matrix and write the global load vector of the three dimensional truss shown
below. Also write the boundary conditions [EA/L = Constant = 500 kip/ft].

10′ u8
C
y u7
u11 u9 u5
D B
10k u10 u4
u12 u6
x
10′ 20k
z
u2
A
u1
10′ 10′ u3

Member DB: (Cx = 1, Cy = 0, Cz = 0) Member DC: (Cx = 0, Cy = 0, Cz = −1)

10 11 12 4 5 6 10 11 12 7 8 9
1 0 0 −1 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 10
0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 11
KDB = 500 0
G 0 0 0 0 0 12 KDC = 500 0
G 0 1 0 0 −1 12
−1 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 −1 0 0 1 9

Member DA: (Cx = −0.707, Cy = −0.707, Cz = 0)

10 11 12 1 2 3
0.5 0.5 0 −0.5 −0.5 0 10
0.5 0.5 0 −0.5 −0.5 0 11
KDA = 500 0 0 0 0
G 0 0 12
−0.5 −0.5 0 0.5 0.5 0 1
−0.5 −0.5 0 0.5 0.5 0 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
0.5 0.5 0 −0.5 −0.5 0 1 XA
0.5 0.5 0 −0.5 −0.5 0 2 YA
0 0 0 0 0 0 3 ZA
1 0 0 −1 0 0 4 XB
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 YB
0 0 0 0 0 0 6 ZB
KG = 500 pG =
0 0 0 0 0 0 7 XC
0 0 0 0 0 0 8 YC
0 0 1 0 0 −1 9 ZC
−0.5 −0.5 0 −1 0 0 0 0 0 1+0+0.5 0+0+0.5 0+0+0 10 10
−0.5 −0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+0+0.5 0+0+0.5 0+0+0 11 −20
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 −1 0+0+0 0+0+0 0+1+0 12 0

Boundary Conditions: u1 = 0, u2 = 0, u3 = 0, u4 = 0, u5 = 0, u6 = 0, u7 = 0, u8 = 0, u9 = 0

49
Applying boundary conditions

1.5 0.5 0 u10 10

500 0.5 0.5 0 u11 = −20
0 0 1 u12 0

Solving the three equations ⇒ u10 = 0.06′, u11 = −0.14′, u12 = 0

Support Reactions
XA = 250 u1 + 250 u2 − 250 u10 − 250 u11 = 20 k
YA = 250 u1 + 250 u2 − 250 u10 − 250 u11 = 20 k
ZA = 0
XB = 500 u4 − 500 u10 = −30 k
YB = 0
ZB = 0
XC = 0
YC = 0
ZC = 500 u9 − 500 u12 = 0

Member Forces
FDA = 500 {−0.707 (u1 − u10) −0.707 (u2 − u11) + 0 (u3 − u12)} = −28.28 k
FDB = 500 {1 (u4 − u10) + 0 (u5 − u11) + 0 (u6 − u12)} = −30 k
FDC = 500 {0 (u7 − u10) + 0 (u8 − u11) − 1 (u9 − u12)} = 0

50
 Problems on the Analysis of Three-Dimensional Trusses
Apply boundary conditions and ignore zero-force members whenever necessary/convenient
[Assume Sx = constant = 500 k/ft, if not mentioned otherwise]
1. Calculate the joint deflections, support reactions and member forces of the space truss analyzed in class
if support A settles 0.10′ vertically downwards.

2. Calculate the member forces of the space truss abcd loaded as shown below, if Px = 0, Py = 10 k, Pz = 0.
Py z Hinge Support
a Px d

20′ Pz x 20′
c, d b
y b Px
a

20′ 40′ 20′

x
c

3. Calculate the member forces and applied loads Px, Py, Pz in the space truss abcd shown in Question 2, if
the joint a moves 0.10′ right wards and 0.05′ downwards due to the applied loads (i.e., no displacement
in z-direction).

4. Ignore zero-force members to form the stiffness matrix, load vector and write down the boundary
conditions of the truss abcdefg shown below [Given: Sx = constant = 500 k/ft].
y y′
a
Nodal Coordinates (ft)
d a (0, 30, 0), b (0, 0, 20) , c (0, 0, −20), d (50, 20, 0),
10 k
c e (50, 0, 20), f (50, 0, −20), g (70, 0, 0)
f
30′
20′
20′ 20′ g
50′ x
o o′ 20′
20′ 20′
b e
z
z′
5. Ignore zero-force members to form the stiffness matrix, load vector and write down the boundary
conditions of the 3D truss abcdef shown below [Given: Sx = constant = 5000 kN/m].
c
y

50 kN Nodal Coordinates (m)

b a (0, 9, 6), b (0, 9, 0), c (0, 9, −6)
a d (0, 0, 6) , e (0, 0, −6), f (15, 0, 0)
e
9m
6m f
x
o 15m
6m
d

51
 Stiffness Method for Grids
E
y
E
5′ EI = 40×10 k-ft3 2 10 k
D
GJ = 30×103 k-ft2 10 k x
5′ D
A C
A C
B B z

5′ 5′

Top View Isometric View

doki = 3 (u1 = vB, u2 = θxB, u3 = θzB)

5k
K1 K2
K2 K4 T2
12.5 k′
K2
5k K1 K3 T2
S1 S2 S2 S1 K2
12.5 k′ S4 S3 S3 S4

S2 S1 S1 S2 T1 T1 T1 T1 S2 S2 S2 S2

Case 0 (FER) Case 1 (u1 = 1) Case 2 (u2 = 1) Case 3 (u3 = 1)

Here, S1 = 12×40×103/53 = 3840 k/ft S2 = 6×40×103/52 = 9600 k/rad

S3 = 4×40×103/5 = 32000 k-ft/rad S4 = 2×40×103/5 = 16000 k-ft/rad
K1 = 12×40×103/103 = 480 k/ft K2 = 6×40×103/102 = 2400 k/rad
K3 = 4×40×103/10 = 16000 k-ft/rad K4 = 2×40×103/10 = 8000 k-ft/rad
T1 = 30×103/5 = 6000 k-ft/rad T2 = 30×103/10 = 3000 k-ft/rad

∑Fy(B) = 0 ⇒ 5 + (2S1+K1) u1 + K2 u2 + (S2−S2) u3 = −10 ⇒ 8160 u1 + 2400 u2 + 0 = −15

∑Mx(B) = 0 ⇒ 12.5 + K2 u1 + (K3+2T1) u2 + 0 = 0 ⇒ 2400 u1 + 28000 u2 + 0 = −12.5
∑Mz(B) = 0 ⇒ 0 + (S2−S2) u1 + 0 + (2S3+T2) u3 = 0 ⇒ 0 + 0 + 67000 u3 = 0

⇒ u1 = −1.751×10−3 ft u2 = −0.296×10−3 rad u3 = 0

SF(A) = 0 − S1 u1 + 0 + S2 u3 = 6.72 k SF(B)/AB = 0 + S1 u1 + 0 − S2 u3 = −6.72 k

SF(B)/BC = 0 + S1 u1 + 0 + S2 u3 = −6.72 k SF(C) = 0 − S1 u1 + 0 − S2 u3 = 6.72 k
SF(B)/BE = 5 + K1 u1 + K2 u2 + 0 = 3.44 k SF(E)/BE = 5 − K1 u1 − K2 u2 + 0 = 6.55 k

BM(A) = 0 − S2 u1 + 0 + S4 u3 = 16.81 k′ BM(B)/AB = 0 − S2 u1 + 0 + S3 u3 = 16.81 k′,

BM(B)/BC = 0 + S2 u1 + 0 + S3 u3 = −16.81 k′ BM(C) = 0 + S2 u1 + 0 + S4 u3 = −16.81 k′,
BM(B)/BE = 12.5 + K2 u1 + K3 u2 + 0 = 3.56 k′ BM(E)/BE = −12.5 + K2 u1 + K4 u2 + 0 = −19.07 k′

T(A) = 0 + 0 − T1 u2 + 0 = 1.78 k′ T(B)/AB = 0 + 0 + T1 u2 + 0 = −1.78 k′

T(B)/BC = 0 + 0 + T1 u2 + 0 = −1.78 k′ T(C) = 0 + 0 − T1 u2 + 0 = 1.78 k′
T(B)/BE = 0 + 0 + 0 + T2 u3 = 0 T(E)/BE = 0 + 0 + 0
− T2 u3 = 0

52
 Problems on Stiffness Method for Grids

Given: EI = 40×103 k-ft2, GJ = 30×103 k-ft2 for all questions.

1,2. Use the Stiffness Method to calculate the rotations at joint C for the grids shown below.
A A

15′ 10′ 10′ 15′

10′ 10′
1 k/ft
D B C
5′ B 5′ D

E C E
10 k
Question 1 Question 2

3. Using the Stiffness Method, calculate the deflection and rotation at joint C for the grid shown in the
figure below.

15′
10′ 10′
B C D
5′
E
10 k

4,5. Formulate the stiffness matrix and load vector for the grids shown in the figures below.

A
1 k/ft
15′ 10′
10 k
B C D

10′ 10′ 5′ 5′

Question 4 Question 5

53
 Calculation of Degree of Kinematic Indeterminacy (Doki)
Determine the doki (i.e., size of the stiffness matrix) for the structures shown below, considering boundary
conditions. For the frames, also determine the doki if axial deformations are neglected.

3D Truss 3D Frame

3D Frame 3D Truss

2D Frame 2D Frame 3D Frame

2D Frame 3D Frame

2D Frame 3D Frame

54