STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS III (SAN3601)

MODULE OVERVIEW
This module is compulsory and core for the 360 Diploma in Civil Engineering. It is an exit
module course.

STUDY GUIDE PURPOSE

Structural analysis is one of the basic modules in Civil Engineering. Basic science courses in
mathematics, physical sciences and engineering fundamentals are used to analyse the basic
response of structures subjected primarily to static loads.

Classical methods of analysis of both statically determinate and indeterminate beams, trusses
and frames are covered. These methods are Clapeyron’s theorem of three moments, slope-
deflection method of analysis, moment distribution method of analysis, strain energy
analysis, virtual work and plastic theory analysis.

You are expected to be able to analyse stresses in simple beams, trusses and portal frames
due to static loads.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE

You must have passed Structural Analysis II (SAN2601).

SAN3601 -i- CHAPTER 1

 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA

MODULE 1

CHAPTER 1

CLAPEYRON’S THEOREM OF THREE MOMENTS

CONTENTS PAGE

1.1 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................. 2

1.2 PROOF OF THE THEOREM .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 TREATMENT OF A FIXED END ................................................................................................................. 16
1.4 CANTILEVER AT END ................................................................................................................................. 22
1.5 SINKING (OR JACKED UP) SUPPORTS ................................................................................................... 25
1.6 PORTAL FRAMES ......................................................................................................................................... 33
1.7 TUTORIAL ...................................................................................................................................................... 37

SAN3601 -1- CHAPTER 1

1.1 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

In this chapter you will learn the following:

 Derivation of Clapeyron’s three moment equation for analysis of continuous beams
and frames
 Clapeyron’s three moment equation using examples

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

 Analyse both structurally determinate and indeterminate beams and portal frames
using Clapeyron’s three moment theorem.
 Apply Clapeyron’s theorem in analysing structures with different end support
conditions, i.e. fixed support or cantilever end.
 Analyse continuous beams which have a relative deflection or sinking of supports.
 Draw dimensioned shear force diagrams and bending moment diagrams for beams
and frames.
 Determine support reactions for any given loading on beams and frames.

SAN3601 -2- CHAPTER 1

1.2 PROOF OF THE THEOREM

We will use the continuous beam shown in figure 1.1 to derive Clapeyron’s three moment
theorem. A continuous beam is one that rests on more than one support. The beam in figure
1.1 consists of two spans (A-B and B-C) and is subject to a series of uniform and
concentrated loads. Both spans have uniform flexural rigidities EIAB, and EIBC, respectively.
Note that the three supports (A, B and C) are not on the same level.

ϕ BlBC

Δ CB
δB-δ C
δB-δ A
B

C
A

ϕ BlAB
Δ AB

δB
δC
δA

lAB a

Figure 1.1

We assume that the nature of the supports at A, B and C is such that no horizontal reactions
are present.
Let
 support A deflect downwards (↓) by (-) δA
 support B deflect upwards (↑) by (+) δB
 support C deflect downwards (↓) by (-) δC
NB From the above sign notations, note the following:

SAN3601 -3- CHAPTER 1

 Deflection upwards (↑) is taken as positive.
We then consider the free body diagrams (FBDs) of the two adjacent spans due to any
arbitrary loading as shown in figure 1.2. The bending moments MA, MB, and MC represent
the bending moments at supports A, B and C, respectively.

NB The directions of these sagging bending moments are taken as positive (+).

xA xC
A B C

A1 + + A2
Free bending
moment diagram

MA + MC
+
MB

Figure 1.2

MA, MB, and MC may be determined from a set of simultaneous linear equations, one for
each internal support, in the form of Clapeyron’s three moment theorem, which, for
support B, is

           A   A  
M A    2 M B        M C    6  xA   xc 
 EI  AB  EI  AB  EI  BC   EI  BC  EI  AB  EI  BC 
   B  C   B 
 6 A  
  AB  BC 

SAN3601 -4- CHAPTER 1

Proof: Applying Mohr II

From figure 1.1, ΔAB is the deflection of A from the tangent at B and is determined from the
M
second moment-area theorem1 to be = Moment of diagram between B and A about A.
EI

A1 x A 1 M A  1 MB 2
    AB  AB    AB  AB
EI AB 2 EI AB 3 2 EI AB 3
A1 x A M A  2AB M B  2AB
  
EI AB 6 EI AB 3EI AB
 B  AB    AB   B   A  Equation (1)
A x M  2
M  2

  1 A  A AB
  B   A 
B AB

 EI AB 6 EI AB 3EI AB 
 6A x M  2 M B  AB 6 B   A  
6 B    1 A  A AB   
  EI  AB EI AB EI AB  AB 

BC = Intercept of carried tangents at B and C at C

M
= Moment of diagram between B and C about C
EI

A2 x C 1 M B 2 1 MC 
    BC  BC    BC  BC
EI BC 2 EI BC 3 2 EI BC 3
A2 x C M 2 M 2
  B BC  C BC
EI BC 3EI BC 6 EI BC

 B  BC   BC   B   C 
A2 x C M B  BC M C  BC
     B   C 
EI BC 3EI BC 6 EI BC

6 A2 x C 2 M B  BC M C  BC 6 B   C 
6B =   
EI  BC EI BC EI BC  BC Equation (2)

Equating (1) and (2) and simplifying, we get the three moment theorem above (page 3).
The theorem is repeated below.

1
The moment-area method has been covered in previous modules and is briefly explained in chapter 2.

SAN3601 -5- CHAPTER 1

Clapeyron’s three moment theorem

           A   A  
M A    2 M B        M C    6  xA   xc 
 EI  AB  EI  AB  EI  BC   EI  BC  EI  AB  EI  BC 
   B  C   B 
 6 A  
  AB  BC 
Additional simplifications to Clapeyron’s three moment equation are as follows:
If the same supports remain at the same level

(i.e. there is no relative deflection or sinking of supports) we get

           A   A  
M A    2 M B        M C    6  xA   xc 
 EI  AB  EI  AB  EI  BC   EI  BC  EI  AB  EI  BC 

If EI remains constant, we get

Ax A x 
M A  AB  2 M B   AB   BC   M C  BC  6 1 A  2 C 
  AB  BC 

Example 1.1

Calculate MB, VA, VB and VC for the beam shown below. EI is constant. In addition, find the
points of contraflexure and the position and value of the maximum bending moment in the
span B-C only. Finally, sketch the bending moment and shear force diagrams.
10 kN/m
8 kN/m

A 8m B 12 m C

Solution
The above problem will be solved using steps (i) to (vi) below:

SAN3601 -6- CHAPTER 1

(i) We draw the free bending moment (FBM) diagrams of both spans: A-B and B-C and
determine their corresponding areas A1, and A2, and their centroid distances to A and
C to be x A and x C, respectively.

10 kN/m
8 kN/m

A 8m B 12 m C
80 kNm

144 kNm
Free bending
moment diagram

A1 = 2/3  8  80 A2 = 2/3  12  144

= 426.67 kNm2 = 1 152 kNm2

xA=4 m xC = 6 m

(ii) Next, we determine the support moments MB using Clapeyron’s three moment
theorem.
 Applying Clapeyron’s theorem to spans A-B-C

 426.67  4 1 152  6 
0  2M B 8  12  0  6  
 8 12 
which gives M B  118.4 kNm

SAN3601 -7- CHAPTER 1

(iii) We then determine the support reactions at A, B and C.
 Find vertical reactions VA, VB, and VC.

10 kN/m
8 kN/m

VA 8m VB 12 m VC

118.4 kNm 118.4 kNm

10 kN/m
8 kN/m

VA VB1 VB2 VC
8m 12 m

MA = 0 MC = 0
8VB1 - 320 - 118.4 = 0 12VB2 - 96  6 - 118.4 = 0
VB1 = 54.8 kN VB2 = 57.9 kN

Total VB = 54.8 + 57.9 = 112.7 kN

V = 0 V = 0
VA = 80 - 54.8 VC = 96 - 57.9
VA = 25.2 kN VC = 38.1 kN

(iv) Find points of contraflexure (i.e. where M = 0).

Mx = 25.2x - 5x2 = 0 Mx = 38.1 - 4x2 = 0

x = 5.04 m x = 9.53 m

SAN3601 -8- CHAPTER 1

(v) Find position maximum bending moment (i.e. where dM = 0).
dx
dM
Mx = 38.1x - 4x2 = 38.1 - 8x = 0
dx
x = 4.77 m Mmax = 90.9 kNm

(vi) Finally, using the results of steps (i) to (v), we draw the bending moment and shear
force diagrams and indicate the points of contraflexure and maximum values.

118.4 kNm

4.77 m

+
+ 90.9 kNm Bending moment diagram
5.04 m

9.53 m

57.9 kN

25.2 kN + +
- Shear force diagram
-
38.1 kN
54.8 kN

SAN3601 -9- CHAPTER 1

Example 1.2

Draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam shown below, indicating all
important values and positions. EIAB = 3EIBC = 3EICD
50 kN
50 kN
25 kN/m
20 kN/m

A 1m B C 2m 2m D

5m 3m 4m

Solution
The above problem will be solved using steps (i) to (v) below:

(i) First, we draw the FBM diagrams of the spans A-B, B-C and C-D and determine their
corresponding areas, and the respective centroid distances of the areas under the FBM
diagrams.

50 kN
25 kN/m

A 1m B

5m
80 kNm

98 kNm

A1 A2

SAN3601 - 10 - CHAPTER 1
A1 = 40 kNm2 4
A2   ydx
0
4
 25 x 2 
   70 x  dx
0 
2
 293.33kNm 2
4
x 1 = 0.67 m
 xydx
x2  0
4

 ydx
0


4
25 x 3 
0 
  dx
2
70 x
2 
 4
 25 x 2 
0  70 x  2 dx


693.33
  2.364m
293.33
A =333.33 kNm2
333.33 x = 40  0.67 + 293.33(5-2.364)
x = 2.40 m

25 x 2
M x  70 x 
2
dM x
 70  25 x  0 for maximum
dx
i.e. x = 2.8 m and M max  98 kNm
20 kN/m

B C
3m
22.5 kNm

A
2
22.5 3
3
1
20 32
8  45 kNm
 22.5 kNm x  1.5 m 2

SAN3601 - 11 - CHAPTER 1
 50 kN

C 2m D

4m

50 kNm
A = 100 kNm2 x = 2 m

(ii) We then determine the support moments MB and MC by applying Clapeyron’s three
moment theorem.

 Clapeyron’s theorem applied to spans A-B-C

 5   5 3   3   333.33
M A   2M B     M C    6 2.4  45 1.5
 3EI   3EI EI   EI   5  3EI 3EI 
5 
0  2M B   3   3M C  653.33  22.5
3  Equation (1)
28
M B  3M C  455
3

 Clapeyron’s theorem applied to spans B-C-D

 3   3 4   4   45
MB   2M C     M D    6 1.5  100 2
 3EI   EI EI   EI   3EI 4 EI 
3M B  14M C  0  622.5  50 Equation (2)
3M B  14M C  435

On solving Equations (1) and (2) simultaneously, we get

MB = - 41.63 kNm MC = - 22.15 kNm

SAN3601 - 12 - CHAPTER 1
(iii) Determine the support reactions.

50 kN
25 kN/m 41.63 22.15 50 kN
41.63 20 kN/m 22.15 2 2m
A B B C C m D
1 4 3m 4m
71.67 5m 78.33 36.5 23.5 30.6 19.4

MA = 0 MB = 0 MD = 0

5 VB = 50 + 300 + 41.63 3VC1 + 41.63 = 90 + 4VC - 100 - 22.15 = 0

22.15

VB1 = 78.33 kN VC1 = 23.5 kN VC2 = 30.6 kN

VA = 71.67 kN VB2 = 36.5 kN VD = 19.4 kN

VB = 78.33 + 36.5
VB = 114.8 kN
VC = 23.5 + 30.6
VC = 54.1 kN

SAN3601 - 13 - CHAPTER 1
(iv) Draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams.

50 kN 41.63 22.15 50 kN
25 kN/m 20 kN/m
A B D
C
1m 4m 3m 2m 2m

5m 4m
71.7 3EI 78.3 36.5 EI 23.5 30.6 EI 19.4
114.8 54.1

71.7 Shear force diagram (kN)

21.7 36.5 30.6
+ + 0
+
a 4-a - -
19.4
78.3
1.87 m

41.6
31.9
22.2
8.3 11.1 Bending moment diagram
9.4 (kNm)
50

80 +
38.4

71.7
81.12

SAN3601 - 14 - CHAPTER 1
(v) Determine the maximum bending moment values and position of the same.
 Span A-B

25 x  1 Alternatively from the shear force

2
M x  71.7 x  50x  1 
2 diagram
 46.7 x  12.5 x  37.5
2
M is a maximum at SF = 0
dMx
 46.7  25 x  0 for M a maximum a 21.7
dx 
which gives x = 1.87 from .h.s 4  a 78.3
solving gives a = 0.87
OR 21.7 - 25a = 0 a = 0.87 m
At x = 1.87
M = 46.7 (1.87) - 12.5 (1.87)2 + 37.5
Mmax = 81.12 kNm

SAN3601 - 15 - CHAPTER 1
1.3 TREATMENT OF A FIXED END

If you have a fixed support at one of the ends of your beam, then calculating the moment at
the fixed support requires special treatment: An imaginary span of infinite stiffness
(i.e. EI = ) is introduced adjacent to the fixed end and in the opposite direction to the actual
spans.

Example 1.3

We will illustrate the treatment of a fixed support using the beam shown below. Find all
reactions and draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams. EI is constant.
100 kN
15 kN/m

A B C
2.5 m 2.5 m

3m 5m

Solution
The above problem is solved using steps (i) to (vi) below:

(i) First introduce an imaginary span Z-A of infinite stiffness adjacent to the fixed end.
100 kN
15 kN/m

Z A B 2.5 m 2.5 m C

3m 5m

SAN3601 - 16 - CHAPTER 1
(ii) Then draw the FBM diagrams of both spans A-B and B-C and determine their
corresponding areas A1, and A2, and their centroid distances to A and C to be x A and x
C, respectively.

15 kN/m

A B
3m
15 x 9/8 kNm

2  15  9 
3 
135
15  9 A1  
3 8  4
8
x A  1.5m

100 kN

B C
2.5 m

5m
125 kNm

A2 
1
5 125  312.5
2
x C  2.5 m

SAN3601 - 17 - CHAPTER 1
(iii) Next, we determine support moments MA and MB by applying Clapeyron’s three
moment theorem.

 Spans Z-A-B

M Z  ZA    M  A x A x 
 2M A  ZA  AB   B AB  6 ZA Z  AB B 
EI ZA  EI ZA EI AB  EI AB  EI ZA EI  AB 
 6 AAB x B
 0  2M A 0   AB   M B  AB 
 AB Equation (1)
 6 AAB x B
 2M A  AB  M B  AB 
 AB

Equation (1) is further simplified to

 135 
 6 1.5
6M A  3M B   4 
Equation (2)
3
 6M A  3M B  101.25

 Spans A-B-C
A x A x 
M A  AB  2 M B   AB   BC   M C  BC  6 AB A  BC C 
  AB  BC 
A x A x  Equation (3)
M A  AB  2 M B   AB   BC   0  6 AB A  BC C 
  AB  BC 

 135 


1.5
312.52.5

3M A  16M B  6 4  
 3 5  Equation (4)

 

 3M A  16M B  1038.75

Solving Equations (2) and (4) simultaneously we get

6M A  3M B  101.25
Equation (5)
2  3M A  16M B  1038.75

MB = -68.15 kNm; MA = +17.20 kNm

(iv) Determine the support reactions.

SAN3601 - 18 - CHAPTER 1
 17.2 kNm 100 kN
68.15kNm
15 kN/m
B C
A
2.5 2.5
3m 5m

50.95 63.63 36.37

5.95 114.58

17.2 kNm 100 kN

68.15 kNm 68.15 kNm
15 kN/m B
B
A C
2.5 m 2.5 m
3m

VA VB1 VB2 VC

MA = 0 MC = 0
3VB1 – 45 x 1.5 - 17.2 - 68.15 = 0 5VB2 - 250 - 68.15 = 0
which gives: VB1 = 50.95 kN which gives: VB2 = 63.63 kN
Total VB = 50.95 + 63.63 =114.58 kN
V = 0 V = 0
VA = 45 - 50.95 VC = 100 - 63.63
VA = -5.95 kN i.e. reaction is downward VC = 36.37 kN

SAN3601 - 19 - CHAPTER 1
(v) Draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams.

63.63

+
Shear force diagram (kN)
5.95
- -
36.37

50.95

1.17 m
68.15

Bending moment diagram

+ + 125 (kNm)
17.2
90.93
(vi) Determine maximum bending moment value and point of contraflexure.
Span A-B Maximum bending moment

15x 2
Mx = -5.95x + 17.2 -
2
dM x
= -5.95 - 15x = 0 for maximum M
dx

i.e. x = -0.4 m

Negative, i.e. there is no position for maximum moment on span A-B.

Point of contraflexure (at M = 0)

15x 2
Mx = -5.95x + 17.2 - = 0
2

SAN3601 - 20 - CHAPTER 1
 Solving gives x = 1.17 m

Notes

1. In this example VA was originally chosen upwards, and was then calculated to be
negative. This means that this reaction is in fact downwards.

2. Always try to picture a structure’s deflected shape. In this example it will be more or
less as shown below.

Loaded beam

S S Deflected shape

H = Hogging S = Sagging
° = points of contraflexure, where bending moment changes from sagging to
hogging or vice versa

SAN3601 - 21 - CHAPTER 1
1.4 CANTILEVER AT END

The bending moment at the support carrying the cantilever is known and must be calculated
immediately.

Example 1.4

The beam shown below has a cantilever end at D. Calculate MB and the support reactions for
the beam. EI is constant. Also draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams.

38 kN

6 kN/m 2 kN/m

A B C D
3m 6m

6m 9m 2m

Solution
The above problem is solved using steps (i) to (iii) below:

SAN3601 - 22 - CHAPTER 1
(i) First we draw the FBM diagrams of both spans A-B and B-C and determine their
corresponding areas and their centroid distances.

6 kN/m

A B
6m

27 kNm

2
6  62 A  27  6  108 kNm 2
 27 kNm 3
8
x3 m

38 kN

B C
3m

9m

A1
76 kNm

A2

38  3
 6  76 kNm
9
3 6
A1   76  114 A2   76  228 kNm 2
2 2
x1  1  6  7 m x2  4 m

SAN3601 - 23 - CHAPTER 1
(ii) Next we determine the support moment MB using Clapeyron’s three moment theorem.
 Span A-B-C using Clapeyron

6 AAB x A 6 ABC x C
M A L AB  2M B L AB  LBC   M C LBC   
L AB LBC

6
0  2M B 6  9  49  1083  6 114  7  228  4
6 9
30M B  36  324  1140  1428

M B  47.6 kNm

(iii) Calculate the support reactions as follows:

47.6 38 kN
6 kN/m 47.6 4 kNm 4 kNm
2 kN/m
B B C
A C C D
6m 3m 6m
2
VA VB1 VB2 VC1 VC2=4 kN

MB = 0 MC = 0
6VA + 47.6 - 6  6  3 = 0 9VB2 + 4 - 47.6 - 228 = 0
VA = 10.07 kN VB2 = 30.12 kN
VB1 = 36 - 10.07 VC1 = 38 - 30.12
VB1 = 25.93 kN VC1 = 7.88 kN

4 kNm
47.6 kNm
6 kN/m 38 kN 2 kNm
B C
A D

10,07 25.93 30.12 7.88 4.0

56.05 kN 11.88 kN

The shear force and bending moment diagrams can now be drawn. By now you should be
able to do this easily.

SAN3601 - 24 - CHAPTER 1
1.5 SINKING (OR JACKED UP) SUPPORTS

We have already shown that

 L  L   L   L
M A    2 M B        M C  
 EI  AB  
 EI AB  
EI BC   EI  BC

 A   A   A   B C   B 
 6  xA    x C   6  
 LEI  AB  LEI  BC   L AB L BC 

The mathematical sign convention applies:

 Sagging bending moments are positive.
 Deflection upwards (↑) is positive.

We will illustrate sinking (or jacked up) supports using the following example:

Example 1.5

Support B of the beam below is jacked up 24 mm. Find MB, MC, the reactions at the
supports and also to sketch the bending moment and shear force diagrams.
100 kN
45 kN/m

A B C D
2.5 m

5m 6.5 m 5m

EI is constant = 23 225.75 kNm2

The above problem is solved using steps (i) to (iv) below:

SAN3601 - 25 - CHAPTER 1
(i) First we draw the FBM diagrams of the spans A-B, B-C and C-D and determine their
corresponding areas and the centroid distances of the FBDs of the supports.

 Span A-B-C

45 kN/m

A B

5m
140.625 kNm

1
4552 A1 
2
140.6255  468.75kNm2
8 3
 140.625kNm x A  2.5m

100 kN

A B
2.5 m

5m
125 kNm

A(2) = 125  2.5 = 312.5 x A = 2.5 m

SAN3601 - 26 - CHAPTER 1
 45 kN/m

B C
6.5 m

237.66 kNm
1
456.52 ABC 
2
237.666.5  1029.86kNm2
8 3
 237.66kNm x C  3.25m

 Span B-C-D

ABC as shown above for span B-C = 1 029.86 ACD as A(1) above for span A-B = 468.75
x B = 3.25 m x D = 2.5 m

(ii) Secondly, we determine the support moments MB and MC using Clapeyron’s three
moment theorem.
 Span A-B-C applying Clapeyron

 L   L   L    L 
M A    2M B        M C  
 EI  AB  EI  AB  EI  BC   EI  BC
 A   A      B  C   B 
 6  xA   x C   6 A  
 LEI  AB  LEI  BC   LAB LBC 
 781.25  Equation (1)
3.25  6 EI  0.024  0.024 
1 029.86
0  2M B 5  6.5  6.5M C  6 2.5 
 5 6.5   5 6.5 

23MB + 6.5MC = -5 433.33 – 1 183.58 = -6 616.91

Note: Deflection of A and C is negative with regard to B.

Practical hint: place yourself at the centre support of the two spans, i.e. at B.

 Span B-C-D applying Clapeyron

SAN3601 - 27 - CHAPTER 1
  L   L   L    L 
M B    2M C        M D  
 EI  BC  EI  BC  EI CD   EI CD
 A   A      C  D   C 
 6  xC    x D   6 B  
 LEI  BC  LEI CD   LBC LCD 
Equation (2)
1 029.86 
6.5M B  2M C 6.5  5  0  6 3.25  468.75 2.5  6 EI  0.024  0 
 6.5 5   6.5 

6.5MB + 23MC = -4 495.77 + 514.54 = -3 981.23

[Place yourself at C: deflection of B is positive with regard to C

deflection of D is zero with regard to C]

Solving Equations (1) and (2) simultaneously we get

MB = -259.5 kNm
MC = -99.76 kNm
(iii) Determine the support reactions.
100 kN
259.5 259.5 45 kN/m
99.76 99.76 45 kN/m
45 kN/m
A B C D
B C
5m 6.5 m 5m

VA VB1 VB2 VC1 VC2 VD

MB = 0 MC = 0 MD = 0

5VA+259.5=250+5(45)(2.5) 6.5VB2+99.76=259.5+45(6.5)(3.25) 5VC2 - 45(5)(2.5) - 99.76 = 0
giving VA = 110.6 kN giving VB2 = 170.8 kN giving VC2 = 132.5 kN
 VB1 = 214.4 kN  VC1 = 121.7 kN  VD = 92.5 kN
Total VB = 385.2 kN Total VC = 254.2 kN

SAN3601 - 28 - CHAPTER 1
(iv) Finally, we draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams.
The shear force and bending moment diagrams can now be drawn.

100 kN 259.5 99.76

45 kN/m
A D
5m B 6.5 m C 5m
214.4 170,8 121.7 132.5
110.6 385.2 254.2 92.5 kN

170.8
132.5 Sheer force
110.6
diagram (kN)

1.9 92.5
101.9
214.4 121.7
259.5

99.76 140.625 Bending moment

diagram (kN)

max
max max

The positions and values of maximum bending moment can be calculated in the usual
manner.

SAN3601 - 29 - CHAPTER 1
Example 1.6

A straight uniform beam A-B-C-D has a length of 40 m and is freely supported at the ends A
and D and also at the two intermediate supports B and C, 10 m from A and D. The supports
A and D do not deflect at all, but those at B and C deflect 1 mm for every 10 kN of load
placed on them. The beam carries a uniformly distributed load of 4 kN/m over its whole
length. E = 200 GPa, I = 6 000 cm4. Draw bending moment and shear force diagrams,
indicating the most important values.

Solution
The above problem is solved using steps (i) to (iii) below:
(i) Draw the FBM diagrams of both spans A-B and B-C and determine their
corresponding areas A1 and A2, and their centroid distances to A and C to be x A and x
C, respectively.

B 4 kN/m C
A D
10 m 20 m 10 m

A1 50 A1 50
Free bending moment
A2 200 diagrams (kNm)

1 2
A1  333 A2  2 666
3 3
xA  5 m x C  10 m

 Calculation of the free bending moments:

1 1
w 2  410  50kNm
2
Spans A-B and C-D: Mmax =
8 8

SAN3601 - 30 - CHAPTER 1
 Span B-C Mmax =
1
4202  200 kNm
8

(ii) Determine the support reactions and support moments using Clapeyron’s three
moment theorem.
Due to symmetry of the beam
VA = VD
VB = VC = V (say)
MB = MC = M (say)
V
Supports at B and C sink (0.001) m (for V in kN)
10
 Span A-B-C
 1 2  V 
 333 3 2666
3 10  6 2  10 2  10 6 6  10 3  10 8  10 0,001 
0  2 M 10  20  20 M  6
 10
5 
20


   
 10
 0

   

80M = -9 000 + 0.72 V

Equation (1)

M kNm 4 kN/m M kNm

4 kN/m M

VA VB1 VB2 VC1

10 m 20 m

10VA = M + 200 From symmetry VC1 = 40 kN = VB2

M
VA = + 20
10

M M
Total VB = + 20 + 40 = + 60 Equation (2)
10 10

Substitute Equation (2) in Equation (1):

SAN3601 - 31 - CHAPTER 1
 M
80 M = -9000 + 0.72 ( + 60)
10
which gives M = -112.06 kNm
From Equation (2)
112.06
V = + 60 = 71.2 kN
10
VB1 = 71.2 - 40 = 31.2 kN
VA = 40 - 31.2 = 8.8 kN
Note: Deflection of A with regard to B is upward, i.e. positive; deflection of C with regard
to B is zero.
(iii) Draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams.

112.06 112.06
4 kN/m
B C
A D
10 m 20 m 10 m

31.2 40 40 31.2
8.8 71.2 71.2 8.8

40 31.2

8.8 Shear force diagram (kN)

31.2 8.8
40

112.06

50

2.2m
9.68 Bending moment diagram (kNm)
87.94

SAN3601 - 32 - CHAPTER 1
1.6 PORTAL FRAMES

Rigid frames are beams bent in elevation and can be analysed by Clapeyron’s three moment
theorem exactly as for beams.

Example 1.7

(a) The symmetrical portal shown in the figure below is hinged at A and D. The vertical
legs A-B and D-C are 4 m long and have a moment of inertia of 12 000 cm4. The
cross member B-C, which carries a uniformly distributed load of 12 kN/m, is 5 m
long and has a moment of inertia of 10 000 cm4. Use Clapeyron’s theorem to find the
bending moments at B and C.

(b) Find the horizontal and vertical reactions at A and D.

(c) Sketch the bending moment and shear force diagrams for the portal. State what the
conventions of positive and negative signs mean with regard to where tension occurs
for the bending moment diagram and the direction in which the member would shear
off for the shear force diagrams.
12 kN/m

B C
IBC = 10 000 cm4

4m
IAB = ICD = 10 000 cm4

A D

5m

Solution

SAN3601 - 33 - CHAPTER 1
The above problem is solved using steps (i) to (iv) below:
(i) Draw the FBM diagram of span B-C and determine its corresponding area A and its
centroid distance x .

B C

37.5 kNm
A = 125 m2

x = 2.5 m

Free bending moment diagram

(ii) Solve for the moments at B and C using Clapeyron’s three moment theorem.

 L  L   L   L 6 AAB x A 6 ABC x C
M A    2 M B        M C    
 I  AB  
 I AB  
I BC   
I BC L AB I AB LBC I BC

(Note: E is constant and cancels out.)

 Applying Clapeyron’s theorem to spans A-B-C

4 5  5   6  125  2.5
0  2M B     M C   
 12 10   10  5  10

From symmetry MB = MC = M (say)

 5/3 M + 1/2 M = -37.5

which gives M = 17.31 kNm

SAN3601 - 34 - CHAPTER 1
(iii) Determine the support reactions.
Consider the FBD of upright A-B
B
SBA
+17.31 kNm

4m

HA

A MB = 0 : 4HA = 17.31 HA (=HB) = 4.33 kN

12 kN/m 17.31 kNm

17.31 kNm

C
B

4m

A D
HA = 4.33 kN HD= 4.33 kN

5m

VB = 30 kN
VA = 30 kN

V=0
VA = VB = 30 kN

(iv) Draw the ending moment and shear force diagrams for the portal frame.

SAN3601 - 35 - CHAPTER 1
The bending moment and shear force diagrams can now be drawn.

17.31 kNm 17.31 kNm

- C -
B C 17.31 kNm
17.31 kNm 37.5 kNm -
- +

C
T
C
T

A D

Bending moment diagram

Bending moment
+ = tension bottom, compression top
- = tension top, compression bottom

30 kN

+
B C
4.33 kN
-

-
+
30 kN

4.33 kN A D

Shear force diagram

Shear force
+ = up at left of member
- = down at left of member

SAN3601 - 36 - CHAPTER 1
1.7 TUTORIAL

(1) Repeat example 1.5 but support B is not jacked up, but sinks 24 mm.

(2) For the beam A-B-C-D shown below, calculate MA, MB and MC and all the reactions.
Then draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams. E is constant, but the
relative moments of inertia are IAB : IBC : ICD = 8: 9: 4.
400 kN

30 kN/m

A 2m B C D

4m 6m 5m

(3)
(a) A continuous beam A-B-C-D-E is simply supported at A, B, C and D and
overhangs to E. Span A-B is 5 m long and unloaded; spans B-C and C-D are
8 m long and both carry a uniformly distributed load of 12 kNm-1; cantilever
portion D-E is 3 m long and also carries a uniformly distributed load of
12 kNm-1. Use the theorem of three moments (Clapeyron’s theorem) to find
the bending moments at the supports.

(b) Find the support reactions.

(c) Sketch the bending moment and shear force diagrams for the beam, showing
values.

(4) Calculate the reactions and draw dimensioned bending moment and shear force
diagrams for the continuous uniform beam shown in the figure. Use the three
moment equation given below.

SAN3601 - 37 - CHAPTER 1
 L  L L   L   A x1 A x 2 
M X  1   2 M Y  1  2   M Z  2   6 1  2   0
 I1   I1 I 2   I 2   L1 I 1 L 2 I 2 
5 kN 5 kN

3 kN/m

A B 2m C D

4m 4m 2m

(5) Draw dimensioned bending moment and shear force diagrams for the beam shown in
the figure. Under the given loading, support A sinks vertically downwards 10 mm
and support D moves vertically upwards 15 mm. Use the three moment theorem:

 L  L   L   L  Ax   Ax  
M A    2 M B        M C    6     
 I  AB  I  AB  I  BC   I  BC  LI  AB  LI  BC 

   B C   B 
 6E  A  
 L AB L BC 

EIAB = 12 000 kNm2 EIBC = 14 000 kNm2 EICD = 10 000 kNm2

60 kN 60 kN 25 kN
16 kN/m

A B C D

2m 3m 6m 1m 3m 2m

(6) Draw dimensioned bending moment and shear force diagrams for the continuous
beam A-B-C-D-E shown in the figure. The beam is simply supported at A, B, C and
D. The moment of inertia of the various sections of the beam is as follows:

IAB = 3I, IBC = 10I, ICE = 2I

SAN3601 - 38 - CHAPTER 1
 Use the three moment method of analysis as follows:

 AB      Ax   Ax  
MA  2 M B  AB  BC   M C BC  6       0
I AB  I AB I BC  I BC  EI  AB  EI  BC 

20 kN 18 kN 6 kN

9 kN/m 6 kN/m

A B C D E

4m 4m 4m 1m 3m 1m

(7) A continuous beam A-B-C-D of uniform section and length 13.5 m is simply
supported at A, B and C, whereas D is a free end. A-B = 5 m, B-C = 6 m, C-D = 2.5
m. It carries a point load of 200 kN 2 m from A and a uniformly distributed load of
65 kN/m between B and D. Using the three moment threorem given here, draw
dimensioned bending moment and shear force diagrams for the beam.

 L  L   L   L  Ax   Ax  
M A    2 M B        M C    6       0
 I  AB  I  AB  I  BC   I  BC  LI  AB  LI  BC 

(8) A continuous beam A-B-C-D is fixed at end A, simply supported at B and C, and D is
an overhanging end. It is loaded as shown in the figure below and the middle span
has a moment of inertia equal to 1½ times that of the end spans. Calculate the
reactions at the supports and draw dimensioned shear force and bending moment
diagrams for the beam.

SAN3601 - 39 - CHAPTER 1
 30 kN 10 kN

20 kN/m

A (I) B (1.5I) C (I)

3m
6m 9m 5m

SAN3601 - 40 - CHAPTER 1