272 CHAPTER 7 A P P R O X I M AT E A N A LY S I S OF S TAT I C A L LY I N D E T E R M I N AT E S T R U C T U R E S

EXAMPLE 7.3
Determine (approximately) the moment at the joints E and C caused
by members EF and CD of the building bent in Fig. 7–6a.
800 lb/ ft
800 lb/ft

E F

800 lb/ ft
800 lb/ft

C D
16 ft
2 ft 2 ft

A B

20 ft

(a) (b)

Fig. 7–6

SOLUTION
For an approximate analysis the frame is modeled as shown in Fig. 7–6b.
Note that the cantilevered spans supporting the center portion of the
7 girder have a length of 0.1L = 0.11202 = 2 ft. Equilibrium requires the
end reactions for the center portion of the girder to be 6400 lb, Fig. 7–6c.
The cantilevered spans are then subjected to a reaction moment of
M = 1600112 + 6400122 = 14 400 lb # ft = 14.4 k # ft Ans.
This approximate moment, with opposite direction, acts on the joints
at E and C, Fig. 7–6a. Using the results, the approximate moment
diagram for one of the girders is shown in Fig. 7–6d.

12 800 lb

16 ft
6400 lb 6400 lb
M (kft)
1600 lb 6400 lb 6400 lb 1600 lb
25.6
14 400 lbft 14 400 lb  ft
20
x (ft)
2 ft 2 ft 2 18
14.4
8000 lb 8000 lb

(c) (d)
 276 CHAPTER 7 A P P R O X I M AT E A N A LY S I S OF S TAT I C A L LY I N D E T E R M I N AT E S T R U C T U R E S

EXAMPLE 7.4
Determine by approximate methods the forces acting in the members
of the Warren portal shown in Fig. 7–11a.

40 kN

2m 4m
40 kN C 2m
D E F
5.5 m
2m

B H G J K
4m
V  20 kN V  20 kN
N N
N N
7m
V  20 kN V  20 kN

3.5 m 3.5 m
A
I
A
V  20 kN M V  20 kN M
8m
N N
(a) (b)
7
Fig. 7–11

SOLUTION
The truss portion B, C, F, G acts as a rigid unit. Since the supports
are fixed, a point of inflection is assumed to exist 7 m>2 = 3.5 m
above A and I, and equal horizontal reactions or shear act at the base
of the columns, i.e., ©Fx = 0; V = 40 kN>2 = 20 kN. With these
assumptions, we can separate the structure at the hinges J and K,
Fig. 7–11b, and determine the reactions on the columns as follows:

Lower Half of Column

d + ©MA = 0; M - 3.51202 = 0 M = 70 kN # m

Upper Portion of Column

d + ©MJ = 0; -4015.52 + N182 = 0 N = 27.5 kN
 7.4 PORTAL FRAMES AND TRUSSES 277

Using the method of sections, Fig. 7–11c, we can now proceed to 2m

obtain the forces in members CD, BD, and BH. FCD
40 kN D

+ c ©Fy = 0; -27.5 + FBD sin 45° = 0 FBD = 38.9 kN 1T2 Ans. 2m FBD
45
FBH
d+ ©MB = 0; -2013.52 - 40122 + FCD122 = 0 FCD = 75 kN 1C2
B
Ans.

d+ ©MD = 0; FBH122 - 2015.52 + 27.5122 = 0 FBH = 27.5 kN 1T2 Ans.

3.5 m

In a similar manner, show that one obtains the results on the free-
20 kN
body diagram of column FGI in Fig. 7–11d. Using these results, we can
now find the force in each of the other truss members of the portal 27.5 kN
using the method of joints. (c)

Joint D, Fig. 7–11e

+ c ©Fy = 0; FDH sin 45° - 38.9 sin 45° = 0 FDH = 38.9 kN 1C2 Ans. 2m
35 kN
75 - 2138.9 cos 45°2 - FDE = 0 FDE = 20 kN 1C2
E
+ ©F = 0;
: Ans.
x
38.9 kN 2m
45
Joint H, Fig. 7–11f 27.5 kN G

+ c ©Fy = 0; FHE sin 45° - 38.9 sin 45° = 0 FHE = 38.9 kN 1T2 Ans. 3.5 m

These results are summarized in Fig. 7–11g.

20 kN 7
27.5 kN
40 kN C 75 kN(C) D 20 kN(C) E 35 kN(T) F (d)
38 )
.9
kN (T
)

N
38
(T

9k
.9

(C
) 38.
N

kN
k
.9

(C
38

B G
27.5 kN (T) H 27.5 kN (C)
y
y
38.9 kN FHE
75 kN FDE
x
45 D 45 45 45
x
38.9 kN 27.5 kN H 27.5 kN
FDH
(e) (f)

20 kN 20 kN
70 kN  m 70 kN  m
27.5 kN 27.5 kN

(g)
 284 CHAPTER 7 A P P R O X I M AT E A N A LY S I S OF S TAT I C A L LY I N D E T E R M I N AT E S T R U C T U R E S

EXAMPLE 7.5
Determine (approximately) the reactions at the base of the columns
of the frame shown in Fig. 7–13a. Use the portal method of analysis.

B M D N F O G
1200 lb

12 ft I J K L

A C E H
16 ft 16 ft 16 ft

(a)

1200 lb

I J K L
V 2V 2V V

Iy Jy Ky Ly

(b)

Fig. 7–13
7

SOLUTION
Applying the first two assumptions of the portal method, we place
hinges at the centers of the girders and columns of the frame,
Fig. 7–13a. A section through the column hinges at I, J, K, L yields
the free-body diagram shown in Fig. 7–13b. Here the third assumption
regarding the column shears applies. We require
+ ©F = 0;
: 1200 - 6V = 0 V = 200 lb
x

Using this result, we can now proceed to dismember the frame at

the hinges and determine their reactions. As a general rule, always
start this analysis at the corner or joint where the horizontal load is
applied. Hence, the free-body diagram of segment IBM is shown in
Fig. 7–13c. The three reaction components at the hinges Iy, Mx, and
My are determined by applying ©MM = 0, ©Fx = 0, ©Fy = 0,
respectively. The adjacent segment MJN is analyzed next, Fig. 7–13d,
followed by segment NKO, Fig. 7–13e, and finally segment OGL,
Fig. 7–13f. Using these results, the free-body diagrams of the columns
with their support reactions are shown in Fig. 7–13g.
 7.5 LATERAL LOADS ON BUILDING FRAMES: PORTAL METHOD 285

If the horizontal segments of the girders in Figs. 7–13c, d, e and f are

considered, show that the moment diagram for the girder looks like
that shown in Fig. 7–13h.

My  150 lb
8 ft Ny  150 lb
B
1200 lb Mx  1000 lb M 8 ft 8 ft
M 1000 lb Nx = 600 lb
6 ft N
6 ft
200 lb I 150 lb
J
400 lb
Iy  150 lb
Jy  0

(c) (d)

Oy = 150 lb
N 8 ft 8 ft O G
600 lb Ox = 200 lb 200 lb
O 8 ft
150 lb 6 ft 6 ft
150 lb
400 lb K 200 lb L

Ky  0 Ly  150 lb

(e) (f)

7
150 lb
150 lb
I J K L
200 lb 400 lb 400 lb 200 lb
6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft
Ax  200 lb Cx  400 lb Ex  400 lb Hx  200 lb

MA  1200 lbft MH  1200 lb  ft

MC  2400 lb  ft ME  2400 lb  ft
Ay  150 lb Hy  150 lb

(g)

M (kft)
1.2 1.2
1.2

x (ft)
8 16 24 32 40 48

1.2 1.2 1.2

(h)
 286 CHAPTER 7 A P P R O X I M AT E A N A LY S I S OF S TAT I C A L LY I N D E T E R M I N AT E S T R U C T U R E S

EXAMPLE 7.6
Determine (approximately) the reactions at the base of the columns
of the frame shown in Fig. 7–14a. Use the portal method of analysis.

G R H S I
20 kN

O P Q 5m

30 kN
D M E N F

J K L 6m

A B C
8m 8m

(a)

20 kN 20 kN
2.5 m
5m
V 2V V

Oy Py Qy 30 kN
7 3m

V¿ 2V¿ V¿
Jy Ky Ly

(b)

Fig. 7–14

SOLUTION
First hinges are placed at the centers of the girders and columns of the
frame, Fig. 7–14a. A section through the hinges at O, P, Q and J, K, L
yields the free-body diagrams shown in Fig. 7–14b. The column shears
are calculated as follows:
+ ©F = 0;
: 20 - 4V = 0 V = 5 kN
x
+
: ©Fx = 0; 20 + 30 - 4V¿ = 0 V¿ = 12.5 kN
 7.5 LATERAL LOADS ON BUILDING FRAMES: PORTAL METHOD 287

Using these results, we can now proceed to analyze each part of the
frame. The analysis starts with the corner segment OGR, Fig. 7–14c.
The three unknowns Oy, Rx, and Ry have been calculated using the
equations of equilibrium. With these results segment OJM is analyzed
next, Fig. 7–14d; then segment JA, Fig. 7–14e; RPS, Fig. 7–14f; PMKN,
Fig. 7–14g; and KB, Fig. 7–14h. Complete this example and analyze seg-
ments SIQ, then QNL, and finally LC, and show that Cx = 12.5 kN,
Cy = 15.625 kN, and MC = 37.5 kN # m. Also, use the results and
show that the moment diagram for DMENF is given in Fig. 7–14i.

3.125 kN
Sy  3.125 kN
Ry  3.125 kN
G 4m 4m Sx  5 kN
20 kN Rx  15 kN 15 kN
R R 4m S
2.5 m 2.5 m
P
O 10 kN
5 kN
Oy  3.125 kN
Py  0

(c) (f)

3.125 kN

5 kN 10 kN
O P
My  12.5 kN Ny  12.5 kN
2.5 m 4m 2.5 m 7
M
30 kN Mx  22.5 kN 22.5 kN Nx  7.5 kN
3m M
4m 4m N
12.5 kN 3m
J K
12.5 kN 25 kN
Jy  15.625 kN Ky  0

(d) (g)

M (kNm)
15.625 kN
50 50
J 12.5 kN K 25 kN
3m 3m
A x (m)
B 4 8 12 16
Ax  12.5 kN Bx  25 kN
MA  37.5 kN m MB  75 kN  m
Ay  15.625 kN By  0 50 50

(e) (h) (i)

 290 CHAPTER 7 A P P R O X I M AT E A N A LY S I S OF S TAT I C A L LY I N D E T E R M I N AT E S T R U C T U R E S

EXAMPLE 7.7

6m Determine (approximately) the reactions at the base of the columns

C of the frame shown in Fig. 7–16a. The columns are assumed to have
30 kN D
I equal cross-sectional areas. Use the cantilever method of analysis.

4m H K

J x–  3 m
15 kN E
B

4m G L
6m

A F (b)

(a)

Fig. 7–16 SOLUTION

First hinges are placed at the midpoints of the columns and girders.
The locations of these points are indicated by the letters G through L
in Fig. 7–16a. The centroid of the columns’ cross-sectional areas can be
determined by inspection, Fig. 7–16b, or analytically as follows:
' 01A2 + 61A2
©xA
x = = = 3m
©A A + A

30 kN The axial stress in each column is thus proportional to its distance

7 from this point. Here the columns have the same cross-sectional area,
2m 3m 3m
and so the force in each column is also proportional to its distance
Hx Kx from the centroid. Hence, a section through the hinges H and K at the
top story yields the free-body diagram shown in Fig. 7–16c. Note how
Hy Ky the column to the left of the centroid must be subjected to tension
(c) and the one on the right is subjected to compression. This is necessary
in order to counteract the tipping caused by the 30-kN force.
Summing moments about the neutral axis, we have

d+ ©M = 0; -30122 + 3Hy + 3Ky = 0

The unknowns can be related by proportional triangles, Fig. 7–16c,

that is,

Hy Ky
= or Hy = Ky
3 3

Thus,

Hy = Ky = 10 kN
 7.6 LATERAL LOADS ON BUILDING FRAMES: CANTILEVER METHOD 291

In a similar manner, using a section of the frame through the hinges

at G and L, Fig. 7–16d, we have
d+ ©M = 0; -30162 - 15122 + 3Gy + 3Ly = 0 30 kN
Since Gy>3 = Ly>3 or Gy = Ly, then
4m
Gy = Ly = 35 kN
Each part of the frame can now be analyzed using the above results.
15 kN
As in Examples 7–5 and 7–6, we begin at the upper corner where the
applied loading occurs, i.e., segment HCI, Fig. 7–16a. Applying the 2m 3m 3m
three equations of equilibrium, ©MI = 0, ©Fx = 0, ©Fy = 0, yields Gx
Lx
the results for Hx, Ix, and Iy, respectively, shown on the free-body
diagram in Fig. 7–16e. Using these results, segment IDK is analyzed
next, Fig. 7–16f; followed by HJG, Fig. 7–16g; then KJL, Fig. 7–16h; and Gy Ly
finally the bottom portions of the columns, Fig. 7–16i and Fig. 7–16j. (d)
The moment diagrams for each girder are shown in Fig. 7–16k.
Iy  10 kN
C 3m 15 kN I 3m D
30 kN
I Ix  15 kN
2m 2m
10 kN
H Hx  15 kN K
Kx  15 kN
10 kN
10 kN
(e) (f)

10 kN 10 kN
M (kNm)
7
H 15 kN K 15 kN
2m Jy  25 kN 25 kN
2m
30
3m 3m
15 kN 6
J Jx  7.5 kN 7.5 kN J x (m)
2m 2m 3
G Lx  22.5 kN L
Gx  22.5 kN
30
35 kN 35 kN
M (kNm)
(g) (h)
35 kN 75
35 kN
G L 22.5 kN
22.5 kN 6
x (m)
2m 2m 3
A F
Ax  22.5 kN Fx  22.5 kN
MA  45 kN  m MF  45 kN  m

Ay  35 kN Fy  35 kN 75

(i) (j) (k)

 292 CHAPTER 7 A P P R O X I M AT E A N A LY S I S OF S TAT I C A L LY I N D E T E R M I N AT E S T R U C T U R E S

EXAMPLE 7.8
Show how to determine (approximately) the reactions at the base of the
columns of the frame shown in Fig. 7–17a. The columns have the cross-
sectional areas shown in Fig. 7–17b. Use the cantilever method of analysis.

P Q R
8k

12 ft L 10 in2 M 8 in2 N 6 in2 O 10 in2 10 in.2 8 in.2 6 in.2 10 in.2

I J K
10 k

16 ft E 10 in2 F 8 in2 G 6 in2 H 10 in2

20 ft 15 ft 25 ft
A B C D
20 ft 15 ft 25 ft x–

(a) (b)

Fig. 7–17

SOLUTION
First, hinges are assumed to exist at the centers of the girders and
columns of the frame, Fig. 7–17d and Fig. 7–17e. The centroid of the
columns’ cross-sectional areas is determined from Fig. 7–17b as follows:
SM SN
SL SO ' 01102 + 20182 + 35162 + 601102
©xA
7 x = = = 28.53 ft
8.53 ft 6.47 ft ©A 10 + 8 + 6 + 10
28.53 ft 31.47 ft
First we will consider the section through hinges at L, M, N and O.
(c)

8k 8k
6 ft
12 ft
Lx Mx Nx Ox
My  0.239 Ly Ny  0.136 Ly 10 k
8 ft Fx Gx

Ly 8.53 ft 6.47 ft Oy  1.103 Ly Ex Hx

Ey  3.627 k Fy  0.868 k Gy  0.494 k Hy  4.001 k
28.53 ft 31.47 ft

(d)
8.53 ft 6.47 ft
28.53 ft 31.47 ft

(e)
 7.6 LATERAL LOADS ON BUILDING FRAMES: CANTILEVER METHOD 293

In this problem the columns have different cross-sectional areas, so we

must consider the axial stress in each column to be proportional to its
distance from the neutral axis, located at x = 28.53 ft.
We can relate the column stresses by proportional triangles, Fig. 7–17c.
Expressing the relations in terms of the force in each column, since
s = F/A, we have

My Ly
a b
8.53 ft 8.53
sM = s ; = My = 0.239Ly
28.53 ft L 8 in 2 28.53 10 in2 Py  0.725 k

10 ft P
8k
Ny Ly
a b
6.47 ft 6.47 Px  6.791 k
sN = s ; = Ny = 0.136Ly 6 ft
28.53 ft L 6 in2 28.53 10 in2 L
Lx  1.209 k

0.725 k
Oy Ly
a b
31.47 ft 31.47 (f)
sO = s ; = Oy = 1.103Ly
28.53 ft L 10 in 2 28.53 10 in2

Now that each force is related to Ly, the free-body diagram is shown
in Fig. 7–17d.
0.725 k
Note how the columns to the left of the centroid are subjected to
tension and those on the right are subjected to compression. Why? 1.209 k
Iy  2.902 k
Summing moments about the neutral axis, we have 6 ft L I
10 k
7
Ix  8.489 k
-8 k 16 ft2 + Ly128.53 ft2 + (0.239Ly)18.53 ft2
10 ft
8 ft
d+ ©M = 0;
Ex  2.720 k
E
+ (0.136Ly)16.47 ft2 + (1.103Ly)131.47 ft2 = 0
3.627 k
Solving, (g)

Ly = 0.725 k My = 0.174 k Ny = 0.0987 k Oy = 0.800 k

Using this same method, show that one obtains the results in Fig. 7–17e 3.627 k
for the columns at E, F, G, and H. E 2.720 k
We can now proceed to analyze each part of the frame. As in the 8 ft
previous examples, we begin with the upper corner segment LP, A
Ax  2.720 k
Fig. 7–17f. Using the calculated results, segment LEI is analyzed next, MA  21.764 k ft
Fig. 7–17g, followed by segment EA, Fig. 7–17h. One can continue to
Ay  3.627 k
analyze the other segments in sequence, i.e., PQM, then MJFI, then
FB, and so on. (h)