Virtual Work Method

for Frames and Trusses

UNIT LOAD METHOD (VIRTUAL WORK METHOD)
The deflection in any direction at a point on a beam or frame can be obtained by applying
a unit load at that point and using the formula:
"" ∑
𝑀𝑚! 𝑑𝑥
Δ! = #
"! 𝐸𝐼

If the rotation at a point is required, apply a unit couple at that point and use the equation:
"" ∑
𝑀𝑚! 𝑑𝑥
θ! = #
"! 𝐸𝐼
Where:
Δ – deflection at a point considered E – modulus of elasticity of the material
θ – slope at a point considered I – moment of inertia of the material cross-section (at
the neutral axis)
mn – bending moment due to a unit load or a couple applied at
the point where the deflection or rotation is required. EI – flexural rigidity
M – bending moment at the element under consideration due
to applied loadings
 UNIT LOAD METHOD (VIRTUAL WORK METHOD)
In general, the beam shall be cut based on
the following:
1. Segment
2. Change in EI or cross-section
3. Every termination of uniform loads
4. Every concentrated loads
5. Every termination of uniformly
varying loads
6. Location of unknown rotation and
unknown deflection

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Example 1
Determine the horizontal displacement of point C of the frame
shown. Take E = 29x103 ksi and I = 600 in4.

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Due to unit load Due to real loads

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Member AB The horizontal displacement of C is thus

Member BC

The positive sign indicates to

the right displacement in the
same direction of the virtual
unit load

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Example 2
Determine the tangential rotation at point C of the frame shown. Take E =
200 GPa and I = 15x106 mm4.

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Due to unit load Due to real loads

-
-

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Member BC The horizontal displacement of C is thus

Member AB

- The positive sign indicates

-
- clockwise rotation in the same
direction of the virtual unit load

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 UNIT LOAD METHOD (FOR TRUSSES)
General equation for the joint displacement of trusses by the
unit load method:
𝑛𝑁𝐿
Δ=#
𝐴𝐸
Where:
N = bar forces due to applied loads
n = bar forces due to a unit load
L = length of each members
A = cross-sectional area of each members
E = modulus of elasticity (E = 200 GPa, for steel)

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Example 1
Calculate the horizontal and vertical displacement of joint G for
the truss shown. E = 206,700 MPa.
B (6450) D (6450) F

(4

(8
03

06
5)

0)
(3160)

(3160)
6m

0)

5)
06

03
(8

(4
(3225) (3225) (3225) (3225) H
A
C E G
355 kN 200 kN 270 kN

4 @ 5m = 20 m
Bar forces due to real loads
Joint E Joint F
EF = 157.82 FH = -509.25
EG = 362

Joint G
GH = 362
FG = 270

Joint A Joint B
AB = -564.57 BE = 102.50
AC = 361.386 BD = -427
Joint C Joint D
CE = 361.386 DF = -427
BC = 355 DE = 0
Bar forces due to horizontal unit load
Joint E Joint F
EF = 0 FH = 0
EG = 1

Joint G
GH = 0
FG = 0

Joint A Joint B
AB = 0 BE = 0
AC =1 BD = 0

Joint C Joint D
CE =1 DF = 0
BC = 0 DE = 0
Bar forces due to vertical unit load
Joint E Joint F
EF = -0.325 FH = -0.976
EG = -0.624

Joint G
GH = 0.624
FG = 1

Joint A Joint B
AB = -0.325 BE = 0.325
AC =0.208 BD = -0.416

Joint C Joint D
CE =0.208 DF = -0.416
BC = 0 DE = 0
 𝑛!𝑁𝐿 𝑛"𝑁𝐿
N L A E 𝛥= 𝛥=
MEMBERS n1 (ΔHG) n2 (ΔVG) 𝐴𝐸 𝐴𝐸
(kN) (mm) (mm2) (N/mm2)
(mm) (mm)
AB -564.57 0 -0.325 7810 8065 206700 0 0.8593
AC 361.386 1 0.208 5000 3225 206700 2.71 0.569
BC 355 0 0 6000 5160 206700 0 0
BD -427 0 -0.416 5000 6950 206700 0 0.666
BE 102.50 0 0.325 7810 4030 206700 0 0.3123
CE 361.386 1 0.208 5000 3225 206700 2.71 0.569
DE 0 0 0 6000 1250 206700 0 0
DF -427 0 -0.416 5000 6450 206700 0 0.666
EF 157.82 0 -0.325 7810 4030 206700 0 -0.481
EG 362 1 -0.624 5000 3225 206700 2.099 1.522
FG 270 0 1 6000 5160 206700 0 1.518
FH -509.25 0 -0.976 7810 8065 206700 0 2.33
GH 362 0 0.624 5000 3225 206700 0 1.5256
ΔH = 7.87 ΔV = 10.04
mm (à) mm (↓)
 Example 2
Determine the vertical displacement of joint C of the steel truss shown. The
cross-sectional area of each member is A = 0.5 in2 and E = 29x103 ksi.

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Bar forces due to real loads

Bar forces due to vertical unit load

Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Hibbeler, R. C., & Kiang, T. (2015). Structural analysis. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.