SLOPE DEFLECTION METHOD

Slope Deflection Method

The slope deflection method is a structural analysis method for beams and frames

 introduced in 1915 by George A. Maney. The slope deflection method was widely used
for more than a decade until the moment distribution method was developed.

By forming slope deflection equations and applying joint and shear equilibrium

conditions, the rotation angles (or the slope angles) are calculated. Substituting them
back into the slope deflection equations, member end moments are readily determined.

The sign convention used in this lecture is as follows:

The member end moments, end rotations, and chord rotation are positive
when counterclockwise.
 
Slope Deflection Formula

The equations above which express

the moments at the ends of a
member in terms of its end rotations
and translations for a specified
external loading, are called the slope-
deflection equations.
Slope Deflection Formula
From the equations shown in the previous slide, it can be observed that the two slope-
deflection equations have the same form and that either one of the equations can be
obtained from the other simply by switching the subscripts A and B. Hence, it is
convenient to express these equations by the following single slope-deflection equation:
  2 𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝑛𝑓 = ( 2 𝜃 𝑛+𝜃 𝑓 − 3 𝜑 ) + 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑛𝑓
𝐿
 n = refers to the near end of the member where the moment Mnf acts.
f = refers to the far (other) end of the member.
n & f = denotes respectively the rotation of ends n and f of the member w/ respect to
the undeformed (horizontal) position of the member.
= where Δ is the relative transition between the two ends of the member in the
direction perpendicular to the undeformed axis of the member
= rotation of the members chord (i.e. the straight line connecting the deformed
positions of the members ends) due to the relative translation Δ
Slope Deflection formula

If one end of the beam is hinged use the formula:

 
)

r = Rigidly connected and of the member

h = Hinged end
Fixed End Moments Formula
Fixed End Moments Formula
 Sample Problem
1. Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for
the two-span continuous beam shown below.

90KN   50

A B C

2m 3m 6m

EI = Constant

 a =0   =0  c = 0
 Byab Bybc
90k  50 𝐾𝑁
𝑚
Mba Mbc
2m 3m
Mab Mcb
6m

Ay Byab By Bybc Cy

Free Body Diagrams

Member End Moments and Shear

Note: Since the correct senses of the member end moments are not yet known, it
is assumed that the moments at the ends of all the members are positive (counterclockwise)
in accordance with the slope-deflection sign convention adopted in this topic.
 Solution:
Fixed End Moments
Consider chord AB Consider chord BC
  FEMab = = m   FEMbc = =m

  FEMba = m   FEMbc = =m

  2 𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝑛𝑓 = ( 2 𝜃 𝑛+𝜃 𝑓 − 3 𝜑 ) + 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑛𝑓
𝐿
Consider chord AB Consider chord BC
  Mab = (0+a-0)+64.8   Mbc = (20-0)+150

    Mcb = (0+-0)-150
Mba = (2b+0-0)-43.2
By = Byab + Bybc
 Solving for
So now we can solve for support reactions
Mba + Mbc = 0 By = Byab + Bybc = 49.18 +137.87 = 187.05 KN
  [(2b)-43.2] + [(2)+150] = 0

  EI = -72.65 KN-m2
  =

So now we can solve for moment Final Member End Moments and Shear
Mab = 0.40(-72.65) + 64.8 = 35.6 KN-m
Mba = 0.8(-72.65) – 43.2 = -101.5 KN-m
Mbc = 0.67(-72.65)+150 = 101.5 KN-m
Mcb = 0.33(-72.65) – 150 = -174.3 KN-m

Support Reactions
Shear and Moment Diagram
Sample Problem
2. Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the
three-span continuous beam shown below by the slope-deflection method.
Solution:

Free Body Diagrams

Member End Moments and Shear
(Moment and shear directions are assumed)
Solution:
Equation 16.9
Note that the numerical values of these answers do satisfy the equilibrium equations 7 & 8.
Note: Actual end moments and shear directions are considered in the free body diagram shown above.
Shear and Moment Diagram
Sample Problem
3. Determine the member end moments and reactions for the continuous beam
shown below by the slope-deflection method.
Solution:

Free Body Diagrams

Member End Moments and Shear
(Moment and shear directions are assumed)
Solution:
Equation 16.15
From which,
Sample Problem
4. Determine the member end moments and reactions for the continuous beam
shown below by the slope-deflection method.
Solution:

Free Body Diagrams

Member End Moments and Shear
(Moment and shear directions are assumed)
Solution:

Equation 16.9
Solution:
Sample
Problem
5. Determine the member end moments
and reactions for the continuous beam to
a settlement of 20mm at support B. Use
the slope-deflection method.
Solution:

Free Body Diagrams of Member End Moments and Shear

(Moment and shear directions are assumed)
Solution:
Equation 16.9
Solution:
Solution: