DEFLECTION OF BEAMS

Symbols

A = Constant of integration

a = distance of a force or load

B = constant of integration

b = breadth of section

d = depth of section

E = Young’s modulus of elasticity

EI = E X I = flexural stiffness of beam

FBM = ‘free’ bending moment

I = second moment of area (about a given axis)

L = length, span

M = bending moment

P = force

s = radius of curvature

R = reaction force at a given point

R = distance along an arc

W = concentrated load, total uniform load

w = uniform load per unit length

x = distance measured in the x-direction

y = vertical displacement or deflection of the longitudinal axis

y = distance measured in the y-direction

∇ = displacement relative to a tangent

θ = angle of slope of the bent longitudinal axis

σ = stress, normal stress

1
Bending and stiffness

A stated previously, the application of the lateral loads to a beam will cause it to deform in terms
of stresses induced are discussed in chapter 6. In addition to considering the material strength of
a beam the designer has also to think of the amount of deformation that may take place as a
result of it bending.

The STIFFNESS of a beam is a measure of the resistance it has to bending deformation: the
stiffer the beam the less it will bend. The relationship between stiffness and bending is important
from two points of view. Firstly, it is necessary to limit the amount of deflection that takes place
in a structural member, since excessive deflection movement can be both unsightly and
inconvenient: some damage to or implement of use use of fittings and finishes may also occur.
Secondly, in structures where the bedding effects are distributed through rigid joints to other
members, such as in the case of continuous beams and portal frames, the proportionate bending
moments that are distributed are directly related to the relative stiffness of the components
involved.

Curvature and bending – definitions

When a beam of constant section is subjected to pure bending , it is assumed to bend in the form
of a circular arch having a radius of curvature R such that

E M
=
R I

I M
=
Or R EI

At a given point P on the longitudinal axis of a beam thus deformed, having been initially
straight and horizontal, the following deflections apply;

Fig. 7.1

2
CURVATURE at P=R = the radius of curvature of the bent longitudinal axis of the beam

SLOPE at P =θp= the angle made between the bent longitudinal axis of the beam
at P and the original line of the unbent longitudinal axis.

DEFLECTION at P= yp= the vertical displacement of point p= pp '

7.3 Mathematical relationship between bending moment, slope and defection

Consider points P and Q which are close together on the longitudinal axis of a beam subject to a
bending moment M (Fig. 7.2). The deflection shape is a circular arch of radius R about a centre
of curvature O.

Fig. 7.2

Let the positions of P and Q be x and x +δx from the origin respectively.

Let δs =distance along the arc from P and Q.

Now δs=R δθ

I δθ
=
Then R δs

I dθ dθ
= =
Or as δs→O and δ → O , R ds dx

Also as δs→O ,
θ p =θ Q=θ

δy dy
θ=tan θ= =
The angle θ will also be very small giving δx dx

3
The substituting in equation (7.2):

I
=
d ( dydx ) = d y
2

R dx dx 2

And from equation (7.1)

I M
=
R EI

M d2 y
=
Hence EI dx 2

which is known as the GENERAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION FOR DEFLECTION

From this general equation the following relationships may be stated:

Differential coefficients Integrals

BENDING MOMENT (M) d2 y =M
=EI
dx 2
M
=
dy =∫ dx
SLOPE ( θ ) dx 2
EI
M
=∫ θ dx=∫∫ dxdx
EI
DEFLECTION ( y ) =y

Thus mathematical analyses are carried out by either writing down the expression for y in terms
of x and then differentiating the resulting expression with respect to x, or by writing down the
expression for M in terms of x and then integrating with respect to x. The latter procedure is the
most usual and illustrated in the examples which follow.

Sign convention and units

Its important that a conventional system of signs and units be used in all numerical exercise. The
correct sign and correct units should be ascribed to all numerical answers, as well as being stated
throughout the intermediate stages of a calculation. Table 7.1 gives the convention of signs and
units, this system being compatible with that given in Table 5.1p. 143 for shearing force and
bending moment.

4
Table 7.1 Sign Convention and units for bending moment, slope and deflection.

Example 7.1 Obtain expressions for the slope and deflection at the free end of the contilever
shown in Fig. below;

Fig. 7.3

Consider a section X which `is at distance x from the free end

d2 y
M X =−Wx=EI
Then at X: dx 2

Integrating
EI θX=∫ −wxdx+ A

5
 Wx 2
=− +A
2

WL2
θ X =O ∴ A=
Now when x=L, 2

Wx 2 WL 2
EI θ X =− +
Giving 2 2

Integrating again,
ElyX =∫ θΧ dx

=∫ (−
Wx 2 WL 2
2
+
2
dx+B )
Wx 3 WL 2 x
=− + +B
6 2

WL 3 WL 3
∴ B=− +
Now when x=L , yX=O 2 6

WL 3
=−
3

Wx 3 WL 2 x WL 3
ElyX =− + −
Giving 6 2 3

Thus at B (when x=o):

WL2
θ B=
2 EI (Answer)

WL 3
y B =−
And 3 EI (Answer)

EXAMPLE 7.2 Obtain expressions for the maximum slope and maximum deflection
occurring in the uniformly loaded and simply supported beam shown in the Fig. below;

Fig. 7.4

6
θ max ocurs at the support: θ max =θ A =θB

y max occurs at mid-span

Consider a section X which is at distance x from support A.

d2 y wL x
X =EI 2
=M X = Χx−wx Χ
Then at dx 2 2

wLx wx 2
= −
2 2

Integrating
EI θΧ=∫ ( wLx wx 2
2
−
2 )
dx + A

wLx 2 wx 3
= − +A
4 6

L wL3 wL3
x= θ =O ∴ A=− +
Now when 2 X 16 48

wL 3
=−
24

wLx 2 wx 3 wL 3
EI θ X = − −
Giving 4 6 24

Integrating again
Ely X =∫ ( wLx 2 wx 3 wL 3
4
− −
6 24 )
dx +B

wLx 3 wx 4 wL 3 x
= − − +B
12 24 24

7
Now when x=O , y X =O ∴ B=O

wLx 3 wx 4 wL3 x
ElyX = − −
Giving 12 24 24

Now
θ max =θA ( whenx=O )
wL 3
θ max =
Hence 24 EI (Answer)

And
(
y max = yX whenx=
L
2 )

Hence
y max =( wL4
−
wL4
−
wL4 1
12 Χ 8 24 Χ 16 24 Χ 2 EI )
= (
wL 4 4−1−8
EI 384 )
5 wL 4
=
384 EI (Answer)

7.5 Mohr’s area moment theorems

In section 7.3 a mathematical relationship was shown to exit between the bending
moment and the deflection moment and the deflection in a loaded beam. Now it is usual
to show the bending moment distribution along the beam in the form of a graph – the
bending moment diagram – which is in general made up of a series of geometric curves.
A similar diagram may be drawn to show the distribution of M/EI along a beam – for
beams of constant cross-section this will be identical to the bending moment diagram
except for the scale. Mohr’s theorems relate the areas of the M/EI diagram to the slope
and deflection in the beam at a given point. Where the diagrams consists of
comparatively simple geometric shapes, a quick and easy method of analysis is possible.
A large part of structural analysis, both simple and advanced, depends upon the
application in one form or another of these two theorems. Their function as an analytical
too is of fundamental importance, particularly to civil and structural engineering students.

Mohr’s 1st Theorem: THE CHANGE IN SLOPE BETWEEN ANY TWO POINTS
ON A LOADED BEAM IS EQUAL TO THE AREA OF THE M/EI DIAGRAM
BETWEEN THOSE POINTS

8
 θB B
M
θ B −θ A =∫ dθ =∫ dx
θA A EI

Mohr’s 2nd Theorem: FOR AN ORIGINALLY STRAIGHT BEAM, THE

VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT OF A POINT ON THE BEAM RELATIVE TO
THE TANGENT AT A SECOND POINT IS EQUAL TO THE FIRST MOMENT
OF AREA OF THE M/EI DIAGRAM BETWEEN THE TWO POINTS, TAKEN
ABOUT THE FIRST POINT (ie THE POINT AT WHICH THE DISPLACEMENT
IS MEASURED)
B
Mx
Δ=∫ dx
A EI

These statements may be proved as follows. Consider an originally straight length of

beam AB which, when loaded, takes up a deformed shape A’B’, as shown in Fig. 7.5. As
in the general theory of the bending A’B’ is assumed to be a circular arc of radius R.

Fig. 7.5

For a short length of beam PQ situated at a distance x form B, let: M = the average
bending moment over this length, δs= the length of arc PQ , δx= angle subtended by PQ
at the centre of curvature.

M I δθ
= =
From equation (7.1): EI R δs

Then as δs →O and δx →O

M dθ
=
EI dx

9
 Thus integrating between A and B:
θ B
M
∫ dθ=∫ EI dx
o A

B
M
θ=∫ dx
Giving A EI

Ie. AREA OF THE M/EI DIAGRAM BETWEEN A AND B.

Now let Δ the intercept of the tangent at the vertical through B and δΔ the intercept
difference of the tangents at P and Q at the vertical through B.

When δθ is small; δΔ=x δθ

And as δθ →O , dΔ= xd θ

Thus integrating between A and B

Δ θ B
∫ dΔ=x ∫ dθ=∫ Mx
EI
dx
O O A

B
Mx
Δ=∫ dx
Giving A EI

i.e THE FIRST MOMENT OF AREA OF THE M/EI DIAGRAM BETWEEN A

AND B TAKEN ABOUT B.

Note: If EI is constant along the length of beam under consideration, the M/EI diagram
area becomes the BM diagram are/ EI

Example 7.3 Obtain the expression required in Example 7.1 using Mohr’s area moment
theorems..

Fig 7.6

10
First draw the bending moment diagram (Fig. 7.6)

Applying Mohr’s 1st theorem

The change in slope between A and B=O−θB

Area−of −the−BMD−between− A−and−B

=
EI

WL L
θ B= Χ
Hence EI 2

WL 2
=
2 EI (Answer)

Applying Mohr’s 2nd theorem

The tangent at A is horizontal and therefore;

y = displacement of B below the tangent at A

first−moment−of −the−BMD−area−about −B
=
EI

WL2 2
yB=− Χ L
Hence 2 EI 3

11
 WL 3
=−
3 EI (Answer)

EXAMPLE 7.4 Obtain expressions for the slope and deflection at the free end of a
cantilever carrying a uniformly distributed load as shown in Fig. 7.7

Fig. 7.7

Applying Mohr’s 1st theorem

Area−of −the−BDM−between− A−and−B

O=θ B =
EI

WL 3 L
−θ B =− Χ
Hence 2 EI 3

WL
θ B=−
Giving 6 EI (Answer)

Applying Mohr’s 2nd theorem

y = displacement of B below the tangent at A

first−moment−of −BMD−area−about −B
=
EI

wL3 3
yx=− Χ L
Hence 6 EI 4

wL4
=−
8 EI (Answer)

12
EXAMPLE 7.5 Obtain expressions for the slope at the supports and the deflection at
mid-span for a simply supported beam carrying a centrally placed concentrated load as
shown in Fig. 7,8

Fig. 7.8

Applying Mohr’s 1st theorem

The maximum deflection may occur at the mid-span point C and therefore the slope at C
is zero.

dy
=θc =O
dx

Area−of −the−BMD−between−A−and−C ( shaded )

−θ A + O=
Therefore EI

WL L 1
θA= Χ Χ
Hence 4 EI 2 2

WL 2
θA =
Giving 16 EI (Answer)

Applying Mohr’s 2nd theorem

yC= Δ AC = displaced of A above the tangent at C

13
 = first moment of M/EI diagram area between A and C

taken about A

wL2 L 2
− yC= Χ Χ
Hence 16 EI 2 3

wL3
yC=−
Giving 48 EI (Answer)

EXAMPLE 7.6 Obtain expressions for the slope at the supports and the deflection at
mid-span for a simply supported beam carrying a uniformly distributed load as shown in
Fig. 7.9

Fig. 7.9

Applying Mohr’s 1st theorem

The maximum deflection will occur at the mid-span point C and therefore the slope at C
is zero.

14
 dy
=θC =O
dx

Area−of −the−BMD−between−A−and−c ( shaded )

−θ A + O=
EI
Therefore

wL 2 L 2
−θ A = Χ Χ
8 EI 2 3
Hence

wL3
−θ A =−
24 EI
Giving (Answer)

Applying Mohr’s 2nd theorem

y C = Δ AC =
displacement of A above the tangent at C

= first moment of M/EI diagram area between A and C taken about A

wL3 5 L
− yC= Χ
24 EI 16
Hence

5 wL4
yC=−
384 EI
Giving (Answer)

Deflection formulae – standard cases

There are several standard cases of loaded beams which occur frequently, either singly in

simple situations, or in combination in more complex arrangements. Many apparently

15
complicated systems can be rationalized into a series of standard cases and the principle

of superposition used to provide solutions.

In Table 7.2 the deflection formulae for some of the more common cases are given,

together with other relevant expressions

FURTHER WORKED EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 7.7 Figure 7.10 shows a propped cantilever. Prove that the force in the prop
3
wL
at B is equal to 8 when the deflection at B is zero.

Fig. 7.10

If the prop were to be removed, the deflection at B would be;

wL4
y 1 =−
8 EI

16
 Since the net deflection at B is zero, the replacement of the prop will cause, as it were an

upward deflection of y2.

R B L3
y 2 =+
3 EI
Where

y 1 + y 2=O
But

R B L3 wL 4
=
3 EI 8 EI
Therefore

Table 7.2

17
 wL 4 3 EI
R B= Χ 3
8 EI L
Hence

3
= wL
8
(Answer)

EXAMPLE 7.8 Figure 7.11 shows a simply supported beam carrying a concentrated load

at mid-span. Determine (a) the maximum deflection, and (b) the slope and deflection at the
EI =80 Χ 103 kNm 2
quarter – span point D.

Fig. 7.11

18
 wL 400 Χ 8
=
4 4
BM at mid-span =

= 800kNm

(a) For the deflection at mid-span, use the standard case formula given in Table 7.2:
wL3 400 Χ 83 Χ 103
yc = =−
48 EI 48 Χ 80 Χ 103
=−56 . 7 mm (Answer)

-53.33mm

(b) Applying Mohr’s 1st theorem

θC =O
Since
Area−of −BMD−be−between−D−and−C ( shaded )
−θ D +O=
EI
( 800+ 400 ) 2
θ D=−
2 EI
Therefore

1200
=− =−0 . 015 radians
80 Χ 10 3
(Answer)

(b) Applying Mohr’s 2nd theorem

Let Δ D = yC− yD
Since the tangent at C is horizontal: (See Figure 7.11b)
ΔD =
displacement of D above the tangent at C

=
first−moment−of −the−BMD−area−between−D−and−C−taken−about −D
=
EI
400 Χ 2 2 800 Χ 2 2 Χ 2
=− Χ − Χ
2 EI 3 2 EI 3

19
 800 3200
=− −
3 EI 3 EI
−4000
= =−0 .0167 m=−16 .7 mm
3 Χ 80 Χ 103

y D= yC− Δ D
Therefore
=−56 . 7+16 . 7=−40 . 0 mm( Answer )

EXAMPLE 7.9 A timber joist of rectangular section is to carry a uniformly

distributed load of 15kN over the whole of its span of 4m. Determine the dimensions
of a suitable section that will not deflect more than 20mm. E for timber =
10kN/mm2.

The maximum deflection will occur at mid-span and therefore from Table 7.2:

5 wL4 5 WL 3
y max =− =−
384 EI 384 EI
(since W=wL)

−5 Χ 15 Χ 43 Χ 10 9
−20 mm=
384 Χ 10 I
Therefore
5 Χ 15 Χ 43 Χ 10 9
I reqd =
384 Χ 10 Χ 20
Hence
1500 Χ 106
= =62. 5 Χ 106 mm 4
24
The proportions of the depth to the breadth of the joist should be about 3:1, then putting
b=d / 3 :
bd 3 d 4
I= =
12 36
1
d= ( 36 Χ 62. 5 Χ 106 ) =218 mm
4
Then
218
b=
3
and =73mm

20
Choosing practical dimensions, say 220mm x 75mm or 225mm x 75mm (Answer)

EXAMPLE 7.10 Draw the shearing force and bending moment diagrams for the
beam shown in Fig. 7.12 (a) which is carried on simple supports at A, B and C.
EI = constant.

The two span system shown in sketch (a) may be considered as the combination of the
two one-span systems shown in (b) and (c) respectively,

(b) is a UDL of 60kN/m carried over 8m, giving a deflection downwards at B of yB;

Fig. 7.12

21
and (c) is a concentrated load acting upwards of RB at the centre of the 8m span giving a
deflection upwards at B of yC.
y B + yC=O
Then
Substituting, using standard formulae from Table 7.2
3
−5 Χ 60 Χ 84 R B Χ 8
+ =O
384 EI 48 EI
5 Χ 60 Χ 8 Χ 48
R B= =3600 kN
384
Therefore
60 Χ 8−300
R A =RC = =90 kN
and 2

22
Bending moments

M B =90 Χ 4−60 Χ 4 Χ 2=360−480=−120 kNm

Position of maximum sagging moment (z):

At Z: Q z =O=90−60 z

Then maximum sagging moment:

60 Χ 1 .52
M Z =90 Χ 1 .5− =135−67 . 5=67 . 5 kNm
2

w ( 2 z ) 2 6 Χ 32
M Z= = =67 . 5 kNm
at 8 8

60 Χ 4 2
FBM AB =FBM BC= =120 kNm
also 8

EXAMPLE 7.11: The Cantilever shown in Fig. 7.13 is built in at A and supported at the
lower end of a 8mm diameter rod at B. The upper end of the rod is secured to a right
support at C. If the cantilever is horizontal and the rod unstrained before the application of
the load, determine the stress in the rod and the bending moment in the beam at A due to
the uniform load shown. The second moment of area of the beam is 15 x 10 6mm4 and
Young’s modulus is the same for both the rod and the beam.

Fig. 7.13(a)

23
 Fig. 7.13(b)

Referring to Fig. 7.13(b)

Let y1 = the deflection at the free end B, when unsupported by the rod, due to the 12kN load

y2 = the deflection at the free end B due to a force P acting upwards

P= the tension force induced in the rod

ΔL = the extension of the rod due to the force P.

Now the deflection at B will be equal to the extension of the rod.

Then
y 1 − y 2 =ΔL

The following substitutions may be made using standard-case formulae

wL 4 12 Χ 2 . 54 Χ 109 3. 91 Χ 103
y 1= = =
8 EI 8 EΧ 15 Χ 10 6 E

PL3 PΧ 2. 53 Χ 10 9 0 .3472 PΧ 103

y 2= = =
3 EI 3 EΧ 15 Χ 106 E

PL PΧ 4 . 5 Χ 10 3 Χ 4 0 . 0895 PΧ 103
ΔL= = =
AE 82 ΧπΧE E

3 . 91 Χ 10 3 0. 3472 PΧ . 103 0 . 0895 PΧ 103

= − =
So E E E

Giving 3 . 91=( 0 . 3472+0 .0895 ) P

3 . 91
P= =8. 95 kN
Therefore 0 . 4367

8 . 95 Χ 10 3 Χ 4
α= 2
=178 N /mm 2
The stress in the rod, 8 Χπ (Answer)

24
 2. 52
8 . 95 Χ 2. 5−12 Χ
The bending moment at A = 2

=22 . 4−37 . 5

=15 . 1 kN /m (Answer)

EXAMPLE 7.12 Draw the bending moment diagram for the fixed – ended beam shown in Fig.
7.14. EI = constant

In a fixed-ended beam the ends are so restrained in direction that no rotation may take place, ie
θ A =θ B =O .

The supports therefore apply to the beam fixing moment, say of magnitude M.

The resulting bending moment diagram may be considered in two parts, one due to the load
applied at C, and the other due to the fixing moments applied at the ends.

Fig. 7.14

25
Applying Mohr’s 1st theorem

Area−of −BMD
Change in slope = EI

But the change in slope between A and B is zero!

Area−of −BMD−between−A−and−B
θ A −θ B=O=
Therefore EI

200 Χ 6 6 MΧ 6
= Χ −
4 EI 2 EI

200 Χ 6
M=
Giving 4 Χ2

=150 kNm

200 Χ 6
M B= −150
Then 4

=150 kNm

26