University of Engineering & Technology

Peshawar, Pakistan

CE215: Structure Analysis I

Module : 09
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams using Method of
Slope Deflection

By:
Prof. Dr. Bashir Alam
Civil Engineering Department
UET , Peshawar
 Topics to be Covered

• Introduction to Slop deflection method

• General procedure of analysis with Slop deflection method
• Step wise procedure for slope deflection method
• Examples
• Appendix
• References
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Introduction:

• Previously we have discussed Force/Flexibility methods of

analysis of statically indeterminate structures.

• In force method, the unknown redundant forces are determined first

by solving the structure’s compatibility equations; then other
response characteristics of the structure are evaluated by
equilibrium equations or superposition.

• An alternative approach can be used for analyzing is termed the

displacement or stiffness method.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Introduction:

• In displacement method, the unknown displacements are

determined first by solving the structure’s equilibrium equations;
then the other response characteristics are evaluated through
compatibility considerations and member force-deformation
relationships.

• The displacement methods includes Slope-Deflection Method and

Moment-Distribution Method.

• The slope-deflection method was introduced by George A. Maney

in 1915.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
• The slope-deflection method was introduced by George A. Maney
in 1915.

• This method takes into account only the bending deformations.

• This method gives an understanding of the Matrix-Stiffness

Method, which forms the basis of most computer software currently
used for structural analysis.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
• When a continuous beam or a frame is subjected to external loads,
internal moments generally develop at the ends of its individual
members.

“The slope-deflection equations relate the moments at the ends of

the member to the rotations and displacements of its end and the
external loads applied to the member.”
• Let us consider an arbitrary member AB of the continuous beam.

A L B
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
• When the beam is subjected to external loads and support
settlements, the member AB deforms as shown (exaggerated), and
internal moments are induced at its ends.
Un-deformed position
P
w

B Deformed position
A L (elastic curve)

P
w MBA
MAB
A B
L
EI= constant
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
P
w MBA
MAB
A B
L
EI= constant

Double-subscript notation is used for member end moments, with the

first subscript identifying the member end at which the moment acts
and the second subscript indicating the other end of the member.

• MAB denotes the moment at end A of the member AB.

• MBA denotes the moment at end B of the member AB.

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction: w
P
MAB MBA

A B
L

 𝜃𝐴 & 𝜃𝐵 denote, Un-deformed position

Tangent at A
respectively, the
rotations of end A and B
with respect to the un- A B
deformed (horizontal) Elastic curve
position of the member. B’
θB
θA
A’

Tangent at B
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
P
• Introduction: w
MBA
MAB
A B
L

Tangent at A
 Δ denotes the relative Un-deformed position
translation between the
two ends of the B
A
member in the direction
Elastic curve
perpendicular to the un-
B’
deformed axis of the θB
member. Δ
θA
A’

Tangent at B
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
P
• Introduction: w
MBA
MAB
A B
L
 Ψ denotes the rotation of
the member’s chord
(straight line connecting Tangent at A
Un-deformed position
the deformed positions of
the member ends) due to
the relative translation Δ. A B
Elastic curve
 Since the deformations B’
are assumed to be small, θA Ψ
the chord rotation can be θB Δ
Ψ
expressed as A’
Cord

 (1) Tangent at B
L
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
The sign convention used in this chapter is as follows:

“The member end moments, end rotations, and chord rotation are
positive when counterclockwise.”

• Note that all the moments and rotations are shown in positive sense
in figure on previous slides.

• The slope deflection equations can be derived by relating the

member end moments to the end rotations and chord rotation by
applying the second moment-area theorem.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
P
• Introduction: w
MBA
MAB
A B
L

 ΔBA is tangential
Tangent at A
deviation of end B from Un-deformed position
the tangent to the elastic
curve at end A and ΔAB A B ΔBA
is the tangential
Elastic curve
deviation of end A from
B’
the tangent to the elastic θA Ψ
curve at end B. A’ θB Δ
Ψ
Cord

ΔAB Tangent at B
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
From figure in above slide we can see that
 BA    AB  
A  B  (2)
L L
By substituting Δ/𝐿 = Ψ into the preceding equation we have,
 BA  AB
 A    B   (3)
L L
According to the second-moment area theorem, the expressions for the tangential
deviations ΔAB and ΔBA can be obtained by summing the moments about the ends A
and B, respectively, of the area under M/EI diagram between the two ends.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
The bending moment diagrams for the member is constructed in parts
by applying MAB, MBA, and the external loading separately on the
member with simply supported ends.

The three simple-beam bending moment diagrams thus obtained are

ML diagram (simple beam
shown in Figure. bending moment diagram
due to external loads)

MBA
3
2
A 1 B
MAB
Bending Moment Diagram
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
Assuming that the member is prismatic (EI is constant along the length of the
member) we sum the moments of the area under the M/EI diagram about the ends B
and A, respectively, to determine the tangential deviations.
1  M AB L  2 L   M BA L  L  
 BA          g B
EI  2  3   2  3  

M AB L2 M BA L2 g B
 BA    (4a)
3EI 6EI EI

1  M AB L  L   M BA L  2 L  
 AB    2  3    2  3   g A 
EI       
M AB L2 M BA L2 g A
 AB    (4b)
6EI 3EI EI
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
• In which gB and gA are the moments about the ends B and A, respectively, of the
area under the simple-beam bending moment diagram due to external loading
(ML diagram).

• The three terms in equations (4.a & 4.b) represent the tangential deviations due to
MAB, MBA, and the external loading, acting separately on the member. with a
negative term indicating that the corresponding tangential deviation is in the
direction opposite to that shown on the elastic curve of the member.

2 M AB L2
M AB L
6 EI 3EI

MAB

A Tangential deviation due to MAB

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
A B
MBA

𝑀𝐵𝐴𝐿2 𝑀𝐵𝐴𝐿2
3𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼
Tangential deviation due to MBA

A w P B

𝑔𝐵
𝑔𝐴 𝐸𝐼
𝐸𝐼
Tangential deviation due to External Loading
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
By substituting the expressions for ΔBA and ΔAB into Eq. 3, we have

 A  
M AB L M BA L g B
- - 5a 
3EI 6 EI EIL
M L M L g
 B    AB  BA  A (5b)
6 EI 3EI EIL

To express the member end moments in terms of the end rotations, the
chord rotation, and the external loading, we solve Eq. 5
simultaneously for MAB and MBA. Rewriting Eq. 5a as

 2 A  
M BA L 2M AB L 2 g B
 
3EI 3EI EIL
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
By substituting this equation into Eq. 5b and solving the resulting
equation for MAB, we have
M AB 
2EI
2 A   B  3   22 2 g B  g A  6a 
L L

and by substituting Eq. 6a into either Eq. 5a or 5b, we have

M BA 
2EI
 A  2 B  3   22 g B  2 g A  6b
L L

It indicates that the moments develop at the ends of a member depend

on the rotations and translations of member’s ends as well as on the
external loading applied between the ends.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
Now, suppose that the member under consideration, instead being a part of a larger
structure, was an isolated beam with both ends completely fixed against rotations
and translations, as shown.
A w P B

FEMAB θA = θ B = Ψ = 0 FEMBA
Fixed-End Moments

The moments that would develop at the ends of such a fixed beam are referred to as
fixed-end moments and their expression can be obtained by setting θA = θB = Ψ = 0;
that is,
FEM AB  2 2 g B  g A  7a 
2
L
FEM BA  2 g B  2 g A  7b 
2
L
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
By comparing Eqs. 6 & 7, we find that the second terms on the right
sides of Eqs. 6 are equal to the fixed-end moments.
M AB 
2EI
2 A   B  3   FEM AB 8a 
L

M BA 
2EI
 A  2 B  3   FEMBA 8b
L

Equations (8a & 8b), 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 slope-deflections equations.

These equations are valid for prismatic members, composed of linearly elastic material and subjected to
small deformations. The deformations due to axial and shear forces are neglected.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Introduction:
The two slope-deflection equations have the same form and either end
of equations can be obtained from the other simply by switching the
subscript A and B.

M nf 
2EI
2n   f  3  FEMnf 9
L

in which the subscript n refers to the near end of the member where
moment 𝑀𝑛𝑓 acts and the subscript f identifies the far (other) end of
the member.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Members with One End Hinged:
• The slope deflection equations derived previously are based on the
condition that the member is rigidly connected to joints at both
ends, so that the member end rotations θA and θB are equal to the
rotations of the adjacent joints.

• When one of the member’s ends is connected to the adjacent joint

by a hinged connection, the moment at the hinged end must be zero.

• The slope-deflections equations can be easily modified to reflect

this condition.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Members with One End Hinged:
With reference to the previous Figure of member AB, if the end B of
the member AB is hinged, then the moment at B must be zero. By
substituting MBA = 0 into Equation (8), we write

M AB 
2EI
2 A   B  3   FEM AB 10a 
L

M BA  0 
2EI
 A  2 B  3   FEMBA 10b
L

Solving Eq. (10) for θB, we obtain

A3
θB     
L
FEMBA  11
2 2 4EI
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Members with One End Hinged:
To determine θB from the slope deflection equations, we substitute Eq.
(11) into Eq. (10a), thus obtaining the modified slope-deflection
equations for member AB with a hinge at end B.

M AB 
3EI
 A     FEM AB  FEM BA  12a 
L  2 

M BA  0 12b
Similarly, it can be shown that for a member AB with a hinge at end A,
the rotation of the hinged end is given by
B
3
θA     
L
FEM AB  13
2 2 4EI
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Members with One End Hinged:
And the modified slope-deflection equations can be expressed as

 FEM AB 
M BA 
3EI
 B     FEM BA   14a 
L  2 
M AB  0 14b

Because the modified slope-deflection equations given by Eqs. (12)

and (14) are similar in form, they can be conveniently summarized as

M rh 
3EI
 r     FEM rh  FEM hr  15a 
L  2 

M hr  0 15b
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Members with One End Hinged:

M rh 
3EI
 r     FEM rh  FEM hr  15a 
L  2 
M hr  0 15b
In which the subscript r refers to the rigidly connected end of the
member where the moment Mrh acts and the subscript h identifies the
hinged end of the member.

The rotation of the hinged end can now be written as

r
θh  
3
 
L
FEMhr  16
2 2 4EI
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
1. Degree of Freedom:
Identify the unknown independent displacements (translations and rotations) of the
joints of the structure. These unknown joint displacements are referred to as the
degrees of freedom of the structure.

From the qualitative deflected shape of the continuous beam shown in Figure below,
we can see that none of its joints can translate.
30 k
1.5 k/ft
θB θC
A D
θB B θC C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

The fixed joints A and D cannot rotate, whereas joints B and C are free to rotate.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
1. Degree of Freedom:

30 k
1.5 k/ft
θB θC
A D

θB B θC C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

This beam has two degrees of freedom, θB and θC, which represent the unknown
rotations of joints B and C, respectively.
The number of degrees of freedom is sometimes called the degree of kinematic
indeterminacy of the structure. This beam is kinematically indeterminate to the
second degree.
A structure without any degrees of freedom is termed kinematically determinate.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
2. Slope Deflection equations:
The equilibrium equations Eqs. (17) can be expressed in terms of the unknown joint

rotations, θB and θC, by using slope-deflection equations that relate member end
moments to the unknown joint rotations.
Before we can write the slope-deflection equations, we need to compute the fixed end
moments due to the external loads acting on the members of the continuous beam.
To calculate the fixed-end moments, we apply imaginary clamps at joints B and C to
prevent them from rotating.
30 k
1.5 k/ft
A D

FEMAB FEMBA B FEMBC FEMCB C

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
2. Slope Deflection equations:

30 k
1.5 k/ft

A B B C C D
FEMAB FEMBA FEMBC FEMCB FEMCD FEMDC

The fixed-end moments that develop at the ends of the members of this fully
restrained or kinematically determinate structure can easily be evaluated by using the
fixed-end moment expressions given inside the back cover of book and from appendix
of this module.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
2. Slope Deflection equations:
After the finding fixed end moments if a node has a linear
displacement, Δ, compute Ψ for the adjacent spans. Apply Eq. 9 to each
end of the span, thereby generating two slope deflection equations for
each span. However, if a span at the end of a continuous beam or frame
is pin supported, apply Eq. 15-a only to the restrained end, thereby
generating one slope-deflection equation for the span.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
3. Equilibrium equations:
Write an equilibrium equation for each unknown degree of freedom
for the structure. Each of these equations should be expressed in terms
of unknown internal moments as specified by the slope-deflection
equations. For beams and frames write the moment equation of
equilibrium at each support, and for frames also write joint moment
equations of equilibrium. If the frame side sways or deflects
horizontally, column shears should be related to the moments at the
ends of the column.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
3. Equilibrium equations:
Write an equilibrium equation for each unknown degree of freedom
for the structure. Each of these equations should be expressed in terms
of unknown internal moments as specified by the slope-deflection
equations. For beams and frames write the moment equation of
equilibrium at each support, and for frames also write joint moment
equations of equilibrium. If the frame side sways or deflects
horizontally, column shears should be related to the moments at the
ends of the column.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
3. Equilibrium equations:
For example 30 k
1.5 k/ft
θB θC
A D

θB B θC C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

30 k
1.5 k/ft MCD
MBA MCB MDC

A B B C C D
MAB MBC
B C
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
3. Equilibrium equations:
30 k
1.5 k/ft MCD
MBA MCB MDC

A B B C C D
MAB MBC
B C

Because the entire structure is in equilibrium, each of its members and joints must also
be in equilibrium. By applying the moment equilibrium equations ∑MB = 0 and ∑MC
= 0, respectively, to the free bodies of joints B and C, we obtain the equilibrium
equations
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Procedure For Analysis:
3. Equilibrium equations:
Substitute the slope-deflection equations into the equilibrium
equations and solve for the unknown joint displacements. These
results are then substituted into the slope-deflection equations to
determine the internal moments at the ends of each member.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
• Step by step Procedure For Analysis:
For the convenience of students the above discussion can summarized
as
1. Identify the degrees of freedom of structure.
2. Compute fixed-end moments.
3. In case of support settlements, determine the chord rotations Ψ.
4. Write slope deflection equations.
5. Write equilibrium equations for each joint.
6. Determine the unknown joint rotations.
7. Calculate member end moments by substituting the numerical values of joint rotations
determined in step 6 into the slope deflection equations.
8. Satisfy the equilibrium equations for joints in step 5.
9. Compute member end shears.
10. Determine the support reactions by considering the equilibrium of joints.
11. Satisfy the equilibrium equations for end shears and support reactions.
12. Draw shear and bending moment diagrams using the beam sign convention.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01
Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment
diagrams for the two-span continuous beam shown in Figure.

18 k
2 k/ft
A B C

10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

EI = constant
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
1. Degree of Freedom
We can see that only joint B of the beam is free to rotate. Thus, the structure has only
one degree of freedom, which is the unknown joint rotation, θB.

18 k
2 k/ft
A B C

θB
10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

EI = constant
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
2. Fixed End Moments
By using the fixed-end moment expressions given inside the back cover of the book,
and from appendix of this module we evaluate the fixed-end moments due to the
external loads for each member.

Pab2 1810 15

2
FEM AB  2  2
 64.8 k  ft or  64.8 k-ft
L 25
Pa 2b 1810  15
2
FEM BA  2  2
 43.2 k  ft or  64.8 k-ft
L 25
wL2 230 
2
FEM BC    150 k  ft or  150 k-ft
12 12
FEM CB  150 k  ft or  150 k-ft

Counterclockwise FEM are positive, whereas clockwise FEM are negative.

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
3. Chord Rotations
Since no support settlements occur, the chord rotations of both members are zero; that
is, ΨAB = ΨBC = 0.

4. Slope-Deflection Equations
To relate the member end moments to the unknown joint rotation, θB, we write the
slope deflection equation for the two members of the structure by applying Eq. (9).

M nf 
2EI
2n   f  3  FEMnf 9
L

since the supports A and C are fixed, the rotations θA = θC =0.

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
4. Slope-Deflection Equations
Slope-Deflection Equation for Member AB

M AB 
2 EI
 B   64.8  0.08 EI B  64.8 1
25
M BA 
2 EI
2 B   43.2  0.16 EI B  43.2 2
25

Slope-Deflection Equation for Member BC

M BC 
2 EI
2 B   150  0.133 EI B  150 3
30

M CB 
2 EI
 B   150  0.0667 EI B  150 4
30
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
5. Equilibrium Equations
The free body diagram of joint B is shown in Figure.

18 k 2 k/ft
A B C

18 k MBA 2 k/ft
MBA MCB
B

A B MBC B C
MAB MBC

Member end moments, which are assumed to be in counterclockwise direction on the

ends of members, must be applied in (opposite) clockwise direction on the free body of
the joint in accordance with Newton’s Third Law.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
5. Equilibrium Equations
The free body diagram of joint B is shown in Figure.

18 k MBA 2 k/ft
MBA MCB
B

A B MBC B C
MAB MBC

By applying the moment equilibrium equation ∑MB = 0 to the free body of the joint
B, we obtain

M BA  M BC  0 (5)
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
6. Joint rotations
To determine the unknown joint rotations, θB, substitute the slope deflection
equations (Eqs. 2 & 3) into the equilibrium equation (Eq. 5).

0.16 EI B  43.2  0.133 EI B  150   0

or
0.293 EI B  106.8
from which
EI B  364.5 k  ft 2
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
7. Member End Moments
The member end moments can now be computed by substituting the numerical
value of EIθB back into the slope-deflection equation (Eqs. 1 to 4).

M AB  0.08 364 .5  64.8  35.6 k  ft

M BA  0.16 364 .5  43.2  101 .5 k  ft or 101.5 k-ft
M BC  0.133 364 .5  150  101 .5 k  ft
M CB  0.0667  364 .5  150  174 .3 k  ft or 174 .3 k-ft

Positive answer for an end moment indicates that its sense is counterclockwise,
whereas a negative answer implies a clockwise sense. As MBA and MBC are equal in
magnitude but opposite in sense, the equilibrium equation MBA + MBC = 0 is satisfied.
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
7. Member End Moments
18 k 101.5 2 k/ft
101.5
B
35.6
A B 101.5 101.5 B C
174.3

8. Member End Shears

The member end shears, obtained by considering the equilibrium of each member, are
shown in figure below
18 k 101.5 2 k/ft
101.5
B
35.6
A B 101.5 101.5 B C
174.3
8.16 9.84 27.57 32.43
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
9. Support Reactions
The reactions at the fixed support A and C are equal to the forces and moments at the
ends of the members connected to these joints. To determine the reaction at roller
support B, consider the equilibrium of the free body of joint B in the vertical direction.

By  S BA  S BC  9.84  27.57  37.41 k  ANS

9.84 27.57
18 k 101.5 2 k/ft
101.5
B
35.6
A B 101.5 101.5 B C
174.3
8.16 9.84 27.57 32.43
37.41
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
9. Support Reactions
The support reactions are shown in figure below.

18 k 2 k/ft
A B C
35.6 k-ft 174.3 k-ft

37.41 k
8.16 k 32.43 k
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
10. Equilibrium Check
To check our calculations of member end shears and support reactions, we apply the
equations of equilibrium to the free body of the entire structure.

18 k 2 k/ft
A B C
35.6 k-ft 174.3 k-ft

37.41 k
8.16 k 32.43 k

   Fy  0
8.16  18  37.41  230   32.43  0 Checks
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
10. Equilibrium Check
To check our calculations of member end shears and support reactions, we apply the
equations of equilibrium to the free body of the entire structure.

18 k 2 k/ft
A B C
35.6 k-ft 174.3 k-ft

37.41 k
8.16 k 32.43 k
10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

  MC  0
35.6  8.1655   1845   37.4130   230 15   174 .3  0.2  0 Checks
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
11. Shear Force Diagram
18 k 2 k/ft
A B C
35.6 k-ft 174.3 k-ft

37.41 k
8.16 k 32.43 k
10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

27.57

8.16
16.2 ft
V kips A D B C
E
-9.84

-32.43
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:01, Solution:
12. Bending Moment Diagram
18 k 2 k/ft
A B C
35.6 k-ft 174.3 k-ft

37.41 k
8.16 k 32.43 k
10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

88.7
46
M k-ft A B C
D E
-35.6

-101.5 -174.3
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02
Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment
diagrams for the two-span continuous beam shown in Figure.

60 kN
15 kN/m
A D
B C

10 m 5m 5m
I 2I 2I
E = 200 Gpa , I = 700 (106) mm4
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
• From figure we can see that all three joints of the beam are free to rotate. Thus the
beam have 3 degrees of freedom, θA, θB, θD.

• The end supports A and D of the beam are simple supports at which no external
moment is applied, the moments at the end A of the member AB and at the end D
of the member BD must be zero.

15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C

MBA B MDB = 0
A MBD D
MAB = 0
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
• The ends A and D can be considered as hinged ends and the modified slope-
deflection equations can be used.

 FEM hr 
M rh 
3EI
 
 r    FEM rh   15a 
L  2 
M hr  0 15b
• The modified SDE do not contain the rotations of the hinged ends, by using these
equations the rotations θA, and θD of the simple supports can be eliminated, which
will then involve only one unknown joint rotation, θB.

15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
1. Degree of Freedom
As explained on the previous slide the modified SDE will involve only one unknown
joint rotation, θB.

15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C

𝐷𝑂𝐹 = 1
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
2. Fixed End Moments
By using the fixed-end moment expressions we evaluate the fixed-end moments due
to the external loads for each member.

1510 
2
FEM AB   125 kN  m or  125 kN-m
12
FEM BA  125 kN  m or  125 kN-m
6010  1510 
2
FEM BD    200 kN  m or  200 kN-m
8 12
FEM DB  200 kN  m or  200 kN-m

15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C
10 m 5m 5m
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
3. Slope-Deflection Equations
Since both members of the beam have one end hinged, we use Eqs. 15 to obtain the
slope-deflection equations for both members.

15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C

M rh 
3EI
 r     FEM rh  FEM hr  15a 
L  2 
M hr  0 15b
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
3. Slope-Deflection Equations

 FEM hr 
M rh 
3EI
 r     FEM rh   15a 
L  2 
M hr  0 15b
M AB  0 ANS

M BA 
3EI
 B     125  125   0.3EI B  187.5 1
10  2 
3E 2 I   200 
M BD   B    200    0.6 EI B  300 2
10  2 
M DB  0 ANS
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
4. Equilibrium Equations
By considering the moment equilibrium of the free body of joint B, we obtain the
equilibrium equation

MBA
B

MBD

M BA  M BD  0 (3)
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
5. Joint rotations
To determine the unknown joint rotation θB we substitute the SDE (Eqs. 1 &2) into the
equilibrium equations Eq. 3 to obtain

0.3EI B  187.5  0.6 EI B  300   0

or
0.9 EI B  112 .5
from which
EI B  125 kN  m 2
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
6. Member End Moments
The member end moments can now be computed by substituting the numerical

value of EIθB back into the slope-deflection equation (Eqs. 1 & 2).

M BA  0.3 125   187 .5  225 kN  m or 225 kN-m ANS

M BD  0.6 125   300  225 kN  m ANS

60 kN
15 kN/m 15 kN/m
B

A B 225 225 B C
225 225

Positive answer for an end moment indicates that its sense is counterclockwise,
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
7. Member End Shears and support reactions
The member actions & support reactions are shown below
60 kN
15 kN/m 97.5 127.5 15 kN/m
B

A B 225 225 B C
225 225
52.5 97.5 127.5 82.5
By = 225

15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C

52.5 kN 225 kN 82.5 kN

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
8. Equilibrium Check
To check our calculations of member end shears and support reactions, we apply the
equations of equilibrium to the free body of the entire structure.
15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C

52.5 kN 225 kN 82.5 kN

   Fy  0
52.5  1520   225  60  82.5  0 Checks
  MC  0
 52.520   1520 10   22510   605  0 Checks
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
9. Shear Force Diagram
15 kN/m 60 kN

A D
B C
52.5 kN 225 kN 82.5 kN

10 m 5m 5m
127.5
52.5
52.5

V kN A E B D
C
3.5 m -7.5

-97.5 -82.5
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:02, Solution:
10. Bending Moment Diagram 60 kN
15 kN/m
B
A D
C
225 kN-m 225 kN-m
52.5 kN 82.5 kN
225 kN
10 m 5m 5m
225

91.88

E B
M kN-m A D
C

225
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03
Determine the member end moments and reactions for the three-span
continuous beam shown, due to the uniformly distributed load and due
to the support settlements of 5/8 in. at B, and 1.5 in. at C, and ¾ in. at
D.
2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

E = 29,000 ksi
I = 7,800 in.4
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
1. Degree of Freedom
Four joints of the beam are free to rotate, we will eliminate the rotations of simple

supports at ends A and D and use the modified SDE for member AB and CD

respectively.
The analysis will involve only two unknown joint rotations, θB and θC.

2 k/ft
A D
B C

𝐷𝑂𝐹 = 2
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
2. Fixed End Moments
By using the fixed-end moment expressions we evaluate the fixed-end moments due
to the external loads for each member.

2 k/ft
A D
B C

220 
2
FEM AB  FEM BC  FEMCD   66.7 k  ft or  66.7 k-ft
12
FEM BA  FEMCB  FEM DC  66.7 k  ft or  66.7 k-ft
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
3. Chord Rotations
The specified support settlements are shown on a exaggerated scale.
2 k/ft
A D
B C
20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

A B C D
5 3
ΨAB 𝑖𝑛
1 4
𝑖𝑛
8
1 𝑖𝑛
ΨBC 2 D’
B’ ΨCD
C’

0.0521 0.0729 1.5  0.75

 AB   0.0026  BC   0.00365  CD   0.00313
20 20 1220
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
4. Slope-Deflection Equations
For members AB and CD use modified SDE and for member BC use normal SDE, we
have 2 k/ft
A D
B C
20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

 FEM hr 
M rh 
3EI
 r     FEM rh   15a 
L  2 
M hr 0 15b

M nf 
2EI
2n   f  3  FEMnf 9
L
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
4. Slope-Deflection Equations
M AB  0 ANS

M BA 
3EI
 B  0.0026   100  0.15 EI B  0.00039 EI  100 1
10

M BC 
2 EI
2 B  C  3 0.00365   66.7
20
 0.2 EI B  0.1EI C  0.0011EI  66.7 2
M CB 
2 EI
2C   B  3 0.00365   66.7
20
 0.1EI B  0.2 EI C  0.0011EI  66.7 3
M CD 
3EI
C  0.00313   100  0.15 EI C  0.00047 EI  100 4
20
M DC  0 ANS
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
5. Equilibrium Equations
By considering the moment equilibrium of the free body of joint B and C, we obtain
the equilibrium equation

MBA MCB
B C

MBC MCD

M BA  M BC  0 (5)
M CB  M CD  0 (6)
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
6. Joint rotations
By substituting the slope-deflection equations (Eqs. 1 – 4) into the equilibrium
equations (Eqs. 5 & 6), we obtain
0.35 EI B  0.1EI C  0.00149 EI  33.3
0.1EI B  0.35 EI C  0.00063 EI  33.3
substituting 𝐸𝐼 = (29,000)(7,800)/(12)2 k-ft2 into the right sides of the above
equations yields
0.35 EI B  0.1EI C  2,307 .24 (7)
0.1EI B  0.35 EI C  1,022 .93 (8)

By solving Eqs. (7) and (8) simultaneously, we determine the values of EIθB and EIθC
to be
EI B  6,268 .81 k  ft 2
EI C  1,131 .57.81 k  ft 2
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
7. Member End Moments
To compute the member end moments, substitute the numerical values of EIθB and
EIθC back into the slope-deflection equations (Eqs. 1 – 4) to obtain

M BA = 427.7 k - ft or 427.7 k-ft ANS

M BC = 427.7 k - ft ANS
M CB = 808 k - ft ANS
M CD = 808 k - ft or - 808 k-ft ANS
2 k/ft 2 k/ft 808 808 2 k/ft
B C

A B 427.7 B C C D
427.7
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
8. Member End Shears and support reactions
The member actions & support reactions are shown below

41.38 81.79 41.79 20.4

2 k/ft 2 k/ft 808 808 2 k/ft
B C

A B 427.7 B C C D
427.7
1.38 41.38 81.79 41.79 20.4 60.4
By = 123.17 Cy = 62.19

2 k/ft
A D
B C

1.38 k 123.17 k 62.19 k 60.4 k

 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
9. Shear Force Diagram
2 k/ft
A D
20 ft 20 ft 20 ft
B C

1.38 k 123.17 k 62.19 k 60.4 k

81.79
41.79

V kips A D
B C
-1.38
-20.4

-41.38

-60.4
 Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
 Slope-Deflection Method
Example:03, Solution:
10. Bending Moment Diagram
2 k/ft
A D
20 ft 20 ft 20 ft
B C

1.38 k 123.17 k 62.19 k 60.4 k

808.2

M k-ft A D
B C

-427.6
 Appendix
 Fixed End Actions
 Appendix
 Fixed End Actions
 Appendix
 Fixed End Actions
 Appendix
 Fixed End Actions
 Appendix
 Fixed End Actions
 Appendix
 Fixed End Actions
 References

• Structural Analysis by R. C. Hibbeler

• Structure Analysis by Alexander chajes

• Online Civil Engineering blogs