CHAPTER TWO

ANALYSIS OF INDETRMINATE
STRUCTURES
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
2.1. Introduction
• When a structure is subjected to a system of forces, the
overall behavior of the members of the structure may be
defined by the displacement of the joints.
• The joints undergo displacements in the form of translation
and rotation.
• A system of joint displacements is known to be independent
if each displacement can be varied independently of the
other displacements.
• The number of independent joint displacements is known
as the number of degrees of freedom.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The number of degrees of freedom is sometimes called
the degree of kinematic indeterminacy of the
structure.
• A structure which has a degree of freedom is termed as
kinematically indeterminate.
• Regardless of whether a structure is statically
determinate or indeterminate, its complete analysis
requires the use of three types of relationships:
 Equilibrium equations
 Compatibility conditions
 Member force-deformation relations
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The equilibrium equations relate the forces acting on
the structure (or its parts), ensuring that the entire
structure as well as its parts remain in equilibrium;
• the compatibility conditions relate the displacements
of the structure so that its various parts fit together;
• And the member force deformation relations, which
involve the material and cross-sectional properties (E; I,
and A) of the members, provide the necessary link
between the forces and displacements of the structure.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Therefore, it becomes necessary to solve the equilibrium
equations in conjunction with the compatibility conditions
of the structure to determine its response.
• Because the equilibrium equations contain the unknown
forces, whereas the compatibility conditions involve
displacements as the unknowns, the member force-
deformation relations are utilized to express either the
unknown forces in terms of the unknown displacements or
vice versa.
• The resulting system of equations containing only one type
of unknowns is then solved for the unknowns.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• These are then substituted into the fundamental
relationships to determine the remaining response
characteristics of the structure.
• Many methods have been developed for analyzing
statically indeterminate structures.
• These methods can be broadly classified into two
categories, namely, the force (flexibility) methods and the
displacement (stiffness) methods, depending on the type
of unknowns (forces or displacements, respectively),
involved in the solution of the governing equations.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The force methods are generally convenient for analyzing
small structures with a few redundant (i.e., fewer excess
members and/or reactions than required for static
stability).
• These methods are also used to derive the member force-
deformation relations needed to develop the displacement
methods.
• The displacement methods are more systematic, can be
easily implemented on computers, and therefore,
preferred for the analysis of large and highly redundant
structures.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
2.1 Force Methods
2.1.1. Energy methods(Method of Least Work)
• In this method, the compatibility equations are
established by using Castigliano’s second theorem.
• The method of least work usually proves to be more
convenient for analyzing composite structures that
contain both axial force members and flexural
members (e.g., beams supported by cables).
• This method cannot be used for analyzing the effects
of support settlements, temperature changes, and
fabrication errors.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• To develop the method of least work, let us consider a

statically indeterminate beam with unyielding
supports subjected to an external loading w, as shown
in the next figure.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Suppose that we select the vertical reaction By at the
interior support B to be the redundant.
• By treating the redundant as an unknown load applied
to the beam along with the prescribed loading w, an
expression for the strain energy can be written in
terms of the known load w and the unknown redundant
By as
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The above equation indicates that the strain energy for
the beam is expressed as a function of the known external
load w and the unknown redundant By.
• According to Castigliano’s second theorem, the partial
derivative of the strain energy with respect to a force
equals the deflection of the point of application of the
force along its line of action.
• Since the deflection at the point of application of the
redundant By is zero, by applying Castigliano’s second
theorem, we can write
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The equation represents the compatibility equation in the
direction of redundant By, and it can be solved for the
redundant.
• This implies that for the value of the redundant that satisfies
the equations of equilibrium and compatibility, the strain
energy of the structure is a minimum or maximum.
• Since for a linearly elastic structure there is no maximum
value of strain energy, because it can be increased
indefinitely by increasing the value of the redundant, we
conclude that for the true value of the redundant the strain
energy must be a minimum.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• This conclusion is known as the principle of least work:
• The magnitudes of the redundants of a statically
indeterminate structure must be such that the strain
energy stored in the structure is a minimum (i.e., the
internal work done is the least.)
• The method of least work, can be easily extended to the
analysis of structures with multiple degrees of freedom.
• If a structure is indeterminate to the 𝑛𝑡ℎ degree, then n
redundants are selected, and the strain energy for the
structure is expressed in terms of the known external
loading and the n unknown redundants.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• Here, w represents all the known loads and R1, R2, . .

. , Rn denote the n redundant.
• Next, the principle of least work is applied separately
for each redundant by partially differentiating the
strain energy with respect to each of the redundants
and by setting each partial derivative equal to zero;
that is,
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• This represents a system of

n simultaneous equations
in terms of n redundants
and can be solved for the
redundants.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Example 1
• Determine the reactions for the beam shown by the
method of least work
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
• The beam is supported by four reactions, so its degree of
indeterminacy is equal to 1.
• The vertical reaction By, at the roller support B, is
selected as the redundant.
• We will evaluate the magnitude of the redundant by
minimizing the strain energy of the beam with respect to
By.
• the strain energy of a beam subjected only to bending can
be expressed as
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• According to the principle of least work, the partial
derivative of strain energy with respect to By must be
zero; that is,

• Using the x coordinate given, we can write the

equation for bending moment, M, in terms of By, as
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Next, we partially differentiate the expression for M
with respect to By, to obtain

• By substituting the expressions for M and 𝜕M/ 𝜕By

into the above equation, we write

• By integrating, we obtain
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• from which

• To determine the remaining reactions of the

indeterminate beam, we apply the equilibrium
equations

 Try this example by assuming MA as redundant

Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Example 2
• Determine the reactions for the two-span continuous
beam shown below by the method of least work.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
• The beam is supported by four reactions, Ax; Ay; By,
and Dy.
• Since there are only three equilibrium equations, the
degree of indeterminacy of the beam is equal to 1.
• Let us select the reaction By to be the redundant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The magnitude of the redundant will be determined by
minimizing the strain energy of the beam with respect
to By.
• The strain energy of a beam subjected only to bending
is expressed as

• According to the principle of least work,

Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Before we can obtain the equations for bending moments, M,
we must express the reactions at the supports A and D of the
beam in terms of the redundant By.
• Applying the three equilibrium equations, we write
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• To determine the equations for bending moments, M, the

beam is divided into three segments, AB; BC, and CD.
• The x coordinates used for determining the equations are
shown in the above Figure, and the bending moment
equations, in terms of By, are tabulated in Table 14.1.
• Next, the derivatives of the bending moments with respect to
By are evaluated.
• These derivatives are listed in the last column of Table 14.1.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• By substituting the expressions for M and 𝜕M/𝜕By

into least work equation, we write
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• By integrating, we obtain

• from which

• By substituting the value of By, we determine the

vertical reactions at supports A and D.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Example 3
• Determine the force in each member of the truss shown
by the method of least work.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
• The truss contains one more member than necessary for
internal stability; therefore, its degree of indeterminacy
is equal to 1.
• Let us select the force FAD in member AD as redundant.
• We will determine the magnitude of FAD by minimizing
the strain energy of the truss with respect to FAD.
• The strain energy of a truss can be expressed as
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• According to the principle of least work, the partial
derivative of strain energy with respect to FAD must be
zero; that is,
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• The axial forces in members BD and CD are expressed in

terms of the redundant FAD by considering the equilibrium
of joint D.
• These member forces F, along with their partial derivatives
with respect to FAD, are tabulated in Table 14.2.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• To the least work equation, the terms (𝜕F/𝜕FAD)FL are
computed for the individual members and are added as
shown in Table 14.2.

• Finally, the forces in members BD and CD are

evaluated by substituting the value of FAD into the
expressions for the member forces given in the third
column of Table 14.2.

 Try this example by assuming FBD as redundant

Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
2.2. Method of Consistent Deformations
• The method essentially involves removing enough
restraints from the indeterminate structure to make it
statically determinate.
• This determinate structure, which must be statically stable,
is referred to as the primary structure.
• The excess restraints removed from the given indeterminate
structure to convert it into the determinate primary structure
are called redundant restraints, and the reactions or
internal forces associated with these restraints are termed as
redundants.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The redundants are then applied as unknown loads
on the primary structure, and their values are
determined by solving the compatibility equations
based on the condition that the deformations of the
primary structure due to the combined effect of the
redundants and the given external loading must be the
same as the deformations of the original indeterminate
structure.
• The unknowns in the method of consistent
deformations are the redundant forces (and/or
moments), and hence the method is classified as a force
method.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• When analyzing a structure by the method of
consistent deformations, we can choose any
support reaction or internal force (or moment) as
the redundant.
• When we do this, we have to be sure that the
removal of the corresponding restraint from the
given indeterminate structure results in a primary
structure that is statically determinate and stable.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Procedure for Analysis
1. Determine the degree of indeterminacy of the structure.
2. Select redundant forces and/or moments.
 The total number of redundant must be equal to the degree of
indeterminacy of the structure. Also,
the redundant must be chosen so that the removal of the corresponding
restraints from the given indeterminate structure results in a primary
structure that is statically determinate and stable.
The senses of the redundant are not known and can be arbitrarily
assumed.
A positive answer for a redundant will imply that the sense initially
assumed for the redundant was correct.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

3. Remove the restraints corresponding to the

redundant from the given indeterminate structure to
obtain the primary (determinate) structure.
4. a) Draw a diagram of the primary structure with
only the external loading applied to it. Sketch a
deflected shape of the structure, and show the
deflection (or slope) at the point of application and in
the direction of each redundant by an appropriate
symbol.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

b) Next, for each redundant, draw a diagram of the

primary structure with only the unit value of the
redundant applied to it.
• The unit force (or moment) must be applied in the
positive direction of the redundant.
• Sketch a deflected shape of the structure, and show by
appropriate symbols the flexibility coefficients at the
locations of all the redundant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• To indicate that the load as well as the structural
response is to be multiplied by the redundant under
consideration, show the redundant preceded by a
multiplication sign (x) next to the diagram of the
structure.
• The deflection (or slope) at the location of any redundant
due to the redundant under consideration equals the
flexibility coefficient at that location multiplied by the
unknown magnitude of the redundant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

5. Write a compatibility equation for the location of each

redundant
• This is done by setting the algebraic sum of the
deflections (or slopes) of the primary structure due to the
external loading and each of the redundant equal to the
known displacement (or rotation) at the corresponding
location on the actual indeterminate structure.
• The total number of compatibility equations thus
obtained must be equal to the number of redundant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

6. Compute the deflections (and the flexibility

coefficients) involved in the compatibility equations
• We can using any methods of determining deflections
and by the application of Maxwell’s law of reciprocal
deflections.
• A deflection (or flexibility coefficient) at the location
of a redundant is considered to be positive if it has
the same sense as that assumed for the redundant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
7. Substitute the values of deflections computed in step 6
into the compatibility equations, and solve them for the
unknown redundant.
8. Once the redundant have been determined, the other
response characteristics (e.g., reactions, shear and
bending moment diagrams, and/or member forces) of
the indeterminate structure can be evaluated either
through equilibrium considerations or by
superposition of the responses of the primary structure
due to the external loading and due to each of the
redundant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Maxwell’s theorem of reciprocal displacement
• The theorem is stated as follows: The displacement of
a point B on a structure due to a unit load acting at
point A is equal to the displacement of point A when
the unit load is acting at point B, that is, .
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• EXAMPLE 4
Determine the reaction at the roller support B of the
beam shown below using consistent deformation
method. EI is constant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
Principle of Superposition.
• By inspection, the beam is statically indeterminate to the
first degree.
• The redundant will be taken as so that this force can be
determined directly.
• The next figure shows application of the principle of
superposition.
• Notice that removal of the redundant requires that the
roller support or the constraining action of the beam in
the direction of be removed.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Here we have assumed that acts upward on the beam
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Compatibility Equation.
• Taking positive displacement as upward, on the above
figure, we have

• The terms ∆𝐵 and 𝑓𝐵𝐵 are easily obtained using the

table on the inside front cover.
• In particular, note that
∆𝐵 = ∆𝐶 + θ𝐶 (6𝑚)
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• Thus,
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Substituting these results into Eq. (1) yields

• If this reaction is placed on the free-body diagram of

the beam, the reactions at A can be obtained from the
three equations of equilibrium.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Having determined all the reactions, the moment
diagram can be constructed as shown

 Try this example by assuming 𝑀𝐴 as redundant

Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Example 5
• Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the beam
shown. EI is constant. Neglect the effects of axial load.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
Principle of Superposition.
• Since axial load is neglected, the beam is indeterminate
to the second degree.
• The two end moments at A and B will be considered as
the redundants.
• The beam’s capacity to resist these moments is removed
by placing a pin at A and a rocker at B.
• The principle of superposition applied to the beam is
shown in the next slide.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Compatibility Equations.
• Reference to points A and B, Fig. 10–10b, requires

• The required slopes and angular flexibility coefficients

can be determined using the table on the inside front
cover. We have
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Note that 𝛼𝐵𝐴 = 𝛼𝐴𝐵 , a consequence of Maxwell’s
theorem of reciprocal displacements.
• Substituting the data into Eqs. (1) and (2) yields

• Canceling EI and solving these equations simultaneously,

we have
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Using these results, the end shears are calculated and
the shear and moment diagrams plotted.

 Try this example by assuming 𝐴𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑦 as redundant

Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Example 6
• Determine the reactions at the supports for the beam
shown. EI is constant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
Principle of Superposition.
• By inspection, the beam is indeterminate to the first degree.
• Here, for the sake of illustration, we will choose the internal
moment at support B as the redundant.
• Consequently, the beam is cut open and end pins or an
internal hinge are placed at B in order to release only the
capacity of the beam to resist moment at this point.
• The internal moment at B is applied to the beam.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Compatibility Equations.
• From the previous figure, we require the relative
rotation of one end of one beam with respect to the end
of the other beam to be zero, that is,

• Where

• and
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The slopes and angular flexibility coefficients can be
determined from the table on the inside front cover,
that is,
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Thus

• The negative sign indicates acts in the opposite

direction.
• Using this result, the reactions at the supports are
calculated and, the shear and moment diagrams are
shown.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

Example 7
• Determine the moment at
the fixed support A for the
frame shown. EI is
constant.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
Principle of Superposition.
• The frame is indeterminate to the first degree.
• A direct solution for 𝑴𝑨 can be obtained by choosing
this as the redundant.
• Thus the capacity of the frame to support a moment at
A is removed and therefore a pin is used at A for
support.
• The principle of superposition applied to the frame is
shown.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• Compatibility Equation.
• Reference to point A

• The deflections and flexibility coeficients are

computed by using any methods, here we use virtual
work method.
• For 𝜃𝐴 we require application of the real loads, Fig.
10–13c, and a virtual unit couple moment at A, Fig.
10–13d. Thus,
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• For 𝛼𝐴𝐴 we require application of a real unit couple
moment and a virtual unit couple moment acting at A.
Thus,
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Substituting these results into Eq. (1) and solving
yields

• The negative sign indicates acts in the opposite

direction.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Example 8
• Determine the reactions and the force in each member of
the truss shown by the method of consistent deformations.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
Degree of Indeterminacy
• The truss consists of ten members, six joints and is
supported by three reaction components.
• Thus the degree of indeterminacy of the truss is equal
to
i = 𝑚 + 𝑟 − 2𝑗 = 10 + 3 − 2 6 = 1
• The three reactions can be determined from the three
equations of external equilibrium, so the truss is
internally indeterminate to the first degree.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Primary Truss
• The axial force 𝑭𝑪𝑬 in the diagonal member CE is
selected to be the redundant.
• The sense of 𝐹𝐶𝐸 is arbitrarily assumed to be tensile.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Next, the primary truss is subjected separately to the
external loading and a unit tensile force in the
redundant member CE, as shown.

The primary truss subjected to external The primary truss subjected to a unit
member forces member force 𝑭𝑪𝑬 = 𝟏
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Compatibility Equation
• The compatibility equation can be expressed as
∆𝐶𝐸𝑂 + 𝑓𝐶𝐸,𝐶𝐸 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 0
 ∆𝐶𝐸𝑂 denotes the relative displacement between
joints C and E of the primary truss due to the external
loads, and
 the flexibility coefficient 𝑓𝐶𝐸,𝐶𝐸 denotes the relative
displacement between the same joints due to a unit
value of the redundant 𝐹𝐶𝐸 .
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Deflections of Primary Truss
• The virtual work expression for ∆𝐶𝐸𝑂 can be written as

 𝐹𝑂 and 𝑢𝐶𝐸 represent, respectively, the member

forces due to the external loads and the unit tensile
force in member CE.
The numerical values of these forces are computed by
the method of joints and are tabulated in next table.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

Magnitude of the Redundant

• By substituting the values of ∆𝐶𝐸𝑂 and 𝑓𝐶𝐸,𝐶𝐸 into the
compatibility equation, the redundant 𝐹𝐶𝐸 becomes
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
2.3. Three moment method
• The three-moment equation provides a convenient tool for
analyzing continuous beams.
• The three-moment equation represents, in a general form,
the compatibility condition that the slope of the elastic
curve be continuous at an interior support of the continuous
beam.
• Since the equation involves three moments
1. BM at the support under consideration
2. BM at the far left supports
3. BM at the fa right support
• it commonly is referred to as the three-moment equation.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• When using this method, the bending moments at the
interior (and any fixed) supports of the continuous
beam are treated as the redundant.
• The three-moment equation is then applied at the
location of each redundant to obtain a set of
compatibility equations which can be solved for the
unknown redundant
Derivation
• Consider an arbitrary continuous beam subjected to
external loads and support settlements as shown.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• To derive the three-moment equation, we focus our
attention on the compatibility equation at an interior
support c of the continuous beam, with prismatic
spans and a constant modulus of elasticity.
• As indicated in this figure, the adjacent supports to the
left and to the right of c are identified as l and r,
respectively and the settlements of supports l, c, and r
are denoted by ∆𝑙 , ∆𝑐 , and ∆𝑟 , respectively.
• The support settlements are considered positive when
in the downward direction, as shown in the figure.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• From the figure, we can see that the slope of the elastic
curve of the indeterminate beam is continuous at C.
• In other words, there is no change of slope continuous at
c of the tangents to the elastic curve at just to the left of c
and just to the right of c.
• However, when the primary structure, obtained by
inserting internal hinges at the interior support points, is
subjected to external loads, as shown in in the next figure,
a discontinuity develops in the slope of the elastic curve at
c, in the sense that the tangent to the elastic curve at just to
the left of c rotates relative to the tangent at just to the
right of c.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The change of slope (or the angle) between the two
tangents due to external loads is denoted by 𝜃1 and
can be expressed as.
𝜽𝟏 = 𝜽𝒍𝟏 + 𝜽𝒓𝟏
• in which 𝜃𝑙1 and 𝜃𝑟1 denote, respectively, the slopes at
the ends c of the spans to the left and to the right of
the support c, due to external loads.
• Similarly, the slope discontinuity at c in the primary
structure, due to support settlements, can be written
as.
𝜽𝟐 = 𝜽𝒍𝟐 + 𝜽𝒓𝟐
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• in which 𝜃𝑙2 and 𝜃𝑟2 represent, respectively, the slopes
of the spans to the left and to the right of c, due to
support settlements.
• Finally, when the primary structure is loaded with the
redundant support bending moments, the slope
discontinuity at c can be expressed as
𝜽𝟑 = 𝜽𝒍𝟑 + 𝜽𝒓𝟑
• in which 𝜃𝑙3 and 𝜃𝑟3 denote, respectively, the slopes at
end c of the spans to the left and to the right of the
support c, due to unknown redundant moments.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The compatibility equation is based on the requirement
that the slope of the elastic curve of the actual
indeterminate beam is continuous at c.
• That is, there is no change of slope from just to the left
of c to just to the right of c.
• Therefore, the algebraic sum of the angles between the
tangents at just to the left and at just to the right of c due
to the external loading, support settlements and the
redundant bending moments must be zero. Thus,
𝜽𝟏 + 𝜽𝟐 + 𝜽𝟑 = 𝟎
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• By substituting the above equations , we obtain
(𝜽𝒍𝟏 + 𝜽𝒓𝟏 ) + 𝜽𝒍𝟐 + 𝜽𝒓𝟐 + 𝜽𝒍𝟑 + 𝜽𝒓𝟑 = 𝟎
• Since each span of the primary structure can be treated
as a simply supported beam, the slopes at the ends c of
the left and the right spans, due to the external loads,
can be conveniently determined either by the
deflection method or by using the beam-deflection
formulas.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• By using the deflection formulas, we obtain:

• As continuous beams usually are loaded with

uniformly distributed loads over entire spans and
concentrated loads, the effects of only these two types
of loadings generally are considered in the three-
moment equation.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• However, the effects of other types of loads can be
included simply by adding the expressions of slopes
due to these loads to the right sides of the equations
mentioned.
• The slopes 𝜃𝑙2 and 𝜃𝑟2 , of the left and the right spans,
respectively, due to support settlements, can be obtained
directly from the deformed positions of the spans.
• Since the settlements are assumed to be small, the slopes
can be expressed as
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• The slopes at ends c of the left and the right spans, due
to redundant support bending moments, can be
determined conveniently by using the beam-deflection
formulas. Thus,

• In which Ml, Mc and Mr denote the bending moments

at supports l, c and r, respectively.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• By using the above equations, we write the
compatibility equation as

• By simplifying the foregoing equation and rearranging

it to separate the terms containing redundant moments
from those involving loads and support settlements,
we obtain the general form of the three-moment
equation as:
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• in which
 Mc = bending moment at support c where the compatibility is being considered;
 Ml, Mr = bending moments at the adjacent supports to the left and to the right of c.
 E = modulus of elasticity;
 Ll, Lr = lengths of the spans to the left and to the right of c, respectively;
 Il, Ir = moments of inertia of the spans to the left and to the right of c, respectively;
 Pl, Pr = concentrated loads acting on the left and the right spans, respectively;
 kl (or kr) = ratio of the distance of Pl (or Pr) from left (or right) support to span length
 wl, wr = uniformly distributed loads applied to the left and the right spans, respectively;
 ∆c = settlement of the support c under consideration; and
 ∆l , ∆r = settlements of the adjacent supports to the left and to the right of c, respectively
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• If the moments of inertia of two adjacent spans of a
continuous beam are equal (i.e. 𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼), then the
three-moment equation simplifies to
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• If both the I and L of two adjacent spans are equal (i.e .
𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼 and 𝐿𝑙 = 𝐿𝑟 = 𝐿), then the three-moment
equation becomes

• The three-moment equations are applicable to any three

consecutive supports, l, c and r, of a continuous beam,
provided that there are no discontinuities, such as internal
hinges, in the beam between the left support l and the right
support r.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
PROCEDURES OF THREE-MOMENT EQUATION
• 1. Select the unknown bending moments at all interior
supports of the beam as the redundant.
• 2. By treating each interior support successively as the
intermediate support c, write a three-moment equation.
 When writing these equations, it should be realized
that bending moments at the simple end supports are
known.
For such a support with a cantilever overhang, the
bending moment equals that due to the external loads
acting on the cantilever portion about the end support.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
The total number of three-moment equations thus
obtained must be equal to the number of redundant
support bending moments, which must be the only
unknowns in these equations.
• 3. Solve the system of three-moment equations for the
unknown support bending moments.
• 4. Compute the span end shears. For each span of the
beam,
a) draw a FBD showing the external loads and end
moments
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

b) apply the equations of equilibrium to calculate the

shear forces at the ends of the span.
• 5. Determine support reactions by considering the
equilibrium of the support joints of the beam.
• 6. If so desired, draw shear and bending moment
diagrams of the beam by using the beam sign
convention.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Example 1
• Determine the reactions for the continuous beam shown
due to the uniformly distributed load and due to the
support settlements of 10 mm at A, 50 mm at B, 20 mm at
C, and 40 mm at D. Use the three-moment equation.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
Redundant
• The bending moments MB and MC, at the interior supports
B and C, respectively, are the redundant.
Three-Moment Equation at Joint B
• By considering the supports A, B, and C as l, c, and r, and
L = 10 m, E = 200 GPa = 200(106 ) kN/𝑚2 ,
 I = 700 (106 ) 𝑚𝑚4 = 700 (10−6 ) 𝑚4 ,
 𝑊𝑙 = 𝑊𝑟 = 30 kN/m, ∆𝑙 = ∆𝐴 = 10 mm = 0.01 m,
 ∆𝐶 = ∆𝐵 = 50 mm = 0.05 m, ∆𝑟 = ∆𝐶 = 20 mm = 0.02 m and
𝑃𝑙 = 𝑃𝑟 = 0, into the three moment equation. we write
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• Since A is a simple end support, MA = 0. The foregoing

equation thus simplifies to

Three-Moment Equation at Joint C

• Similarly, by considering the supports B, C, and D as l,
c, and r, respectively, and by substituting the appropriate
numerical values , we obtain
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures

• Since D is a simple end support, MD = 0.

• Thus, the foregoing equation becomes
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Support Bending Moments
• Solving Eqs. (1) and (2) simultaneously for MB and
MC, we obtain

Span End Shears and Reactions

• With the redundant MB and MC known, the span end
shears and the support reactions can be determined by
considering the equilibrium of the free bodies of the
spans AB; BC, and CD, and joints B and C, as shown
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Example 2
• Determine the reactions for the continuous beam
shown in Fig. 14.5(a) by the three-moment equation.
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Solution
• Since support A of the beam is fixed, we replace it
with an imaginary interior roller support with an
adjoining end span of zero length, as shown
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
Redundants
• From Fig. 14.5(b), we can see that the bending
moments MA and MB at the supports A and B,
respectively, are the redundant.
Three-Moment Equation at Joint A
• for supports A0, A, and B, can be written as

• or
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Three-Moment Equation at Joint B
• Similarly, for supports A; B, and C, we write

• The bending moment at end C of the cantilever

overhang CD is computed as
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• By substituting MC = 90 k-ft into the foregoing three-
moment equation and simplifying, we obtain

• Support Bending Moments Solving Eqs. (1) and (2),

we obtain
Chapter two Analysis of indeterminate structures
• Span End Shears and Reactions
Thank you