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Structural Analysis Formulas & Tricks

The document provides a comprehensive formula sheet for structural analysis, covering trusses, beams, frames, and common load cases, along with methods for calculating degree of indeterminacy and internal forces. It includes numerical problems with solutions for practical application of the concepts. Additionally, memory tricks are offered to help differentiate between determinate and indeterminate structures, load behaviors, and frame actions.

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31 views3 pages

Structural Analysis Formulas & Tricks

The document provides a comprehensive formula sheet for structural analysis, covering trusses, beams, frames, and common load cases, along with methods for calculating degree of indeterminacy and internal forces. It includes numerical problems with solutions for practical application of the concepts. Additionally, memory tricks are offered to help differentiate between determinate and indeterminate structures, load behaviors, and frame actions.

Uploaded by

BeastBoy Rudra
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Structural Analysis – Formula Sheet, Numericals, Memory Tricks

FORMULA SHEET

1. Trusses

m = number of members

j = number of joints

Internal DI = m – (2j – 3)

External DI = reactions – 3

Total DI = Internal + External

Method of Joints: ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0

Method of Sections: ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, ΣM = 0

2. Beams and Frames

Equilibrium: ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0, ΣM=0

Bending stress: σ = My/I

Shear stress: τ = VQ/It

Slope: θ = ∫(M/EI) dx

Deflection: y = ∫θ dx

3. Indeterminacy

Frames (2D): DI = r + 3m – 3j

External DI = reactions – 3

Internal DI = extra member-end forces beyond joint equilibrium

4. Common Load Cases

Point load at midspan: Mmax = WL/4

UDL on whole span: Mmax = wL²/8

Cantilever with point load at tip: M = WL

Cantilever with UDL: M = wL²/2

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS WITH SOLUTIONS

Problem 1: Degree of Indeterminacy


A continuous beam has three supports: left fixed, one roller in middle, one roller at right.

Find DI.

Solution:

Reactions:

Fixed = 3, Roller = 1, Roller = 1 → Total r = 5

External DI = r – 3 = 5 – 3 = 2

No internal redundancy.

Answer: DI = 2

Problem 2: Truss Internal Forces

A simple triangular truss has a point load W at the apex. Base joints are pinned and roller.

Find force in both inclined members.

Solution:

Symmetry → reactions equal = W/2

Method of joints at apex:

Sum Fy = 0 → 2F sinθ = W → F = W / (2 sinθ)

Members are in compression.

Answer: F = W / (2 sinθ)

Problem 3: Beam Deflection

Simply supported beam, span L, central point load P.

Find maximum deflection.

Solution:

Formula: δmax = PL³ / (48EI)

Answer: δmax = PL³ / (48EI)

Problem 4: Portal Frame Indeterminacy

Frame has 2 columns and 1 beam, all rigid. Base is fixed.

Members m = 3

Joints j = 4 (two bases, two beam-column joints)

Reactions r = 6 (two fixed supports)


DI = r + 3m – 3j

DI = 6 + 9 – 12 = 3

Answer: Degree of Indeterminacy = 3

MEMORY TRICKS

1. Determinate vs Indeterminate

Think of a chair:

If it stands with exactly 4 legs (no extra), it is determinate.

If you add extra legs, it's indeterminate. You don’t need them, but they add stiffness.

2. Truss Indeterminacy

Perfect truss feels like 2j – 3.

If m is more → too many members → redundant.

If m is less → unstable.

3. Load behavior

Dead load = “Always there” (constant friend).

Live load = “Guest” (comes and goes).

Wind load = “Push from nature”.

Earthquake load = “Shake from ground”.

4. Frame actions

Moment = twist

Shear = slide

Axial = push or pull

These three always travel together in frames.

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