Notes in Structural Theory 1
Module 2 Title: Equilibrium and Support Reactions
Module Introduction/Rationale:
In this module, we will learn the basic concept of equilibrium of structures under the action of
forces, the types of support reactions, and static determinancy, indeterminancy, and instability of
structures.
Module Outcomes:
CO1: Identify and classify various types of planar and spatial; structural systems and the manner
by which these are supported for stability.
CO2: Determine the state of static and kinematics determinacy and stability of structural systems,
externally and internally.
Lesson 1 Title: Reactions of Structures
Lesson Outcomes:
At the end of this topic the learner should be able to:
1. identify the types of coplanar force systems and supports
2. classify the structure according to stability and determinancy
3. compute the support reactions using the equilibrium equations
EQUILIBRIUM
A structure is considered to be in equilibrium if, initially at rest, it remains at rest when subjected
to a system of forces and couples.
FORCE SYSTEM
It is an arrangement of two or more forces acting on a body or a group of related bodies.
Coplanar Force System – when the lines of action of all the forces in a force system lie in one plane.
F2 F3
F1
Note: from the figure all the three forces are
acting on the same plane
Non-coplanar Force System – when the lines of action of all the forces in a force system lie in more than
one plane.
F2
F3 Note: from the figure each forces are acting
on the different plane
F1
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
Types of Coplanar Force Systems
1. Concurrent Force System – those in which the lines of action pass through a common point.
Y
F2 F1
F3
F4
2. Parallel Force System – those in which the lines of action are parallel (either along the X axis or
Y axis).
F1
F1 F2 F3 F4
F2
F3
F4
3. General Force System – consists of several forces the lines of action of which are in various
directions and do not intersect in a common point.
F1
F4 F2
F3
4. Couple – consist of two equal and opposite parallel forces that do not have a common line of
action.
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
SUPPORT REACTIONS
Reactions are forces developed at certain support to counteract the action of forces imposed on a
structural system.
Types of Supports for Plane Structures
Type of Support Symbolic Representation with Reactions Number of Unknowns
R
R
Roller 1
Rocker 1
Link 1
R
Hinge RH 2
RV
M
RH
Fixed 3
RV
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
Roller Support
Hinged Support
Rocker Support Fixed Support
Modelling
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
Free-Body Diagram
An isolated view of a body which shows only the external forces exerted on the body is
called a free-body diagram.
Three Equations for Static Equilibrium of Plane Structures
ΣFx = 0 ΣFy = 0 ΣM = 0
Right = Left Up = Down Clockwise = Counter Clockwise
A body that is initially at rest and remains at rest when acted upon by a system of forces is in a
state of static equilibrium.
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
Six Equations for Static Equilibrium of Space Structures
ΣFx = 0 ΣMx = 0
ΣFy = 0 ΣMy = 0
ΣFz = 0 ΣMz = 0
The first three equations ensure that there is no resultant force acting on the structure, and the
last three equations express the fact that there is no resultant couple acting on the structure.
STATIC DETERMINANCY, INDETERMINANCY, AND INSTABILITY
A structure is considered to be internally stable, or rigid, if it maintains its shape and remains a
rigid body when detached from the supports.
An internally stable structure is considered to be statically determinate externally if all support
reactions can be determined by solving the equations of equilibrium.
Examples of Internally Stable Structures
A structure is termed internally unstable, or non rigid, if it cannot maintain its shape and may
undergo large displacements under small disturbances and often collapse under its own weight when not
supported externally.
Examples of Internally Unstable Structures
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
A statically indeterminate externally structures is supported by more than three reactions, and all
reactions cannot be determined from the three equations of equilibrium. The reactions in excess of those
necessary for equilibrium are called external redundants, and the number of external redundants is
referred to as the degree of external indeterminancy.
If a structure is supported by fewer than three support reactions, the reactions are not sufficient
to prevent all possible movements of the structure in its plane. Such structure cannot remain in
equilibrium under general system of loads and is, therefore, referred to as statically unstable externally.
EQUATIONS OF CONDITION OR CONSTRUCTION
Usually structures are composed of one rigid body (beam, truss or frame) that are restrained in
space by a certain number of supports. However, the structure can be built up with several rigid bodies
partly connected together in some manner, and then mounted on a number of supports. The separate
parts maybe connected together by hinges, links or rollers.
The conditions introduced by the method of construction are called equation of construction or
condition.
Internal Hinge
Internal Roller
1. Structures Not Involving Equation of Condition
If R<3 the structure is statically unstable externally
R=3 the structure is statically stable and determinate externally
R>3 the structure is statically indeterminate externally
Degree of Indeterminancy (DI) = R – 3
Where: R = number of unknowns (reaction elements)
3 = the three static equations of equilibrium
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Notes in Structural Theory 1
2. Structures Involving Equation of Condition
If R–C<3 the structure is statically unstable externally
R–C=3 the structure is statically stable and determinate externally
R–C>3 the structure is statically indeterminate externally
Degree of Indeterminancy (DI) = R – C – 3
Where: R = number of unknowns (reaction elements)
3 = the three static equations of equilibrium
C = equations of condition
C = 1 (for internal hinge)
C = 2 (for internal roller)