INFLUENCE LINE
FOR STATICALLY
DETERMINATE
STRUCTURES
INFLUENCE LINES have important application
for the design of structures that resist large
live loads. In this lesson we will discuss how to
draw the influence line for a statically
determinate structure. The theory is applied to
structures subjected to a distributed load or a
series of concentrated forces, and specific
applications to floor girders and bridge trusses
are given. The determination of the absolute
maximum live shear and moment in a member
is discussed at the end of the lesson.
In the previous lesson we developed
techniques for analyzing the forces in
structural members due to dead or fixed
loads. It was shown that the shear and
moment diagrams represent the most
descriptive methods for displaying the
variation of these loads in a member. If a
structure is subjected to a live or moving
load, however, the variation of the shear
and bending moment in the member is
best described using the influence line.
An INFLUENCE LINE represents the variation of
either the reaction, shear, or moment, at a specific
point in a member as a concentrated force moves
over the member. Once this line is constructed, one
can tell at a glance where the moving load should be
placed on the structure so that it creates the
greatest influence at the specified point.
Furthermore, the magnitude of the associated
reaction, shear, or moment at the point can then be
calculated from the ordinates of the influence-line
diagram. For these reasons, influence lines play an
important part in the design of bridges, industrial
crane rails, conveyors, and other structures where
loads move across their span.
Qualitative Influence
Lines
Müller-Breslau
principle
it states that the influence line for
a function (reaction, shear, or
moment) is to the same scale as
the deflected shape of the beam
when the beam is acted upon by
the function.
In order to draw the
deflected shape properly,
the capacity of the beam to
resist the applied function
must be removed so the
beam can deflect when the
function is applied.
PROCEDURE FOR
ANALYSIS