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Consistent Deformations - Force Method

Introduction

The method of consistent deformations, or sometimes referred to as the force or flexibility

method, is one of the several techniques available to analyze indeterminate structures. The
following is the procedure that describes the concept of this method for analyzing externally
indeterminate structures with single or double degrees of indeterminacy.

determine the degree of indeterminacy

Determine the degree of indeterminacy of a given structure. This can be accomplished by

calculating the number of unknown reactions, r, minus the number of static equilibrium
equations, e. For example, considering the frame shown below (Fig.1), the number of
unknown external reactions, r, equals 5, (XA, YA, MA, XB, and YB). The number of static
equilibrium equations, e, equals 3, ( Fx = 0, Fy = 0 and M = 0). Therefore, the number of
degree of indeterminacy, n, is calculated as:

n=r-e
=5-3
=2
Figure 1 - Indeterminate frame structure

In the frame shown in Fig. 2, there is another equation of statics that can be written at the
hinge h. In other words, the fact that the moment at h = zero for either part of the structure on
the right or the left side of the hinge h can be used. This equation is referred to as equation of
condition, ec. In this case, the number of unknown reactions is r = 6, the number of equations
of statics is e = 3, and the number of equations of condition ec = 1. The degree of
indeterminacy, n, is calculated as:

n = r - (e + ec)
= 6 - (3 + 1)
=2

Figure 2 - Indeterminate frame structure with hinge

select redundants
Select a number of the support reactions equal to the degree of indeterminacy as redundants.
The choice of the redundants will vary since any of the unknown reactions can be utilized as
a redundant. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the X and Y reactions at Support B can be
selected as redundants. Another alternative is to select the X reaction at B and the moment at
A as redundants. The later choice was selected and utilized through the remainder of this
procedure.

remove restraints at the redundants

Remove the support reactions (restraints) corresponding to the selected redundants from the
indeterminate structure to obtain a primary determinate structure, or sometimes referred to as
a released structure. This determinate system must represent a stable and admissible
system.

sketch deflected shape

Sketch the deflected shape of the primary determinate structure under the applied loads, and
label the deformations at the removed restraints, (see Fig. 3).

Figure 3(a) - Primary structure Figure 3(b) - Primary structure deflected shape

calculate deformations at redundants

Calculate the deformations corresponding to the redundants, i.e., the rotation at Support A,
A0, and the translation, B0, at Support B. This can be accomplished as follows; using the
virtual work method,

(a) Draw the moment diagram, M0, for the primary structure under the applied loads, (see
Fig. 4(a)(i)). The method of superposition can also be utilized when drawing the M0
 diagram, (see Fig. 4(a)(ii). This will simplify the integration needed to calculate the
deformation A0 and B0.

Figure 4(a)(i) - Moment diagram of primary

Figure 4(a)(ii) - Moment diagram by superposition
structure
(b) Apply a unit load at the location of the first redundant. In this case, apply a unit
moment, MA = 1 ft-k at Support A. Sketch the deflected shape, label the deformation at
the removed restraints and draw the moment diagram of the primary structure when
subjected to this load, see Fig. 4(b).

Figure 4(b)(i) - Moment diagram with MA = 1 ft-k Figure 4(b)(ii) - Deflected shape with MA = 1 ft-k
(c) Calculate the rotation, A0 , at Support A using the following equation:

(d) Apply a unit load at the location of the next redundant. i.e., apply a unit force, XB = 1 k
at Support B. Sketch the deflected shape, label the deformation at the removed restraints
and draw the moment diagram of the primary structure when subjected to this load, see
Fig. 4(c).
 Figure 4(c)(i) - Moment diagram with XB = 1 k Figure 4(c)(ii) - Deflected shape with XB = 1 k
(e) Calculate the translation, B0 , at Support B using the following equation:

(f) Calculate the deformations of the primary structure when subjected to the redundant
MA, see Fig. 4(b), or the redundant XB, see Fig. 4(c). This is accomplished by using the
following relationships:

The above relationships yield the flexibility coefficients faa, fab, fba, and fbb. The
flexibility coefficient fij is defined as the deformation corresponding to the
redundant i, due to a unit value of the redundant j.

write consistent deformation equations

Write consistent deformation equations that correspond to each redundant. In this case:

(a) Rotation at Support A = 0 since Support A is a fixed support that prevents rotations.

(1)

(b) Translation at Support B = 0 since Support B does not allow horizontal translation.

(2)
 solve deformation equations

Solve Equations (1) and (2) in the previous step to obtain the unknown redundants MA and
XB. Notice that if the answers of MA and XB are positive, this means that the assumed
directions of the applied force in Figures 4(b) and 4(c) are correct.

determine support reactions

Determine the remaining support reactions, i.e., XA, YA, and YB of the indeterminate
structure by imposing the calculated values of MA and XB in the correct directions and
utilizing the three equilibrium equations, ( Fx = 0, Fy = 0 and M = 0).

draw resultant structural diagrams

Once all reactions have been evaluated, the axial, shear, and moments diagrams can be
drawn. With this information, an approximate deflected shape can also be sketched.

The following examples illustrate the application of the consistent deformation method to
analyze statically indeterminate structures.

Examples

Once statically indeterminate beam

- Vertical reaction at B as redundant
Once statically indeterminate beam
- Moment reaction at A as redundant

Once statically indeterminate frame

- Horizontal reaction at D as redundant

Once statically indeterminate frame

- Vertical reaction at D as redundant

Twice statically indeterminate frame

- Horizontal and vertical reactions at D as redundants
 Once statically indeterminate truss
- Horizontal reaction at E as redundant

Contact Dr. Fouad Fanous for more information.

Consistent Deformations - Force Method
Indeterminate Beam with Moment Reaction as
Redundant

problem statement

Using the method of consistent deformations, determine the reactions, moments and shears
under the loading conditions shown. The modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia
(I) are constant for the entire beam.

Figure 1 - Beam structure to analyze

determine the degree of indeterminacy

The structure is statically indeterminate to the first degree (r = 4, e = 3, n = r-e = 4-3 = 1).

select redundant and remove restraint

To solve for this single degree of indeterminacy, the structure has to be reduced to a statically
determinate and stable structure. This is done by removing a redundant support.

In this example, the moment reaction at support A is selected as a redundant to remove in

order to obtain a primary determinate structure.

Figure 2 - Primary structure

determine reactions and draw moment diagram for the primary

structure
Calculate the support reactions of the primary structure.

The resulting system, ( A0 indicates the resulting deflection or deformation at the location of
the removed redundant for the primary structure).

Figure 3 - Support reactions

Determine the moment diagram M0 due to the applied loads on the primary structure.

In this example, the cantilever method is used to develop the moment diagram. (See a Virtual
Work Cantilever Example for a complete description of this step)

Figure 4 - M0 - Moment diagram due to applied loads

calculate deformation at redundant

Using the virtual work method, calculate the rotational translation of support A that
correponds to the redundant MA. Remove all loads an apply a unit moment in the direction of
the redundant, draw the moment diagram, ma, and sketch the deflected shape due to the unit
moment.

The resulting system, (faa is the deformation caused by the unit load).

Figure 5 - Primary structure with unit load applied and resulting deflected shape
Figure 6 - Moment diagram ma with MA = 1 ft-k

Calculate the rotational translation corresponding to the redundant MA at support A using the
following equation:

Calculate the deformation at the redundant, A0. Use the method of virtual work, calculate
the areas on the M0 diagram and multiply each area by the corresponding heights, hi,
measured at the centroid of this area on the ma diagram:

Area No. Area/EI (A) (k-ft2)/EI Height (h) on ma diagram (k-ft) Ai*hi (k2-ft3)/EI
A01 2/3 x 20 x 100/EI = 1333.33/EI -1/2 -666.67/EI
A02 1/2 x 20 x -36/EI = -360/EI -1/3 120/EI
A03 1/2 x 6 x -36/EI = -108/EI 0 0
Total = Q( A0 )= -546.67/EI

Therefore, with Q = 1 ft-k;

Q( A0) = -546.67 (k2-ft3)/EI
2
A0 = -546.67 (k-ft )/EI

Calculate the flexibility coefficient, faa, by determining the deformation of the primary
structure when subjected to the redundant load, MA = 1 ft-k.

Again, using the method of virtual work, calculate the areas on the ma diagram and multiply
by the corresponding heights, hi, measured at the centroid of each area:

Area No. Area/EI (A) (k-ft2)/EI Height (h) on ma diagram (k-ft) Ai*hi (k2-ft3)/EI
A11 1/2 x 20 x -1/EI = -10/EI -2/3 6.67/EI
Total = Q(faa) = 6.67/EI

Therefore, with Q = 1 ft-k;

Q(faa) = 6.67 (k2-ft3)/EI
faa = 6.67 (k-ft2)/EI

write consistent deformation equation

The consistent deformation equation that corresponds to the redundant MA (the moment
reaction at support A) is:
 A0 + faa * MA = 0 (1)

This equation is set equal to zero since the fixed support at A does not allow any rotation.

solve consistent deformation equation

Using equation (1), solve for MA:

-546.67 (k-ft2)/EI + 6.67 (k-ft2)/EI * MA = 0

MA = 82

Multiply the unit moment, Q, at MA by 82 to get the final reaction. The positive answer
indicates that the reaction is in the direction of the applied unit moment.

determine support reactions

Impose the value of the calculated MA along with the other applied loads on the original
structure. Calculate the remaining reactions using the three static equilibrium equations, ( Fx
= 0, Fy = 0 and M = 0).

Figure 7 - Beam with support reactions

draw moment, shear, and axial load diagrams

Shear:

Figure 8 - Final shear diagram

Moment:
Figure 9 - Final moment diagram

Deflected Shape:

Figure 10 - Deflected shape

Contact Dr. Fouad Fanous for more information.

Consistent Deformations - Force Method
Indeterminate Beam with Vertical Reaction as
Redundant

problem statement

Using the method of consistent deformations, determine the reactions, moments and shears
under the loading conditions shown. The modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia
(I) are constant for the entire beam.

Figure 1 - Beam structure to analyze

determine the degree of indeterminacy

The structure is statically indeterminate to the first degree (r = 4, e = 3, n = r-e = 4-3 = 1).

select redundant and remove restraint

To solve for this single degree of indeterminacy, the structure has to be reduced to a statically
determinate and stable structure. This is done by removing a redundant support.

In this example, the vertical reaction at support B is selected as a redundant to remove in

order to obtain a primary determinate structure.

Figure 2 - Primary structure

determine reactions and draw moment diagram for the primary

structure
Calculate the support reactions of the released structure.

The resulting system, ( B0 indicates the resulting deflection or deformation at the location of
the removed redundant for the primary structure).

Figure 3 - Support reactions

Determine the moment diagram M0 due to the applied loads on the primary structure.

In this example, the cantilever method is used to develop the moment diagram. (See a Virtual
Work Cantilver Example for a complete description of this step)

Figure 4 - M0 - Moment diagram due to applied loads

note: The moment diagram due to the 6k load is segmented as shown due to the value of the
moment diagram mb, which is found later in the problem.

calculate deformation at redundant

Using the virtual work method, calculate the deflection at support B that correponds to the
redundant YB. Remove all loads and apply a unit load in the direction of the redundant, draw
the moment diagram, mb, and sketch the deflected shape due to the unit moment.

The resulting system, (fbb is the deformation caused by the unit load).

Figure 5 - Primary structure with unit load applied and resulting deflected shape
Figure 6 - Moment diagram mb with YB = 1 k

Calculate the vertical translation corresponding to the redundant YB at support B using the
following equation:

Calculate the deformation at the redundant, B0. Use the method of virtual work, calculate
the areas on the M0 diagram and multiply each area by the corresponding heights, hi,
measured at the centroid of this area on the mb diagram:

Area No. Area/EI (A) (k-ft2)/EI Height (h) on mb diagram (ft-k) Ai*hi (k2-ft3)/EI
A01 1/3 x 20 x -400/EI = -2666.67/EI 15 -40000/EI
A02 1/2 x 20 x -120/EI = -1200/EI 13.33 -16000/EI
A03 20 x -36/EI = -720/EI 10 -7200/EI
A04 1/2 x 6 x -36/EI = -108/EI 0 0
Total = Q( B0 )= -63200/EI

Therefore, with Q = 1 k ;
Q( B0) = -63200 (k2-ft3)/EI
3
B0 = -63200 (k-ft )/EI

Calculate the flexibility coefficient, fbb, by determining the deformation of the primary
structure when subjected to the redundant load, YB = 1 k .

Again, using the method of virtual work, calculate the areas on the mb diagram and multiply
by the corresponding heights, hi, measured at the centroid of each area:

Area No. Area/EI (A) (k-ft2)/EI Height (h) on mb diagram (k-ft) Ai*hi (k2-ft3)/EI
A11 1/2 x 20 x 20/EI = 200/EI 2/3 x 20 = 13.33 2666.67/EI
Total = Q(fbb) = 2666.67/EI

Therefore, with Q = 1 k ;
Q(fbb) = 2666.67 (k2-ft3)/EI
fbb = 2666.67 (k-ft3)/EI

write consistent deformation equation

The consistent deformation equation that corresponds to the redundant YB (the vertical
reaction at support B) is:

B0 + fbb * YB = 0 (1)

This equation is set equal to zero since the pinned support at B does not allow any vertical
translation.

solve consistent deformation equation

Using equation (1), solve for YB:

-63200 (k-ft3)/EI + 2666.67 (k-ft3)/EI * YB = 0

YB = 23.7

Multiply the unit load, Q, at YB by 23.7 to get the final reaction. The positive answer
indicates that the reaction is in the direction of the applied unit force.

determine support reactions

Impose the value of the calculated YB along with the other applied loads on the original
structure. Calculate the remaining reactions using the three static equilibrium equations, ( Fx
= 0, Fy = 0 and M = 0).

Figure 7 - Beam with support reactions

draw moment, shear, and axial load diagrams

Shear:

Figure 8 - Final shear diagram

Moment:
Figure 9 - Final moment diagram

Deflected Shape:

Figure 10 - Deflected shape

Contact Dr. Fouad Fanous for more information.