CE3155 Structural Analysis

Semester 1, AY2015/2016

Tutorial 3 – Virtual Work and Force Method

Discussion: 16 - 18 Sept 2015

Question 1
Considering only the active brace, determine the degree of indeterminacy of the structures
in Fig. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c). Where relevant, determine the axial forces, the Shear Force
Diagrams (SFD), Bending Moment Diagrams (BMD), and sketch the deflected shapes.
Assume EA/EI is constant.

P D C P D C P D C

L L L

A B A B A B

L L L

Fig. 1(a) Fig. 1(b) Fig. 1(c)

Hint: Superposition can be considered for Fig.1(c) as follows:

P 0.5P 0.5P ? ?

= +

The three structures in Fig. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) are constructed using a universal column
section, UKC 203 x 203 x 46. Given E = 200 GPa, A = 58.7 cm2, I = 4570 cm4, L = 10 m, and P =
2 kN, calculate the horizontal displacement at C.

Comment on the performance of the different structures.

CE3155 Structural Analysis
Semester 1, AY2015/2016

Practice 1
Determine the vertical displacement of Joint F. EA is constant. Use the method of virtual
work.

Practice 2
Use the method of virtual work and determine the horizontal deflection at C. E is constant.
There is a pin at A, and assume C is a roller and B is a fixed joint.

Practice 3
Determine the vertical displacement of joint A if members AB and BC experience a
temperature increase of ΔT = 110°C. Take cross-sectional area = 1200 mm2 and E = 200 GPa.
Also, α = 12.0 x 10-6 /°C.
Virtual work equation for deflection due to temperature: 1     n   T L
CE3155 Structural Analysis
Semester 1, AY2015/2016

Practice 4
Given that beam AC has a constant EI, find the slope and deflection at point C.

Practice 5
The support at B settles downward 75 mm. Draw the Shear Force Diagram (SFD), Bending
Moment Diagram (BMD), and sketch the deflected shape. Assume B and C are rollers and A
is pinned. Take E = 200 GPa, I = 200 x 106 mm4.

Practice 6
Draw the Shear Force Diagram (SFD), Bending Moment Diagram (BMD), and sketch the
deflected shape. Assume A is a pin and B and C are rollers. EI is constant.
CE3155 Structural Analysis
Semester 1, AY2015/2016

Practice 7
Draw the Shear Force Diagram (SFD), Axial Force Diagram (AFD), Bending Moment Diagram
(BMD), and sketch the deflected shape. Calculate the deflection/rotation at B. Assume A and
C are pins and the joint at B is fixed connected. EI is constant.

Practice 8
Determine the force in member AD of the truss and the deflection at B. The cross sectional
area of each member is shown in the figure. Assume the members are pin connected at
their ends. Take E = 200 GPa.