STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

DEFLECTION OF DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

QNo1. What are assumptions made in the analysis of a truss?
a. In a frame or truss all the joints will be pin jointed.
b. All the loads will be acting at the joints only.
c. The self-weight of the members of the truss is neglected. Only the live load is considered.
d. The frame is a perfect one.

2. Differentiate perfect and imperfect trusses?

Perfects trusses are the trusses any which is designed to just carry the external load without failure for
which M= 2J-3
But imperfect trusses are the trusses which can carry either more than design load or less than design
load .there are two types of imperfect truss i) redundant for which M>2J-3 ii) deficient for M<2J-3
Where M-no of member
J-no of joints
3.Write the difference between deficient and redundant frames?

Deficient frame Redundant frame

If the number of members are less If the number of members are more than the
than the required of members. required number of members.
M < 2j-3 M > 2j-3
2. . Differentiate the statically determinate structures and statically determinate structures.
SLNo Statically determinate structures Statically indeterminate structures
1 Conditions of equilibrium are Conditions of equilibrium are insufficient to
sufficient to analyze the structure analyze the structure.

2 Bending moment and shear force is Bending moment and shear force is dependent of
independent of material and cross sectional material and independent of cross sectional area.
area.

3 No stresses are caused due to Stresses are caused due to temperature change
temperature change and lack of fit. and lack of fit.

4. Differentiate between determinate and indeterminate structures.

Determinate structures can be solving using conditions of equilibrium alone (ΣH = 0; ΣV = 0; ΣM = 0). No
other conditions are required.
Indeterminate structures cannot be solved using conditions of equilibrium because (ΣH ≠ 0; ΣV ≠ 0; ΣM ≠ 0).
Additional conditions are required for solving such structures.
Usually matrix methods are adopted.
5. Define degree of indeterminacy (i).
The excess number of reactions that make a structure indeterminate is called degree of
indeterminacy, and is denoted by (i). Indeterminacy is also called degree of redundancy.
Indeterminacy consists of internal and external indeterminacies.
i = ID + EI where ID = internal indeterminacy and EI = external indeterminacy.
6. Define internal and external indeterminacies.
Internal indeterminacy (ID) is the excess no of internal forces present in a member that
make a structure indeterminate.
External indeterminacy (EI) is excess no of external reactions in the member that make
the structure indeterminate.
i = ID + EI;
EI = r – e; where r = no of support reactions and e = equilibrium conditions
ID = i – EI
e = 3 (plane frames) and e = 6 (space frames)

7. Write the formulae for degree of indeterminacy for:

(a) Two dimensional pinjointed truss (2D Truss)
i = (m+r) – 2j where m = no of members
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
r = no of reactions
j = no of joints
(b) Two dimensional rigid frames/plane rigid frames (2D Frames)
i = (3m+r) – 3j where m = no of members
r = no of reactions
j = no of joints
(c) Three dimensional space truss (3D Truss)
i = (m+r) – 3j where m = no of members
r = no of reactions
j = no of joints
(d) Three dimensional space frames (3D Frame)
i = (6m+r) – 6j where m = no of members
r = no of reactions
j = no of joints
8. Define kinematic indeterminacy (Dk) or Degree of Freedom (DOF)
Degrees of freedom is defined as the least no of independent displacements required to
define the deformed shape of a structure. There are two types of DOF: (a) Nodal type
DOF and (b) Joint type DOF.
9. Briefly explain the two types of DOF.
(a) Nodal type DOF – This includes the DOF at the point of application of concentrated
load or moment, at a section where moment of inertia changes, hinge support, roller
support and junction of two or more members.
(b) Joint type DOF – This includes the DOF at the point where moment of inertia
changes, hinge and roller support, and junction of two or more members.
10. Define compatibility in force method of analysis.
Compatibility is defined as the continuity condition on the displacements of the structure
after external loads are applied to the structure.

11. Define degrees of freedom.

The degree of freedom can be defined as a set of independent displacement that specify completely the
deformed position and orientation of the body or system under loading. Here displacements include
deflections and rotation as well.
12. State Castiglione’s first theorem?
Ans- Castigliano stated that
“If the total strain energy of a body or a framework is expressed in terms of the external loads and is
partially differentiate with respect to one of the loads, the result is the displacement of the point of
application of the load in the direction of the load.
13. Define Flexural Rigidity of Beams
Ans-the product of E(young modulus) and I (moment of inertia) is called as flexural Rigidity of Beams
14. Define plane truss and space truss. Give some examples.
A plane truss is a two dimension truss structure composed of number of bars hinged together to form a rigid
frame work, all the members are lie in one plane. Eg.: Roof truss in industries. A space truss is a three
dimension truss structure composed of number of bars hinged together to form a rigid frame work, all the
members are lie in different plane. Eg.: Transmission line towers, crane parts.
15. What are the methods used to analyze the plane & space frames?
Analytical method
1. Method of joints
2. Method of sections (method of moments)
3. Tension co-efficient method.
4. Graphical method.
16.What is meant by ILD?
Ans-An influence line is a curve, the ordinate of which at any point is equal to the value of some structural
quantity like shear force and bending moment , when a unit load is placed at that point.
17.What are the uses of influence line diagrams?
Ans-
• calculate the variation of a particular quantity (BM, SF, axial force etc.) due to a unit load moving
across a structure,
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
• depict the variation of the quantity, graphically, through influence lines,
• discuss the properties of the influence line and to interpret it for direct use in structural analysis, and
• calculate the magnitude of the quantity under a given system of live loads moving across the structure.
18. Sketch the influence line diagram for shear force at any section of a simply supported beam

19.Briefly explain cable over saddle.

Cable over saddle has the following properties:
 Horizontal component of tension in the suspension cable = Horizontal component of tension in the
anchor cable
 he supporting tower will be subjected to only vertical pressure due to cable tension.
20. Briefly explain cable over a guide pulley.
Cable over a guide pulley has the following properties:
 Tension in the suspension cable = Tension in the anchor cable
 The supporting tower will be subjected to vertical pressure and bending due to net horizontal cable
tension.
21 What are the main functions of stiffening girders in suspension bridges?
 Stiffening girders have the following functions.
 They help in keeping the cables in shape
 They resist part of shear force and bending moment due to live loads.
22. What are the main functions of stiffening girders in suspension bridges?
Stiffening girders have the following functions.
 They help in keeping the cables in shape
 They resist part of shear force and bending moment due to live loads.
23. Differentiate between plane truss and space truss.
Plane truss
 All members lie in one plane
 All joints are assumed to be hinged.
Space truss
 This is a three dimensional truss
 All joints are assumed to be ball and socketed.
2. What is the true shape of cable structures?
Cable structures especially the cable of a suspension bridge is in the form of a catenary.
Catenary is the shape assumed by a string / cable freely suspended between two points.
3. What is the nature of force in the cables?
Cables of cable structures have only tension and no compression or bending.
UNIT III ARCHES
1.What is an arch? Explain.
An arch is defined as a curved girder, having convexity upwards and supported at its ends.
The supports must effectively arrest displacements in the vertical and horizontal directions. Only then there
will be arch action.
2. What is the degree of static indeterminacy of a three hinged parabolic arch?

For a three hinged parabolic arch, the degree of static indeterminacy is zero. It is statically determinate

3State the types of arches.

Types of Arches
On the basis of material used arches may be classified into and steel arches, reinforced concrete
arches, masonry arches etc.,
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
On the basis of structural behavior arches are classified as :
Three hinged arches:- Hinged at the supports and the crown
Two hinged arches:- Hinged only at the support.
Fixed arches:- The supports are fixed.
A 3-hinged arch is a statically determinate structure. A 2-hinged arch is an indeterminate structure of
degree of indeterminancy equal to 1. A fixed arch is a statically indeterminate structure. The degree of
indeterminancy is 3.

4. What are the types of arches according to the support conditions.

i. Three hinged arch
ii. Two hinged arch
iii. Single hinged arch
iv. Fixed arch (or) hingeless arch
5. What are the types of arches according to their shapes.
i. Curved arch
ii. Parabolic arch
iii. Elliptical arch
iv. Polygonal arch
6. Write the formula to calculate the change in rise in three hinged arch if there is a rise in temperature.
Change in rise =( L2+4r2)αT/4r
where l = span length of the arch
r = central rise of the arch
a = coefficient of thermal expansion
T = change in temperature
7.Under what conditions will the bending moment in an arch be zero throughout.
The bending moment in an arch throughout the span will be zero, if
(i) the arch is parabolic and (ii) the arch carries uniformly distributed load throughout the span.
8. Which of the two arches, viz. circular and parabolic is preferable to carry a uniformly distributed
load? Why?
Parabolic arches are preferably to carry distributed loads. Because, both, the shape of the arch and the
shape of the bending moment diagram are parabolic. Hence the intercept between the theoretical arch and
actual arch is zero everywhere. Hence, the bending moment at every section of the arch will be zero. The
arch will be under pure compression which will be economical.
9. What is the difference between the basic action of an arch and a suspension cable?
An arch is essentially a compression member which can also take bending moments and shears.
Bending moments and shears will be absent if the arch is parabolic and the loading uniformly distributed.
A cable can take only tension. A suspension bridge will therefore have a cable and a stiffening
girder.
The girder will take the bending moment and shears in the bridge and the cable, only tension.
Because of the thrusts in the cables and arches, the bending moments are considerably reduced.
If the load on the girder is uniform, the bridge will have only cable tension and no bending moment
on the girder.
10. What is a three hinged arch?
Three hinged arches:- Hinged at the supports and the crown and3-hinged arch is a statically determinate
structure
11.What is the degree of static indeterminacy of a three hinged parabolic arch?
For a three hinged parabolic arch, the degree of static indeterminacy is zero. It is statically determinate.
12.Maxwell-Betti Law of Reciprocal Deflections
The deflection of point A in direction 1 due to unit load at point B in direction 2 is equal in the magnitude to
the deflection of point B in direction 2 produced by a unit load applied at A in direction 1.
13. State the difference between strain energy method and unit load method in the determination of
deflection of structures.
In strain energy method, an imaginary load P is applied at the point where the deflection is desired to be
determined. P is equated to zero in the final step and the deflection is obtained. In unit load method, an unit
load (instead of P) is applied at the point where the deflection is desired.

14.What are the assumptions made in the unit load method?

 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
1. The external & internal forces are in equilibrium.
2. Supports are rigid and no movement is possible.
3. The materials is strained well within the elastic limit.

15. Define: Unit load method.

The external load is removed and the unit load is applied at the point, where the
deflection or rotation is to found.

16. Where do you get rolling loads in practice?

Shifting of load positions is common enough in buildings. But they are more pronounced in bridges
and in gantry girders over which vehicles keep rolling.
17. Name the type of rolling loads for which the absolute maximum bending moment occurs at the
midspan of a beam.
(i) Single concentrated load (ii) udl longer than the span (iii) udl shorter than the span (iv) Also
when the resultant of several concentrated loads crossing a span, coincides with a concentrated load then also
the maximum bending moment occurs at the centre of the span.
18. What is meant by absolute maximum bending moment in a beam?
When a given load system moves from one end to the other end of a girder, depending upon the
position of the load, there will be a maximum bending moment for every section. The maximum of these
bending moments will usually occur near or at the midspan. The maximum of maximum bending moments is
called the absolute maximum bending moment.
19. Where do you have the absolute maximum bending moment in a simply supported beam when a
series of wheel loads cross it?
When a series of wheel loads crosses a simply supported beam, the absolute maximum bending
moment will occur near midspan under the load Wcr , nearest to midspan (or the heaviest load). If Wcr is
placed to one side of midspan C, the resultant of the load system R shall be on the other side of C; and Wcr
and R shall be equidistant from C. Now the absolute maximum bending moment will occur under Wcr . If
Wcr and R coincide, the absolute maximum bending moment will occur at midspan.
20. What is the absolute maximum bending moment due to a moving udl longer than the span of a
simply supported beam?
When a simply supported beam is subjected to a moving udl longer than the span, the absolute
maximum bending moment occurs when the whole span is loaded.

21. State the location of maximum shear force in a simple beam with any kind of loading.
In a simple beam with any kind of load, the maximum positive shear force occurs at the left hand
support and maximum negative shear force occurs at right hand support.
22.What is meant by maximum shear force diagram?
Due to a given system of rolling loads the maximum shear force for every section of the girder can be
worked out by placing the loads in appropriate positions. When these are plotted for all the sections of the
girder, the diagram that we obtain is the maximum shear force diagram. This diagram yields the ‘design
shear’ for each cross section.
23. What is meant by influence lines?
An influence line is a graph showing, for any given frame or truss, the variation of any force or
displacement quantity (such as shear force, bending moment, tension, deflection) for all positions of a moving
unit load as it crosses the structure from one end to the other.
24. What are the uses of influence line diagrams?
(i) Influence lines are very useful in the quick determination of reactions, shear force, bending
moment or similar functions at a given section under any given system of moving loads and (ii) Influence
lines are useful in determining the load position to cause maximum value of a given
function in a structure on which load positions can vary.

25.What is an arch? Explain.

An arch is defined as a curved girder, having convexity upwards and supported at its ends.
The supports must effectively arrest displacements in the vertical and horizontal directions. Only then there
will be arch action.
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

26. (a) Explain the terms: consistent deformation compatibility.

Ans - A method of consistent deformation, also known as a flexibility method or a force method, is a well
known technique widely used in the analysis of statically indeterminate structures. In this method, a
set of independent static quantities (e.g. support reactions and internal forces at certain locations)
that cannot be determined from static equilibrium equations is chosen as a set of primary unknowns
called “redundants”. An additional set of equations called “compatibility equations” is formed to
solve all such unknown redundant/
(b) Express the formula to get the strain energy stored in a beam subjected to axial force, F and bending
moment, M.
(c)What do you mean by ILD? What is its importance?

Ans - An influence line for a given function, such as a reaction, axial force, shear force, or bending moment, is
a graph that shows the variation of that function at any given point on a structure due to the application of a
unit load at any point on the structure.

An influence line for a function differs from a shear, axial, or bending moment diagram. Influence lines can be
generated by independently applying a unit load at several points on a structure and determining the value of
the function due to this load, i.e. shear, axial, and moment at the desired location. The calculated values for
each function are then plotted where the load was applied and then connected together to generate the
influence line for the function.

(e) State the reciprocal theorem.

Ans- The displacement at a point 1 in a given direction due to a unit load at a point 2 in a seconddirection is
equal to the displacement at the point 2 in the second direction due to a unit load at the point 1 in the
given direction
(f) A prismatic cantilever of span L is subjected to a couple of moment M 0 at its free end. Calculate the strain
energy due to bending.
(g) Define “Influence line diagram”.
(h) Why is a suspension bridge stiffened?
(i) What is the structural advantage of an arch over a beam?
(j) A couple of moment M0 acts at the mid point of an intermediate span of a continuous beam of length L.
What is the area of the free-span B.M.D. to be used in three-moment equation?
1(a) Explain free body diagram for a fixed support.
(b)In simple supported beam, there will be no point to contra flexure for any type of loading.
(c) Explain radial shear in case of three hinged arch with a neat sketch.
(d)Mention the condition to obtain maximum bending moment under a particular point load when a series of
point load move on a span.
(e) Principle of superposition is valid for all types of problems. Comment.
Ans- the total displacement or the forces induced internally at a point in structure acted upon by externally
applied loadings can be computed by summing up of all the displacements or internal forces caused by each of
the external loads acting individually ,one at a time.n
(f) Explain unit load method.
(g) How you find deflection at any point in a beam using conjugate beam method.
(h) Draw sketch of a three hinged stiffening girder.
(i) How you will draw shear force diagram form a given bending moment diagrams.
(j) Define space frame.
Ans- A space frame is a structure system assembled of linear elements so arranged that forc es are
transferred in a three-dimensional manner. In some cases, the constituent element may be two-
dimensional. Macroscopically a space frame often takes the form of a flat or curved surface.
1.(a) Why are suspension bridges stiffened?
(b) Explain (i) internal and (ii) External static in determinacy.
(c) What is a point of contra flexure?
Ans- Point of the Contraflexture is the point where Bending moment value is zero. or other way where
Bending moments begins to change.
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
Or 'contra' means opposite. 'flexure' means bending. The physical meaning is 'Contra flexure is a point
where the hogging of the beam changes to sagging or vice versa'. Also the point where the bending moment
changes its sign, i.e. where bending becomes zero while changing from positive to negative or negative to
positive value.

(d) How dose an arch differs from a beam curved in elevation?

(e) The horizontal reaction in a three hinge arch increases as the rise h as the intermediate hinge
decreases. What will happen when h=0 ?
(f) Dose strain energy obey the principle of superposition? Explain.
(g) What is a conjugate beam?

Ans -
(h) A fixed beam has an intermediate hinge. Can you use the three moment equation to compute support
moments? Explain.
(i) Can you use ILD for dead loads? Explain.
Ans –No,we canot use dead load for ILd because for ILD only unit moving load is used .
(j) Why are most of the three hinged arch as parabolic?
Ans -Parabolic arches are preferably to carry distributed loads. Because, both, the shape of the arch and
the shape of the bending moment diagram are parabolic. Hence the intercept between the theoretical arch
and actual arch is zero everywhere. Hence, the bending moment at every section of the arch will be zero.
The arch will be under pure compression which will be economical
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

1)Define strain energy?

2)Define resilience?
3)Define proof resilience and modulus of resilience?
4)State the two methods for analyzing the staticallyindeterminate structure?
5)Define Castigliano’s first and second theorem?
6)State the principles of virtual work?
7)What is the strain energy stored in a rod length (l) and axialrigidity AE to an axial force P?
8)State the various methods for computing the joint deflectionof a perfect frame?
9)State the difference between unit load and strain energymethod in the determination of structures?
10)State the assumptions made in the unit load method?
11)State the comparison of Castigliano’s first theorem andunit load method?
12)State Maxwell’s reciprocal theorem.
Ans- The displacement at a point 1 in a given direction due to a unit load at a point 2 in a seconddirection is
equal to the displacement at the point 2 in the second direction due to a unit load at the point 1 in the
given direction.

UNIT-II INFLUENCE LINES

1. Where do you get rolling loads in practice?
Shifting of load positions is common enough in buildings. But they are more pronounced in bridges
and in gantry girders over which vehicles keep rolling.
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
2. Name the type of rolling loads for which the absolute maximum bending moment occurs at the
midspan of a beam.
(i) Single concentrated load (ii) udl longer than the span (iii) udl shorter than the span (iv) Also
when the resultant of several concentrated loads crossing a span, coincides with a concentrated load then also
the maximum bending moment occurs at the centre of the span.
3. What is meant by absolute maximum bending moment in a beam?
When a given load system moves from one end to the other end of a girder, depending upon the
position of the load, there will be a maximum bending moment for every section. The maximum of these
bending moments will usually occur near or at the midspan. The maximum of maximum bending moments is
called the absolute maximum bending moment.
4. Where do you have the absolute maximum bending moment in a simply supported beam when a series of
wheel loads cross it?
When a series of wheel loads crosses a simply supported beam, the absolute maximum bending
moment will occur near midspan under the load Wcr , nearest to midspan (or the heaviest load). If Wcr is
placed to one side of midspan C, the resultant of the load system R shall be on the other side of C; and Wcr
and R shall be equidistant from C. Now the absolute maximum bending moment will occur under Wcr . If
Wcr and R coincide, the absolute maximum bending moment will occur at midspan.
5. What is the absolute maximum bending moment due to a moving udl longer than the span of a
simply supported beam?
When a simply supported beam is subjected to a moving udl longer than the span, the absolute
maximum bending moment occurs when the whole span is loaded.
Mmax max = wl2 /8
6. State the location of maximum shear force in a simple beam with any kind of loading.
In a simple beam with any kind of load, the maximum positive shear force occurs at the left hand
support and maximum negative shear force occurs at right hand support.
7.What is meant by maximum shear force diagram?
Due to a given system of rolling loads the maximum shear force for every section of the girder can be worked
out by placing the loads in appropriate positions. When these are plotted for all the sections of the girder, the
diagram that we obtain is the maximum shear force diagram. This diagram yields the ‘design shear’ for each
cross section.
8. What is meant by influence lines?
An influence line is a graph showing, for any given frame or truss, the variation of any force or
displacement quantity (such as shear force, bending moment, tension, deflection) for all positions of a moving
unit load as it crosses the structure from one end to the other.
9. What are the uses of influence line diagrams?
(i) Influence lines are very useful in the quick determination of reactions, shear force, bending
moment or similar functions at a given section under any given system of moving loads and
(ii) Influence lines are useful in determining the load position to cause maximum value of a given
function in a structure on which load positions can vary.
13)Define degree of redundancy?
14)Define perfect frame?
15)State the two types of strain energies?
16)State in which cases, the Castigliano’s theorem can beused?
17)Give examples for gradually applied load and suddenlyapplied load?
18)Write the formulae for strain energy stored in the body incase of bending?
19) The shear stress in a material is 60N/mm 2. Calculate thestrain energy per unit volume assuming C to be 8
x 104N/mm2
20)Distinguish between the suddenly applied load and impactload?
21)Write the formulae for strain energy stored in a body dueto shear stress?
22) The proof stress in a specimen is 20 N/mm2and theyoung’s modulus is 2 x 105N/mm2. What is the modulus
of resilience?
23)Write the formulae for stress induced in a body by theapplication of load with impact.

24)Write the formulae for stress induced in a body due totorsion?

25)State the application of Castigliano’s theorem.
26)State the law of conservation of energy?
27)State Engessor’s theorem.
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
28)What is Williot – Mohr’s diagram?
29)What is the strain energy due to•Axial stress•Bending moment
30)Find the equation for the strain energy due to bendingmoment of a simply supported beam carrying load
‘W’spread over its entire length uniform.
19. Define: Unit load method.
The external load is removed and the unit load is applied at the point, where the deflection or rotation is to
found.
1) Define Strain energy
When an elastic body is loaded with in an elastic limit, it deforms and some work is done which
is stored with in the body in the form of internal energy. This stored energy in the deformed body is
known as Strain energy.
2) Define Proof Resilience
Proof Resilience is the maximum energy stored in the body within the elastic limit.
3) Define Strain energy Density (Resilience)
The ability of the material to regain its original shape on removal of the applied load is known
as Strain energy Density (Resilience).
4) Define Modulus of Resilience
Proof Resilience per unit volume is known as Modulus of Resilience.
5) Write the formula to calculate the strain energy due to axial loads.
U=∫ P2/2AE dx limit 0 to L
Where,
P=Applied tensile load
L=length of the member
A=Area of the member
E=Young’s Modulus
6) Write the formula to calculate the strain energy due to bending
U=∫M2 /2EI dx
Where,
M=Bending moment due to applied loads
E=Young’s Modulus
I=moment of inertia
7) Write the formula to calculate the strain energy due to torsion in a solid shaft
Where,
Fs= maximum shear stress developed in the outermost layer.
V=volume of shaft
N= Modulus of rigidity
11) State Castigliano’s theorem
Castigliano’s theorem states that” If a body is acted upon by forces f1, f2, f3…..fn and U is the
strain energy stored in the body the partial derivative of the strain energy with respect to a force system
fi gives the displacement of the body in the direction of fi.δi= ∂U
∂fi
12) What are the uses of Castigliano’s theorem?
i) To determine the deflection of complicated structures.
ii) To determine the deflection of curved beams and springs.
13) Define unit load method
The external loads are removed and the unit load is applied at places where deflection has to
be found out is known as unit load method.
14) Define Maxwell’s Reciprocal theorem
In any beam or truss the deflection at any point ‘A’ due to a load ‘W’ at any other point ‘C’ is
the same as the deflection at ’C’ due to the same load at ‘A’.
δA=δC
15) Compare the unit load method and Castigliano’s first theorem
In the unit load method one has to analyze the frame to find the load and deflection while
in the latter method, only one analysis is needed.
16) What is Williot Mohr’s diagram?
Williot Mohr’s diagram is a graphical method to find the deflection of the beam.
17) Write the formula for finding deflection of a fixed beam carrying a load w at the free end of length
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
L
δ =wL3/3EI
18) State the principal of virtual work
Direct use of deflection and strain energy for determining deflection of beam breaks down due to
several deflections. Hence an extraordinary device meant for solving this problem i.e., by replacing
true or real work and strain energy by external and internal work.
19) Write the formula for finding strain energy per unit volume due to a tensile stress (f)
U=f2/2E
Where,
P= tensile stress
E=Young’s Modulus
20) Write the formula for finding deflection of a beam of length (L) simply supported at one end
caries a point load (W) at its centre.

δ = WL3/48EI
UNIT : 2
Indeterminate Beams
1. What do you mean by propped cantilevers?
Propped cantilevers means cantilevers supported on a vertical supported at a
suitable point.
2. How will you find the reaction at the prop?
The reaction of the prop is calculated by equating the down ward deflection due to
load at the point of prop to the upward deflection due in prop reaction.
3. What do you mean by a fixed beam?
A beam whose both ends are fixed is known as fixed beam.
4. What do you mean by a continuous beam?
A beam which is supported on more than two supports is known as a continuous
beam.
5. What is the advantage of fixed beam:
a. The beam is more stable and stronger
b. The slope at both ends of a fixed beam is Zero
c. The fixed beam is subjected to a lesser maximum bending moment
d. The maximum deflection of a fixed beam is less than that of a simply supported beam.

8. State theorem of three moments.

MAL1 + 2MB (L1 + L2) + MC L2 = -6(a1x1/L1 +a2 x2/L2)
A1 = Area of BM diagram due to Vertical loads on Span AB
A2 = Area of BM diagram due to Vertical loads on Span BC
X1= Distance of C.G. of BM diagram due to Vertical load on AB from A
X2= Distance of C.G. of BM diagram due to Vertical load on BC from point C
9. How will you apply clapeyron’s theorem of three moments to a continuous beam with
simply supported ends.
MAL1 + 2MB (L1 + L2) + MC L2 = -6( a1x1/L1 +a2 x2/L2)
The fixing moments on the ends of a simply supported beam is Zero.
MA = MC = 0
Thus we use a plank bridge to span a short distance and for relatively low load. It is inherently quite flexible
and will quickly be over-stressed with increasing span or load, however if it is easy to construct many
supports along the total span (e.g a shallow well founded river estuary) and the height can be fairly low, then
this type of bridge may be viable for long spans

Arch bridges are much more rigid and can be applied to medium spans and used for higher loads. They are
specially well suited to crossing steep sided ravines since the sides of the ravine can lend good support to the
arch and may also form part of the arch structure, saving cost.

Suspension bridges are normally used for longer spans where support tower construction from beneath is
limited (two towers is normal but some are built with only one) and /or the bridge must have high clearance
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
(for shipping). Their loads are often significantly limited and heavy lifts often have to find an alternative
route.
1. What do you mean by propped cantilevers?
Propped cantilevers means cantilevers supported on a vertical supported at a suitable point.
2. How will you find the reaction at the prop?
The reaction of the prop is calculated by equating the down ward deflection due to
load at the point of prop to the upward deflection due in prop reaction.
3. What do you mean by a fixed beam?
A beam whose both ends are fixed is known as fixed beam.
4. What do you mean by a continuous beam?
A beam which is supported on more than two supports is known as a continuous beam.
5. What is the advantage of fixed beam:
a. The beam is more stable and stronger
b. The slope at both ends of a fixed beam is Zero
c. The fixed beam is subjected to a lesser maximum bending moment
d. The maximum deflection of a fixed beam is less than that of a simply supported beam.
6. Find an expression for the deflection for a fixed beam carrying a udl throughout the span.
Y=wl4/192EI
7. Find an expression for deflection for a fixed beam carrying a point load at the centre.
Y=wl4/384EI
8. State theorem of three moments.
MAL1 + 2MB (L1 + L2) + MC L2 = -6(a1x1/L1 +a2 x2/L2)
A1 = Area of BM diagram due to Vertical loads on Span AB
A2 = Area of BM diagram due to Vertical loads on Span BC
X1= Distance of C.G. of BM diagram due to Vertical load on AB from A
X2= Distance of C.G. of BM diagram due to Vertical load on BC from point C
9. How will you apply clapeyron’s theorem of three moments to a continuous beam with
simply supported ends.
MAL1 + 2MB (L1 + L2) + MC L2 = -6( a1x1/L1 +a2 x2/L2)
The fixing moments on the ends of a simply supported beam is Zero.
MA = MC = 0
10. What is the reaction for a cantilever carrying a udl over the entire span and propped
rigidly at the free end,
P = 3/8 WL
11. Find the BM at fixed end for a cantilever carrying a udl over the entire span and propped
rigidly at the free end.M= WL2/8
12. Find the deflection at the centre for a cantilever carrying a udl over the entire span and
propped rigidly at the free end.
Y C= WL4/192EI
13. What is the prop reaction for a simply supported beam, carrying a udl over the entire span
and propped at the centre.
P = 5/8W
14. Find the support reaction for a simply supported beam, carrying a udl over the entire span
and propped at the centre.
RA = RB = 3W/16
15. Find the B.M at centre for a simply supported beam, carrying a udl over the entire span
and propped at the centre.M = -WL2/32
1. Where do you get rolling loads in practice?

Shifting of load positions is common enough in buildings. But they are more pronounced in bridges and in
gantry girders over which vehicles keep rolling.

2. Name the type of rolling loads for which the absolute maximum bending moment occurs at the mid-
span of a beam.

(i) Single concentrated load

(ii) udl longer than the span
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(iii) udl shorter than the span
(iv) Also when the resultant of several concentrated loads crossing a span, coincides with a concentrated load
then also the maximum bending moment occurs at the centre of the span.

3. What is meant by absolute maximum bending moment in a beam?

When a given load system moves from one end to the other end of a girder, depending upon the position of the
load, there will be a maximum bending moment for every section. The maximum of these bending moments
will usually occur near or at the mid-span. The maximum of maximum bending moments is called the
absolute maximum bending moment.

4. Where do you have the absolute maximum bending moment in a simply supported beam when a
series of wheel loads cross it?

When a series of wheel loads crosses a simply supported beam, the absolute maximum bending moment will
occur near mid-span under the load W, nearest to mid-span (or the heaviest load). If Wcr is placed to one side
of mid-span C, the resultant of the load system R shall be on the other side of C; and W and R shall be
equidistant from C. Now the absolute maximum bending moment will occur under W. If W and R coincide,
the absolute maximum bending moment will occur at mid-span.

5. What is the absolute maximum bending moment due to a moving udl longer than the span of a
simply supported beam?

When a simply supported beam is subjected to a moving udl longer than the span, the absolute maximum
bending moment occurs when the whole span is loaded.

Mmax= wl2/8

6. State the location of maximum shear force in a simple beam with any kind of loading.

In a simple beam with any kind of load, the maximum positive shear force occurs at the left hand support and
maximum negative shear force occurs at right hand support.

7. What is meant by maximum shear force diagram?

Due to a given system of rolling loads the maximum shear force for every section of the girder can be worked
out by placing the loads in appropriate positions. When these are plotted for all the sections of the girder, the
diagram that we obtain is the maximum shear force diagram. This diagram yields the ‘design shear’ for each
cross section.

8. What is meant by influence lines?

An influence line is a graph showing, for any given frame or truss, the variation of any force or displacement
quantity (such as shear force, bending moment, tension, deflection) for all positions of a moving unit load as it
crosses the structure from one end to the other.

9. What are the uses of influence line diagrams?

(i) Influence lines are very useful in the quick determination of reactions, shear force, bending moment or
similar functions at a given section under any given system of moving loads and
(ii) Influence lines are useful in determining the load position to cause maximum value of a given function in
a structure on which load positions can vary.

10. State Muller-Breslau principle.

Muller-Breslau principle states that, if we want to sketch the influence line for any force quantity (like thrust,
shear, reaction, support moment or bending moment) in a structure,
(i) We remove from the structure the resistant to that force quantity and
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
(ii) We apply on the remaining structure a unit displacement corresponding to that force quantity.

The resulting displacements in the structure are the influence line ordinates sought.

11. State Maxwell-Betti’s theorem.

In a linearly elastic structure in static equilibrium acted upon by either of two systems of external forces, the
virtual work done by the first system of forces in undergoing the displacements caused by the second system
of forces is equal to the virtual work done by the second system of forces in undergoing the displacements
caused by the first system of forces.

1(a) Differentiate between static indeterminacy and kinematic in determinacy. Give an example from each
one.
(b) For a two span continuous beam with both ends hinged, find the degree of external static indeterminacy.
(c) Can a propped cantilever beam be analyzed by method of consistent deformation? Comment.
(d) What is the importance of considering rolling loads and ILD for a girder?
(e) State Maxwell’s law.
(f) What is the special feature of a truss member?
(g) State the mathematical expression of Castiglione’s first theorem.
(h) What is the range of variation of horizontal thrust in a three hinged arch when a unit load moves from one
end to the crown?
(i) State the condition to calculate the maximum bending moment under a chosen wheel load, when a series
of wheel loads move in a simply supported beam from one end to another.
(j) For any section within a fixed beam with udI, show the unknown forces through drawing a figure.
10. Write the equation to define the centre line of a circular arch?
11. Name the different types of arch as per structure configuration
12. Give an expression for the determination of horizontal thrust of a two hinged arch considering bending
deformation only
13. Explain the transfer of load to the arches.
14. Differentiate between the cable and arch.
15. Write down the expression for the horizontal thrust when the two hinged arch is subjected to uniformly
distributed load thought the span.
16. What the degree of redundancy of two hinged arch?
17. Explain the term Horizontal thrust.
18. What is ‘H’ of the symmetrical two hinged parabolic arch due to UDL extending to the full length of
1
span? Take central rise = 8 span

19. A symmetrical three hinged arch (circular) supports a load ‘W’ at the crown. What is the value of H?
20. What is the degree of static indeterminacy of a three hinged parabolic arch?
21.
22. (d) State Castigliano’s 1st theorem. What is its application?
23. (e) State two theorems of moment area method.
24. (f) Define, “free bending moment”.
25. (g) For a 2 span continuous beam with both ends fixed, calculate the degree of indeterminacy of the
structure.
26. (h) For a beam with one end fixed and the other end roller supported. With one hinge at an intermediate
point, draw the conjugate beam.
27. (i) What is the advantage of a suspension cable compared to a long beam?
28. (j) For a simply supported beam of span, 5m, draw the LID for share force at a section, 2 m from left
end.
29. 1(a) Shown a plane truss, which is extremely determinate and internally indeterminate to degree one.
30. (b) Calculate the degree of indeterminacy of a propped cantilever.
31. (c)Define bending moment at any section.
32. (d) Explain the sign convention followed for +ve and –ve shear force. Draw separate diagram.
33. (e) Define Free Body Diagram.
 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
34. (f) State various methods to evaluate deflection at any point of flexural member.
35. (g) State first theorem of conjugate beam method.
36. (h) Define influence line diagram.
37. (i) State Castiglione’s theorem’
38. (j) Show the deformation shape of a suspension cable of span, II subjected to a concentrated load acting
at any distance, x from left end.
39. (d)In a three-hinged arch, the horizontal thrust increases as the rise h decreases. What happens when
h=O?
40.