Analysis of
Symmetric Structures
Many structures, because
of aesthetic and/or functional
considerations, are arranged in
symmetric patterns. Recognition of
such symmetry will be identified
and the use of this symmetry will
be used to reduce the computa-
tional effort in analyzing such a
structure.
3
SYMMETRIC
STRUCTURES
Definition of symmetry is expedited by
using the concept of reflection, or mirror
image. A plane structure is symmetric
with respect to an axis of symmetry in its
plane if the reflection of the structure
about the axis is identical in geometry,
supports, and material properties to the
structure itself. Examples in Fig. 10.3
where the s-axis defines the axis of
symmetry.
2
Figure 10.3 – Example Symmetric
Structures
NOTE: Most symmetric structures
can be identified by inspection –
simply compare the geometry,
supports and material properties of
the two halves of the structure on
each side of the axis of symmetry.
4
1
When examining structural
symmetry for the purpose of P1
s
P3

analysis, it is necessary to
h
consider symmetry of only those
0
structural properties that influence L L

the results of the analysis. For Truss P2 E = constant

Structure A = constant
example, the truss structure of Fig.
10.4 can be considered symmetric Figure 10.4 – Symmetric
when subjected to vertical loads Analysis: Horizontal
Reaction = 0
because under such loads the
horizontal reaction is zero.
However, this truss cannot be
considered symmetric when
subjected to any horizontal loads.
5 6

SYMMETRIC AND
ANTISYMMETRIC y
Fy, vy
COMPONENTS OF LOADINGS Fy, vy

M, 
M, 
The reflection of a system of forces Fx, vx
A(-x,y)
A(x,y)
Fx, xv

(a) Force/Displacement
and displacements about an axis (b) Reflection about y-Axis
System x

can be obtained by rotating the M, 

Fx , v x
A(x,-y)

force and displacement system Fy, v y

through 180 about the axis as (c) Reflection about x-Axis

shown in Fig. 10.8. Figure 10.8 – Force and Displacement

Reflections

8
7

2
Symmetric Loadings P a
s
P P a
s
P

A B B A
A loading is considered to be 2 a 2

a Reflection
symmetric with respect to an axis Loading

in its plane if the reflection of the a a

loading about the axis is 2 2

identical to the loading itself.

s
w w w s w
B B
A C C A
Antisymmetric Loadings a a
B a a

Loading Reflection
A loading is considered to be
s s
antisymmetric with respect to an C
w
D D
w
C
a a
axis in its plane if the negative of P
2 a
P P
2 a
P

A B B A

the reflection of the loading about Loading Reflection

the axis is identical to the

Figure 10.9 – Examples of Symmetric
loading
itself. 9 Loadings 10

General Load Decomposition

into Symmetric and
Antisymmetric Components
Any general loading can be
decomposed into symmetric and
antisymmetric components with
respect to a symmetry axis by
applying the following procedure:
1. Divide the magnitude of the
forces and/or moments of the
given loading by two (e.g., Fig.
10.11(b)).
2. Draw a reflection of the half
Figure 10.10 – Examples of
Antisymmetric Loadings loading about the specified axis
12

11 (Fig. 10.11(c)).

3
 2P
2w
3. Determine the symmetric s

component of the given loading (a) Given Loading

a b

by adding the half loading to s

w
P

its reflection (Fig. 10.11(d)). a b

(b) Half Loading

Divide the magnitude of the P s

forces and/or moments of the w

b a
given loading by two (e.g., Fig. (c) Reflection of Half Loading

10.11(b)). P s P
w w

4. Determine the antisymmetric b a a b

component of the loading (d) Symmetric Loading

by subtracting the
symmetric loading
component from the given
Figure 10.11 – General Load Decomposition
loading (Fig. 10.11(e)). 14

13

BEHAVIOR OF SYMMETRIC
2V V V
STRUCTURES UNDER
2H
SYMMETRIC AND
H H
ANTISYMMETRIC LOADING
=
(b) Symmetric
Loading

(a) Given Loading

+ When a symmetric structure is
V V
subjected to a loading with
H
H
respect to the structure’s axis of
(c) Antisymmetric
Loading symmetry, the response of the
structure is also symmetric.

Frame Example of General

Load Decomposition Superposition

15
16

4
 w w M≠ 0
F x≠ 0

Displacement behavior along the h

Fy = 0

axis of symmetry for symmetric  collar

support
loading results in no rotation L
2
L
2
L
2
s
s
(unless there is a hinge at such a (a) Symmetric Frame and (b) Half Frame w/ Symmetric
Loading Boundary Conditions
point) nor any deflection 2P
P P
w
perpendicular to the axis of
symmetry. h A,I

B
L L
Force behavior along the axis of s
(c) Symmetric Frame and
symmetry for symmetric loading Loading

results in zero force along the axis

of symmetry.

17 18

If support B in Fig. 10.16(c) was a A symmetric structure is sub-

roller rather than a hinge support, jected to a loading that is anti-
would the boundary condition at B in symmetric with respect to the
Fig. 10.16(d) change? structure’s axis of symmetry, the
response of the structure is also
antisymmetric.
P s P
L L L Displacement behavior along the
(a) Symmetric Truss and Loading
axis of symmetry for
antisymmetric loading results in
no displacement along the axis of
L
symmetry.
2

Figure – Example Force behavior along the axis of

Symmetric Truss symmetry for antisymmetric
Structure
the symmetric truss structure? load-
the axising results inand
of symmetry zero force
zero
19 20

What BC at the normal

bendingtomoment.
point indicated
for

5
 Symmetric Beam
P P
For general loading on a symmetric
s
structure, the loading can be
P
decomposed into symmetric and
Half Beam w/ Loading
antisymmetric components.
s
s s Displacement and force boundary
conditions for symmetric and
P P P
antisymmetric loadings along the
axis of structural symmetry apply.
Symmetric Frame Half Frame w/ To obtain the total response, use
Loading
superposition of the symmetric and
Figure 10.17 – Symmetric Structures antisymmetric results.
w/ Antisymmetric Loadings

21 22