SAINT MARY’S ANGELS COLLEGE OF PAMPANGA

Olongapo-Gapan Road, Sta. Ana, 2022, Pampanga

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
IN STRUCTURAL THEORY 1
(THEORY 1)

A.Y. 2020-2021

REFERENCES:
1. Hibbeler, R., 2015. Structural Analysis. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
2. Rajan, S., 2001. Introduction To Structural Analysis & Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
3. Utku, S., Norris, C. and Wilbur, J., 1991. Elementary Structural Analysis. New York: McGraw-Hill.
4. Kassimali, A., 2011. Structural Analysis SI Edition. 4th ed. Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage.
5. Leet, K., 2011. Fundamentals Of Structural Analysis. 5th ed. New York, USA: McGraw-Hill Education.
Chapter X: Deflection: Work-Energy Methods (Part 1)
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

• Review the basic concept of work performed by forces and couples during a deformation of the
structure and learn the principle of virtual work.
• formulate the method of virtual work for the deflections of trusses, beams, and frames.

VIRTUAL WORK METHOD: TRUSSES

We can use the method of virtual work to determine the displacement of a truss joint when the truss is
subjected to an external loading.

For the purpose of explanation let us consider the vertical displacement Δ of joint B of the truss shown.
Here a typical element of the truss would be one of its members having a length L. If the applied
loadings P1 and P2 cause a linear elastic material response, then this element deforms an amount ΔL =
SL/AE, where S is the normal or axial force in the member, caused by the loads. The virtual-work
equation for the truss is

(Eq. 10.1)
𝑢𝑆𝐿
1∙∆=𝛴
𝐴𝐸
Where

1 = external virtual unit load acting on the truss joint in the stated direction of ∆
𝑢 = internal virtual normal force in a truss member caused by the external virtual unit load
∆ = external joint displacement caused by the real loads on the truss
𝑆 = normal force in a truss member caused by the real loads
𝐿 = length of a member
𝐴 = cross-sectional area of a member
𝐸 = modulus of elasticity of a member
𝐴𝐸 = axial rigidity of a member

PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

1. Determine the force in all members of the truss caused by the real loads (method of joints is
preferable method).
2. Apply a unit load at the joint where the displacement will be solved. The direction of the unit load
will be assumed first.
3. Determine the force in all members of the truss caused by the unit load (method of joints Is
preferable method).
4. Prepare a tabular presentation of the solution (the format shown below). Take note that S is the
data from step 1 while u is the data from step 3. L is the actual length of the member. Solve for the
𝑢𝑆𝐿
data for last column simply by using the formula .
𝐴𝐸

Member S u L AE SuL/AE
AB
BC
…

𝑢𝑆𝐿
5. Take the sum of the data in the last column (𝛴 ) to determine the displacement. If the sum is
𝐴𝐸
negative, it means that the actual direction of displacement is opposite to the assumed direction of
the unit load.

VIRTUAL WORK METHOD: BEAMS AND FRAMES

Real System

Virtual System for determining deflection Δ at A

Virtual System for determining slope θ at A

Considering beam as shown above subjected to an arbitrary loading as shown above. If the deflection at
point A is desired which is equal to Δ as shown above, we will place a virtual unit load at A and it will
produce a virtual external work equal to Wve = 1(Δ).

If we recall from the previous chapter using area moment method, the change of slope dθ of the elastic
𝑀
curve over the differential length dx is expressed as 𝑑𝜃 = 𝑑𝑥.
𝐸𝐼
If we let m be equal to the virtual internal bending moment acting on the differential length dx, it will
produce a virtual internal work as it undergoes the real rotation dθ as shown above.

𝑑(𝑊𝑣𝑖 ) = 𝑚𝑑𝜃
𝐿
𝑀𝑑𝑥
𝑊𝑣𝑖 = ∫ 𝑚
0 𝐸𝐼
𝑊𝑣𝑒 = 𝑊𝑣𝑖
𝐿
𝑀𝑑𝑥
1∙∆= ∫ 𝑚
0 𝐸𝐼

(Eq. 10.2)
𝐿
𝑚𝑀
∆=∫ 𝑑𝑥
0 𝐸𝐼
Where ∆ = deflection at point of consideration

If we apply a unit couple acting at point of consideration, the virtual external work produced by the
virtual unit couple as it undergoes the real rotation θ is equal to W ve = (1)θ
𝐿
𝑀𝑑𝑥
𝑊𝑣𝑖 = ∫ 𝑚
0 𝐸𝐼
𝑊𝑣𝑒 = 𝑊𝑣𝑖
𝐿
𝑀𝑑𝑥
1∙𝜃 = ∫ 𝑚
0 𝐸𝐼
(Eq. 10.2)
𝐿
𝑚𝑀
𝜃= ∫ 𝑑𝑥
0 𝐸𝐼
Where 𝜃 = slope at point of consideration

PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

1. Establish the moment function(s) of the beam due to the real load.
2. Apply a unit load at the point where the slope or deflection will be solved. A unit moment will be
applied if the question is the slope, otherwise, a vertical force will be applied if the question is the
deflection. The deflection of the unit load will be assumed first.
3. Establish the moment function(s) of the beam due to the unit load.
4. Prepare a tabular presentation of the solution (the format is shown below). Solve the data for the
last column using.
𝑚𝑀
∫ 𝑑𝑥
𝐸𝐼
 Segment M m EI 𝑚𝑀𝑑𝑥
∫ 𝑚𝑀𝑑𝑥 ∫
𝐸𝐼
0 to x 1
x 1 to x 2
…

5. Take the sum of the data in the last column to determine the slope or deflection. If the sum is
negative, it means that the actual direction of slope or deflection is opposite to the assumed
direction of the unit load.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

1. The truss, loaded as shown below, is made of steel (E = 200 GPa). The cross-sectional area of AB and
CD is 300 mm2 , that of AD and BC is 400 mm2 and that for BD is 500 mm2. Using the virtual work
method:
a. What is the horizontal displacement of D?
b. What is the vertical displacement of D?
c. What is the total displacement of D?
d. What is the total displacement of B?

2. Consider the truss loaded as shown below. Assume that all members have the same axial rigidity AE.
Using virtual work method
a. Determine the displacement at C.
b. Determine the displacement at A.
c. If the members of the truss is made of steel, determine the minimum cross section of the
member so that the displacement at C is limited to 25 mm.
3. Consider the beam loaded as shown below. EI = 150000 kN-m2. Using the method of virtual work:
a. What is the deflection at C?
b. What is the slope at C?
c. What is the deflection at B?
d. What is the slope at B?

4. Consider the non-prismatic beam loaded as shown below. The flexural rigidity of the beam from A to
C is 2EI while that of beam from C to E is EI. Using method of virtual work:
a. Determine the slope at B.
b. Determine the deflection at B.
c. Determine the slope at C.
d. Determine the deflection at C.
e. Determine the slope at D.
f. Determine the deflection at D.

5. The non-prismatic compound beam is loaded as shown below. Span ABC has a flexural rigidity equal
to EI while span CD has a flexural rigidity equal to 1.50EI. Determine the deflection at C using virtual
work method.

6. Consider the frame loaded as shown below. EIAB = 150000 kN-m2 and EIBC = 200000 kN-m2. Using
the virtual work method.
a. What is the horizontal deflection at C?
b. What is the vertical deflection at C?
c. What is the total deflection at C?
d. What is the horizontal deflection at B?
7. Consider the frame loaded as shown below. EI is constant in all parts of the frames. Using the virtual
work method.
a. What is the slope at C?
b. What is the horizontal deflection at C?
c. What is the vertical deflection at C?
d. What is the total displacement of C?

8. Consider the frame loaded as shown below. The flexural rigidities of AB, BC and CD are EI, 1.50EI and
2EI respectively. What is the total displacement at C? Use virtual work method.