Theory of Structures

Chapter Five
Beam Deflections
Deflection of a Beam
The deformation which occur in a beam is expressed in terms of the " deflections "
of the beam from its original unloaded configuration. Deflection is measured from the
original position of the neutral surface to the neutral surface of the deformed beam.
The deformed shape taken by the neutral surface is known as the " elastic curve " of
the beam.

x
P
P
o
y

Fig. (a) Fig. (b)

Figure ( a ) represents the beam in its original configuration, whereas Fig. ( b )

represents the deflected shape of the beam due to the applied loads.

The displacement " y " is known as " beam deflection ". it is often required to
determine the deflection " y " for all values of " x " along the beam. This relationship may
be written as an equation which is termed as the equation of the " deflection curve "
or " elastic curve " of the beam.

Significance of Beam Deflections

Design specifications for beams usually impose limits on deflections in addition to
stresses, therefore its necessary to calculate stresses and deflections for the design of
beams, i.e. , a well-designed beam must not only be able to carry its imposed loading
without failing. It should also not develop undesirable large deflections.
For example, in designing equipment for precision work, such as lathes, the
deformations must be kept below the permissible tolerances of the work being machined.
Floor beams carrying plastered ceilings beneath them are usually restricted to a maximum
1
deflection of of their lengths in order to avoid cracks in the plaster.
360
And important application of beam deflections is to obtain equations with which, in
combination with the conditions of static equilibrium, statically indeterminate beams can
be analysed.
Theory of Structures

Methods for Determination of Beam Deflections

Several methods are available for the determination of deflections in beams. Among
the most common are;
i- Double-integration method.
ii- Singularity function ( Macaulay ) method.
iii- Moment-area method.
iv- Elastic energy methods.
All above methods are applicable within the elastic range of behavior for beams.

Double-Integration Method
in derivation of the flexural
formula, the following relation was y
Elastic curve
obtained; dθ
M E
=ρ --------- ( 1 ) 𝜌
I
o x
Where; y
θ=
𝑑𝑦
M is the bending moment at a dθ 𝑑𝑥
given section of the beam.
x
I is the moment of inertia about
the neutral axis.
E is the modulus of elasticity.
𝜌 is the radius of curvature.
Equation ( 1 ) may be rewritten as;
M 1
=ρ --------- ( 2 )
EI
EI is usually constant along beams and known as the " Flexural rigidity ".
1
is the curvature of the neutral surface of the beam.
ρ
From calculus;
d2 y
1 dx2
= 3 -------- ( 3 )
ρ 2 2
dy
[1+( ) ]
dx
dy
In the above expression, represents the slope of the elastic curve at any given
dx
point, for small deflections, the slope is very small, and its square is negligible compared
with unity, and hence
1 d2 y
≈ -------- ( 4 )
ρ dx2
Theory of Structures

Substituting in Eq. ( 2 ) we finally obtain;

M d2 y
=
EI dx2
d2 y
or M = EI dx2 ------- ( 5 )
This is known as the differential equation of the elastic curve of a beam.

Solution Procedure
The double-integration method for determination of beam deflections involves two
dy
integrations of Eq. (5). The first integration gives the slope 𝜃 = at any point along the
dx
beam and the second integration gives the deflection " y " for any value of " x ". The
bending moment " M " must be expressed as a function of " x " in order to perform the
integration.
Since the differential Eq. ( 5 ) is of the second order, its solution must contain two
constants of integration. These constants are determined from known conditions regarding
the slope or deflection at given points on the beam, for example, in the case of a cantilever,
both slope and the deflection are equal to zero at fixed end.
It is necessary in some cases to use two ( or more ) equations to describe the
bending moment for different regions along the beam. In such cases Eq. ( 5 ) must be
written for each region of the beam and the integration of such equations results of two
integrations constants for each region. The constants of integration are then determined
from conditions of continuity of slope and deflection at the common points between
adjacent regions.

Sign Convention
The sign convention for the bending moment " M " will be the same as used in the
previous chapters. The positive x-direction is taken towards the right along the beam, and
upward deflections are considered positive, whereas downward deflections are considered
negative.
Example (1): Determine the equations of slope and deflection for the cantilever of length
( L ) subjected to a concentrated load ( P ) at its free end.
y

a x
b
x

L
Theory of Structures

Solution
y
∑Fy = 0 ⇒ Ra = P
P
∑Ma = 0 ⇒ Ma = PL Ma
x
The bending moment at a section " x " is;
x
M = -Ma + Ra.x = -PL + Px L

The differential equation of the bent beam is;

Ra

d2 y
EI dx2 = M
Substituting for M
d2 y
EI =-PL+Px ------ ( 1 )
dx 2
dy 1
Integrating; EI =-PLx+ Px2 +C1 ------ ( 2 )
dx 2
which represents the expression for slope along the cantilever.

To evaluate C1, the slope at the fixed end equals zero;

𝑑𝑦
( ) = 0 = C1 ⇒ C1 = 0
𝑑𝑥 x = 0

dy 1
EI =-PLx+ Px2 ------ ( 3 )
dx 2
x2 1
Integrating again; EI y = −PL. + Px 3 + C2 ------ ( 4 )
2 6

To evaluate C2, the deflection at the fixed end equals zero;

(y)x = 0 = 0 = C2 ⇒ C2 = 0
x2 1
EI y = −PL. + Px 3 ------ ( 5 )
2 6

Equations ( 3 ) and ( 5 ) give the slope and deflection respectively at any point " x "
along the cantilever.

At the free end ( x = L ), both the slope and deflection are maximum and are given
by;
dy 1
EI ( ) =-PL2 + PL2
dx x =L 2
Theory of Structures

dy PL2
( ) =-
dx x =L 2EI

L2 1
EI (y)x =L = −PL. + PL3
2 6

PL3
(y)x =L = ymax. = − ( downward)
3EI

For L = 3m, P = 50kN, E = 200GPa, and I = 300×106mm4

dy 50×103 ×(3000)2
( ) =- = - 0.00375 rad
dx x =3m 2×200×103 ×300×106

50×103 ×(3000)3
(y)x =3m = - = - 7.5mm
3×200×103 ×300×106
Theory of Structures

Example (2): Determine the equations of the elastic curve for the simply supported beam
of span ( L ) subjected to a concentrated load " P " as shown in the figure.

P
a b

Solution
x P
For 0 < x < a
a b
𝑃𝑏
M= .𝑥
𝐿
L
Equation of the bent beam is;
R2 = Pa/L
EI
d2 y
=
𝑃𝑏
.𝑥 ------ ( 1 ) R1= Pb/L
dx 2 𝐿
dy Pb
By integrating; EI .x 2 +C1
= ------ ( 2 )
dx
2L
Pb
Integrating again; EI.y= .x 3 +C1 . 𝑥 + C2 ------ ( 3 )
6L

At x = 0 ; deflection = 0 ; From Eq. (3) ⇒ y = 0 ⇒ C2 = 0

Pb
Hence, the elastic curve is; EI.y= .x 3 +C1 . 𝑥 ------ ( 4 )
6L

For a < x < L

𝑃𝑏
M= . 𝑥 − 𝑃(𝑥 − 𝑎)
𝐿

d2 y 𝑃𝑏
EI
dx 2
=
𝐿
. 𝑥 − 𝑃(𝑥 − 𝑎) ------ ( 5 )
dy Pb P(x-a)2
By integrating; EI = .x 2 - +C3 ------ ( 6 )
dx 2L 2
Pb P(x-a)3
Integrating again; EI.y = .x 3 - +C3 . 𝑥 + C4 ------ ( 7 )
6L 6

At x = L ; deflection = 0 ; From Eq. (7) ⇒ y = 0 ;

PbL2 P(L-a)3
- +C3 . 𝐿 + C4 = 0
6 6

Pb3 PbL2
Hence, C3 .L+C4 = - ------ ( 8 )
6 6
Theory of Structures

𝑑𝑦 Pb
From Eq. ( 2 ); slope at x = a , 𝐸𝐼 ( ) = .a2 +C1
𝑑𝑥 x=a 2L

𝑑𝑦 Pb
From Eq. ( 6 ); slope at x = a , 𝐸𝐼 ( ) = .a2 +C3
𝑑𝑥 x=a 2L

Due to continuity, the above expressions for slope at ( x = a ) must be equal,

Pb Pb
.a2 +C3 = .a2 +C1 ; Hence C3 = C1 ------ ( 9 )
2L 2L

Pba3
From Eq. ( 4 ); deflection at x = a , 𝐸𝐼. (𝑦)x=a = +C1 . 𝑎
6L

Pba3
From Eq. ( 7 ); deflection at x = a , 𝐸𝐼. (𝑦)x=a = +C3 . 𝑎 + C4
6L

Due to continuity, the above expressions for deflection at ( x = a ) must be equal,

Pba3 Pba3
+C1 . 𝑎 = +C3 . 𝑎 + C4 ----- ( 10 )
6L 6L

From Eqs. ( 9 ) and ( 10 ) ⇒ C4 = 0

Pb3 PbL Pb
From Eq. ( 8 ); ⇒ C3 = - = (b2 -L2 )
6L 6 6L
Substituting in Eqs. ( 4 ) and ( 7 ), respectively;
Pb Pb 2 2 Pb 2 2
EI.y= .x 3 +
(b -L ).x = [x 3 − (L -b ).x] For 0<x<a
6L 6L 6L
Pb 3 P(x-a)3 Pb Pb L
EI.y = .x - + (b2 -L2 ).x = [x 3 − (x-a)3 − (L2 -b2 ).x]
6L 6 6L 6L b

For a < x < L

Example (3): Determine the displacement at point C in the beam shown in the figure.

A B C
2a a

EI= Constant
Theory of Structures

Solution

∑MB = 0 ⇒ RA (2a) + P (a) = 0

P
RA = ‒
2
∑Fy = 0 ⇒ RA + RB ‒ P = 0
P P 3P
RB = P ‒ RA = P ‒ (‒ ) = P + =
2 2 2

P
x
B C
A
2a a

P 3P
RA = ‒ RB =
2 2
For a ≤ x ≤ 2a
P
M = RA. x = ‒ .x
a
d2 y P
Equation of the bent beam is; EI =‒ .x ------ ( 1 )
dx 2 2
dy P
By integrating; EI = ‒ . x2 + C1 ------ ( 2 )
dx 4
P
Integrating again; EI.y = ‒ . x3 + C1 x + C2 ------ ( 3 )
12

At x = 0 ; deflection = 0 ; From Eq. (3) ⇒ y = 0 ⇒ C2 = 0

P
At x = 2a ; deflection = 0 ; From Eq. (3) ⇒ y = ‒ . (2a)3 + C1 (2a) = 0
12

P.a2
C1 =
3

x
P

B C
A
2a a

P 3P
RA = ‒ RB =
2 2
For 2a ≤ x ≤ 3a
M = ‒ P (3a ‒ x) = P x ‒ 3P.a
d2 y
Equation of the bent beam is; EI = P x ‒ 3P.a ------ ( 4 )
dx 2
Theory of Structures

dy P
By integrating; EI = x2 ‒ 3P.a.x + C3 ------ ( 5 )
dx 2
P 3 3
Integrating again; EI.y = x ‒ P.a.x2 + C3 x + C4 ------ ( 6 )
6 2

P 3
At x = 2a ; deflection = 0 ; From Eq. (3) ⇒ y = (2a)3 ‒ P.a.(2a)2 + C3 . (2a) + C4 = 0
6 2

14
‒ P.a3 + 2a.C3 + C4 = 0 ------ ( 7 )
3

Due to continuity, the slope at ( x = 2a ) must be equal, from Eqs. (2) and (5), we have;
P P
‒ . (2a)2 + C1 = (2a)2 ‒ 3P.a.(2a) + C3
4 2

P.a2
And substituting (C1 = ) in equation above, we will have;
3
P P.a2 P
‒ . (2a)2 + = (2a)2 ‒ 3P.a.(2a) + C3
4 3 2

10
C3 = P.a2
3
By substituting in Eq. (7);
14 10
‒ P.a3 + 2a ( P.a2) + C4 = 0
3 3
C4 = ‒ 2P.a3
To find the displacement at point C, using displacement equation for 2a ≤ x ≤ 3a , Eq. (6)
P 3 10
EI.y = x3 ‒ P.a.x2 + P.a2. x ‒ 2 P.a3
6 2 3
At point C, x = 3a, the displacement will be computed as;
1 P 3 10
(y)x = 3a = [ (3a)3 ‒ P.a.(3a)2 + P.a2. (3a) ‒ 2 P.a3]
EI 6 2 3
pa3
=‒
EI
Theory of Structures

Singularity Functions Method (Macauley Method)

Singularity Function < x-a > (using pointed brackets) are defined as follows;
0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 < 𝑎
n
< x-a > ={ }
(𝑥 − 𝑎) 𝑛
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 𝑎

i.e. the singularity function has a value only when it is positive. When the value is positive,
the pointed brackets behave exactly the same as ordinary brackets.

The advantage offered by the Singularity Function method is that there is only "one"
moment equation which is valid for the entire beam, whereas a separate equation for each
region between the loads is required in application of the double-integration method.
Therefore only two constants of integration have to be determined from the boundary
conditions of the beam.

Example (1): Determine the equations of the elastic curve for the simply supported beam
of span ( L ) subjected to a concentrated load " P ", using the method of Singularity
Function.

P
a b

Solution
x
The bending moment at a section " x "
is given as; P
𝑃𝑏 a b
M= . 𝑥 − 𝑃〈𝑥 − 𝑎〉 ------ ( 1 )
𝐿

The differential equation of the bent L

beam is;
R2 = Pa/L
d2 y 𝑃𝑏 R1= Pb/L
EI
dx 2
=
𝐿
. 𝑥 − 𝑃〈𝑥 − 𝑎〉 ------ ( 2 )
dy Pb P〈x-a〉2
By integrating; EI = . x2 − +C1 ------ ( 3 )
dx 2L 2
Pb P〈x-a〉3
Integrating again; EI.y = .x 3 − +C1 . 𝑥 + C2 ------ ( 4 )
6L 6
The two constants C1 and C2 are found from the boundary conditions y = 0 at x = 0
and x = L .
Theory of Structures

( y )x=0 = 0 – 0 + C1 ( 0 ) + C2 = 0 ⇒ C2 = 0
Pb P〈L-a〉3 P〈L-a〉3 PbL Pb3 PbL
( y )x=L = .L3 − +C1 . 𝐿 = 0 ⇒ C1 = − = −
6L 6 6L 6 6L 6
Then, equation of the elastic curve is given by;

Pb 3 P〈x-a〉3 Pb3 PbL

EI.y = .x − +( − ) 𝑥 ----- ( 5 )
6L 6 6L 6

To obtain maximum deflection, it is obvious that it will occur in the segment

0 < x < a , and it is location can be found by setting the slope equal to zero.
Pb 2 P〈x-a〉2 Pb3 PbL
0= .x − +( − )
2L 2 6L 6

The term in the pointed brackets equals zero since it is negative for
0<x<a ;
Pb Pb3 PbL
0= .x 2 + ( − )
2L 6L 6
2 b2 L2
0 = x +( − )
3 3
𝐿2 −𝑏2
x=√
3
Substituting in Eq. (5) ;
−𝑃𝑏3
𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥. = . (𝐿2 − 𝑏 2 )3/2
9𝐿√3𝐸𝐼

Example (2): Determine the value of the deflection at the midpoint between the supports
and at the overhanging end for the beam shown in figure, using the method of Singularity
Function. 600N

1m 3m 2m 2m

A 400N/m
B C E
D
Theory of Structures

y
Solution

Here the distributed load extends 600N

only over the segment BC. We can create 1m 3m 2m 2m

continuity by assuming that the

400N/m 400N/m
distributed load extends beyond C to the A x
B C D 400N/m E
end of the beam and adding an equal
upward-distributed load to cancel its
500N 1300N
effect beyond C.
The general moment equation, written for the last segment DE is given by;
400 400
M = 500x - < x-1 >2 + < x-4 >2 + 1300< x-6 >
2 2

The differential equation of the elastic curve is given by;

𝑑2𝑦 400 400
EI = 500x - < x-1 >2 + < x-4 >2 + 1300< x-6 > ----- ( 1 )
𝑑𝑥 2 2 2

𝑑𝑦 200 200
Integrating once; E I = 250x2 - < x-1 >3 + < x-4 >3 + 650< x-6 >2 + C1 --- ( 2 )
𝑑𝑥 3 3

Integrating twice;
250 50 50 650
E I𝑦 = x3 - < x-1 >4 + < x-4 >4 + < x-6 >3 +C1.x + C2 -----( 3 )
3 3 3 3

(y) x = 0 = 0 ⇒ C2 = 0
250 50 50
(y) x = 6 = 0 ⇒ 0= 3
(6)3 -
3
(5) 4 +
3
(2) 4 + 6 C1

C1 = -1308.33 N.m2
The deflection at mid-point between supports;
250 50 1941.66
EI𝑦 = (3)3 - (2)4 + 0 + 0 – 1308.3 (3) ⇒ 𝑦 = -
3 3 𝐸𝐼

The deflection at the overhanging;

250 50 50 650 1816.64
EI𝑦 = (8)3 - (7)4 + (4)4+ (2)4 – 1308.3 (8) ⇒ 𝑦 = -
3 3 3 3 𝐸𝐼
Theory of Structures

The Moment - Area Method

Consider a segment of
the elastic curve of a beam R
shown in figure in a general
deformed shape.

This member was y dθ

initially straight and
continuous.
a b
For a small angle dθ,
dθ dt
R . dθ = dx tab tba
θba
1
or 𝑑𝜃 = . 𝑑𝑥
𝑅

Integrating between the

x
two points xa and xb . xa x x+dx xb
𝑥𝑏 M/EI
1
𝜃𝑏𝑎 = ∫ . 𝑑𝑥
𝑅
𝑥𝑎

For an elastic beam;

1 𝑀
=
𝑅 𝐸𝐼
Therefore,
𝑥𝑏
𝑀 x
𝜃𝑏𝑎 = ∫ . 𝑑𝑥 xa x x+dx xb
𝐸𝐼
𝑥𝑎

𝑀
The right-hand side of the above equation represents the area under the diagram
𝐸𝐼
between xa and xb, and the left-hand side is the change in slope of the tangents at points x a
and xb . This equation is the statement of the first moment-area theorem.

First-Moment Area Theorem: The change in slope between the tangents of the elastic
𝑀
curve at two points is equal to the area of the diagram between the two points.
𝐸𝐼

Consider the tangents to the elastic curve in figure, at two points along the beam
located at x and x+dx. The change in the slope over this small length of beam is dθ.
Theory of Structures

Let ( dt ) is the vertical deviation of the tangents on each side of the differential
element dx, this deviation is measured along a vertical line passing through xb is.

For small angles dt = (xb – x) . dθ

1
Substituting dθ = dx
𝑅

Integrating between xa and xb;

𝑥 𝑥 1
𝑡𝑏𝑎 = ∫𝑥 𝑏 𝑑𝑡 = ∫𝑥 𝑏(xb – x) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝑎 𝑅

The tangential deviation tba is the deflection at xb measured relative to the tangent at
xa.
1 𝑀
For an elastic beam =
𝑅 𝐸𝐼

𝑥 𝑀
Therefore; 𝑡𝑏𝑎 = ∫𝑥 𝑏(xb – x) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝐸𝐼

𝑀
The right-side of the equation is the first moment about xb of the area under the
𝐸𝐼
diagram between points xa and xb.

Second-Moment Area Theorem: The vertical deviation of the tangent at a point (b) on the
elastic curve with respect to the tangent extended from another point (a) equals the
𝑀
“moment” of the area under the diagram between the two points " a " and " b "
𝐸𝐼
taken about point " b ".

Sign Convention
The figure shows the algebraic signs of the slopes and tangent deviation distances
for the moment-area method: a positive slope change implies an increase in the slope
between the two points, and a tangent deviation is positive if the elastic curve lies above
the tangent reference line; i.e., in the positive coordinate direction.
Theory of Structures

A B
A
B

+ ve dev.
- ve dev.

B
A
θBA

θBA A
B

+ ve change of slope - ve change of slope

y y
b b

3𝑏 5𝑏
𝑧̅ b - 𝑧̅ 8 8

c.g c.g
A2 A2
h h
A1 A1
c.g c.g

x x

b - 𝑥̅ 𝑥̅ 3𝑏 𝑏
4 4
A1 =
1
bh b
A1 =
1
n+1 x̅ = bh b
n+2 3 x̅ =
Type equation here. 4
Type equation here.
2bh/3 b − x̅
A2 = bh-A1 z̅ = 2bh/3 3b
A2 = 3 bh
2 2
z̅ =
8
Theory of Structures

Example (1): Use the Moment-Area method to calculate the slope and deflection at the
free end of the cantilever shown in Figure.

Ma EI = Constant
a b

Solution
L
st
From the 1 moment-area theorem;
1
θa = θba = 𝑀𝑎 . 𝐿
𝐸𝐼
y
𝑀𝑎 .𝐿
θa = (⤺ )
𝐸𝐼

From the 2nd moment-area theorem tab θa

θba
x
1 𝐿 𝑀𝑎 𝐿2 a b
tab = Δa = (𝑀𝑎 . 𝐿). ( ) =
𝐸𝐼 2 2𝐸𝐼

+ +Ma

Example (2): Use the moment-area method to calculate the rotations and mid-span
deflection for the simply supported beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load.

EI = Constant

Ɯ / unit length
A B
c
L/2 L/2

Solution

Applying 1st moment-area theorem;

θBA = θA + θB , θA = θB (from symmetry)

1 2 𝜔𝐿2 1 𝜔𝐿3
𝜃𝐵𝐴 = (3 . . 𝐿) = ( 12 )
𝐸𝐼 8 𝐸𝐼
Theory of Structures

1 1 𝜔𝐿3
θA = θBA = ( 𝐸𝐼 ) (⤺ ) EI = Constant
2 24

1 𝜔𝐿3 𝜔 / unit length

θB = ‒ θA = ‒ ( 𝐸𝐼 ) ( ⤾ ) A B
24
C
nd
From 2 moment-area theorem L/2 L/2

ΔC = tbc
1 2 𝜔𝐿2 𝐿 5 𝐿 5 𝜔𝐿4
tbc = (3 . . )( . ) = ( 𝐸𝐼 )
𝐸𝐼 8 2 8 2 384 M/EI

𝜔𝐿2
8𝐸𝐼

x
(5/8)(L/2)

L/2 L/2

θB

θA tBC

θBA

Example (3): Use the moment-area method to calculate the end slopes and deflection
under the concentrated load for the simply supported beam shown in figure.

P
EI = Constant
A C
B
a b

L
Theory of Structures

Solution
𝑡𝐶𝐴 P
𝜃𝐴 =
𝐿 EI = Constant
A
C
Applying the 2nd moment-area theorem to find tCA; B
a b
1 1 𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑎
𝑡𝐶𝐴 = ( . . 𝑎) . ( + 𝑏)
𝐸𝐼 2 𝐿 3 L
1 1 𝑃𝑎𝑏 2𝑏
+ ( .
𝐸𝐼 2 𝐿
. 𝑏) . ( )
3
Pab/EIL
𝑃𝑎𝑏
𝑡𝐶𝐴 = (𝑎 + 2𝑏)
6𝐸𝐼

𝑃𝑎𝑏
𝜃𝐴 = (𝑎 + 2𝑏) (⤺ )
6𝐸𝐼𝐿

𝑡𝐴𝐶
Also, 𝜃𝐶 = θA ΔB θC
𝐿
tBA
or, θC = θCA - θA tAC θCA tCA

Applying the 1st moment-area theorem;

1 1 𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑃𝑎𝑏
𝜃𝐶𝐴 = ( . . 𝐿) =
𝐸𝐼 2 𝐿 2𝐸𝐼

𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑃𝑎𝑏 (2𝑎+𝑏)

𝜃𝐶 = − (𝑎 + 2𝑏) = (⤾ )
2𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼𝐿 6𝐸𝐼𝐿

∆𝐵 = 𝜃𝐴 . 𝑎 − 𝑡𝐵𝐴

Applying the 2nd moment-area theorem, to find tBA;

1 1 𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑎 1 𝑃𝑎3 𝑏
𝑡𝐵𝐴 = ( . . 𝑎) . ( ) = ( )
𝐸𝐼 2 𝐿 3 𝐸𝐼 6𝐿

𝑃𝑎2 𝑏 𝑃𝑎3 𝑏 𝑃𝑎2 𝑏2

∆𝐵 = (𝑎 + 2𝑏) − ( )=
6𝐸𝐼𝐿 6𝐸𝐼𝐿 3𝐸𝐼𝐿

Example (4): Use the moment-area method to calculate the deflection at point A of the
single overhanging beam shown in the figure. (E = 200GPa, I = 6.25×106 mm4)

1.5kN/m
A C
B
1m 4m
Theory of Structures

Solution
1.5kN/m
From equilibrium; RB = 4.68 kN
A C
B
RC = 2.82 kN 1m 4m
RB = 4.68 kN
ΔA = Δ ‒ tAB RC = 2.82 kN

Applying the 2nd moment-area theorem

tAB A
between A and B; Δ ΔA B C
−1 1 3
tAB = ( × 0.75 × 1.0) ( × 1.0)
𝐸𝐼 3 4
RB = 4.68 kN RC = 2.82 kN tCB
−0.1875 3
= kN.m
𝐸𝐼
MB1= 0.75 kN.m
-ve sign shows point A below tangent 1.5kN/m

from B A

RB1= 1.5 kN
Applying the 2nd moment-area theorem 1m

between B and C;
-0.75/EI
−1 1 3
tCB = ( × 12 × 4.0) ( × 4.0)
𝐸𝐼 3 4
MB2 = 12 kN.m
+
1 1
( × 11.28 × 4.0) ( × 4.0)
2 1.5kN/m
𝐸𝐼 2 3

+12.16 B
= kN.m3 RB2 = 6 kN 4m
𝐸𝐼

To find Δ from similar triangles;

-12/EI
Δ tCB 3.04
= ⇒ Δ= kN.m3
1.0 4.0 𝐸𝐼
MB3 = 11.28 kN.m
3.04 0.1875 2.8525
ΔA = - = kN.m3
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
4m
2.8525×103 ×109 RB3 = 2.82 kN 2.82 kN
= = 2.28 mm
200×103 ×6.25×10 6
+11.28/EI
Theory of Structures

Example (5): Use the moment-area method to find the deflection at point c for the beam
with an internal hinge. (E = 200GPa, I = 5×10-4 m4)

40kN 10kN

a b c d

10m 10m 10m 5m 5m

Solution
40kN 10kN
Δc = Δ ‒ tcb
a b c d
Applying the 2nd moment-area
theorem between B and C; 10m 10m 10m 5m 5m
17.5kN 27.5kN 5kN
θb = tab/20
2
EI tab = 0.5×175×10×( × 10)
3

1 40kN tcb 10kN Δ

+ 0.5×175×7.78×(10 + × 7.78)
3
a b θb c d
Δc
2
‒ 0.5×50×2.22×(17.78 + × 2.22) θb
3
17.5kN 27.5kN 5kN
= 13337.31kN.m3 tab

13337.31 666.86 10m 10m 10m 5m 5m

θb = =
20𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

Δc = Δ ‒ tcb = 10θb ‒ tcb 175

2
2.22m

EI tcb = ‒ 0.5 × 50 × 10 ×( × 10)

3 + 25
+
= ‒ 1666.67kN. m3 -
7.78m 50
1
Δc = (10 × 666.86 ‒ 1666.67)
𝐸𝐼
5000
= = 0.05m
200×106 ×5×10−4