Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

METHOD OF ANALYSIS FOR INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES

FORCE METHODS

THREE MOMENT EQUATION METHOD

Example-1 (Continuous two span beam)

Calculate and draw the bending moment diagram of the shown beam due to the applied loads using
the three moment equation method.

Solution

Step-1: Select the unknown bending moment’s at all interior supports of the beam as the redundant.

 Since there is a pin at A and a roller at C, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑪 = 𝟎 and the unknown redundant

bending moments at supports of the beam is 𝑴𝑩 only.

Step-2: By treating each interior support successively as the intermediate support 𝒄, write a three-
moment equation (compatibility equations in terms unknown bending moments).

 In this case, support B is the intermediate support 𝒄, a three-moment equation is as follows:

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Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

𝑴𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓 𝑴𝒓 𝑳𝒓
+ 𝟐𝑴𝒄 ( + ) +
𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝑰𝒓
𝑷𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟐 𝒌𝒍 (𝟏 − 𝒌𝒍 𝟐 ) 𝑷𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟐 𝒌𝒓 (𝟏 − 𝒌𝒓 𝟐 ) 𝒘𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟑 𝒘𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟑
= −∑ −∑ − −
𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝟒𝑰𝒍 𝟒𝑰𝒓
∆𝒍 − ∆𝒄 ∆𝒓 − ∆𝒄
− 𝟔𝑬 ( + )
𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓

Right span
Left span

𝒄 𝒓
𝒍

For left span For right span

𝐿𝑙 = 6𝑚 𝑤𝑙 = 0 𝐿𝑟 = 8𝑚 𝑤𝑟 = 15𝑘𝑁/𝑚

𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼 ∆𝑙 = 0 𝐼𝑟 = 2𝐼

𝑃𝑙1 = 50𝑘𝑁, 𝑘𝑙1 = 1⁄3 𝑃𝑟 = 0

𝑃𝑙2 = 50𝑘𝑁, 𝑘𝑙2 = 2⁄3 ∆𝑟 = 0

Step-3: Solve the system of three-moment equations for the unknown support bending moments.
𝑀𝐴 ∗6 6 8 𝑀𝐶 ∗8 50(6)2 ∗1⁄3(1−(1⁄3)2 ) 50(6)2 ∗2⁄3(1−(2⁄3)2 ) 15(8)3
+ 2𝑀𝐵 ( 𝐼 + 2𝐼) + = −( + )−0−0− −
𝐼 2𝐼 𝐼 𝐼 4∗2𝐼
6𝐸(0 + 0)

 Since there is a pin at A and a roller at C, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑪 = 𝟎.

20𝑀𝐵 = −2160 ⇒ 𝑀𝐵 = −108𝑘𝑁𝑚

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 2

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

Step-4: Determine support reactions by considering the equilibrium of the support joints of the
beam.

 The shears at the ends of the spans AB and BC of the continuous beam can now be
determined by applying the equations of equilibrium to the free bodies of the spans shown
in Figure below.

 Note that the negative bending moment 𝑀𝐵 is applied at the ends B of spans AB and BC
so that it causes tension in the upper fibers and compression in the lower fibers of the beam.

𝑅𝐵𝐿 𝑅𝐵𝑅
108𝑘𝑁𝑚

108𝑘𝑁𝑚
108𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑹𝑨 𝑅𝐵𝐿 𝑅𝐵𝑅 𝑅𝐶
𝑹𝑩
 By considering the equilibrium of span AB, we obtain
↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐴 ∗ 6 + 50 ∗ 4 + 50 ∗ 2 − 108 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐴 = 32𝑘𝑁(↑)
↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 32 − 50 − 50 + 𝑅𝐵𝐿 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵𝐿 = 68𝑘𝑁(↑)
 Similarly, for span BC;
↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐵𝑅 ∗ 8 + 108 − 15 ∗ 8 ∗ 4 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵𝑅 = 46.50𝑘𝑁(↑)
↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 46.5 − 15 ∗ 8 + 𝑅𝐶 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐶 = 73.50𝑘𝑁(↑)
 By considering the equilibrium of joint B in the vertical direction, we obtain
𝑅𝐵 = 𝑅𝐵𝐿 + 𝑅𝐵𝑅 = 68 + 46.5 = 114.50𝑘𝑁(↑)

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 3

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

Step-5: Draw shear and bending moment diagrams

Example-2 (Continuous beam with over hanging portion)

Calculate and draw the bending moment diagram of the shown beam due to the applied loads using
the three moment equation method.

Solution

Step-1: Select the unknown bending moment’s at all interior supports of the beam as the redundant.

 The fixed support is replaced by an imaginary interior roller support with an adjoining
end span of zero length simply supported at its outer end. Since there is a pin at D’, 𝑴𝑫′ =
𝟎.

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 4

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

 For such a support B with a cantilever overhang, the bending moment 𝑴𝑩 equals that due
to the external loads acting on the cantilever portion about the end support B.

𝑴𝑩
𝑴𝑪 𝑴𝑫

For such a support B with a cantilever overhang, the bending moment 𝑴𝑩 equals that due to the
external loads acting on the cantilever portion about the end support B.

∴ 𝑴𝑩 = 𝑷𝑨𝑩 𝑳𝑨𝑩 = 𝟒𝟎 ∗ 𝟐 = 𝟖𝟎𝒌𝑵𝒎(Hogging moment)

 The unknown redundant bending moments at supports of the beam is 𝑴𝑪 and 𝑴𝑫 only.
Therefore, we have two three moment equation.

Step-2: By treating each interior support successively as the intermediate support 𝒄, write a three-
moment equation (compatibility equations in terms unknown bending moments).

 In this case, support C is the intermediate support 𝒄, for span BC and span CD and support
C is the intermediate support for span CD and span DD’.

 A three-moment equation is as follows:

𝑴𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳 𝑳 𝑴𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝑷𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟐 𝒌𝒍 (𝟏−𝒌𝒍 𝟐 ) 𝑷𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟐 𝒌𝒓 (𝟏−𝒌𝒓 𝟐 ) 𝒘𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟑 𝒘𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟑
 + 𝟐𝑴𝒄 ( 𝑰 𝒍 + 𝑰 𝒓 ) + = −∑ −∑ − − −
𝑰𝒍 𝒍 𝒓 𝑰𝒓 𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝟒𝑰𝒍 𝟒𝑰𝒓
∆𝒍 −∆𝒄 ∆𝒓 −∆𝒄
𝟔𝑬 ( + )
𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓

For span BC and span CD (Support C is intermediate)

For left span (Span BC) For right span (Span CD)
𝐿𝑙 = 8𝑚 𝑤𝑙 = 0 𝐿𝑟 = 10𝑚 𝑤𝑟 = 20𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼 ∆𝑙 = 0 𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼 ∆𝑟 = 0
𝑃𝑙 = 100𝑘𝑁, 𝑘𝑙 = 1⁄2 𝑃𝑟 = 0

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 5

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

For span CD and span DD’ (Support D is intermediate)

For left span (CD) For right span (DD’)

𝐿𝑙 = 10𝑚 𝑤𝑙 = 20𝑘𝑁/𝑚 𝐿𝑟 = 0 𝑤𝑟 = 0
𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼 ∆𝑙 = 0 𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼 ∆𝑟 = 0
𝑃𝑙 = 0 𝑃𝑟 = 0

Step-3: Solve the system of three-moment equations for the unknown support bending moments.
For span BC and span CD
𝑀𝐵 ∗8 8 10 𝑀𝐷 ∗10 100(8)2 ∗1⁄2(1−(1⁄2)2 ) 20(10)3
+ 2𝑀𝐶 ( 𝐼 + )+ = −( )−0−0− − 6𝐸(0 + 0)
𝐼 𝐼 𝐼 𝐼 4∗𝐼

 Since 𝑴𝑩 = −𝟖𝟎𝒌𝑵𝒎.
36𝑀𝐶 + 10𝑀𝐷 = −6760 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .2.1
For span CD and span DD’
𝑀𝐶 ∗10 10 0 𝑀𝐷′ ∗0 20(10)3
+ 2𝑀𝐷 ( 𝐼 + 𝐼 ) + = −(0) − 0 − − 0 − 6𝐸(0 + 0)
𝐼 𝐼 4∗𝐼

 Since 𝑴𝑫′ = 𝟎.
10𝑀𝐶 + 20𝑀𝐷 = −5000 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .2.2
Solving equations 2.1 and 2.2 simultaneously for 𝑀𝐶 and 𝑀𝐷 , we obtain
𝑴𝑪 = −𝟏𝟑𝟕. 𝟒𝟎𝒌𝑵𝒎 and 𝑴𝑫 = −𝟏𝟖𝟏. 𝟑𝟎𝒌𝑵𝒎
Step-4: Determine support reactions by considering the equilibrium of the support joints of the
beam.

 The shears at the ends of the spans AB and BC of the continuous beam can now be
determined by applying the equations of equilibrium to the free bodies of the spans shown
in Figure below.

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 6

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

 Note that the negative bending moment 𝑀𝐵 is applied at the ends B of spans AB and BC
so that it causes tension in the upper fibers and compression in the lower fibers of the beam.

𝟏𝟖𝟏. 𝟑𝒌𝑵𝒎
𝟖𝟎𝒌𝑵𝒎 𝟏𝟑𝟕. 𝟒𝒌𝑵𝒎

𝑅𝐵𝑅 𝑅𝐶𝐿 𝑅𝐶𝑅 𝑹𝑫

𝑅𝐵𝐿 𝑹𝑩
𝑹𝑪

 By considering the equilibrium of span AB, we obtain

↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵𝐿 − 40 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑩𝑳 = 𝟒𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)
 For span BC;
↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐵𝑅 ∗ 10 + 80 − 100 ∗ 2 − 137.4 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑩𝑹 = 𝟐𝟓. 𝟕𝟒𝒌𝑵(↑)
↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐶𝐿 + 25.74 − 100 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑪𝑳 = 𝟕𝟒. 𝟐𝟔𝒌𝑵(↑)
 Similarly, for span CD;
↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐷 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐶𝑅 ∗ 10 + 137.4 − 181.3 − 20 ∗ 10 ∗ 5 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑪𝑹 = 𝟏𝟎𝟒. 𝟑𝟗𝒌𝑵(↑)
↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 104.39 − 20 ∗ 10 + 𝑅𝐷 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑫 = 𝟗𝟓. 𝟔𝟏𝒌𝑵(↑)
 By considering the equilibrium of joints B and C in the vertical direction, we obtain
𝑹𝑩 = 𝑅𝐵𝐿 + 𝑅𝐵𝑅 = 40 + 25.74 = 𝟔𝟓. 𝟕𝟒𝒌𝑵(↑)
𝑹𝑪 = 𝑅𝐶𝐿 + 𝑅𝐶𝑅 = 74.26 + 104.39 = 𝟏𝟕𝟖. 𝟔𝟓𝒌𝑵(↑)
Step-5: Draw shear and bending moment diagrams

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Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

Example-3 (Continuous beam with supports settlement)

Determine the reactions for the continuous beam shown in Figure below due to the uniformly
distributed load and due to the support settlements of 𝟏𝟎𝒎𝒎 at A, 𝟓𝟎𝒎𝒎 at B, 𝟐𝟎𝒎𝒎 at C and
𝟒𝟎𝒎𝒎 at D. Use the three-moment equation. 𝐸 = 200𝐺𝑃𝑎, 𝐼 = 700 ∗ 106 𝑚𝑚4

Solution

Step-1: Select the unknown bending moment’s at all interior supports of the beam as the redundant.
𝑴𝑨
𝑴𝑩 𝑴𝑪 𝑴𝑫

Since there is a pin at A and a roller at D, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑫 = 𝟎 and the unknown redundant bending
moments at supports of the beam are 𝑴𝑩 and 𝑴𝑪 only.

Step-2: By treating each interior support successively as the intermediate support 𝒄, write a three-
moment equation (compatibility equations in terms unknown bending moments).

In this case, support B is the intermediate support for spans AB and BC and support C is the
intermediate support for spans BC and CD. A three-moment equation is as follows:

𝑴𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓 𝑴𝒓 𝑳𝒓
+ 𝟐𝑴𝒄 ( + ) +
𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝑰𝒓
𝑷𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟐 𝒌𝒍 (𝟏 − 𝒌𝒍 𝟐 ) 𝑷𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟐 𝒌𝒓 (𝟏 − 𝒌𝒓 𝟐 ) 𝒘𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟑 𝒘𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟑
= −∑ −∑ − −
𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝟒𝑰𝒍 𝟒𝑰𝒓
∆𝒍 − ∆𝒄 ∆𝒓 − ∆𝒄
− 𝟔𝑬 ( + )
𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 8

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

For span AB and span BC (Support B is intermediate)

𝒄 𝒓
𝒍

For left span (AB) For right span (BC)

𝐿𝑙 = 10𝑚 𝑤𝑙 = 30𝑘𝑁 ⁄𝑚 𝐿𝑟 = 10𝑚 𝑤𝑟 = 30𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼 ∆𝑙 = 0.01𝑚 𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼 ∆𝑟 = 0.02𝑚
𝑃𝑙 = 0 𝑃𝑟 = 0

For span BC and span CD (Support C is intermediate)

𝒄
𝒍 𝒓

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Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

For left span (BC) For right span (CD)

𝐿𝑙 = 10𝑚 𝑤𝑙 = 30𝑘𝑁 ⁄𝑚 𝐿𝑟 = 10𝑚 𝑤𝑟 = 30𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼 ∆𝑙 = 0.05𝑚 𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼 ∆𝑟 = 0.04𝑚
𝑃𝑙 = 0 𝑃𝑟 = 0

Step-3: Solve the system of three-moment equations for the unknown support bending moments.
For span AB and span BC
𝑴𝑨 ∗𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎 𝑴 ∗𝟏𝟎
𝑪 𝟑𝟎(𝟏𝟎)𝟑 𝟑𝟎(𝟏𝟎)𝟑
+ 𝟐𝑴𝑩 (7∗10−4 + 7∗10−4 ) + 7∗10 = −𝟎 − 𝟎 − 𝟒∗7∗10−4 − 𝟒∗7∗10−4 − 𝟔 ∗ 𝟐 ∗
7∗10−4 −4

𝟎.𝟎𝟏−𝟎.𝟎𝟓 𝟎.𝟎𝟐−𝟎.𝟎𝟓
𝟏𝟎𝟖 ( + )
𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎

 Since there is a pin at A, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝟎.

40𝑀𝐵 + 10𝑀𝐶 = −9120 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . .3.1
For span BC and span CD
𝑴𝑩 ∗𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎 𝑴 ∗𝟏𝟎
𝑫 𝟑𝟎(𝟏𝟎)𝟑 𝟑𝟎(𝟏𝟎)𝟑
+ 𝟐𝑴𝑪 (7∗10−4 + 7∗10−4 ) + 7∗10 −4 = −𝟎 − 𝟎 − 𝟒∗7∗10−4 − 𝟒∗7∗10−4 − 𝟔 ∗ 𝟐 ∗
7∗10−4
𝟎.𝟎𝟓−𝟎.𝟎𝟐 𝟎.𝟎𝟒−𝟎.𝟎𝟐
𝟏𝟎𝟖 ( + )
𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎

 Since there is a roller at D, 𝑴𝑫 = 𝟎.

10𝑀𝐵 + 40𝑀𝐶 = −19200 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . .3.2
 Solving equations 3.1 and 3.2 simultaneously for 𝑀𝐵 and 𝑀𝐶 , we obtain
𝑀𝐵 = −115.20𝑘𝑁𝑚 and 𝑀𝐶 = −451.20𝑘𝑁𝑚
Step-4: Determine support reactions by considering the equilibrium of the support joints of the
beam.

 The shears at the ends of the spans AB and BC of the continuous beam can now be
determined by applying the equations of equilibrium to the free bodies of the spans shown
in Figure below.

 Note that the negative bending moment 𝑀𝐵 is applied at the ends B of spans AB and BC
so that it causes tension
𝑹 in𝑹𝑩𝑹 𝑹𝑪𝑳in 𝑹
the upper fibers and compression
𝑩𝑳
the lower fibers of the beam.
𝑪𝑹

𝑹𝑨 𝑹𝑩𝑳 𝑹𝑩𝑹 𝑹𝑪𝑳 𝑹𝑪𝑹

𝑹𝑩 𝑹𝑪
Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 10
Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

 By considering the equilibrium of span AB, we obtain

↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐴 ∗ 30 ∗ 10 ∗ 5 − 115.2 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑨 = 𝟏𝟑𝟖. 𝟓𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 138.50 − 30 ∗ 10 + 𝑅𝐵𝐿 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑩𝑳 = 𝟏𝟔𝟏. 𝟓𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

 For span BC;

↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐵𝑅 ∗ 10 + 115.20 + 30 ∗ 10 ∗ 5 − 451.20 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑩𝑹 = 𝟏𝟏𝟔. 𝟒𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 116.40 − 30 ∗ 10 + 𝑅𝐶𝐿 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑪𝑳 = 𝟏𝟖𝟑. 𝟔𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

 Similarly, for span CD;

↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐷 = 0 ⇒ −𝑅𝐶𝑅 ∗ 10 + 451.20 − 30 ∗ 10 ∗ 5 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑪𝑹 = 𝟏𝟗𝟓. 𝟏𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 195.10 − 30 ∗ 10 + 𝑅𝐷 = 0

⇒ 𝑹𝑫 = 𝟏𝟎𝟒. 𝟗𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

 By considering the equilibrium of joint B in the vertical direction, we obtain

𝑅𝐵 = 𝑅𝐵𝐿 + 𝑅𝐵𝑅 = 161.50 + 116.40 = 𝟐𝟕𝟕. 𝟗𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

 By considering also the equilibrium of joint C in the vertical direction, we obtain

𝑅𝐶 = 𝑅𝐶𝐿 + 𝑅𝐶𝑅 = 183.60 + 195.10 = 𝟑𝟕𝟖. 𝟕𝟎𝒌𝑵(↑)

Step-5: Draw shear and bending moment diagrams

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 11

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

Example-4 (Frame)

Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the frame shown in
Figure below by using three moment equation method.

Solution

Step-1: Select the unknown bending moment’s at all interior supports of the frame as the
redundant.
𝑴𝑪
𝑴𝑩

𝑴𝑨

 Since there is a pin at A and a roller at C, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑪 = 𝟎 and the unknown redundant

bending moments at supports of the beam is 𝑴𝑩 only.

Step-2: By treating each interior support successively as the intermediate support 𝒄, write a three-
moment equation (compatibility equations in terms unknown bending moments).

 In this case, support B is the intermediate support 𝒄, a three-moment equation is as follows:

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 Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

𝑴𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓 𝑴𝒓 𝑳𝒓
+ 𝟐𝑴𝒄 ( + ) +
𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝑰𝒓
𝑷𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟐 𝒌𝒍 (𝟏 − 𝒌𝒍 𝟐 ) 𝑷𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟐 𝒌𝒓 (𝟏 − 𝒌𝒓 𝟐 ) 𝒘𝒍 𝑳𝒍 𝟑 𝒘𝒓 𝑳𝒓 𝟑
= −∑ −∑ − −
𝑰𝒍 𝑰𝒓 𝟒𝑰𝒍 𝟒𝑰𝒓
∆𝒍 − ∆𝒄 ∆𝒓 − ∆𝒄
− 𝟔𝑬 ( + )
𝑳𝒍 𝑳𝒓

For left span (AB)

𝒄 𝒓
𝐿𝑙 = 6𝑚 𝑤𝑙 = 0
𝐼𝑙 = 𝐼 ∆𝑙 = 0
𝑃𝑙 = 0 For right span (BC)
𝐿𝑟 = 9𝑚 𝑤𝑟 = 50𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐼𝑟 = 𝐼 ∆𝑟 = 0
𝑃𝑟 = 0
𝒍

Step-3: Solve the system of three-moment equations for the unknown support bending moments.

𝑀𝐴 ∗6 6 9 𝑀𝐶 ∗9 50(9)3
+ 2𝑀𝐵 ( 𝐼 + 𝐼 ) + = −(0 + 0) − 0 − − 6𝐸(0 + 0)
𝐼 𝐼 4∗𝐼

 Since there is a pin at A and C, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑪 = 𝟎.

30𝑀𝐵 = −9112.5 ⇒ 𝑴𝑩 = −𝟑𝟎𝟑. 𝟕𝟓𝒌𝑵𝒎

Step-4: Determine support reactions by considering the equilibrium of the support joints of the
beam.

 The shears at the ends of the spans AB and BC of the continuous beam can now be
determined by applying the equations of equilibrium to the free bodies of the spans shown
in Figure (see next slide).

 Note that the negative bending moment 𝑀𝐵 is applied at the ends B of spans AB and BC
so that it causes tension in the upper fibers and compression in the lower fibers of the beam.

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Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

𝑹𝑩𝑳

𝑯𝑩𝑳 𝑯𝑩𝑹 𝑯𝑪

𝑹𝑩𝑹 𝑹𝑪

𝑯𝑨

𝑹𝑨

↑ + ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ⇒ 191.25 − 50 ∗ 9 + 𝑅𝐵𝑅 = 0 ⇒ 𝑹𝑩𝑹 = 𝟐𝟓𝟖. 𝟕𝟓𝒌𝑵(↑) = −𝑹𝑩𝑹 = 𝑹𝑨

 Similarly, for span AB;
↺ + ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ⇒ 𝐻𝐴 ∗ 6 − 303.75 = 0 ⇒ 𝑯𝑨 = 𝟓𝟎. 𝟔𝟑𝒌𝑵(→) = −𝑯𝑩𝑳 = 𝑯𝑩𝑹 = −𝑯𝑪
Step-5: Draw shear and bending moment diagrams

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 14

Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

Exercises

Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the following
structures shown in Figure below by the method of three moment equation.

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Department of Civil Engineering Theory of Structures (CEng3203)

Hint for question C

The frame should be divided into two statically indeterminate structures by disconnect then at
intermediate hinge at node c as shown in figure. Each part is individually solved using the three
moment equation.

Analysis of indeterminate structures by Three moment equation Method Page 16