DEFLECTION ON BEAMS

(CLASSICAL METHODS)

CHAPTER 7
WHAT HAVE WE LEARN?
▪ Introduction
▪ Determinacy & stability
▪ Analysis of truss
▪ Analysis of beams & frames (AFD, SFD, BMD)
▪ Analysis of cables & arches
▪ Influence lines
▪ Deflections of beams (classical method: double integration, conjugate
beam)
▪ Deflection of beams, frames & trusses (virtual work method)
▪ Approximate method of analysis
OUTLINE

▪ Deflection diagram & elastic curve: we have been doing this all
along!
▪ Elastic beam theory
▪ Methods:
✓ Double integration
method
✓ Conjugate beam
method
BY THE WAY…

Why are the deflection &

deflected shape important ?
DEFLECTION

Deflection is caused by:

▪ Load
▪ Temperature
▪ Settlement

Deflections must be limited to:

▪ Prevent cracking
▪ Appear safe for the occupants
DEFLECTION DIAGRAM &
ELASTIC CURVE
▪ Assumption: Linear elastic material
response
▪ Structure subjected to load will return
to its original undeformed position
after load removed Elastic region

▪ What makes structure deform?

▪ Beams & frames –Bending moment
▪ Truss – Internal axial force
TERMINOLOGIES
▪ Deflection (∆ or y) : vertical distance between points before and
after deflection
▪ Slope (θ) : angle between original line of beam to the tangent of
point after deflection

ΔA
θA Elastic curve
(deformed shape)
TERMINOLOGIES

▪ Deflection (∆ or y) : vertical distance between points before and

after deflection
▪ Slope (θ) : angle between original line of beam to the tangent of
point after deflection

ΔB
θB
DEFLECTED SHAPE

Depends on support conditions

DEFLECTED SHAPE

Depends on support conditions

MOMENT DIAGRAM IS A
GOOD INDICATION
MOMENT DIAGRAM
IS A GOOD
INDICATION
DEFLECTED SHAPE
Draw the deflected shape of the beams:
METHODS TO CALCULATE
DEFLECTION
1. Geometric/ classical method (beam)
▪ Double integration method
▪ Conjugate beam method

2. Energy method (beam, frame & truss)

▪ Virtual work
ELASTIC BEAM THEORY

M M

C
M

T
 ELASTIC BEAM THEORY

To find the relation between moment and deformations

(slope & deflection)

ρ dθ
y
𝑑𝑠 = 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜌𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝑠 ′ − 𝑑𝑠 𝑦
𝜀= =− 1
𝑑𝑠 ′ = 𝜌 − 𝑦 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝑠 𝜌

For elastic material 𝜎 𝑀𝑦

𝜀= 2 Flexural formula; 𝜎=− 3
(Hooke’s law); 𝐸 𝐼

Combining 1to3; 1 𝑀 *Note: EI = flexural rigidity

=
𝜌 𝐸𝐼

Relationship between curvature (1/ρ) to y (based on shape of elastic curve);

1 𝑑 2 𝑦Τ𝑑𝑥 2 𝑀
= =
𝜌 1 + 𝑑𝑦Τ𝑑𝑥 2 3/2 𝐸𝐼

Assume small deflection theory and 𝑑𝑦Τ𝑑𝑥 ≪

𝑑2𝑦 𝑀
=
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼
DOUBLE INTEGRATION
METHOD
𝑑2𝑦 𝑀
From the elastic beam theory, = Equation of moment
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼

Integrating the equation, 𝑑2𝑦 𝑀

න 2=න
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼

𝑑𝑦 𝑀
= න 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜃 Equation of slope
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼

𝑀
𝑦 = ඵ 𝑑𝑥 Equation of deflection
Integrating further, 𝐸𝐼
BASIC PRINCIPLES

Integration process:
▪ Integrate once: yield slope (dy/dx) at any point in the beam
▪ Integrate twice: yield displacement (y) at any point in the beam
▪ Bending moment M must be expressed as a function of x before
integration
▪ Differential equation is of second order. The solution must
contain 2 constant of integration. They must be evaluated at
known deflection and slope points (based on boundary
condition)
ASSUMPTIONS AND
LIMITATIONS
▪ Deflections caused by shearing action is negligibly small
compared to bending
▪ Deflections are small compared to the cross-sectional dimensions
of the beam
▪ All portions of the beam are acting in the elastic range
▪ Beam is straight prior to the application of loads
EXAMPLE 1

Find the maximum slope and deflection of beam below:

y w

We know that: At x=0, y = 0

At x=L, y = 0

These are called ‘boundary condition’

Equate the moment in terms of ‘x’ w
M
y x x

w V
x wL/2

L 𝑤𝐿 𝑤
wL wL 𝑀= 𝑥 − 𝑥2
2 2
2 2

𝑑 2 𝑦 𝑤𝐿 𝑤 2
𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑥− 𝑥 𝑑2𝑦 𝑀
𝑑𝑥 2 2 From =
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼

𝑑𝑦 𝑤𝐿 2 𝑤 3
Integrating; 𝐸𝐼 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝐶1
𝑑𝑥 4 6

𝑤𝐿 3 𝑤 4
Integrating; 𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2
12 24
 𝑤𝐿 3 𝑤 4
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2
12 24

C1 and C2 can be obtained from BC;

𝑤𝐿 3 𝑤 4
At x=0, y=0: 0= 0 − 0 + 𝐶1 0 + 𝐶2 𝐶2 = 0
12 24

𝑤𝐿 3 𝑤 4 𝑤𝐿3
At x=L, y=0: 0= 𝐿 − 𝐿 + 𝐶1 𝐿 + 0 𝐶1 = −
12 24 24

Thus;
𝑑𝑦 𝑤𝐿 2 𝑤 3 𝑤𝐿3
𝐸𝐼 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 −
𝑑𝑥 4 6 24

𝑤𝐿 3 𝑤 4 𝑤𝐿3
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 𝑥
12 24 24
 𝑑𝑦 𝑤𝐿 2 𝑤 3 𝑤𝐿3 y
𝐸𝐼 = 𝐸𝐼𝜃 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 − w
𝑑𝑥 4 6 24
x
L

𝑤𝐿 3 𝑤 4 𝑤𝐿3
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 𝑥
12 24 24

Since the beam is symmetric;

𝐿 𝑑𝑦 Hence, maximum deflection
@𝑥 = =0
2 𝑑𝑥 occurs at x=L/2

5𝑤𝐿4
Max. Δ occurs @ x = L /2: 𝐸𝐼𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 =−
384

5𝑤𝐿4
𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 =−
384𝐸𝐼

*Find the slope at points A and B.

EXAMPLE 2

▪ Find the vertical displacement at point C

P
A B
C
2a a
 P
A B C
Vertical displacement @ c = Δc

2a a ∆c

P/2 3P/2
Since the bending moment is discontinuous along points A-B & B-C, we need to have
2 equations of moment in each sections (in terms of x).

Section A-B; (0 ≤ x1 ≤ 2a) Section B-C; (2a ≤ x2 ≤ 3a)

M1 M2
x1
x1
V 2a V

P/2 P/2

Solving using equilibrium equations;

𝑃 𝑀2 = 𝑃𝑥2 − 3𝑃𝑎
𝑀1 = − 𝑥1
2
Slope:
𝑑2𝑦
𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑀
𝑑𝑥

Section A-B; (0 ≤ x1 ≤ 2a) Section B-C; (2a ≤ x2 ≤ 3a)

𝑑 2 𝑦1 𝑃 𝑑 2 𝑦2
𝐸𝐼 2 = − 𝑥1 𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑃𝑥2 − 3𝑃𝑎
𝑑𝑥1 2 𝑑𝑥2

(Eq 2)
𝑑𝑦1 𝑃 𝑑𝑦2 𝑃 2
Integrating; 𝐸𝐼 = − 𝑥12 + 𝐶1 (Eq 1) Integrating; 𝐸𝐼 = 𝑥 − 3𝑃𝑎𝑥2 + 𝐶2
𝑑𝑥1 4 𝑑𝑥2 2 2

(Eq 3)
𝑃 𝑃 3 3
Integrating; 𝐸𝐼𝑦1 = − 𝑥13 + 𝐶1 𝑥1 + 𝐶3 Integrating; 𝐸𝐼𝑦2 = 𝑥2 − 𝑃𝑎𝑥22 (Eq 4)
12 6 2
+𝐶2 𝑥2 + 𝐶4

Boundary conditions (known values of displacement/ slope)

What does
When 𝑥1 = 0, 𝑦1 = 0
these mean ?
When 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 = 2𝑎, 𝑦1 = 𝑦2 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃1 = 𝜃2
Explanation on boundary conditions (known values of displacement/ slope)

y
𝑥1 = 0 P
A B C
𝑦1 = 0 x
(cannot move ∆c
vertically due to 2a a
pin support) P/2 3P/2

𝑥1 = 𝑥2 = 2𝑎

𝑦1 = 𝑦2 = 0 (cannot move vertically due to roller support)

𝜃1 = 𝜃2 (slopes at both sides are the same)

Solving;

𝑃 3
From Eq 3; 𝐸𝐼𝑦1 = − 𝑥 + 𝐶1 𝑥1 + 𝐶3
12 1
𝑃 3
When x1=0, y1=0 𝐸𝐼 0 = − 0 + 𝐶1 0 + 𝐶3
12

Thus; 𝐶3 = 0

𝑃 3
Also @ x1=2a, y1=0 𝐸𝐼 0 = − 2𝑎 + 𝐶1 2𝑎 + 0
12
𝑃𝑎2
Thus; 𝐶1 = −
3

Repeat this procedure using other Equations & boundary conditions to obtain C2 & C4
(please try!)

10 2
𝐶2 = 𝑃𝑎 𝐶4 = −2𝑃𝑎3
3
To find ∆c, use Eq. 4:

𝑃 3 3 10
𝐸𝐼𝑦2 = 𝑥2 − 𝑃𝑎𝑥22 + 𝑃𝑎2 𝑥2 − 2𝑃𝑎 3
6 2 3

∆c= y2 @ x2 = 3a. Solving;

𝑃𝑎3
∆𝑐 = 𝑦2 = −
𝐸𝐼
DOUBLE INTEGRATION
METHOD
▪ This method will be very difficult to apply for beams with
discontinuous moment equation along its length

P 2𝑃
For 0≤ x ≤L/3; 𝑀= 𝑥
3

𝑃 𝑃𝐿
For L/3≤ x ≤L; 𝑀=− 𝑥+
L/3 2L/3 3 3

▪ This problem will have 4 constants of integrations (similar to

Example 2)
▪ Instead, use other methods (conjugate beam)
CONJUGATE BEAM METHOD

▪ This method provides a more convenient means of computing

slopes and the deflections
▪ This method is based on analogy between the relationship among
load, shear & bending moment and the relationship among M/EI,
slope (relation) and deflection
BASIC PRINCIPLES
Examine the similarities between the equations:

𝑑𝑉 𝑑2𝑀
=𝑤 =𝑤
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑𝜃 𝑀 𝑑2𝑦 𝑀
= =
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼 𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼

Integrating;

𝑉 = න 𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝑀 = ඵ 𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑀 𝑀
𝜃=න 𝑑𝑥 𝑦=ඵ 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
BASIC PRINCIPLES

▪ Consider a beam having the same

length as the real beam referred as
‘conjugate beam’
▪ M/EI is taken as loading on conjugate
beam derived from w on the real beam
▪ The resulting V and M of a conjugate
beam be the slopes (θ) and deflections
(∆) of the real beam

𝑉 = න 𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝑀 = ඵ 𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑀 𝑀
𝜃=න 𝑑𝑥 𝑦=ඵ 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
CONJUGATE BEAM METHOD
Theorem 1: The slope at a
point in the real beam is
numerically equal to the shear
at the corresponding point in
the conjugate beam
(slope = Vconjugate beam)

Theorem 2: The displacement

of a point in the real beam is
numerically equal to the
moment at the corresponding
point in the conjugate beam
(displacement = Mconjugate beam)
CONJUGATE BEAM METHOD

Conjugate Beam Method essentially computes the slope and

deflections of the beams by computing the shear & BM in the
corresponding Conjugate Beam.

Actual Beam Conjugate Beam

 V
y M
M
Load = load Load=
EI
CONJUGATE BEAM – SUPPORTS
Make sure V & M of conjugate beam account for slope & displacement
of real beam at the supports
CONJUGATE BEAM – SUPPORTS
CONJUGATE BEAM – SUPPORTS
CONJUGATE BEAM – LOADING

▪ The conjugate beam is loaded with the M/EI diagram derived from
the load w on the real beam
▪ The loading is assumed to be distributed over the conjugate
beam.
▪ M/EI positive, arrow directed upward
▪ M/EI negative, arrow directed downward.
▪ Arrow is always away from the beam
PROCEDURES

1. Real beam: find the support reactions and draw the M/EI diagram
2. Draw the conjugate beam, by changing
i. Support reaction
ii. Load (M/EI of real beam)
3. Calculate V of conjugate beam to get θ, M to get ∆
EXAMPLE 3

Find the slope and deflection at point B.

E = 200 GPa, I = 475 (106) mm4

20 kN

A B

5m 5m
 Support reactions, M/EI diagram, conjugate beam

Real beam Conjugate beam

20 kN
100 kNm 100/EI
A B Load = M/EI diagram

5m 5m
20 kN B
A

M (kNm) Fixed end → Free

-100 Free end → Fixed

*Notice that the moment diagram is

NEGATIVE. Thus, load will be acting
downward, towards the beam

A B

∆B
Conjugate beam

100/EI

Forces must follow the

direction for +ve V and M
M’B
A 5m 5m B
V’B
1 100
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 − 5 − 𝑉′𝐵 = 0
2 𝐸𝐼

250
𝑉′𝐵 = − = 𝜃𝐵
𝐸𝐼

𝜃𝐵 = −0.00263 𝑟𝑎𝑑
Conjugate beam

100/EI

Forces must follow the

direction for +ve V and M
M’B
A 5m 5m B
V’B
1 100 2
Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0 5 5 + × 5 + 𝑀′𝐵 = 0
2 𝐸𝐼 3

2083
𝑀′𝐵 = − = ∆𝐵
𝐸𝐼

∆𝐵 = −21.9 𝑚𝑚
EXAMPLE 4

Determine the maximum deflection of the steel beam shown in

figure below. The reactions have been computed.
E = 200GPa, I = 60x106mm4

8 kN

A B

9m 3m
 Real beam Conjugate beam

8 kN 18/EI

A B
9m 3m A B

2 kN 6 kN
Pin → Pin Roller → Roller
M (kNm)

*Notice that the moment diagram is

POSTIVE. Thus, load will be acting upward,
TOWARDS the beam
18

∆max
Conjugate beam
18/EI ▪ ∆max of the real beam occurs at
point where the θ=0
9m 3m ▪ Assuming this point is within
A B 0x9m from A’;

45 𝑥 2𝑥
45/EI 63/EI − + − 𝑉′𝑥 = 0
𝐸𝐼 2 𝐸𝐼

𝑥 2 45
𝑉′𝑥 = − = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
M’x
x
A 𝑥 2 45
− =0
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
V’x
45/EI 18x/9EI=2x/EI 𝑥 = 6.71𝑚 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 9𝑚 − 𝑂𝐾!

The deflection in real beam at x=6.71m

corresponds to M’x in conjugate beam
Conjugate beam
18/EI ▪ ∆max of the real beam occurs at
point where the θ=0
▪ Assuming this point is within
A B 0x9m from A’;
9m 3m

45/EI 63/EI

45𝑥 𝑥 2𝑥 𝑥
𝑀′𝑥 + − =0
𝐸𝐼 2 𝐸𝐼 3
M’x
x 𝑥3 45𝑥
A 𝑀′𝑥 = −
3𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
V’x 201.2
45/EI 18x/9EI=2x/EI 𝐴𝑡 𝑥 = 6.71𝑚, 𝑀′𝑥 = − = ∆𝑥
𝐸𝐼

201.2
∆𝑥 = − = −16.8𝑚𝑚
𝐸𝐼
EXAMPLE 5

Find the deflection & rotation at point B.

60 kN
A
C
I=60000cm4 B I=45000cm4

6m 3m 3m
EXAMPLE 6

Find the deflection & rotation at point B.

E = 200GPa, I = 18(106)mm4

40 kN
50 kNm
A B C

4m 4m 5m
EXAMPLE 7

Determine the deflection at point C. E = 200GPa.

40 kN
30 kN 30 kN
I=270(106)mm4 I=270(106)mm4
A .C B
I=540(106)mm4
4m 2m 2m 4m
QUESTIONS?