Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

Chapter 5: Influence lines_Determinate structures

5.1 Introduction
➢ In the previous chapters, we considered the analysis of structures subjected to loads whose
positions were fixed on the structures.
➢ An example of such stationary loading is the dead load due to the weight of the structure itself
and of other material and equipment permanently attached to the structure.
➢ However, structures generally are also subjected to loads (such as live loads and environmental
loads) whose positions may vary on the structure.
➢ In this chapter, we study the analysis of statically determinate structures subjected to variable
loads.
➢ Consider, as an example, the bridge truss shown in Figure 1. As a car moves across the bridge,
the forces in the members of the truss will vary with the position x of the car.

Figure 1

➢ It should be realized that the forces in different truss members will become maximum at
different positions of the car.
➢ For example, if the force in member AB becomes maximum when the car is at a certain position
𝑥 = 𝑥1 . Member CH may become maximum when the car is at a different position 𝑥 = 𝑥2 .
➢ The design of each member of the truss must be based on the maximum force that develops in
that member as the car moves across the bridge.
➢ Therefore, the analysis of the truss would involve, for each member, determining the position
of the car at which the force in the member becomes maximum and then computing the value
of the maximum member force.
➢ From the foregoing discussion, we can see that the analysis of structures for variable loads
consists of two steps:

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

1) Determining the position (s) of the load (s) at which the response function of
interest (e.g. a reaction, shear or bending moment at a section of a beam, or
force in a truss member) becomes maximum; and
2) Computing the maximum value of the response function.
➢ An influence line is a graph of a response function of a structure as a function of the position
of a downward unit load moving across the structure.

5.2 Influence lines for beams and frames by equilibrium methods

➢ Consider the simply supported beam shown in Figure 2. The beam is subjected to a downward
concentrated load of unit magnitude, which moves from the left end A of the beam to the right
end C.
➢ The position of the unit load is defined by the coordinate x measured from the left end A of the
beam, as shown in the Figure 2.
➢ Suppose that we want to draw the influence lines for the vertical reactions at supports A and C
and the shear and bending moment at point B, which is located at a distance a from the left end
of the beam, as shown in the figure.
a) Influence lines for reactions
➢ To develop the influence line for the vertical reaction Ray of the beam, we determine the
expression for Ray in terms of the variable position of the unit load, x, by applying the
equilibrium equation.

Figure 2

1. ∑ 𝑀𝑐 +↺= 0: − 𝑅𝐴𝑌 . 𝐿 + 𝑃(𝐿 − 𝑥) = 0

𝑅𝐴𝑌 = 1 − 𝑥⁄𝐿 (1)
➢ Equation 1 indicates that Ray is a linear function of x, with 𝑅𝐴𝑌 =1 at x=0 and 𝑅𝐴𝑌 =0 at x=L.
It is plotted by putting Ray as ordinate against the position of the unit load, x, as abscissa.

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

➢ The influence line shows graphically how the movement of a unit load across the length of the
beam influences the magnitude of the reaction 𝑅𝐴𝑌 .
➢ The ordinate of the influence line at any position x is equal to the magnitude of 𝑅𝐴𝑌 , due to a
unit load acting at the position x on the beam.

Figure 3

2. ∑ 𝑀𝐴 +↻= 0: 1. 𝑥 − 𝑅𝐶𝑌 . 𝐿 = 0
𝑅𝐶𝑌 = 𝑥⁄𝐿 (2)

Figure 4

𝑥 𝑥
3. ∑ 𝐹𝑌 ↑= 0: 1 − 𝐿 + 𝐿 − 1 = 0

𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑢𝑚.

b) Influence lines for shear at B

➢ To develop the influence line for the shear at point B of the beam, we determine the expression
for 𝑉𝐵 .
➢ To obtain the shear at B when the load varies between 0 and a (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎), use the free body
diagram of the portion BC of the beam.

∑ 𝐹𝑌 ↑= 0: 𝑉𝐵 + 𝑅𝐶𝑌 = 0
𝑥
𝑉𝐵 = −
𝐿
At point B, x=a
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 Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

𝑎
For x=a, 𝑉𝐵 = − 𝐿
0
For x=0, 𝑉𝐵 = − 𝐿 = 0

Figure 5

➢ To obtain the shear at B when the load varies between a and L (𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝐿), use the free body
diagram of the portion AB of the beam.

∑ 𝐹𝑌 ↑= 0: 𝑅𝐴𝑌 − 𝑉𝐵 = 0
𝑥
𝑉𝐵 = 𝑅𝐴𝑌 = 1 −
𝐿
𝑎
For x=a, 𝑉𝐵 = 1 − 𝐿
𝐿
For x=L, 𝑉𝐵 = 1 − 𝐿 = 0

Figure 6

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

c) Influence line for bending moment at B

➢ When the unit load is located to the left of the point B, the expression for the bending moment
at B can be conveniently obtained by using the free body of the portion BC of the beam to the
right of B.
0≤𝑥≤𝑎
𝑥
𝑀𝐵 = 𝑅𝐶𝑌 . (𝐿 − 𝑎) = (𝐿 − 𝑎)
𝐿
For x=0, 𝑀𝐵 = 0
𝑎 𝑎2
For x=a, 𝑀𝐵 = 𝐿 (𝐿 − 𝑎) = 𝑎 − 𝐿

➢ When the unit load is located to the right of B, we use the free body diagram of the portion AB
to the left of B to determine 𝑀𝐵 .

𝑎≤𝑥≤𝐿

𝑥
𝑀𝐵 = 𝑅𝐴𝑌 . 𝑎 = (1 − )𝑎
𝐿
𝑎 𝑎2
For x=a, 𝑀𝐵 = (1 − 𝐿 ) 𝑎 = 𝑎 − 𝐿
𝐿
For x=L, 𝑀𝐵 = (1 − 𝐿) 𝑎 = 0

Figure 7

➢ Although the influence line for MB resembles, in shape, the bending moment diagram of the
beam for a concentrated load applied at point B, the influence line for bending moment has an
entirely different meaning than the bending moment diagram. It is essential that we understand
the difference between the two.

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

➢ A bending moment diagram shows how the bending moment varies at all sections along the
length of a member for a loading condition whose position is fixed on the member.
➢ Whereas an influence line for bending moment shows how the bending moment varies at one
particular section as a unit load moves across the length of the member.
➢ The influence lines for the reactions, shear and bending moment of the simply supported beam
consists of straight-line segments. However, influence lines for deflections of statically
determinate structures are composed of curved lines.
5.3 Procedure for analysis
The procedure for constructing influence lines for the reactions, shear and bending moments of
beams and frames by using the equilibrium method can be summarized as follows:
1) Select an origin from which the position of a moving downward concentrated unit load will
be measured. It is usually convenient to assume that the unit load moves from the left end
of the structure to the right end, with its position defined by a coordinate x measured from
the left of the structure.
2) To construct an influence line for a support:
• Place the unit load at a distance x from the left end of the structure and determine
the expression for the reaction in terms of x by applying an equation of equilibrium
or condition. If the structure is composed of two or more rigid parts connected
together by internal hinges and/or rollers, the expression for the reaction may
change as the unit load moves from one rigid part to the next by crossing an internal
hinge or roller. Therefore, for such structures, when applying the equations of
equilibrium, the unit load must be placed successively on each rigid part of the
structure in the path of the unit load, and an expression for the reaction must be
determined for each position of the load.
• Once the expression (s) for the reaction for all the positions of the unit load has
been determined, construct the influence line by plotting the expression (s) with the
magnitude of the reaction as ordinate against the position x of the unit load as
abscissa. A positive ordinate of the influence line indicates that the unit load applied
at that point causes the reaction to act in the positive direction.
• Repeat step 2 for other reactions.

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

3) It is generally convenient to construct the influence lines for shears and bending moments
by using the influence lines for support reactions. Thus, before proceeding with the
construction of an influence line for shear or bending moment at a point on the structure,
make sure that the influence lines for all the reactions, on either the left or right side of the
point under consideration, are available. An influence line for the shear at a point on the
structure can be constructed as follows:
• Place the unit load on the structure at a variable position x to the left of the point
under consideration and determine the expression for the shear (or bending
moment). If the influence lines for all the reactions are known, then it is usually
convenient to use the portion of the structure to the right of the point for
determining the expression for shear (or bending moment), which will contain
terms involving only reactions. The shear (or bending moment) is considered to be
positive or negative in accordance with the beam sign conventions.
• Place the unit load to the right of the point under consideration and determine the
expression for the shear (or bending moment). If the influence lines for all the
reactions are known, then it is usually convenient to use the portion of the structure
to the left of the point for determining the desired expression, which will contain
terms involving only reactions.
• If the expressions for the shear (or bending moment) contain terms involving only
reactions, then it is generally simpler to construct the influence line for shear (or
bending moment) by combining the segments of the reactions influence lines in
accordance with these expressions. Otherwise substitute the expressions for the
reactions into the expressions for the shear (or bending moment) and plot the
resulting expressions which now be in terms only of x, to obtain the influence line.
• Repeat step 3 until all the desired influence lines for shears and bending moments
have been determined.

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

➢ Example 2: Draw the influence lines for the vertical reactions at the supports A and C, and the
shear and bending moment at point B of the simply supported beam shown in the diagram.

Figure 8

➢ Example 3: Draw the influence lines for the vertical reaction and reaction moment at A and
shear and bending moment at point b of the cantilever beam shown.

Figure 9

➢ Example 4: Draw the influence lines for the vertical reactions at supports A, C and E, the shear
just to the right of support C and the bending moment at point b of the beam shown below.

Figure 10

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

5.4 M𝐮̈ ller-Breslau’sprinciple and qualitative influence lines

• The procedure which is commonly known as M𝑢̈ ller-Breslau’s principle can be stated as
follows:
The influence line for a force (or moment) response function is given by the deflected shape of
the released structure obtained by removing the restraint corresponding to the response
function from the original structure and by giving the released structure a unit displacement
(or rotation) at the location and in the direction of the response function, so that only the
response function and the unit load perform external work.
• This principle is valid only for the influence lines for response functions involving forces and
moments (e.g. reactions, shear, bending moment, or forces in truss member) and it does not
apply to influence lines for deflections.
5.4.1 Procedure for analysis
The following alternative procedure, which is based on a combination of M𝑢̈ ller-Breslau’s
principle and the equilibrium method may considerably ease the construction of such influence
lines:
1) Draw the general shape of the influence line by applying M𝑢̈ ller-Breslau’s principle:
• From the given structure remove the restraint corresponding to the response function
whose influence line is desired, to obtain the released structure (unstable structure).
• Apply a small displacement (or rotation) to the released structure at the location and in
the positive direction of the response function.
• Draw a deflected shape of the released shape of the released structure that is consistent
with the support and continuity conditions of the released structure to obtain the general
shape of the influence line. If only a qualitative influence line is desired, then end the
analysis at this stage. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
2) Determine the numerical values of the influence-line ordinates
By using the equilibrium method and the geometry of the influence line.
• Place a unit load on the given (not released) structure at the location of the response
function and determine the numerical value of the influence-line ordinate at that
location by applying the equation (s) of equilibrium and/or condition. If the response
function of interest is a shear, then the unit load must be placed successively at two
locations, just to the left and just to the right of the point where the shear is desired and

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

values of the influence-line ordinates at these locations must be computed. If the

influence-line ordinate at the location of the response function is zero, then place the
unit load at the location of the maximum or minimum ordinate and determine the
numerical value of that ordinate by equilibrium consideration.
• By using the geometry of the influence line determine the numerical values of all the
remaining ordinates where the changes in slope occur in the influence line. An
advantage of this procedure is that it enables us to construct the influence line for any
force or moment response function of interest directly, without having to determine
beforehand the influence lines for other functions, which may or may not be needed.
5.4.2 Qualitative influence lines
• In many practical applications, it is necessary to determine only the general shape of
the influence lines but not the numerical values of the ordinates.
• A diagram showing the general shape of an influence line without the numerical values
of its ordinates is called a qualitative influence line.
• In contrast, an influence line with the numerical values of its ordinates known is
referred to as a quantitative influence line.
• Although M𝑢̈ ller-Breslau’s principle can be used to determine the quantitative
influence lines as discussed previously, it is more commonly used to construct
qualitative influence lines. The numerical values of the influence-line ordinates, if
desired are then computed by using the equilibrium method.
5.4.3 Example
A simply supported beam is subjected to a moving load, as shown in the diagram. Draw the
influence lines for the reactions at A and C, and the shear and bending moment at point B.

: Original structure

Figure 11

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

• Influence line for RA

Figure 12

• We remove the restraint corresponding to 𝑅𝐴 by replacing the pin by a roller support.

• A is now free to displace in the Y direction.
• The reaction 𝑅𝐴 still acts at A so that the beam stays in equilibrium in the Y and X direction.
• We now have the released beam which is given a displacement ∆= 1 in the positive direction
of 𝑅𝐴 , causing its displacement.
• The virtual displacement applied is consistent with the support conditions of the released
beam. That is, points A and C cannot move in the horizontal and vertical directions,
respectively.
• Since the original beam is statically determinate, removal of one restraint from it, reduces it
to a statically unstable beam. Thus, the released beam remains straight during the vertical
displacement.
• From principal of virtual displacements for rigid bodies: The virtual work done by the real
external forces acting through the virtual external displacements must be zero; that is
𝑊 = 𝑅𝐴 . 1 − 1. 𝑦 = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑦
• y is the displacement of the point of application of the unit load.
• Equation indicates that the displacement y of the beam at any position x (of the unit load) is
equal to the magnitude of 𝑅𝐴 due to a unit load acting on that position x on the beam.
• Now we consider triangles A’AC and D’DC to find the expression of y:

1 𝑦
=
𝐿 𝐿−𝑥
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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

1 𝑥
𝑦 − (𝐿 − 𝑥) =1−
𝐿 𝐿
𝑥
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑦 = 1 −
𝐿

• Influence line for 𝑅𝐶 :

Figure 13

• Considering triangles AD’D and AC’C:

1 𝑦
=
𝐿 𝑥
𝑥
𝑦=
𝐿
𝑥
𝑅𝐶 =
𝐿

• Influence line for 𝑉𝐵 .

• To construct the influence line for 𝑉𝐵 , we remove the restraint corresponding to 𝑉𝐵 by cutting
the beam at B. The released beams AB and BC are now free to displace vertically relative to
each other.
• To keep the released beam in equilibrium, we apply at B the Beam sign conventions for the
shear and bending moment.
• Then at B the released beam is given a virtual unit relative displacement, ∆= 1, in the positive
direction of 𝑉𝐵 by removing the end B of portion AB downwards by ∆1 and the end B of portion
BC upwards by ∆2 , so that ∆1 + ∆2 = ∆= 1.

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

• The values of ∆1 and ∆2 depend on the requirement that the rotations, of the two portions AB
and BC be the same (AB’ and B’’C in the released or displaced position must be parallel to
each other), so that the net work done by the two moments 𝑀𝐵 is zero and only the shear
forces 𝑉𝐵 and the unit load perform work.

Figure 14

𝑊 = 𝑉𝐵 × ∆1 + 𝑉𝐵 × ∆2 + 𝑀𝐵 𝜃 − 𝑀𝐵 𝜃 − 1. 𝑦 = 0
𝑉𝐵 × (∆1 + ∆2 ) − 𝑦 = 0
𝑉𝐵 × ∆ − 𝑦 = 0 (with ∆= 1)
𝑉𝐵 = 𝑦
• Determine ∆1 and ∆2 from the geometry of the deflected shape.
∆1 ∆2 𝑎
= or ∆1 = (𝐿−𝑎) ∆2
𝑎 𝐿−𝑎
We also know that
∆1 + ∆2 = ∆= 1
Therefore,
∆1 = 1 − ∆2
Solving for ∆2
𝑎
( ) ∆ = 1 − ∆2
𝐿−𝑎 2
𝑎
∆2 = 1 −
𝐿
Solving for ∆1
𝑎 𝑎
∆1 = 1 − ∆2 = 1 − (1 − ) =
𝐿 𝐿
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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

Figure 15

• Influence line for bending moment at B, 𝑀𝐵 :

• We remove the restraint at B by inserting a hinge at B.
• The portion AB and BC of the released beam are now free to rotate relative to each other. To
keep the released beam in equilibrium we apply the moment 𝑀𝐵 at B (according to the beam
sign convention).
• A virtual unit rotation, 𝜃=1, is introduced at B by rotating portion AB by, counterclockwise
and portion BC by clockwise, so that 𝜃=1.
• Next apply the principle of virtual displacement.

𝑊 = 𝑀𝐵 𝜃1 + 𝑀𝐵 𝜃2 − 1. 𝑦 = 0
𝑀𝐵 × (𝜃1 + 𝜃2 ) − 𝑦 = 0
𝑀𝐵 × 𝜃 − 𝑦 = 0 (with 𝜃 = 𝜃1 + 𝜃2 = 1)

We will use the tan formula. However, since 𝜃 is very small, tan 𝜃 = 𝜃

∆
𝜃1 = , ∆= 𝑎𝜃1
𝑎

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 Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

∆
and 𝜃2 = , ∆= (𝐿 − 𝑎)𝜃2
𝐿−𝑎

Equating these equations, we result in:

𝑎𝜃1 = (𝐿 − 𝑎)𝜃2

𝐿−𝑎
𝜃1 = ( )𝜃2
𝑎

We also know that

𝜃1 + 𝜃2 = 1

𝜃1 = 1 − 𝜃2

Solving for 𝜃2

𝐿−𝑎
( ) 𝜃2 = 1 − 𝜃2
𝑎
𝑎
𝜃2 =
𝐿

Therefore,

𝑎
𝜃1 = 1 − 𝜃2 = 1 −
𝐿

• Determine from the geometry of the deflected shape of the beam.

Calculating ∆

𝑎 𝑎2
∆= 𝑎𝜃1 = 𝑎 (1 − ) = 𝑎 −
𝐿 𝐿

Or

𝑎 𝑎2
∆= (𝐿 − 𝑎)𝜃2 = (𝐿 − 𝑎) =𝑎−
𝐿 𝐿

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Structural Analysis ECSAN3A Lecturer: Ms J Mukalay

References

Structural Analysis, A Kassimali

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