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1.11: Slope-Deflection Method of Analysis of Indeterminate Structures

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    Chapter 11

    Slope-Deflection Method of Analysis of Indeterminate Structures

    11.1 Introduction

    In 1915, George A. Maney introduced the slope-deflection method as one of the classical methods of analysis of indeterminate beams and frames. The method accounts for flexural deformations, but ignores axial and shear deformations. Thus, the unknowns in the slope-deflection method of analysis are the rotations and the relative joint displacements. For the determination of the end moments of members at the joint, this method requires the solution of simultaneous equations consisting of rotations, joint displacements, stiffness, and lengths of members.

    11.2 Sign Conventions

    An end moment M is considered positive if it tends to rotate the member clockwise and negative if it tends to rotate the member counter-clockwise. The rotation θ of a joint is positive if its tangent turns in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the chord connecting the ends of a member (inl56a.jpg), the displacement of one end of a member relative to the other, is positive if the member turns in a clockwise direction.

    11.3 Derivation of Slope-Deflection Equations

    To derive the slope-deflection equations, consider a beam of length L and of constant flexural rigidity EI loaded as shown in Figure 11.1a. The member experiences the end moments MAB and MBA at A and B, respectively, and undergoes the deformed shape shown in Figure 11.1b, with the assumption that the right end B of the member settles by an amount ∆. The end moments are the summation of the moments caused by the rotations of the joints at the ends A and B (θA and θB) of the beam, the chord rotation inl56.jpg and the fixity at both ends referred to as fixed end moments inl57.jpg

    The rotations at the joints of the beam can be expressed mathematically as follows:

    eq11-1.jpg

    eq11-2.jpg

    where

    βA, βB = end rotations caused by moments MAB and MBA, respectively.

    ψ = chord rotation caused by settlement of end B.

    fig11-1.jpg
    Fig. 11.1. Beam.
    fig11-2.jpg
    Fig. 11.2. End moments due to rotations βA and βB.

    According to the moment-area theorem, the change in slope for a particular beam equals the end shear force of the beam when it is loaded with the in157a.jpg diagram. Thus, for the beam under consideration, the rotations βA and βB, shown in Figure 11.2, are obtained as follows:

    eq11-3.jpg

    Similarly, taking the moment about end A to determine βB suggests the following:

    eq11-4.jpg

    Solving equations 11.3 and 11.4 suggests the following:

    eq11-5.jpg

    eq11-6.jpg

    fig11-3.jpg
    Fig. 11.3. End moments due to end rotations (βA and βB) and chord rotation (ψ).

    Solving equations 11.1 and 11.2 for βA and βB and substituting them into equations 11.5 and 11.6 suggests the following:

    eq11-7.jpg

    eq11-8.jpg

    Putting inl58.jpg into equations 10.10 and 10.11 suggests the following:

    eq11-9.jpg

    eq11-10.jpg

    fig11-4.jpg
    Fig. 11.4. End moment due to end rotations (βA and βB), chord rotation (ψ), and fixed-end moments (inl59.jpg and inl60.jpg).

    The final end moments can then be computed as the summation of the moments caused by slopes, deflections, and fixed-end moments, as follows:

    eq11-11.jpg

    where

    inl61.jpg stiffness factor.

    11.4 Modification for Pin-Supported End Span

    The analysis of beams or frames supported by a pin or roller at the far end of the span is simplified by using the modified slope-deflection equation derived below. Using the modified equation reduces the amount of computational work, as the equation is applied only once to the span with a pin or roller at the far end.

    fig11-5.jpg
    Fig. 11.5. Propped cantilever beam.

    Consider the propped cantilever beam shown in Figure 11.5. The slope-deflection equations for the end moments are as follows:

    eq11-12.jpg

    eq11-13.jpg

    Solving equation 11.13 for θB and substituting it into equation 11.12 suggests the following:

    eq11-14.jpg

    Equation 11.14 is the modified slope-deflection equation when the far end is supported by a pin or roller.

    11.5 Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

    The procedure for the analysis of indeterminate beams by the slope-deflection method is summarized below.

    Procedure for Analysis of Indeterminate Beams and Non-Sway Frames by the Slope-Deflection Method

    Determine the fixed-end moments for the members of the beam.

    Determine the rotations of the chord if there is any support settlement.

    Write the slope-deflection equation for the members’ end moments in terms of unknown rotations.

    Write the equilibrium equations at each joint that is free to rotate in terms of the end moments of members connected at that joint.

    Solve the system of equations obtained simultaneously to determine the unknown joint rotations.

    Substitute the computed joint rotations into the equations obtained in step 3 to determine the members’ end moments.

    Draw a free-body diagram of the indeterminate beams indicating the end moments at the joint.

    Draw the shearing force diagrams of the beam by considering the freebody diagram of each span of the beam in the case of a multi-span structure.

    11.6 Analysis of Indeterminate Frames

    Indeterminate frames are categorized as frames with or without side-sway. A frame with side-sway is one that permits a lateral moment or a swaying to one side due to the asymmetrical nature of its structure or loading. The analysis of frames without side-sway is similar to the analysis of beams considered in the preceding section, while the analysis of frames with side-sway requires taking into consideration the effect of the lateral movement of the structure.

    11.6.1 Analysis of Frames with Side-Sway

    Consider the frame shown in Figure 11.6 for an illustration of the effect of side-sway on a frame. Due to the asymmetrical application of the loads, there will be a lateral displacement ∆ to the right at B and C, which subsequently will cause chord rotations inl62.jpg and inl63.jpg in columns AB and DC, respectively. These rotations must be considered when writing the slope-deflection equations for the columns, as will be demonstrated in the solved examples.

    fig11-6.jpg
    Fig. 11.6. Frame.

    Example 11.1

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the end moments and the reactions at the supports of the beam shown in Figure 11.7a and draw the shearing force and the bending moment diagrams. EI = constant.

    fig11-7.jpg
    Fig. 11.7. Beam.

    Solution

    Fixed-end moments.

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0324-01.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations. As θA = θC = 0 due to fixity at both ends and ψAB = ψBC = 0 as no settlement occurs, equations for member end moments are expressed as follows:

    f0324-02.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    Equilibrium equation at joint B is as follows:

    f0324-03.jpg

    Final end moments.

    Substituting inl64.jpg into equations 1, 2, 3, and 4 suggests the following:

    f0325-01.jpg

    Shearing force and bending moment diagrams.

    f0325-02.jpg

    Shear force and bending moment for segment AB.

    First compute the reaction at support A, as follows:

    + ∑ MB = 0: –4Ay + 96.67 + (65)(4)(2) – 66.67 = 0

    Ay = 137.5 kN

    Calculate the shear force, as follows:

    V = 137.5 – 65x

    When x = 0, V = 137.5 kN

    When x = 4 m, V = –122.5 kN

    Find the moment, as follows:

    inl65.jpg

    When x = 0, M = –96.67 kN. m

    When x = 4 m, M = –66.67 kN. m

    Shear force and bending moment for segment AB.

    First determine the reaction at B, as follows:

    + ∑ MC = 0: –4By + 66.67 + (35)(4)(2) – 36.67 = 0

    By = 77.5 kN

    Calculate the shear force, as follows:

    V = 77.5 – 35x

    When x = 0, V = 77.5 kN.

    When x = 4 m, V = –62.5 kN.

    Find the moment, as follows:

    f0326-01.jpg

    When x = 0, M = –66.67 kN. m

    When x = 4 m, M = –36.67 kN. m

    Shear force and bending moment diagrams.

    f0326-02.jpg

    Example 11.2

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the end moments and the reactions at the supports of the beam shown in Figure 11.8a, and draw the shearing force and the bending moment diagrams. EI = constant.

    fig11-8.jpg
    Fig. 11.8. Beam.

    Solution

    Relative stiffness.

    f0327-01.jpg

    Fixed-end moments.

    f0327-02.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    Noting that MCB = Ψ = 0, equations for member end moments can be expressed as follows:

    f0328-01.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    The equilibrium equation at joint B is as follows:

    f0328-02.jpg

    Final end moments.

    Substituting the computed value of θB into equations 1, 2, and 3 suggests the following:

    f0328-03.jpg

    Shear force and bending moment diagrams.

    f0328-04.jpg

    Shear force and bending moment for segment AB.

    f0329-01.jpg

    When x = 0, V = –8.54 kips

    When x = 12 ft, V = 15.46 kips

    f0329-02.jpg

    When x = 0, M = –29.9 k. ft

    When x = 12ft, M = –23.4 k. ft

    Shear force and bending moment for segment BC.

    f0329-03.jpg

    By + 9.5 – 24 = 0

    By = 14.5 kips

    0 < x < 6 ft

    V = 14.5 kips

    M = 14.5x – 29.9

    When x = 0, M = –29.9 k. ft

    When x = 6 ft, M = 57.10 k. ft

    f0330-01.jpg

    Example 11.3

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the end moments of the beam shown in Figure 11.9a. Assume support B settles 1.5 in, and draw the shear force and the bending moment diagrams. The modulus of elasticity and the moment of inertia of the beam are 29,000 ksi and 8000 in4, respectively.

    fig11-9.jpg
    Fig. 11.9. Beam.

    Solution

    Fixed-end moments.

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0330-02.jpg

    f0331-01.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    At θA = θD = ψ = 0, the equations for member end moments are expressed as follows:

    f0331-02.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    The equilibrium equation at joint B is as follows:

    f0331-03.jpg

    f0332-01.jpg

    Solving equations 7 and 8 simultaneously suggests the following:

    f0332-02.jpg

    Final end moments.

    Substituting the obtained values of θB and θC into the slope-deflection equations suggests the following end moments:

    f0332-03.jpg

    Example 11.4

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the member end moments of the beam of the rectangular cross section shown in Figure 11.10a. Assume that support B settles 2 cm. The modulus of elasticity and the moment of inertia of the beam are E = 210,000 N/mm2 and 4.8 × 104 mm,4 respectively.

    fig11-10.jpg
    Fig. 11.10. Rectangular cross section of beam.

    Solution

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0333-01.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    As θC = 0, equations for member end moments are expressed as follows:

    f0333-02.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    The equilibrium equation at joint B is written as follows:

    f0333-03.jpg

    f0334-01.jpg

    Solving equation 4 for θB suggests the following:

    f0334-02.jpg

    Final end moments.

    Substituting the obtained value of θB into equations 1, 2, and 3 suggests the following end moments:

    f0334-03.jpg

    Example 11.5

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the member end moments and the reactions at the supports of the frame shown in Figure 11.11a. EI = constant.

    fig11-11.jpg

    fig11-11a.jpg
    Fig. 11.11. Frame.

    Solution

    Fixed-end moments.

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0335-01.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    As θA = θC = 0 due to fixity at both ends and ψAB = ψBC = 0 since no settlement occurs, equations for the member end moments are expressed as follows:

    f0335-02.jpg

    f0336-01.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    The equilibrium equation at joint B is as follows:

    f0336-02.jpg

    Final end moments.

    Substituting EKθB = –0.209 into equations 1, 2, 3, and 4 suggests the following:

    f0336-03.jpg

    Reactions at supports.

    f0336-04.jpg

    f0337-01.jpg
    Figure 11.11c, as follows:

    + MB = 0: 17.09 + (2)(10)(5) – 15.83 – 10Ax = 0

    Ax = 10.13 k

    To determine Ay, take the moment about C in Figure 11.11b, as follows:

    + MC = 0; 17.09 – 10.13 × 10 + (2)(10)(5) + 20 × 3 – 14.58 – 6Ay = 0

    Ay = 10.20 k

    To determine Cy in Figure 11.11b, consider the summation of forces in the vertical direction, as follows:

    f0337-02.jpg
    Figure 11.11b, consider the summation of forces in the horizontal direction, as follows:

    f0338-01.jpg

    Example 11.6

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the member end moments of the frame shown in Figure 11.12a.

    fig11-12.jpg
    Fig. 11.12. Frame.

    Solution

    Fixed-end moments.

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0338-02.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    As θA = θC = 0 due to fixity at both ends and ψAB = ψBC = 0 since no settlement occurs, the equations for member end moments can be expressed as follows:

    f0339-01.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    The equilibrium equation at joint B is as follows:

    f0339-02.jpg

    Final end moments.

    Substituting EKθB = –4.97 into equations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 suggests the following:

    f0339-03.jpg

    MBD = 0.12 kN. m

    Example 11.7

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the member end moments of the frame shown in Figure 11.13a.

    fig11-13.jpg
    Fig. 11.13. Frame.

    Solution

    Fixed-end moments.

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0340-01.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    As inl66.jpg the equations for member end moments can be expressed as follows:

    f0340-02.jpg

    f0341-01.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    f0341-02.jpg
    Figure 11.13b suggests the following:
    f0341-03.jpg
    Figure 11.13c suggests the following:

    f0341-04.jpg

    Substituting Ax from equation 6 into equation 5 suggests the following:

    f0342-01.jpg

    Substituting MAB and MBA from equations 1 and 2 into equation 7 suggests the following:

    f0342-02.jpg

    Solving equations 4 and 8 simultaneously suggests the following:

    EKθB = –53.33 and EK∆ = 426.66

    Final member end moments.

    Putting the obtained values of EKθB and EK∆ into equations 1, 2, and 3 for member end moments suggests the following:

    f0342-03.jpg

    Example 11.8

    Using the slope-deflection method, determine the member end moments of the beam of the rectangular cross section shown in Figure 11.14a.

    fig11-14.jpg
    Fig. 11.14. Beam.

    Solution

    Fixed-end moments.

    The Fixed-end moments (FEM) using Table 11.1 are computed as follows:

    f0343-01.jpg

    Slope-deflection equations.

    As inl67.jpg equations for member end moments can be expressed as follows:

    f0343-02.jpg

    Joint equilibrium equation.

    f0344-01.jpg

    f0344-02.jpg

    Substituting the expressions of MAB, MBA, MCD and MDC from equations 1, 2, 5, and 6 into e suggests the following:

    f0344-03.jpg

    Solving equations 7, 8, and 11 simultaneously suggests the following:

    EKθB = –7.62

    EKθC = –7.62

    EK∆= 83.81

    Final member end moments.

    Substituting the obtain values of EKθB, EKθC and EK∆ into member end moment equations suggests the following:

    f0345-01.jpg

    Table 11.1. Fixed-end moments.

    tab11-1.jpg

    tab11-1a.jpg

    Chapter Summary

    Slope-deflection method of analysis of indeterminate structures: The unknowns in the slope-deflection method of analysis are the rotations and the relative displacements. Slope-deflection equations for member-end moments and the equilibrium equation at each joint that is free to rotate are written in terms of the rotations and relative displacements, and they are solved simultaneously to determine the unknowns. When the unknown rotations and the relative displacements are determined, they are put back in member end moment equations to determine the magnitude of the moments. After determination of the end moments, the structure becomes determinate. The detailed procedures for analysis by slope-deflection method for beams and frames are presented in sections 11.5 and 11.6. In situations where there are several unknowns, analysis using this method can be very cumbersome, hence the availability of software that can perform the analysis.

    Slope-deflection equations for mnd Moments:

    f0346-01.jpg

    Modified slope-deflection equation when far end is supported by a roller or pin:

    f0346-02.jpg

    Practice Problems

    11.1 Using the slope-deflection method, compute the end moment of members of the beams shown in Figure P11.1 through Figure P11.5 and draw the bending moment and shear force diagrams. EI = constant.

    figp11-1.jpg
    Fig. P11.1. Beam.
    figp11-2.jpg
    Fig. P11.2. Beam.
    figp11-3.jpg
    Fig. P11.3. Beam.
    figp11-4.jpg
    Fig. P11.4. Beam.
    figp11-5.jpg
    Fig. P11.5. Beam.

    11.2 Using the slope-deflection method, compute the end moments of members of the beams shown in Figure P11.6. Assume support E settles by 50 mm. E = 200 GPa and I = 600 × 106mm4.

    figp11-6.jpg
    Fig. P11.6. Beam.

    11.3 Using the slope-deflection method, determine the end moments of the members of the non-sway frames shown in Figure P11.7 through Figure P11.10. Draw the bending moment and the shear force diagrams.

    figp11-7.jpg
    Fig. P11.7. Non-sway frame.
    figp11-8.jpg
    Fig. P11.8. Non – sway frame.
    figp11-9.jpg
    Fig. P11.9. Non – sway frame.
    figp11-10.jpg
    Fig. P11.10. Non – sway frame.

    11.4 Using the slope-deflection method, determine the end moments of the members of the sway frames shown in Figure P11.11 through Figure P11.14. Draw the bending moment and the shear force diagrams.

    figp11-11.jpg
    Fig. P11.11. Sway frame.
    figp11-12.jpg
    Fig. P11.12. Sway frame.
    figp11-13.jpg
    Fig. P11.13. Sway frame.
    figp11-14.jpg
    Fig. P11.14. Sway frame.

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