To eliminate the difficulties

Approximate Analysis of associated with exact analysis,

Statically Indeterminate preliminary designs of indeter-
minate structures are often based
Structures on the results of approximate
analysis.
Every successful structure must
be capable of reaching stable Approximate analysis is based
equilibrium under its applied on introducing deformation
loads, regardless of structural and/or force distribution
behavior. Exact analysis of assumptions into a statically
indeterminate structures involves indeterminate structure, equal
computation of deflections and in number to degree of indeter-
solution of simultaneous minacy, which maintains stable
equations. Thus, computer equilibrium of the structure.
programs are typically used.
1 2

No assumptions inconsistent
with stable equilibrium are
admissible in any approximate (3) check on exact analysis
analysis. results;
(4) upgrades for older structure
Uses of approximate analysis
designs initially based on
include:
approximate analysis; and
(1) planning phase of projects,
(5) provide the engineer with a
when several alternative designs
sense of how the forces
of the structure are usually
distribute through the structure.
evaluated for relative economy;
(2) estimating the various
member sizes needed to initiate
an exact analysis;

3 4

1
 The required number of such
additional equations equals
In order to determine the reac-
the degree of static indeter-
tions and internal forces for
minacy for the structure, with
indeterminate structures using
each assumption providing an
approximate equilibrium me-
independent relationship
thods, the equilibrium equations
between the unknown
must be supplemented by
reactions and/or internal
enough equations of conditions
forces.
or assumptions such that the
resulting structure is stable and
In approximate analysis, these
statically determinate.
additional equations are based
on engineering judgment of
appropriate simplifying assump-
tions on the response of the
structure.
5 6

Approximate Analysis of For continuous beam struc-

tures, the degree of static
a Continuous Beam for
indeterminacy in bending (Ib)
Gravity Loads equals
Continuous beams and girders Ib = N bR − C − 2
occur commonly in building floor
systems and bridges. In the N bR = number of bending
approximate analysis of con- reactions (vertical and
tinuous beams, points of moment support reactions)
inflection or inflection point
(IP) positions are assumed C = number of equations
equal in number to the degree of condition in bending
of static indeterminacy.

7 8

2
Each inflection point position Approximate analysis of con-
introduces one equation of tinuous beams using the quali-
condition to the static equilibri- tative deflection diagram is
um equations. Three strategies based on the fact that the elastic
are used to approximate the curve (deflected shape) of a
location of the inflection points: continuous beam can generally
1. qualitative displacement be sketched with a fair degree of
diagrams of the beam accuracy without performing an
structure, exact analysis. When the elastic
curve is sketched in this manner,
2. qualitative bending moment
the actual magnitudes of deflec-
diagrams (preferred method
tion (displacements and rota-
for students), and
tions) are not accurately por-
3. location of exact inflection trayed, but the inflection point
points for some simple locations are easily estimated
statically indeterminate even on a fairly rough sketch.
structures. 9 10

Qualitative bending moment

diagrams can also be used to From the total set of inflection
locate inflection points. points, select the needed
Bending moments in spans with number to achieve a solution
no loading are linear or constant; by statics.
with point loading the span
bending moment equations are In the case of beams, there will
piecewise linear; and with normally be enough inflection
uniform loading the moments are points to reduce the structure
quadratic. Remember, internal to a statically determinate
bending moments at interior structure and typically there
support locations adjacent to one are more inflection points than
or two loaded spans is negative. the degree of indeterminacy.
Recall that zero moment
locations correspond to the
inflection point locations.
11 12

3
With the inflection points located
(equal in number to the degree
of static indeterminacy), the
analysis can proceed on the
basis of statics alone. Since an
inflection point is a zero moment
location, it may be thought of
as an internal hinge for
purposes of analysis.

Some examples to guide the

“learning” and “practice” are
given on the following pages.
Both the elastic curve and Fixed-Fixed Beam Subjected
bending moment diagrams are to a Uniform Load
given.
13 14

Fixed-Fixed Beam Subjected Propped Cantilever Beam

to a Central Point Force Subjected to a Uniform Load
15 16

4
 When considering problems that
do not match the exact values
given, some useful guides are:
•Inflection points move
towards positions of reduced
stiffness,
•No more than one inflection
point can occur in an un-
loaded span, and
•No more than two inflection
points will occur in a loaded
Propped Cantilever Beam span.
Subjected to a
Central Point Force
17 18

Example Approximate Analysis βL

of a Continuous Beam 0.5 M

EI = constant q
L/3 -M

Qualitative Bending
Moment Diagram
L L

Qualitative M1 q q
IP1 Deflection Diagram
L/3 2L/3 βL (1-β)L
IP2 V1 V2
R1 R2 R3
L/3
βL
FBD through IP’s

0.1 ≤ β < 0.25

19 20

5
 From the last FBD: ∑ Fy = 0 = R 2 + V1 − qβL − V2
q(1−β)L qL
R3 = ⇒ R2 = (2 + 5β)
2 4
q(1−β)L
V2 = R 3 = From the first FBD:
2
L qβ L2
From the middle FBD:
∑ 1
M = 0 ⇒ M 1 = −
3
V1 =
4
∑ M2 = 0 3qβL
2L q(β L)2
∑ Fy = 0 ⇒ R1 = V1 = − 4
= V1 + +β LV2
3 2
−3qβ L
⇒ V1 =
4
21 22

(1-β)L/2 Frame Example

R2 + R1

R2

R1 -R3

Shear Force Diagram

0.125q[(1-β)L]2
M1

-2M1

Bending Moment Diagram

23 24

6
 Trusses with Double Since one extra diagonal exists
Diagonals in each double diagonal panel,
one assumption regarding the
Truss systems for roofs, bridges
force distribution between the
and building walls often contain
two diagonals must be made in
double diagonals in each panel,
each panel. If the diagonals are
which makes each panel
slender, it may be assumed that
statically indeterminate.
the diagonal members are only
capable of resisting tensile
Approximate analysis requires
forces and that diagonals
that the number of assump-
subjected to compression can
tions introduced must equal
be ignored since they are
the degree of indeterminacy so
susceptible to buckling, i.e.,
that only the equations of equi-
assume very small buckling
librium are required to perform
load and ignore post-buckling
the approximate analysis.
25
strength. 26

Such an assumption is illustrated

in Fig. DD.1(a). In Fig. DD.1(a),
the total panel shear is assumed
to be resisted by the tension
diagonal as shown. Compres-
sion diagonals are assumed to
resist no loading. With this
assumption, the truss of Fig.
DD.1 is statically determinate.

27
Fig. DD.1 – Truss with Double 28
Diagonal Panels

7
The assumption discussed in the
previous paragraph is generally Figure DD.1(b) shows the shear
too stringent, i.e., the compres- (vertical) components of the
sion diagonals can resist a diagonal members assuming that
portion of the panel shear. the compression and tension
diagonals equally resist the
Figures DD.1(b) and (c) show panel shear.
two different assumptions
regarding the ability of the Figure DD.1(c) shows the
compression diagonals to resist vertical force distribution among
force. the compression and tension
diagonals based on the tension
diagonal resisting twice the force
of the compression diagonal or
two-thirds of the panel shear.

29 30

Any reasonable assumption Once the diagonal member

can be made. forces are determined, the
remaining member forces in
The compression diagonal the truss can be calculated
assumptions for double diagonal using simple statics, i.e., the
trusses can be mathematically method of sections and/or the
summarized as: method of joints.

C = αT; 0 ≤ α ≤ 1

If PS = Panel Shear, then

T(1+α) = PS

31 32