CE 152

Structural Theory II
Chapter 4
Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least
Work
4.1 Derivation of Three-Moment Equation
!"#$ !"&$
4.2 Values of % and %
4.3 Applications of Three-Moment Equation
4.3.1 Fixed Supports
4.3.2 Illustrative Problem 4-1
4.3.3 Illustrative Problem 4-2
4.3.4 Illustrative Problem 4-3
4.4 Method of Least Work
4.4.1 Illustrative Problem 4-4
4.4.2 Illustrative Problem 4-5
4.4.3 Illustrative Problem 4-6
4.4.4 Illustrative Problem 4-7
4.5 Review Exercises

After careful study of this chapter, students should be able to do the following:
1. Derive the Three-Moment Equation.
2. Apply the Three-Moment Equation in the analysis of indeterminate structures.
3. Analyze indeterminate structures using the Method of Least Work

Three-Moment Equation
Ø a force (flexibility) method of analysis of statically indeterminate structure
Ø initially presented by Clapeyron in 1857
Ø represents, in general form, the compatibility condition that the slope of the elastic curve be
continuous at an interior support of the continuous beam
Ø the equation involves three moments – the bending moments at the support under consideration
and at the two adjacent supports
Ø the bending moments at the interior (and any fixed) supports of the continuous beam are treated
as redundants

Method of Least Work

Ø a force (flexibility) method of analysis of statically indeterminate structure
Ø based on Castigliano’s second theorem, essentially is similar to the method of consistent
deformations, except that the compatibility equations in the method of least work are
established by minimizing the structure’s strain energy expressed in terms of the unknown
redundants instead of by deflection superposition, as in the method of consistent deformations

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II
4.1 Derivation of Three-Moment Equation
Ø consider three points on the beam loaded as shown

load on simply supported span 𝐿( : load on simply supported span 𝐿) :

moment diagram of load for span 𝐿( :

moment diagram of load for span 𝐿) :

moment diagram of the end moments for span

moment diagram of the end moments for
𝐿( :
span 𝐿) :

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

Ø consider the elastic curve

by ratio and proportion:

ℎ( − Δ() Δ.) − ℎ.
=
𝐿( 𝐿)
ℎ( ∆() ∆.) ℎ.
− = −
𝐿( 𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿)
∆() ∆.) ℎ( ℎ.
+ = +
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)

for ∆() and ∆.) :

1
∆() = [𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎(9) ∙ 𝑥̅( ]
𝐸( 𝐼(
1 1 1 1 2
∆() = >𝐴( 𝑎$( + (𝑀( )(𝐿( ) C E (𝐿( ) + (𝑀) )(𝐿( ) C E (𝐿( )F
𝐸( 𝐼( 2 3 2 3
1 𝑀( 𝐿( ) 2𝑀) 𝐿( )
∆() = G𝐴 𝑎$ + + I
𝐸( 𝐼( ( ( 6 6
1
∆() = J6𝐴( 𝑎$( + 𝑀( 𝐿( ) + 2𝑀) 𝐿( ) K
6𝐸( 𝐼(

1
∆.) = [𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎)9. ∙ 𝑥̅ . ]
𝐸) 𝐼)
1 1 2 1 1
∆.) = >𝐴) 𝑏$) + (𝑀) )(𝐿) ) C E (𝐿) ) + (𝑀. )(𝐿) ) C E (𝐿) )F
𝐸) 𝐼) 2 3 2 3
1 2𝑀) 𝐿) ) 𝑀. 𝐿) )
∆.) = G𝐴 𝑏$ + + I
𝐸) 𝐼) ) ) 6 6
1
∆.) = J6𝐴) 𝑏$) + 2𝑀) 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) ) K
6𝐸) 𝐼)

then:
∆() ∆.) ℎ( ℎ.
+ = +
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
1 1
J6𝐴( 𝑎$( + 𝑀( 𝐿( ) + 2𝑀) 𝐿( ) K J6𝐴) 𝑏$) + 2𝑀) 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) ) K ℎ ℎ.
6𝐸( 𝐼( 6𝐸) 𝐼) (
+ = +
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
)
6𝐴( 𝑎$( + 𝑀( 𝐿( + 2𝑀) 𝐿( ) $ )
6𝐴) 𝑏) + 2𝑀) 𝐿) + 𝑀. 𝐿) )
ℎ( ℎ.
+ = 6C + E
𝐸( 𝐼( 𝐿( 𝐸) 𝐼) 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II
𝑀( 𝐿( 𝐿( 𝐿) 𝑀. 𝐿) 6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
+ 2𝑀) C + E+ + + = 6C + E
𝐸( 𝐼( 𝐸( 𝐼( 𝐸) 𝐼) 𝐸) 𝐼) 𝐸( 𝐼( 𝐿( 𝐸) 𝐼) 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
è general form of the three-moment equation

if 𝐸 is constant, that is 𝐸( = 𝐸) = 𝐸:
𝑀( 𝐿( 𝐿( 𝐿) 𝑀. 𝐿) 6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
+ 2𝑀) C + E + + + = 6𝐸 C + E
𝐼( 𝐼( 𝐼) 𝐼) 𝐼( 𝐿( 𝐼) 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)

if 𝐸 and 𝐼 are constant, that is 𝐸( = 𝐸) = 𝐸 and 𝐼( = 𝐼) = 𝐼:

6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
𝑀( 𝐿( + 2𝑀) (𝐿( + 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) + + = 6𝐸𝐼 C + E
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
𝟔𝑨𝒂P 𝟔𝑨𝒃 P
4.2 Values of and
𝑳 𝑳

6𝐴𝑎$ 6𝐴𝑏$
Type of Loading
𝐿 𝐿
Concentrated load anywhere on the span

𝑃𝑎 ) 𝑃𝑏 )
(𝐿 − 𝑎 ) ) (𝐿 − 𝑏 ) )
𝐿 𝐿

Concentrated load at the midspan

3𝑃𝐿) 3𝑃𝐿)
8 8

Uniform load over the entire span

𝑤V 𝐿. 𝑤V 𝐿.
4 4

Increasing triangular load on the whole span 8𝑤V 𝐿. 7𝑤V 𝐿.

60 60

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

Decreasing triangular load on the whole span

7𝑤V 𝐿. 8𝑤V 𝐿.
60 60

Isosceles triangular load over the entire span

5𝑤V 𝐿. 5𝑤V 𝐿.
32 32

Moment load at any point on the span

𝑀 𝑀
− (3𝑎) − 𝐿) ) + (3𝑏) − 𝐿) )
𝐿 𝐿

General uniform loading

𝑤V ) ) 𝑤V )
[𝑏 (2𝐿 − 𝑏 ) ) − 𝑎) (2𝐿) − 𝑎) )] [𝑑 (2𝐿) − 𝑑 )) − 𝑐 )(2𝐿) − 𝑐 ))]
4𝐿 4𝐿

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

4.3 Application of Three-Moment Equation

1. Select the unknown bending moments at all interior supports of the beam as the
redundants.
2. By treating each interior support successively as the intermediate support 2, write a
three-moment equation. When writing these equations, it should be realized that
bending moments at the simple end supports are known. For such a support with a
cantilever overhang, the bending moment equals that due to the external loads acting on
the cantilever portion about the end support. The total number of three-moment
equations thus obtained must be equal to the number of redundant support bending
moments, which must be the only unknowns in these equations.
3. Solve the system of three-moment equations for the unknown support bending
moments.
4. Compute the span end shears. For each span of the beam, (a) draw a free-body diagram
showing the external loads and end moments and (b) apply the equations of equilibrium
to calculate the shear forces at the ends of the span.
5. Determine support reactions by considering the equilibrium of the support joints of the
beam.
6. If so desired, draw shear and bending moment diagrams of the beam by using the beam
sign convention.

4.3.1 Fixed Supports

Ø the three-moment equations were derived to satisfy the compatibility condition of slope
continuity at the interior supports of continuous beams but can also be used to satisfy the
compatibility condition of zero slope at the fixed end supports of beams by replacing the
fixed support by an imaginary interior roller support with an adjoining end span of zero
length simply supported at its outer end

4.3.2 Illustrative Problem 4-1

Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam shown
by using the three-moment equation.

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

Solution:
Ø consider the internal moment at 𝐵 to be the redundant
Ø since 𝐸 is constant, then
𝑀( 𝐿( 𝐿( 𝐿) 𝑀. 𝐿) 6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
+ 2𝑀) C + E + + + = 6𝐸 C + E
𝐼( 𝐼( 𝐼) 𝐼) 𝐼( 𝐿( 𝐼) 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
𝑀( = 𝑀" = 0
𝑀) = 𝑀^
𝑀. = 𝑀_ = 0
𝐿( = 𝐿"^ = 6 𝑚
𝐼( = 𝐼"^ = 2𝐼
𝐿) = 𝐿^_ = 5 𝑚
𝐼) = 𝐼^_ = 𝐼
ℎ( = ℎ. = 0
!"b #$b !"d &$d
Ø values of cb%b
and cd %d

6𝐴𝑎$ 𝑃𝑎 )
= (𝐿 − 𝑎 ) )
𝐿 𝐿

for the two concentrated loads in span 𝐴𝐵,

6𝐴( 𝑎$( 150(2) ) 100(4) ) 𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟎
= (6 − 2) ) + (6 − 4) ) =
𝐼( 𝐿( 2𝐼 (6) 2𝐼(6) 𝟑𝑰

6𝐴𝑏$ 𝑤V 𝐿.
=
𝐿 4

for the uniformly distributed load in span 𝐵𝐶,

6𝐴) 𝑏$) 50(5). 3125
= =
𝐼) 𝐿) 𝐼 (4) 2𝐼

Ø solving for 𝑀^ ,

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II
𝑀( 𝐿( 𝐿( 𝐿) 𝑀. 𝐿) 6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
+ 2𝑀) C + E + + + = 6𝐸 C + E
𝐼( 𝐼( 𝐼) 𝐼) 𝐼( 𝐿( 𝐼) 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
0(6) 6 5 0(5) 4400 3125 0 0
+ 2𝑀^ C + E + + + = 6𝐸 C + E
2𝐼 2𝐼 𝐼 𝐼 3𝐼 2𝐼 6 5
3 5 4400 3125
0 + 2𝑀^ C + E + 0 + + =0
𝐼 𝐼 3𝐼 2𝐼
3 5 4400 3125
2𝑀^ C + E + + =0
𝐼 𝐼 3𝐼 2𝐼
ð multiply all terms by 𝐼
4400 3125
2𝑀^ (3 + 5) + + =0
3 2
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟏𝟖𝟗. 𝟑𝟐𝟑 𝒌𝑵𝒎

Ø consider segment 𝐴𝐵
+↻ u 𝑀^ = 0
189.323 + 𝐴w (6) − 150(4) − 100(2) = 0
𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟎𝟏. 𝟕𝟖 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
101.78 − 150 − 100 − 𝑆^"^ = 0
𝑺𝑨𝑩
𝑩 = −𝟏𝟒𝟖. 𝟐𝟐 𝒌𝑵
note: the direction of shear was
chosen to be in the positive direction

Ø consider segment 𝐵𝐶
+↻ u 𝑀^ = 0
189.323 + 𝐶w (5) − 50(5)(2.5) = 0
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟖𝟕. 𝟏𝟑𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
𝑆^^_ + 87.135 − 50(5) = 0
note: the direction of shear was 𝑺𝑩𝑪
𝑩 = 𝟏𝟔𝟐. 𝟖𝟔𝟓 𝒌𝑵

chosen to be in the positive direction

Ø consider the whole structure

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
101.78 − 150 − 100 + 𝐵w − 50(5) + 87.135 = 0
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟑𝟏𝟏. 𝟎𝟖𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟎 Answer

Ø shear and bending moment diagrams

Ø computation for the value of 𝑥

by ratio and proportion:

𝑥 5−𝑥
=
162.865 87.135
𝒙 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝟓𝟕 𝒎

4.3.3 Illustrative Problem 4-2

Determine the reactions for the continuous beam shown due to the uniformly distributed load
and due to the support settlements of 10 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐴, 50 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐵, 20 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐶, and 40 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐷.
Use the three-moment equation.

Ø consider segment 𝐴𝐵𝐶

Ø consider 𝑀^ as redundant
Ø since 𝐸 and 𝐼 are both constants, then
6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
𝑀( 𝐿( + 2𝑀) (𝐿( + 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) + + = 6𝐸𝐼 C + E
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)

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Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II
𝑀( = 𝑀" = 0
𝑀) = 𝑀^
𝑀. = 𝑀_ = 0
𝐿( = 𝐿"^ = 10 𝑚
𝐿) = 𝐿^_ = 10 𝑚
𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎
𝐼 = 700 × 10! 𝑚𝑚†
ℎ( = 50 − 10 = 40 𝑚𝑚
ℎ) = 50 − 20 = 30 𝑚𝑚

!"b #$b !"d &$d

Ø values of cb%b
and cd %d

6𝐴𝑎$ 6𝐴𝑏$ 𝑤V 𝐿.
= =
𝐿 𝐿 4

6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) 30(10).

= = = 𝟕𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑵𝒎𝟐
𝐿( 𝐿) 4

Ø using the 3-moment equation

0(10) + 2𝑀^ (10 + 10) + 𝑀_ (10) + 7500 + 7500
1 † 40 30
= 6(200 × 10! )(700 × 10! ) C E C + E
1000 10000 10000
𝟒𝟎𝑴𝑩 + 𝟏𝟎𝑴𝑪 = −𝟗𝟏𝟐𝟎 (equation 1)

Ø consider segment 𝐵𝐶𝐷

Ø consider 𝑀_ as redundant
Ø since 𝐸 and 𝐼 are both constants, then
6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
𝑀( 𝐿( + 2𝑀) (𝐿( + 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) + + = 6𝐸𝐼 C + E
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
𝑀( = 𝑀^
𝑀) = 𝑀_
𝑀. = 𝑀‡ = 0
𝐿( = 𝐿^_ = 10 𝑚
𝐿) = 𝐿_‡ = 10 𝑚
𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎
𝐼 = 700 × 10! 𝑚𝑚†
ℎ( = 20 − 50 = −30 𝑚𝑚
ℎ) = 20 − 40 = −20 𝑚𝑚

!"b #$b !"d &$d

Ø values of and
cb%b cd %d

6𝐴𝑎$ 6𝐴𝑏$ 𝑤V 𝐿.
= =
𝐿 𝐿 4

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Structural Theory II

6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) 30(10).

= = = 𝟕𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑵𝒎𝟐
𝐿( 𝐿) 4

Ø using the 3-moment equation

𝑀^ (10) + 2𝑀_ (10 + 10) + 0(10) + 7500 + 7500
! )( !)
1 † −30 −20
(
= 6 200 × 10 700 × 10 C E C + E
1000 10000 10000
𝟏𝟎𝑴𝑩 + 𝟒𝟎𝑴𝑪 = −𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟎𝟎 (equation 2)

Ø solving equations 1 and 2 simultaneously,

𝑴𝑩 = −𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟐 𝒌𝑵𝒎
𝑴𝑪 = −𝟒𝟓𝟏. 𝟐 𝒌𝑵𝒎

Ø consider segment 𝐴𝐵

+↻ u 𝑀^ = 0
115.2 + 𝐴w (10) − 30(10)(5) = 0
𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟑𝟖. 𝟒𝟖 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

Ø consider segment 𝐶𝐷

+↻ u 𝑀_ = 0
451.2 + 𝐷w (10) − 30(10)(5) = 0
𝑫𝒚 = 𝟏𝟎𝟒. 𝟖𝟖 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

Ø consider the whole structure

+↺ u 𝑀^ = 0
𝐶w (10) + 104.88(20) − 30(20)(10) − 138.48(10) + 30(10)(5) = 0
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟑𝟕𝟖. 𝟕𝟐 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
𝐵w + 378.72 + 104.88 + 138.48 − 30(30) = 0
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟐𝟕𝟕. 𝟗𝟐 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟎 Answer

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4.3.4 Illustrative Problem 4-3

Determine the reactions for the continuous beam shown by the three-moment equation.

Solution:
Ø equivalent beam to analyze

Ø consider segment 𝐴Š 𝐴𝐵
Ø consider 𝑀" as redundant
Ø since 𝐸𝐼 is constant, then
6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
𝑀( 𝐿( + 2𝑀) (𝐿( + 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) + + = 6𝐸𝐼 C + E
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
𝑀( = 𝑀"‹ = 0
𝑀) = 𝑀"
𝑀. = 𝑀^
𝐿( = 𝐿"‹ ^ = 0
𝐿) = 𝐿"^ = 6 𝑚
6𝐴( 𝑎$(
=0
𝐿(
6𝐴) 𝑏$) 3𝑃𝐿) 3(25)(6))
= = = 𝟑𝟎𝟑𝟕. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎𝟐
𝐿) 8 8
ℎ( = 0
ℎ. = 0

Ø using the 3-moment equation

0(0) + 2𝑀" (0 + 6) + 𝑀^ (6) + 0 + 3037.5 = 6𝐸𝐼(0)
𝟏𝟐𝑴𝑨 + 𝟔𝑴𝑩 = −𝟑𝟎𝟑𝟕. 𝟓 (equation 1)

Ø consider segment 𝐴𝐵𝐶

Ø consider 𝑀^ as redundant
Ø since 𝐸𝐼 is constant, then
6𝐴( 𝑎$( 6𝐴) 𝑏$) ℎ( ℎ.
𝑀( 𝐿( + 2𝑀) (𝐿( + 𝐿) ) + 𝑀. 𝐿) + + = 6𝐸𝐼 C + E
𝐿( 𝐿) 𝐿( 𝐿)
𝑀( = 𝑀"
𝑀) = 𝑀^
𝑀. = 𝑀_ = −30(3)(1.5) = −𝟏𝟑𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎
𝐿( = 𝐿"^ = 6 𝑚
𝐿) = 𝐿^_ = 9 𝑚

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Structural Theory II
6𝐴( 𝑎$( 3𝑃𝐿) 3(25)(6))
= = = 𝟑𝟎𝟑𝟕. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎𝟐
𝐿( 8 8
6𝐴) 𝑏$) 𝑤V 𝐿. 30(9).
= = = 𝟓𝟒𝟔𝟕. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎𝟐
𝐿) 4 4
ℎ( = 0
ℎ. = 0

Ø using the 3-moment equation

𝑀" (6) + 2𝑀^ (6 + 9) + (−135)(9) + 3037.5 + 5467.5 = 6𝐸𝐼(0)
𝟔𝑴𝑨 + 𝟑𝟎𝑴𝑩 = −𝟕𝟐𝟗𝟎 (equation 2)

Ø solving equations 1 and 2 simultaneously,

𝑴𝑨 = −𝟏𝟒𝟔. 𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟐𝟏𝟑. 𝟕𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎
therefore, 𝑴𝑨 = 𝟏𝟒𝟔. 𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝑵𝒎 ↺ Answer

Ø consider segment 𝐴𝐵

+↻ u 𝑀^ = 0
213.75 − 146.25 − 225(3) + 𝐴w (6) = 0
𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟎𝟏. 𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

Ø consider the whole structure

+↺ u 𝑀^ = 0
𝐶w (9) − 30(12)(6) + 225(3) + 146.25 − 101.25(6) = 0
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟐𝟏𝟔. 𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
𝐵w + 216.25 + 101.25 − 225 − 30(12) = 0
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟐𝟔𝟕. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟎 Answer

4.4 Method of Least Work

Ø the compatibility equations are established by using Castigliano’s second theorem instead
of by deflection superposition, as in the method of consistent deformations

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Ø proves to be more convenient for analyzing composite structures that contain both axial
force members and flexural members (e.g. beams supported by cables)
Ø cannot be used for analyzing the effects of support settlements, temperature changes,
and fabrication errors
Ø consider a statically indeterminate beam with unyielding supports subjected to an
external loading 𝑤

§ selecting the vertical reaction 𝐵w at the interior support 𝐵 to be redundant

§ by treating the redundant as an unknown load applied to the beam along with
the prescribed loading 𝑤, an expression for the strain energy can be written
in terms of the known load 𝑤 and the redundant 𝐵w as
𝑈 = 𝑓Ž𝑤, 𝐵w •
§ according to Castigliano’s second theorem, the partial derivative of the strain
energy with respect to a force equals the deflection of the point of application
of the force along its line of action
𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝐵w
§ principle of least work”
“The magnitudes of the redundants of a statically indeterminate structure
must be such that the strain energy stored in the structure is a minimum (i.e.,
the internal work done is the least).”
Ø if a structure is indeterminate to the 𝑛th degree, then 𝑛 redundants are selected, and the
strain energy for the structure is expressed in terms of the known external loading and
the 𝑛 unknown redundants as
𝑈 = 𝑓(𝑤, 𝑅( , 𝑅) , ⋯ , 𝑅• )
§ the principle of least work is applied separately for each redundant by partially
differentiating the strain energy expression with respect to each of the
redundants and by setting each partial derivative equal to zero
𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝑅(
𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝑅)
⋮
𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝑅•

4.4.1 Illustrative Problem 4-4

Determine the reactions for the beam shown by the method of least work.

Solution:

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Ø FBD of the beam

§ consider 𝐵w as the redundant

§ the strain energy of a beam subjected
only to bending is:
%
𝑀)
𝑈=— 𝑑𝑥
V 2𝐸𝐼

Ø according to the principle of least work:

𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝐵w
%
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑀 𝑀
=— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝐵w V 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼
"
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^
=— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝐵w ^ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼

Ø moment equation for the beam

+↻ u 𝑀% = 0
𝑥
𝑀"^ + 24𝑥 š › − 𝐵w (𝑥) = 0
2
𝑴𝑨𝑩 = 𝑩𝒚 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐𝒙𝟐

Ø substituting
" (V
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^ 𝜕Ž𝐵w 𝑥 − 12𝑥 ) • 𝐵w 𝑥 − 12𝑥 )
— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = — G I 𝑑𝑥 = 0
^ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 V 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼
1 (V
— 𝑥Ž𝐵w 𝑥 − 12𝑥 ) •𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝐸𝐼 V
(V
— Ž𝐵w 𝑥 ) − 12𝑥 . •𝑑𝑥 = 0
V
(V
𝐵w 𝑥 . 12𝑥 †
G − I =0
3 4 V
𝐵w (10). 12(10)†
− −0=0
3 4
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟗𝟎 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

Ø consider the whole structure

+↺ u 𝑀" = 0
𝑀" + 90(10) − 24(10)(5) = 0
𝑴𝑨 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑵𝒎 ↺ Answer

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
𝐴w + 90 − 24(10) = 0
𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟎 Answer

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4.4.2 Illustrative Problem 4-5

Determine the reactions for the two-span continuous beam shown by the method of least work.

Solution:
Ø FBD of the beam (showing the references for 𝑥 for each segment)

§ consider 𝐵w as the redundant (write the equations in terms of 𝐵w )

+↺ u 𝑀" = 0
𝐵w (10) + 𝐷w (20) − 30(10)(5) − 80(15) = 0
𝑫𝒚 = 𝟏𝟑𝟓 − 𝟎. 𝟓𝑩𝒚

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
𝐴w + 𝐵w + 135 − 0.5𝐵w − 30(10) − 80 = 0
𝑨𝒚 = 𝟐𝟒𝟓 − 𝟎. 𝟓𝑩𝒚

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟎 Answer

§ the strain energy of a beam subjected only to bending is:

%
𝑀)
𝑈=— 𝑑𝑥
V 2𝐸𝐼

Ø according to the principle of least work:

𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝐵w
%
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑀 𝑀
=— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝐵w V 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼
" ^ _
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^ 𝜕𝑀^_ 𝑀^_ 𝜕𝑀_‡ 𝑀_‡
=— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝐵w ^ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 _ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 ‡ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼

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Ø moment equations for each segment

§ for segment 𝐴𝐵

+↺ u 𝑀• = 0
𝑥
𝑀"^ + 30𝑥 š › − Ž245 − 0.5𝐵w •𝑥 = 0
2
𝑴𝑨𝑩 = 𝟐𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟎. 𝟓𝑩𝒚 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓𝒙𝟐

§ for segment 𝐵𝐶

+↻ u 𝑀% = 0
𝑀^_ + 80(𝑥 − 5) − Ž135 − 0.5𝐵w •𝑥 = 0
𝑀^_ + 80𝑥 − 400 − 135𝑥 + 0.5𝐵w 𝑥 = 0
𝑴𝑩𝑪 = 𝟓𝟓𝒙 + 𝟒𝟎𝟎 − 𝟎. 𝟓𝑩𝒚 𝒙

§ for segment 𝐶𝐷

+↻ u 𝑀% = 0
𝑀_‡ − Ž135 − 0.5𝐵w •𝑥 = 0
𝑴𝑪𝑫 = 𝟏𝟑𝟓𝒙 − 𝟎. 𝟓𝑩𝒚 𝒙

Ø substituting
" ^ _
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^ 𝜕𝑀^_ 𝑀^_ 𝜕𝑀_‡ 𝑀_‡
— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
^ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 _ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 ‡ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼
(V (V œ
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^ 𝜕𝑀^_ 𝑀^_ 𝜕𝑀_‡ 𝑀_‡
— ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
V 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 œ 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼 V 𝜕𝐵w 𝐸𝐼
(V (V œ
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝜕𝑀^_ 𝜕𝑀_‡
— ˜ ™ 𝑀"^ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑀^_ 𝑑𝑥 + — ˜ ™ 𝑀_‡ 𝑑𝑥 = 0
V 𝜕𝐵w œ 𝜕𝐵w V 𝜕𝐵w

(V
𝜕𝑀"^
— ˜ ™ 𝑀"^ 𝑑𝑥
V 𝜕𝐵w
(V
𝜕Ž245𝑥 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥 − 15𝑥 ) •
= — G I Ž245𝑥 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥 − 15𝑥 ) •𝑑𝑥
V 𝜕𝐵w
(V
= — (−0.5𝑥 )Ž245𝑥 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥 − 15𝑥 ) •𝑑𝑥
V
(V
= — Ž−122.5𝑥 ) + 0.25𝐵w 𝑥 ) + 7.5𝑥 . •𝑑𝑥
V
(V
−122.5𝑥 . 0.25𝐵w 𝑥 . 7.5𝑥 †
= G + + I
3 3 4 V
−122.5(10). 0.25𝐵w (10). 7.5(10)†
= + + −0
3 3 4
𝟔𝟔𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝟐𝟓𝟎
=− + 𝑩
𝟑 𝟑 𝒚

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(V
𝜕𝑀^_
— ˜ ™ 𝑀^_ 𝑑𝑥
œ 𝜕𝐵w
(V
𝜕Ž55𝑥 + 400 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥•
=— G I Ž55𝑥 + 400 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥•𝑑𝑥
œ 𝜕𝐵w
(V
= — (−0.5𝑥 )Ž55𝑥 + 400 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥•𝑑𝑥
œ
(V
= — Ž−27.5𝑥 ) − 200𝑥 + 0.25𝐵w 𝑥 ) •𝑑𝑥
œ
(V
−27.5𝑥 . 200𝑥 ) 0.25𝐵w 𝑥 .
=G − + I
3 2 3 œ
−27.5(10). 200(10)) 0.25𝐵w (10). −27.5(5). 200(5)) 0.25𝐵w (5).
= − + −˜ − + ™
3 2 3 3 2 3
𝟗𝟑𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝟖𝟕𝟓
=− + 𝑩
𝟔 𝟏𝟐 𝒚
œ
𝜕𝑀_‡
— ˜ ™ 𝑀_‡ 𝑑𝑥
V 𝜕𝐵w
œ
𝜕Ž135𝑥 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥•
=— G I Ž135𝑥 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥•𝑑𝑥
V 𝜕𝐵w
œ
= — (−0.5𝑥)Ž135𝑥 − 0.5𝐵w 𝑥•𝑑𝑥
V
œ
= — Ž−67.5𝑥 ) + 0.25𝐵w 𝑥 ) •𝑑𝑥
V
œ
−67.5𝑥 . 0.25𝐵w 𝑥 .
=G + I
3 3 V
−67.5(5). 0.25𝐵w (5).
= + −0
3 3
𝟓𝟔𝟐𝟓 𝟏𝟐𝟓
=− + 𝑩
𝟐 𝟏𝟐 𝒚

then,

66250 250 93125 875 5625 125

− + 𝐵w − + 𝐵w − + 𝐵 =0
3 3 6 12 2 12 w
500 121250
𝐵w − =0
3 3
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟐𝟒𝟐. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

Ø values of the other reactions

𝐴w = 245 − 0.5𝐵w = 245 − 0.5(242.5)

𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟐𝟑. 𝟕𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

𝐷w = 135 − 0.5𝐵w = 135 − 0.5(242.5)

𝑫𝒚 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟕𝟓 𝒌𝑵 ↑ Answer

4.4.3 Illustrative Problem 4-6

Determine the force in each member of the truss shown by the method of least work.

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Solution:
Ø at joint 𝐷, there are 3 unknown member forces, note that there are two available
equations of equilibrium at the joint, i.e., ∑ 𝐹• = 0 and ∑ 𝐹w = 0; consider 1 of the
member forces to be the redundant

Ø FBD at joint 𝐷

§ consider 𝐹"‡ as the redundant (write

the equations in terms of 𝐹"‡ )

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
1 4
100 + 𝐹_‡ − 𝐹"‡ = 0
√2 5
4
𝐹_‡ = √2 C 𝐹"‡ − 100E
5
𝟒√𝟐
𝑭𝑪𝑫 = 𝑭 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎√𝟐
𝟓 𝑨𝑫

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
3 1
− 𝐹"‡ − 𝐹^‡ − 𝐹_‡ = 0
5 √2
3 1 4
− 𝐹"‡ − 𝐹^‡ − >√2 C 𝐹"‡ − 100EF = 0
5 √2 5
3 4
− 𝐹"‡ − 𝐹^‡ − C 𝐹"‡ − 100E = 0
5 5
3 4
𝐹^‡ = − 𝐹"‡ − 𝐹"‡ + 100
5 5
𝟕
𝑭𝑩𝑫 = − 𝑭𝑨𝑫 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟓

Ø the strain energy for the truss is:

𝐹 )𝐿
𝑈=u
2𝐴𝐸

Ø according to the principle of least work

𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝐹"‡
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝐹 𝐹𝐿
= uC E =0
𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝐴𝐸
1 𝜕𝐹
uC E 𝐹𝐿 = 0
𝐴𝐸 𝜕𝐹"‡

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𝜕𝐹
uC E 𝐹𝐿 = 0
𝜕𝐹"‡

𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝜕𝐹^‡ 𝜕𝐹_‡

C E 𝐹"‡ 𝐿"‡ + C E 𝐹^‡ 𝐿^‡ + C E𝐹 𝐿 = 0
𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝜕𝐹"‡ _‡ _‡
𝜕𝐹"‡
=1
𝜕𝐹"‡
7
𝜕𝐹^‡ 𝜕 š− 5 𝐹"‡ + 100› 7
= =−
𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝜕𝐹"‡ 5
4√2
𝜕 ˜ 5 𝐹"‡ − 100√2™
𝜕𝐹_‡ 4√2
= =
𝜕𝐹"‡ 𝜕𝐹"‡ 5
7
𝐹^‡ = − 𝐹"‡ + 100
5
4√2
𝐹_‡ = 𝐹 − 100√2
5 "‡
𝐿"‡ = ¡4) + 3) = 5 𝑚
𝐿^‡ = 3 𝑚
𝐿_‡ = ¡3) + 3) = √18 𝑚

7 7 4√2 4√2
(1)(𝐹"‡ )(5) + C− E C− 𝐹"‡ + 100E (3) + ˜ ™˜ 𝐹 − 100√2™ Ž√18• = 0
5 5 5 5 "‡
96√2
5𝐹"‡ + 5.88𝐹"‡ − 420 + 𝐹 − 480√2 = 0
25 "‡
𝑭𝑨𝑫 = 𝟔𝟕. 𝟑𝟕 𝒌𝑵, 𝑻 Answer

Ø solving for the other member forces

7 7
𝐹^‡ = − 𝐹"‡ + 100 = − (67.37) + 100
5 5
𝑭𝑩𝑫 = 𝟓. 𝟔𝟖 𝒌𝑵, 𝑻 Answer

4√2
𝐹_‡ = (67.37) − 100√2 = −65.20 𝑘𝑁
5
𝑭𝑪𝑫 = 𝟔𝟓. 𝟐𝟎 𝒌𝑵, 𝑪 Answer

4.4.4 Illustrative Problem 4-7

A beam is supported by a fixed support 𝐴 and the cable 𝐵𝐷, as shown. Determine the tension in
the cable by the method of least work.

Solution:
Ø FBD of the beam + cable

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§ consider 𝑇 as the redundant (write

the equations in terms of 𝑇)

+↺ u 𝑀" = 0
3
𝑀" + 𝑇(4) − 75(6) = 0
5
𝑴𝑨 = −𝟐. 𝟒𝑻 + 𝟒𝟓𝟎

+↑ u 𝐹w = 0
3
𝐴w + 𝑇 − 75 = 0
5
𝑨𝒚 = 𝟕𝟓 − 𝟎. 𝟔𝑻

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
4
𝐴• − 𝑇 = 0
5
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝑻

Ø since the beam have axial forces and flexure, the strain energy is:
𝐹 )𝐿 𝑀)
𝑈=u +u— 𝑑𝑥
2𝐴𝐸 2𝐸𝐼

Ø according to the principle of least work

𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝑇
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝐹 𝐹𝐿 𝜕𝑀 𝑀
= uC E + u — C E 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇 𝐴𝐸 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼
𝜕𝐹"^ 𝐹"^ 𝐿"^ 𝜕𝐹^_ 𝐹^_ 𝐿^_ 𝜕𝐹^‡ 𝐹^‡ 𝐿^‡
C E +C E +C E
𝜕𝑇 𝐴"^ 𝐸 𝜕𝑇 𝐴^_ 𝐸 𝜕𝑇 𝐴^‡ 𝐸
^ ^ ‡
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^ 𝜕𝑀^_ 𝑀^_ 𝜕𝑀^‡ 𝑀^‡
+— C E 𝑑𝑥 + — C E 𝑑𝑥 + — C E 𝑑𝑥 = 0
" 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼"^ _ 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼^_ ^ 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼^‡

Ø Axial and Moment Equations (write equations in terms of 𝑇)

for segment 𝐴𝐵
+↺ u 𝑀• = 0
𝑀"^ − 2.4𝑇 + 450 − (75 − 0.6𝑇)𝑥 = 0
𝑴𝑨𝑩 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝑻 − 𝟒𝟓𝟎 + 𝟕𝟓𝒙 − 𝟎. 𝟔𝑻𝒙

+→ u 𝐹• = 0
0.8𝑇 + 𝑄"^ = 0
𝑸𝑨𝑩 = −𝟎. 𝟖𝑻

21 Chapter 4 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

for segment 𝐵𝐶

+↻ u 𝑀% = 0
𝑀^_ + 75𝑥 = 0
𝑴𝑩𝑪 = −𝟕𝟓𝒙

+← u 𝐹• = 0
𝑸𝑩𝑪 = 𝟎

for segment 𝐵𝐷
+↻ u 𝑀% = 0
𝑴𝑩𝑫 = 𝟎

+↖ u 𝐹• = 0
𝑄^‡ − 𝑇 = 0
𝑸𝑩𝑫 = 𝑻

𝐹"^ = 𝑄"^ = −0.8𝑇

𝐹^_ = 𝑄^_ = 0
𝐹^‡ = 𝑄^‡ = 𝑇
𝐿"^ = 4 𝑚
𝐿^_ = 2 𝑚
𝐿^‡ = ¡3) + 4) = 5 𝑚
𝐴"^ = 0.008 𝑚)
𝐴^_ = 0.008 𝑚)
𝐴^‡ = 0.0005 𝑚)
𝑀"^ = 2.4𝑇 − 450 + 75𝑥 − 0.6𝑇𝑥
𝑀^_ = −75𝑥
𝑀^‡ = 0
𝐼"^ = 0.0002 𝑚†
𝐼^_ = 0.0002 𝑚†
𝐼^‡ = 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

𝜕𝐹"^ 𝜕 (−0.8𝑇)
= = −0.8
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
𝜕𝐹^_ 𝜕(0)
= =0
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
𝜕𝐹^‡ 𝜕(𝑇)
= =1
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝜕(2.4𝑇 − 450 + 75𝑥 − 0.6𝑇𝑥)
= = 2.4 − 0.6𝑥
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
𝜕𝑀^_ 𝜕(−75𝑥 )
= =0
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇
𝜕𝑀^‡ 𝜕(0)
= =0
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇

Ø substituting
𝜕𝐹"^ 𝐹"^ 𝐿"^ −0.8𝑇(4) 𝟑𝟐𝟎𝑻
C E = −0.8 G I=
𝜕𝑇 𝐴"^ 𝐸 0.008𝐸 𝑬

22 Chapter 4 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II
𝜕𝐹^_ 𝐹^_ 𝐿^_ 0(2)
C E = 0G I=𝟎
𝜕𝑇 𝐴^_ 𝐸 0.008𝐸
𝜕𝐹^‡ 𝐹^‡ 𝐿^‡ 𝑇(5) 𝟏𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝑻
C E = 1G I=
𝜕𝑇 𝐴^‡ 𝐸 0.0005𝐸 𝑬
^ †
𝜕𝑀"^ 𝑀"^ 2.4𝑇 − 450 + 75𝑥 − 0.6𝑇𝑥
— C E 𝑑𝑥 = — (2.4 − 0.6𝑥 ) > F 𝑑𝑥
" 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼"^ V 𝐸 (0.0002)
†
5.76𝑇 − 1080 + 180𝑥 − 1.44𝑇𝑥 − 1.44𝑇𝑥 + 270𝑥 − 45𝑥 ) + 0.36𝑇𝑥 )
=— G I 𝑑𝑥
V 𝐸(0.0002)
† (
1,800𝑇 − 225,000)𝑥 ) + (2,250,000 − 14,400𝑇 )𝑥 + 28,800𝑇 − 5400,000
=— G I 𝑑𝑥
V 𝐸
†
1 (1,800𝑇 − 225,000)𝑥 . (2,250,000 − 14,400𝑇)𝑥 )
= G + + (28,800𝑇 − 5,400,000)𝑥I
𝐸 3 2 V
1 (1,800𝑇 − 225,000)(4). (2,250,000 − 14,400𝑇)(4))
= G + + (28,800𝑇 − 5,400,000)(4) − 0I
𝐸 3 2
1
= [38,400𝑇 − 4,800,000 + 18,000,000 − 115,200𝑇 + 115,200𝑇 − 21,600,000]
𝐸
𝟑𝟖, 𝟒𝟎𝟎𝑻 − 𝟖, 𝟒𝟎𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎
=
𝑬
^ )
𝜕𝑀^_ 𝑀^_ −75𝑥
— C E 𝑑𝑥 = — 0 > F 𝑑𝑥 = 𝟎
_ 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼^_ V 𝐸 (0.0002)
‡ œ
𝜕𝑀^‡ 𝑀^‡ 0
— C E 𝑑𝑥 = — 0 > F=𝟎
^ 𝜕𝑇 𝐸𝐼^‡ V 𝐸𝐼^‡

𝜕𝑈
=0
𝜕𝑇
320𝑇 10,000𝑇 38,400𝑇 8,400,000
+0+ + − +0+0= 0
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸
320𝑇 + 10,000𝑇 + 38,400𝑇 − 8,400,000 = 0
𝑻 = 𝟏𝟕𝟐. 𝟒𝟏 𝒌𝑵 Answer

4.5 Review Exercises

1. Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam
shown using the three-moment equation.

Answers:
𝐴w = 62.5 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐸w = 62.5 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐶w = 275 𝑘𝑁 ↑

2. Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam
shown using the three-moment equation.

23 Chapter 4 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

Answers:
𝐴w = 141.8 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐶w = 428.9 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐷w = 104.3 𝑘𝑁 ↑

3. Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam
shown using the three-moment equation.

Answers:
𝐴w = 125.64 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐵w = 354.86 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐶w = 298.36 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐸w = 71.14 𝑘𝑁 ↑

4. Determine the reactions for the beam shown due to the uniformly distributed load and
due to the support settlements of 6 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐴, 16 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐵, and 18 𝑚𝑚 at 𝐶. Use the
three-moment equation.

Answers:
𝐴w = 133.7 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐵w = 176.7 𝑘𝑁 ↑
𝐶w = 89.6 𝑘𝑁 ↑

5. Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam
shown using the method of least work.

Answers:
𝐴w = 13.125 𝑘𝑁 ↓
𝑀" = 91.875 𝑘𝑁𝑚 ↻
𝐵w = 223.125 𝑘𝑁 ↑

6. Determine the reactions and the force in each member of the truss shown using the method
of least work.

24 Chapter 4 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work
 CE 152
Structural Theory II

Answers:
𝐹^_ = 119.8 𝑘𝑁, 𝐶
𝐹"‡ = 130.2 𝑘𝑁, 𝑇
𝐹"_ = 162.5 𝑘𝑁, 𝑇
𝐹^‡ = 170.8 𝑘𝑁, 𝐶

7. A beam is supported by a fixed support 𝐴 and a cable 𝐵𝐶 as shown. Determine the tension in
the cable by the method of least work.

25 Chapter 4 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Three-Moment Equation and the Method of Least Work