Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Simple Stresses and Strains in Statically

Indeterminate Structures
In the previous chapters, we have discussing the cases, where simple equations of statics were
sufficient to solve the examples. But, sometimes the simple equations are not sufficient to solve
such problems. Such problems are called Statically indeterminate problems and the structures
are called statically indeterminate structures.

Types of Statically Indeterminate Structures:

Though there are many types of statically indeterminate structures in the field of strength of
materials. Yet the following are important from the subject point of view:
1. Simple statically indeterminate structures
2. Indeterminate structures supporting a load
3. Composite structures of equal lengths
4. Composite structures of unequal lengths

Stresses in Simple Statically Indeterminate Structures

The structures in which the stresses can be obtained by forming two or more equations are
called simple statically indeterminate structures. The stresses in such structures may be found
out with the help of two or three compatible equations.

Problem-1:
A square bar of 20 mm side is held between two rigid plates and loaded an axial force P equal
to 450 kN as shown in figure below:

Find the reactions at the ends A and C and the extension of the portion AB. Take 𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎.

Solution:
Given that,
Area of bar, 𝐴 = 20 × 20 = 400 𝑚𝑚2
Axial force, 𝑃 = 450 𝑘𝑁 = 450 × 103 𝑁
Modulus of elasticity, 𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 200 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Length of bar AB, 𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 300 𝑚𝑚 and
Length of bar BC, 𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 200 𝑚𝑚

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Reaction at the ends

Let,
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑅𝐵 = 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵
Since the bar is held between the two rigid plates A and C, therefore, the upper portion will be
subjected to tension, while the lower portion will be subjected to compression as shown in
figure above. Moreover, the increase of portion AB will be equal to the decrease of the portion
BC.
We know that sum of both the reaction is equal to the axial force i.e.
𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐶 = 450 … … … … (𝑖)
Increase in the portion AB,
𝑅𝐴 × 𝑙𝐴𝐵 𝑅𝐴 × 300
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = = … … … … (𝑖𝑖)
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

And decrease in the portion BC,

𝑅𝐶 × 𝑙𝐵𝐶 𝑅𝐶 × 200
𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 = = … … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

Since the value 𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 is equal to that of 𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 , therefore equating the equations (ii) and (iii),
𝑅𝐴 × 300 𝑅𝐶 × 200
=
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸
𝑅𝐴 × 300
𝑜𝑟, 𝑅𝐶 = = 1.5 × 𝑅𝐴
200
Now, substituting the value of 𝑅𝐶 in equation (i),
𝑅𝐴 + 1.5 × 𝑅𝐴 = 450
𝑜𝑟, 𝑅𝐴 = 180 𝑘𝑁
And
𝑅𝐶 = 1.5 × 𝑅𝐴 = 1.5 × 180 = 270 𝑘𝑁

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Extension of the portion AB,

𝑅𝐴 × 300 180 × 103 × 300
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = = = 0.675 𝑚𝑚
𝐴×𝐸 400 × 200 × 103

Problem-2:
An aluminium bar 3 m long and 2500 𝑚𝑚2 in cross-section is rigidly fixed at A and D as
shown in figure below:

Determine the loads shared and stresses in each portion and the distances through which the
points B and C will move. Take E for aluminium as 80 GPa.

Solution:
Given that,
Total length of the bar, 𝐿 = 3 𝑚
Area of cross-section of the bar, 𝐴 = 2500 𝑚𝑚2
Modulus of elasticity, 𝐸 = 80 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 80 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Length of portion, 𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 𝑙𝐶𝐷 = 1 𝑚 = 1 × 103 𝑚𝑚
Since the bar is rigidly fixed at A and D, therefore the portion AB will be subjected to tension,
while the portions BC and CD will be subjected to compression as shown in figure below.
Moreover, increase in the portion AB will be equal to the sum of the decreases in the portions
BC and CD.

From the geometry of the bar, we find that

𝑃𝐴𝐵 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 200
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 200 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 … … … … (𝑖)
And
𝑃𝐶𝐷 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 125
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 125 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 … … … … (𝑖𝑖)

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

We know that increase in the length of portion AB,

𝑃𝐴𝐵 × 𝑙𝐴𝐵 𝑃𝐴𝐵 × (1 × 103 )
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = = … … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

Decrease in the length of portion BC,

𝑃𝐵𝐶 × 𝑙𝐵𝐶 𝑃𝐵𝐶 × (1 × 103 )
𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 = = … … … … (𝑖𝑣)
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

And decrease in the length of portion CD,

𝑃𝐶𝐷 × 𝑙𝐶𝐷 𝑃𝐶𝐷 × (1 × 103 )
𝛿𝑙𝐶𝐷 = = … … … … (𝑣)
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

Since the value of 𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 is equal to 𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 + 𝛿𝑙𝐶𝐷 , therefore

𝑃𝐴𝐵 × (1 × 103 ) 𝑃𝐵𝐶 × (1 × 103 ) 𝑃𝐶𝐷 × (1 × 103 )
= +
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 𝑃𝐵𝐶 + 𝑃𝐶𝐷

Now submitting the values 𝑃𝐴𝐵 and 𝑃𝐶𝐷 from equations (i) and (ii) in the above equation,
200 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 𝑃𝐵𝐶 + 125 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 25 𝑘𝑁
So,
𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 200 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 200 − 25 = 175 𝑘𝑁 𝑎𝑛𝑑

𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 125 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 125 + 25 = 150 𝑘𝑁

Stresses in each portion,

We know that stress in AB,
𝑃𝐴𝐵 175 × 103
𝜎𝐴𝐵 = = = 70 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 70 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴 2500
Similarly,
𝑃𝐵𝐶 25 × 103
𝜎𝐵𝐶 = = = 10 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 10 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴 2500

𝑃𝐶𝐷 150 × 103

𝜎𝐶𝐷 = = = 60 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 60 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴 2500

Distance through which the points B and C will move

Substituting the value of 𝑃𝐴𝐵 in equation (iii), we get

𝑃𝐴𝐵 × (1 × 103 ) 175 × 103 × (1 × 103 )
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = = = 0.875 𝑚𝑚
𝐴×𝐸 2500 × 80 × 103

And now substituting the value of 𝑃𝐶𝐷 in equation (v), we get

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

𝑃𝐶𝐷 × (1 × 103 ) 150 × 103 × (1 × 103 )

𝛿𝑙𝐶𝐷 = = = 0.75 𝑚𝑚
𝐴×𝐸 2500 × 80 × 103

Problem-3:
A circular steel bar ABCD, rigidly fixed at A and D is subjected to axial loads of 50 kN and
100 kN at B and C as shown in figure below.

Find the loads shared by each part of the bar and displacements of the points B and C. Take E
for steel as 200 GPa.

Solution:
Given that
Axial load at B, 𝑃1 = 50 𝑘𝑁 = 50 × 103 𝑁
Axial load at C, 𝑃2 = 100 𝑘𝑁 = 100 × 103 𝑁
Diameter of AB, 𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 25 𝑚𝑚
Length of AB, 𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 300 𝑚𝑚
Diameter of BC, 𝐷𝐵𝐶 = 50 𝑚𝑚
Length of BC, 𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 400 𝑚𝑚
Diameter of CD, 𝐷𝐶𝐷 = 75 𝑚𝑚
Length of CD, 𝑙𝐶𝐷 = 500 𝑚𝑚
Modulus of elasticity, 𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 200 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Loads shared by each part of the bar
Let
𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝐴𝐵
𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝐵𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝐶𝐷

We know that area of the bar AB

𝜋 𝜋
𝐴𝐴𝐵 = × (𝐷𝐴𝐵 )2 = × (25)2 = 491 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

Similarly, area of the bar BC

𝜋 𝜋
𝐴𝐵𝐶 = × (𝐷𝐵𝐶 )2 = × (50)2 = 1964 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

And area of the bar CD

𝜋 𝜋
𝐴𝐶𝐷 = × (𝐷𝐶𝐷 )2 = × (75)2 = 4418 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

Since the bar is rigidly fixed at A and D, therefore, the portion AB will be subjected to tension,
while the portions BC and CD will be subjected to compression as shown in figure below.
Moreover, increase in the length AB is equal to the sum of decreases in the portions BC and
CD.

From the geometry of the bar, we find that

𝑃𝐴𝐵 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 50
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 50 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 … … … … (𝑖)
And
𝑃𝐶𝐷 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 100
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 100 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 … … … … (𝑖𝑖)

We know that increase in the length of portion AB,

𝑃𝐴𝐵 × 𝑙𝐴𝐵 𝑃𝐴𝐵 × 300
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = = = 3.05 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐴𝐵 … … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
𝐴𝐴𝐵 × 𝐸 491 × 200 × 103

Decrease in the length of portion BC,

𝑃𝐵𝐶 × 𝑙𝐵𝐶 𝑃𝐵𝐶 × 400
𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 = = = 1.02 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐵𝐶 … … … … (𝑖𝑣)
𝐴𝐵𝐶 × 𝐸 1964 × 200 × 103

Decrease in the length of portion CD,

𝑃𝐶𝐷 × 𝑙𝐶𝐷 𝑃𝐶𝐷 × 500
𝛿𝑙𝐶𝐷 = = = 0.57 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐶𝐷 … … … … (𝑣)
𝐴𝐶𝐷 × 𝐸 4418 × 200 × 103

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Since the value of 𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 is equal to 𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 + 𝛿𝑙𝐶𝐷 , therefore

3.05 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 1.02 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐵𝐶 + 0.57 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐶𝐷

𝑜𝑟, 305 × 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 102 × 𝑃𝐵𝐶 + 57 × 𝑃𝐶𝐷

Now submitting the values 𝑃𝐴𝐵 and 𝑃𝐶𝐷 from equations (i) and (ii) in the above equation

305 × (50 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 ) = 102 × 𝑃𝐵𝐶 + 57 × (100 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 )

𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 20.6 𝑘𝑁
Similarly,
𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 50 − 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 50 − 20.6 = 29.4 𝑘𝑁
And
𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 100 + 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 100 + 20.6 = 120.6 𝑘𝑁

Displacements of the points B and C

Substituting the value of 𝑃𝐴𝐵 in equation (iii), we get

𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 3.05 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 3.05 × 10−6 × (29.4 × 103 ) = 0.09 𝑚𝑚

Now, Substituting the value of 𝑃𝐶𝐷 in equation (v), we get

𝛿𝑙𝐶𝐷 = 0.57 × 10−6 × 𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 0.57 × 10−6 × (120.6 × 103 ) = 0.07 𝑚𝑚

Stresses in Indeterminate Structures Supporting a Load:

Sometimes, we come across a set of two or more members supporting a load. In such cases,
the deformation of all the members will be the same. If the members are of different cross-
sections or have different modulus of elasticity, then the stresses developed in all the members
will be different.

Problem-4:
A block shown in figure below weighing 35 kN is supported by three wires. The outer two
wires are of steel and have an area of 100 𝑚𝑚2 each, whereas the middle wire of aluminium
and has an area of 200 𝑚𝑚2 .

If the elastic modulii of steel and aluminium are 200 GPa and 80 GPa respectively, then
calculate the stresses in the aluminium and steel wires.

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Solution:
Given that,
Total load, 𝑃 = 30 𝑘𝑁 = 30 × 103 𝑁
Total area of steel rods, 𝐴𝑆 = 200 𝑚𝑚2
Area of aluminium rods, 𝐴𝐴 = 2 × 10 = 200 𝑚𝑚2
Modulus of elasticity of steel, 𝐸𝑆 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 200 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Modulus of elasticity of aluminium, 𝐸𝐴 = 80 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 80 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Load supported by wires, 𝑃 = 35 𝑘𝑁 = 35 × 103 𝑁
Let,
𝜎𝑆 = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠
𝜎𝐴 = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑢𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠
𝑙 = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠
We know that increase in the length of steel wires,
𝜎𝑆 × 𝑙𝑆 𝜎𝑆 × 𝑙
𝛿𝑙𝑆 = = … … … … (𝑖)
𝐸𝑆 200 × 103
Similarly,
𝜎𝐴 × 𝑙𝐴 𝜎𝐴 × 𝑙
𝛿𝑙𝐴 = = … … … … (𝑖𝑖)
𝐸𝐴 80 × 103
Since increase in the lengths of steel and aluminium wires is equal, therefore equating equations
(i) and (ii), we get
𝜎𝑆 × 𝑙 𝜎𝐴 × 𝑙
=
200 × 103 80 × 103
200
𝑜𝑟, 𝜎𝑆 = × 𝜎𝐴 = 2.5 × 𝜎𝐴
80
We also know that load supported by the three wires (P),
𝑃 = 𝜎𝑆 × 𝐴𝑆 + 𝜎𝐴 × 𝐴𝐴
𝑜𝑟, 35 × 103 = 2.5 × 𝜎𝐴 × 200 + 𝜎𝐴 × 200 = 700 × 𝜎𝐴
35 × 103
𝑜𝑟, 𝜎𝐴 = = 50 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 50 𝑀𝑃𝑎
700
And
𝜎𝑆 = 2.5 × 𝜎𝐴 = 2.5 × 50 = 125 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 125 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Problem-5:
Two vertical rods one of steel and the other of copper are rigidly fastened at their upper end at
a horizontal distance of 200 mm as shown in figure below.

The lower ends support a rigid horizontal bar, which carries a load of 10 kN. Both the rods are
2.5 m long and have cross-sectional area of 12.5 𝑚𝑚2 . Where should a load of 10 kN be
replaced on the bar, so that it remains horizontal after loading? Also find the stresses in each
rod. Take 𝐸𝑆 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎 and 𝐸𝐶 = 110 𝐺𝑃𝑎. Neglect bending of the cross-bar.

Solution:
Given that
Distance between the bars = 200 mm
Total load, 𝑃 = 10 𝑘𝑁 = 10 × 103 𝑁
Length of steel rod, 𝑙𝑆 = 𝑙𝐶 = 2.5 𝑚 = 2.5 × 103 𝑚𝑚
Area of steel rod, 𝐴𝑆 = 12.5 𝑚𝑚2
Modulus of elasticity of steel, 𝐸𝑆 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 200 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
Modulus of elasticity of copper, 𝐸𝐶 = 110 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 110 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2

Position of the load:

Let,
𝑥 = 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑚
As a matter of fact, the load of 10 kN will be shared by both the rods in such a way that they
cause equal extension.
Let,
𝑃𝑆 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑃𝐶 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑜𝑑
So,
𝑃𝑆 + 𝑃𝐶 = 10 … … … … (𝑖)
We know that extension of the steel rod
𝑃𝑠 × 𝑙 𝑃𝑠 × (2.5 × 103 ) 𝑃𝑠
𝛿𝑙𝑆 = = 3
= … … … … (𝑖𝑖)
𝐴 × 𝐸𝑆 12.5 × (200 × 10 ) 1000
Similarly,
𝑃𝐶 × 𝑙 𝑃𝐶 × (2.5 × 103 ) 𝑃𝐶
𝛿𝑙𝐶 = = 3
= … … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
𝐴 × 𝐸𝐶 12.5 × (110 × 10 ) 550

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Since both the extensions are equal, therefore equating equations (ii) and (iii), we get
𝑃𝑠 𝑃𝐶
=
1000 550
𝑃𝑠 1000 20
𝑜𝑟, = = … … … … (𝑖𝑣)
𝑃𝐶 550 11
Now taking moments of the loads about the steel bar and equating the same,
10 × 𝑥 = 𝑃𝐶 × 200
𝑜𝑟, (𝑃𝑆 + 𝑃𝐶 ) × 𝑥 = 𝑃𝐶 × 200
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝑠 × 𝑥 = 𝑃𝐶 × 200 − 𝑃𝐶 × 𝑥 = 𝑃𝐶 × (200 − 𝑥)
𝑃𝑠 (200 − 𝑥)
𝑜𝑟, = … … … … (𝑣)
𝑃𝐶 𝑥
𝑃
Now equating tow values of 𝑃𝑠 from equations (iv) and (v),
𝐶

20 (200 − 𝑥)
=
11 𝑥
𝑜𝑟, 𝑥 = 71 𝑚𝑚
Stresses in each rod,
From equation (iv), we find that
𝑃𝑠 20
=
𝑃𝐶 11
𝑜𝑟, 11 × 𝑃𝑠 = 20 × 𝑃𝐶 = 20 × (10 − 𝑃𝑠 )
𝑜𝑟, 31 × 𝑃𝑠 = 200
200
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝑠 = = 6.45 𝑘𝑁 = 6.45 × 103 𝑁
31
And
𝑃𝐶 = 10 − 𝑃𝑠 = 10 − 6.45 = 3.55 𝑘𝑁 = 3.55 × 103 𝑁
Stress in steel rod,
𝑃𝑠 6.45 × 103
𝜎𝑆 = = = 516 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 516 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑆 12.5
Stress in copper rod,
𝑃𝐶 3.55 × 103
𝜎𝐶 = = = 280 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 280 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝐶 12.5

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

Problem-6:
A load of 5 kN is suspended by ropes as shown in figure (a) and (b). In both cases, the cross-
sectional area of the ropes is 200 𝑚𝑚2 and the values of E is 1.0 GPa.

In (a) the rope ABC is continuous over a smooth pulley, from which the load is suspended. In
(b) the ropes AB and CB are separate ropes joined to a block, from which the load is suspended
in such a way, that both the ropes are stretched by the same amount. Determine, for both the
cases, stresses in the ropes and deflections of the pulley and the block due to the load.

Solution:
Given that
Total load, 𝑃 = 5 𝑘𝑁 = 5 × 103 𝑁
Length of AB, 𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 5 𝑚 = 5 × 103 𝑚𝑚
Length of BC, 𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 7 𝑚 = 7 × 103 𝑚𝑚
Area of each rope, 𝐴 = 200 𝑚𝑚2
Modulus of elasticity of steel, 𝐸 = 1 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 1.0 × 103 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2

First case,
We know that the load of 5 kN is suspended from the pulley, therefore load shared by both the
ropes is equal. Or in other words, load shared by each rope.
5 × 103
𝑃1 = = 2.5 × 103 𝑁
2
Stress in the ropes,
𝑃1 2.5 × 103
𝜎= = = 12.5 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 12.5 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴 200
And total elongation of the rope ABC,
𝑃1 × 𝑙𝐴𝐵 𝑃1 × 𝑙𝐵𝐶
𝛿𝑙 = +
𝐴×𝐸 𝐴×𝐸

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]
 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur-5200

2.5 × 103 × 5 × 103 2.5 × 103 × 7 × 103

= + = 150 𝑚𝑚
200 × 1.0 × 103 200 × 1.0 × 103
Deflection of the pulley
150
= = 75 𝑚𝑚
2
Second case,
Let,
𝜎𝐴𝐵 = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝐴𝐵, 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝜎𝐵𝐶 = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝐵𝐶
We know that deflection of the rope AB,
𝜎𝐴𝐵 × 𝑙𝐴𝐵 𝜎𝐴𝐵 × (5 × 103 )
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = = = 5 × 𝜎𝐴𝐵 … … … … (𝑖)
𝐸 1 × 103
And deflection of the rope BC,
𝜎𝐵𝐶 × 𝑙𝐵𝐶 𝜎𝐵𝐶 × (7 × 103 )
𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 = = = 7 × 𝜎𝐵𝐶 … … … … (𝑖𝑖)
𝐸 1 × 103
Since both the deflections are equal, therefore equating the value of (i) and (ii),
5 × 𝜎𝐴𝐵 = 7 × 𝜎𝐵𝐶
7
𝑜𝑟, 𝜎𝐴𝐵 = × 𝜎𝐵𝐶
5
We also know that the load of 5 kN is shared by both the ropes, therefore load, P
7
5 × 103 = 𝜎𝐴𝐵 × 𝐴 + 𝜎𝐵𝐶 × 𝐴 = ( × 𝜎𝐵𝐶 × 200) + 𝜎𝐵𝐶 × 200 = 480 × 𝜎𝐵𝐶
5
5 × 103
𝑜𝑟, 𝜎𝐵𝐶 = = 10.4 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 10.4 𝑀𝑃𝑎
480
And
7 7
𝜎𝐴𝐵 = × 𝜎𝐵𝐶 = × 10.4 = 14.56 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 = 14.56 𝑀𝑃𝑎
5 5
Now substituting the value of 𝜎𝐴𝐵 in equation (i),
𝛿𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 5 × 𝜎𝐴𝐵 = 5 × 14.56 = 72.8 𝑚𝑚
The deflection of the block may also be found out by equating the value of 𝜎𝐵𝐶 in equation (ii),
𝛿𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 7 × 𝜎𝐵𝐶 = 7 × 10.4 = 72.8 𝑚𝑚

Md. Rashedul Haque, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, HSTU, Dinajpur-5200
Cell No.: 01738283091
Email: [email protected]