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Influence lines

Influence lines graphically represent how response functions in structures vary with moving unit loads. They are essential for analyzing reactions, shear forces, and bending moments in various structures like beams and trusses. Müller-Breslau’s principle is a key method for constructing qualitative influence lines, while applications include bridge design and structural safety assessments.

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Nagendra Kola
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7 views

Influence lines

Influence lines graphically represent how response functions in structures vary with moving unit loads. They are essential for analyzing reactions, shear forces, and bending moments in various structures like beams and trusses. Müller-Breslau’s principle is a key method for constructing qualitative influence lines, while applications include bridge design and structural safety assessments.

Uploaded by

Nagendra Kola
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Introduction to Influence Lines

An influence line is a graphical representation showing how a response function (reaction, shear,
bending moment) at a specific point in a structure varies as a unit load moves across the structure.

2. Influence Lines vs Bending Moment/Shear Diagrams

Aspect Influence Line Bending Moment/Shear Diagram

Load Unit load (moving) Fixed loading

Output Response at one point as load moves Distribution across structure

Use Moving loads (e.g., vehicles on a bridge) Fixed loads only

3. Types of Structures

 Beams: Simply supported, cantilever, overhanging


 Frames: Portal frames, rigid frames
 Trusses: Influence lines are used for members
 Arches and Suspension bridges

4. Influence Lines for:

A. Reactions

To determine how support reactions change as a unit load moves.

B. Shear Force

Plot the shear at a specific section as the unit load moves from one end to the other.

C. Bending Moment

Determine the variation of moment at a particular section under moving loads.

5. Müller-Breslau’s Principle

A key method for drawing qualitative influence lines.


Definition: The influence line for a function (reaction, shear, or moment) at a given point in a
structure is proportional to the deflected shape of the structure when that function is given a unit
displacement (without violating kinematic constraints).

Steps:

1. Remove the constraint related to the function you’re analyzing.


2. Apply a unit displacement in the direction of that function.
3. Sketch the deflected shape → this gives the qualitative influence line.

6. Influence Lines for Beams

A. Simply Supported Beam

 Reaction at support A: A straight line starting from 1 at A to 0 at B.


 Shear just right/left of a point: Linearly changing with a sudden jump.
 Bending moment at C: Triangular shape peaking at point C.

B. Cantilever Beam

 Moment and shear diagrams are typically triangular/linear.


 Reactions don’t vary with load position.

C. Overhanging Beam

 More complex due to extended length.


 Influence lines include positive and negative regions.

7. Influence Lines for Trusses

 Focus is on axial force in members.


 Use method of sections or Müller-Breslau’s principle.
 Unit load moves along the bottom chord (where loads are applied).

8. Influence Lines for Continuous Beams and Frames

 Often requires numerical or software methods.


 Moment distribution method, flexibility method, or direct stiffness method used to
compute.

9. Applications of Influence Lines


 Bridge design: Calculate max shear/moment from moving vehicle loads.
 Live load positioning: To determine worst-case load locations.
 Structural safety checks for dynamic/moving loads.

10. Examples and Summary

Example: Influence Line for Moment at Midspan of a Simply Supported Beam

1. Place a hinge at midspan.


2. Impose a unit rotation at the hinge.
3. Resulting deflected shape is the influence line for moment.

Summary:

 Influence lines are powerful for analyzing moving loads.


 Use Müller-Breslau for quick sketches.
 Quantitative values require statics or structural analysis methods.

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