THEORY OF

STRUCTURES 3
(INTRODUCTION)

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

The method of analyzing beams using the Caete procedure known as Theory III was named after
Engr. Alberto C. Caete, is a shortcut method used to evaluate single span, two span, symmetrical and
antisymmetrical beams. Its objective is to prepare the students for complicated structures that will be
encountered in the board exam. Basically, it begins by assuming each span is fixed on both sides. Then, by
passing a fraction of moment, called the balancing value, from one end to another, the internal moments
at the joints are distributed and balanced.
It is useful in this chapter to remember that for a simply supported uniformly loaded beam, the
maximum moment is equal to:

FIGURE 1-1

In addition, load, shear, moment, slope and deflection have a common relationship. It should be
clear that, respectively, one is the integral of another. The integral of load is the shear while the integral
of shear gives the moment. Therefore, the double integral of load is the moment. The integral of moment
divided by EI is slope and the integral of slope gives the deflection. Therefore, deflection is the double
integral of moment. To be able to do this, first write its moment equation, integrate it twice and then
divide it by EI to get its deflection. With this relationship, the moment diagram and the shear diagram are
integrals of the load which is the load inside the span. It is independent of the boundary conditions.
Therefore the moment diagram and the shear diagram are simply dependent on the loading. Since the
uniform load is a zero degree curve, every time it is integrated the degree of the curve increases by one.
Thus the shear diagram is a one degree curve or a line. The moment diagram therefore is in the second
degree curve, since it is the double integral of the load, and its height will always be
boundary condition. If the beam is fixed at both ends, the negative moment is
1

1
wL2
8

1
wL2
12

whatever the

and the positive

moment is the height 8wL2 minus the negative moment which gives 24wL2 as shown in Fig 1-2.

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

FIGURE 1-2

SINGLE SPAN
For single span beams with propped support, half of the FEM (Fixed End Moment) on the roller
support will be transferred to the fixed support, and the roller support shall have zero moment.

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

For a simply supported beam with concentrated load at the midspan, the moment diagram will
be as shown below. Its height will be

.
4

In a fixed-fixed structure with a concentrated load at the midspan, it is known that the moment
is

.
8

The positive moment is the total height, which is

, minus
4

the negative moment

.
8

To show once more that the height of the moment diagram does not change, below is a propped
cantilever. As discussed earlier, the moment at the right support is equal to
resulting to
moment of

3
3
. By similar triangle the height 32 is determined. Subtracting
16
5
.
32

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

plus half of 8 which is 16

8
3

from 4 gives the positive

32

Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

Applying what have been discussed earlier, the formula for MA of the structure below can be

Pab 2
Pa 2 b
determined.
will be the fixed-end moment at the right support and
will be the fixed end
L2
L2
moment at the left support, as the students known in their Theory of Structures II. Adding half of the
fixed-end moment at the left to the fixed-end moment at the right will give the final moment M at A.

MA

Pab 2
1 Pa 2 b
Pab
a

b
2
2
2
2 L
2
L
L

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

Hence, in summary the process for a single span propped cantilever is simply as follows:
1) Compute the fixed end moments (FEM), MAB and MBA
2) Final moments:

MA= MAB (1/2 MBA)

MB= 0
Example 1
Determination of moments in a single-span beam. A single-span beam is shown in Figure.
Determine the moment Ma at the left end A.

Solution: As shown in the figure, the beam is subjected to an increasingly distributed load Wo. To start,
the fixed end moments must be computed. Assume the shaded differential strip as a concentrated load
with a differential length dx. The magnitude of the concentrated load is equal to w(x), which is the height
of the strip, multiplied by dx giving the area of the shaded strip which also happens to be the magnitude
of the concentrated load. Then using the formulas for the fixed-end moments of a concentrically loaded
beam previously discussed,

Pab 2 Pa 2 b
, 2 : substitute the values below and sum up by integrating to get
L2
L

the fixed-end moments. Let a equals to x and b equals to L-x:

wO
x
L
dP w(x) dx
w(x)

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

FIXED - END M OM ENT:

Substitute the values then sum up by integratin g.
dM A

dPx L x
L2

M B dM B
0

1
L2
1
3
L

M A dM A
0

1
L2

WO x
2
x L x dx
L

WO x 2
x L x dx
L

x
L

W L2 x 3 2Lx 4 x 5
30

4
5 0
L 3

W x 4L x5
30

5 0
L 4

W L2
0
30

W0 L2

20

To balance the moment at the left end, add

2
20

to the fixed-end moment at the right, resulting to a zero

moment at the roller, and pass half of the balancing value to the other end. One half of
1

L x 4 dx

1
20

is equal to

1
,
40

thus 30wL2 plus 24 wL2 gives 120 wL2.

MA

wL2 1 wL2

30
2 20

1 1 1
M A wL2
30 2 20
7wL2
MA
120

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

Example 2
Propped cantilever with a 5-degree-curve increasingly distributed load. Determine the
moments at the supports of a propped cantilever shown in Fig. 1-11.

Fig. 1-11

Solution: In this problem it is important to recall how to write the equation of the curve. The formula here
equals a constant multiplied by x raised to the degree of the curve, W = ax5. First assume x equals to L and
W equals to wo. Then, substitute the values to the equation of the curve to come up with the equation,
wo=aL5.

W (x) = Wo x5

W = ax5

L5
dP = W dx

when x = L, W= Wo
Wo = aL5

a = Wo
and substitute a to the equation of the curve to get the equation for W(x), W (x)
L5
= Wo x5 . Then using the formulas for the fixed-end
moments of a concentrically loaded beam previously
Get the value, =

discussed,

Pab 2 Pa 2 b
, 2 : substitute the values above and sum up by integrating to get the fixed-end
L2
L

moments.
To get the fixed end moment at A, substitute the values above to the equation

Pab 2
and integrate as
L2

follows:

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

WX

W ax 5

L5
dP W dx

when x L, W WO
WO aL5 a

WO
L5

FIXED - END M OM ENTS:

dPx L x
L2

dM A

M A dM A

WO
L7

x L
L

M B dM B

WO x 5
x L x 2
5
L
dx
L2

2Lx x 2 dx

WO
L7

W
7O
L

WO x 5
x 2 L x
5
L
dx
L2

x L x dx
L

x 8L x 9

8
9 0

W x 7 L2 2Lx 8 x 9
7O

WO x 5
2
WO L9 x 9
L 7
8
9 L 0 5 x L x
L

L
M
9 dM9B
dx L7 8 9
2
9 B
0
0

L
W L 2L x
7O
L
2
W L
L 7 8WO 9 x7 L x 8 dx
MB O
7 0
L
72
W L2
L
MA O
W x 8L x 9
252
7O

FINAL M OM ENTS
L 8
9 0
2
2
To balance the moment
toOthe
atOthe
11W
L2 fixed-end
L2 right, resulting
1 WO Lmoment
9
9at the left end, add 72 W
WO L x

at 7the
pass half of the Abalancing
252 value
2 to72
1008
to a zero moment
the other
end. One half of
is

L 8roller,9 and
72

1
1
1
11
equal to 144 , thus 252wL2 2 plus 144 wL2 gives 1008 wL2.
W L
MB O
72

FINAL M OM ENTS
MA

WO L2 1 WO L2 11WO L2

252
2 72
1008

MB= 0

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

MULTIPLE SPAN

TWO-SPAN WITH BOTH EXTERIOR SUPPORTS FIXED

The Caete Cross Formula is used to get the final moment easier, it is applicable for 2-span beams
or rigid frames. Considering multiple span beams and frames, Caete Cross Formula can be used if it is
converted to a 2-span beam. It is a shortcut using moment distribution method where the number of
cycles is only one.
With two-span beam, it is easier because moment distribution is use. First example is for beam
with both fixed ends.

Steps:
1. Solve for the distribution factor (DF), where:

Ki
DF= K

and

K=

I
L

Note: for fixed end, K=1/L and for span with roller of hinge support, K=.75/L (Sum of DF should
be equal to 1)

DFBA

1
8 1 0.428571 1 - DF
BC
1 1
7
8
6
3

DFBC 0.571429
2. Solve for the Fixed End Moment of each span

1
3082 160 kN - m
12
1
2
306 90 kN - m
12

FEM AB FEM BA
FEM BC FEM CB

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

3. Solve the unbalanced moment at joint B and then distribute to BA and BC. After getting the share
of BA, half of that will be carried over to AB, since A is a fixed support it will absorb the moment
and never gives back same thing with BC. Therefore the moment distribution is finished and will
be the basis for computing the final moment.

MB

BA

160 70 0.428571 M

BC

90 70 0.571429 130 kN - m

BC

130 kN-m

1
700.428571 175 kN - m
2
1
M C M CB 90 700.571429 70 kN - m
2
M c = - [FEMCB + (FEMBC - FEMBA) DFBC]
M A M AB 160

In this example, final moment at BA is equal to moment at BA plus the unbalanced moment
multiplied to the distribution factor of BA with respect. Unbalanced moment is equal to the moment CB
subtracted from moment BA. Same with the final moment at BC, it is equal to the moment BC plus the
unbalanced moment multiplied to the distribution factor with respect to BC. As observed, moment BA is
equal to moment BC as requirement to equilibrium, they have to be equal and opposite in directions.
Considering the carry over moments, therefore moment at A and C will be derived. With moment
A it is equal to the moment AB plus half of shared moment at BC which is unbalanced moment multiplied
to distribution factor of BA likewise with moment at C.
The general formula for the above procedure in determining the final moment at joints A, B and
C can easily be derived and it is as follows.

M BC FEM BC FEM BA FEM BC DFBC

M BC FEM BA * DFBC 1 DFBC FEM BC

M B FEM BA DFBC FEM BC DFBA

CAETE CROSS FORMULA

1
FEM BA FEM BC DFBA
2
1
FEM BC FEM BA DFBC
2

M A FEM AB
M C FEM CB

MBC = MBA = MB

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

Factoring out the coefficients of the fixed end moments it will get FEM BA * DFBC 1 DFBC FEM BC .
FEMAB

FEMBC

DFBA

DFBC

MB FEMBA DFBC FEMBC DFBA

Moments at fixed supports, moment A and moment C, from the calculations moment A is equal to

1
FEMBA FEMBC DFBA
2
1
FEMCB FEM BC FEM BA DFBC .
2

FEM AB

and

moment

is

equal

to

Please note that the above formulas will give the negative moments at the supports A, B and C. If
the computed values using the above formulas are negative, this means that the direction of the moments
are opposite, i.e. the moments are positive.

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

TWO-SPAN WITH ONE EXTERIOR FIXED AND THE OTHER EXTERIOR SUPPORT SIMPLE.

Another example is for beam with external fixed at one support and external simple support, it is
similar to the first example both fixed end supports but with the case of fixed at one end and simple
support at the other end, the span with external simple support the stiffness is modified because the
members becomes more flexible representing zero restrain in the moment.

From the theory of structures, 0.75 or is for the modified stiffness of spans where the exterior
support is a simple support (i.e. M=0). Once modified the stiffness next to be computed is the distribution
factors, then fixed end moments.

DFBA

5
0.51613
1 .75
5
4

DFBC 0.48387
Note, also DFBC = 1 - DFBA = 1 0.51613

FIXED - END M OM ENTS:

1
3052 62.5 kN - m
12
1
2
254 33.333
12

M AB
M BC

Take note, the final moment at the simple support is zero, and then it is needed to be balanced
with the same magnitude but opposite directions and carry over half of the moment to the middle
support. The factor of +1/2 that transmits moment A to moment B is known as the carry-over factor (COF).
Since the FEMs of span BC are equal (FEMBC=FEMCB), then this is simplified by simply multiplying the FEMBC
with a factor of 1.5

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

M BC

1
2542 33.333 1.5 50 kN - m
12

Applying Caete Cross Formula the final moment at B is equal to the moment AB multiply to the
distribution factor BC plus the moment at BC multiplied by the distribution factor BA. Same with the final
moment at A, it is equal to moment AB plus half unbalanced moment which is 62.5 minus 50 then the
difference will be multiplied to the distribution factor BA. Also presented below is the formula for the
moment at the end support at Joint A. The moment at Joint C is zero because it is an exterior simple
support.

M B 62.50.48387 50 0.51613 56.0484 kN - m

M A 62.5

1
62.5 500.516123 65.7258 kN - m
2

MC 0

TWO-SPAN WITH BOTH EXTERIOR SUPPORTS SIMPLE

For beams with both external simple supports, there can be no moment at a pinned end there is
no carry over to the pinned ends if the stiffness are modified. Also, since both spans will have the
reduction factor , this factor need not be included in the calculation for the distribution factors since this
factor of will be present in both the numerator and denominator and therefore will simply cancel out

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

First, get the distribution factors of span BA and span BC.

DFBA

5 0.44444
1 1
5
4

DFBC 0.55556
Also, DFBC = 1-DFBA

Then get the fixed end moment of BA and BC. Note that both exterior supports are simple (i.e. M=0).
Therefore, multiply the FEMBA and FEMBC with factor 1.5 since the FEMs at the end of the spans are equal.

70 5
43.75 kNm 1.5 65.625 kN - m
8
90 4
M BC
45 kNm 1.5 67.5 kN - m
8
MBA

For the final moment, since the span stiffnesses are modified, there is no carry over moment. Final
moment of A and C is then equal to zero. Using Caete cross formula, final moment at B is equal to the
moment AB multiplied to the distribution factor BC plus moment at BC multiplied by distribution factor
BA. The exterior supports are both simple. Therefore, the moments there will be zero.

MA 0

M B 65.625 0.55556 67.5 0.44444 66.458 kN - m

MC 0

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

THREE-SPAN BEAM
For beams with three-span, there is no shortcut or the Caete cross formula cannot be used.
Moment Distribution Method (MDM) is applicable but it will need several cycles of balancing and carry
over moments before the final moments can be determined.
Example:

Steps:
1. Determine distribution factors for the beams at joints A, B, C and D. These factors will be used in
steps 3, 5 and 7 whenever we distribute moments at a joint.
2. Fix all joints, to create a structure of fixed end moment beams. A false structure we can solve is
the result. FEMs (AB and CD) equal 5(8)8 = 5 k-ft. FEM (BC) equals10 (8)8 = 10 k-ft. Choose
clockwise moments as positive.
3. The 2-span beam with both exterior supports fixed is not the real situation, so we release each
joint one at a time and put in a moment to cancel the sum of the fictitious moments at a joint and
when we do so, we distribute the cancellation moments in accordance with the distribution
factors. While one joint is released the others are fixed still. However, in our table, every time we
do distribution, we do the distribution process simultaneously for all joints in the current row of
the table above (this occurs at some point in the process in rows 3, 5 and 7 of the table).

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

4. While one joint is fixed and the other released, 1/2 of the cancellation moment goes to the
opposite side of the beam span in accordance with a 1/2 CO factor.
5. Repeat step 3, but now the sum of carry over moments at each joint are now the false fixed
moments which we cancel out.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 3 repeatedly until the errors are already insignificant.
7. Finally, sum all moments and see if internal equilibrium has been achieved at each joint.

For comparison, moments determined by an exact computer analysis are given. The percent error
between the moments determined by the moment distribution process and the computer analysis
moments is quite small and well within engineering accuracy necessary for structural design purposes.

SYMMETRICAL LOADING
4-span beams that are geometrically symmetrical consider half of the span then use Caete Cross
Formula. For the other half of the span, just change the sign convention of the moment.

As observe, the above beam is geometrically symmetrical same with the loadings. With this the
beam could be converted to 2-span beam taking note that the span will have zero deflection and zero
slope at the center support. Therefore, this can be replaced by a fixed support.

Therefore, we can now use the procedure discussed in 2-span with both exterior supports fixed.

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

ANTI-SYMMETRICAL LOADING

Figure A

With anti-symmetrical loading, the loading is converted symmetrically. Therefore, the 4-span
beam can be converted to 2-span with both support fixed because the middle support has zero slope and
zero deflection.

Also, figure A can be converted symmetrically with opposite direction of loadings. The converted 4-span
will have an exterior support fixed and exterior support simple. The middle support becomes simple
support because of the zero deflection and zero curvature at the middle support, this is called the point
of centraflexure.

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013

FRAMES
Now, lets consider a multiple span frame. As observed, the frame is geometrically symmetrical
therefore half of the structure is considered for analysis.

With the frame modified, the end supports is considered fixed. Since it has been converted to 2span with both fixed end supports, use Caete Cross Formula.

First, the stiffness factor of each span is computed on the basis of 4EI/L or by using the relativestiffness factor I/L. Then, get the distribution factors of span BC and span BA. To easily get the distribution
factor of span BA, subtract the distribution factor of span BC from 1. Then vice versa if ever distribution
factor BA is the first to be computed.

DFBC

1
6

0.35714
11.2
1 1.2
6
4
4

DFBA 0.64286

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Theory III
Copyright 2013

Second, compute for the fixed end moments of the supports.

M BA 0
M BC

506
37.5 kN - m
8

Then, get the final moment at joint A, B and C using Caete Cross Formula.
Final moment at A is equal to the fixed end moment at BA plus half of shared moment at BC which
is unbalanced moment multiplied to distribution factor of BA likewise with moment at C. With the
moment at B, it is equals to the moment BA multiplied to the distribution factor BC plus the quantity of
moment BC multiplied to the distribution factor BA.

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Theory III
Copyright 2013

Solve for the Moments.

2.5m

7m

6m

6m

7m

Solution:
The problem is an anti-symmetrical loading. To solve the problem, first isolate the loading at the bottom.
Convert it into 2-span with the other support to be fixed. Then, use the procedure for 2-span with exterior
support fixed and the other exterior support simple.

EQUAL TO THIS

WDL=10+0.3(0.6) (24) = 14.32 kN-m

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Theory III
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FEMS
Since the FEMs of span BA are equal, then this is simplified by multiplying the FEMBA with a factor of 1.5

MBA=12 (14.32)(72 ) 1.5 = 87.710 m

1
(14.32)(62 )
12

MBC= MCB=

= 42.96

1
6
=
1 0.75
6+ 7

= 0.60870
DFBA = 0.39130
FINAL Ms

MB=87.71*0.6087+42.96*0.3913 = 70.199 kN-m

MC=42.96+.5(.6087) (42.96-87.71) = 29.340 kN-m

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Theory III
Copyright 2013

WL

+
0.5 WL
0.5 WL

To solve for the final moments of an anti-symmetrical beam of more than 2-span, we must first
translate the given figure into a symmetrical one. To do this, we must first convert the given loading into
equivalent loading such that these loadings are equal in magnitude but opposite direction.
0.5 WL

0.5 WL

When converted to symmetrical, then the succeeding procedure will be the same for 2-span. As
reflected in the figures, we can solve for the moments by the principle of superposition. We compute for
the fixed end moment by each loading and solve for it arithmetically depending on the direction of the
loading.
0.5 WL

0.5 WL

Figure B

0.5 WL

Figure C

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Theory III
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SYMMETRICAL CASE

B
a

=
( ) = 2.247
^2
0

=
(^2)( ) = 3.5386
^2

Now that we have solved for the fixed end moment for the given loading in figure D, we can now
determine the total fixed end moment for the figure B by adding the computed values with the fixed end
moments for uniformly distributed loading which is wl2/12.
FEMS for span A-B
Considering Figure B
1

MAB=12 (0.5)(72 ) + 2.2471(0.5) = 3.1652

1
12

MBA= (0.5)(72 ) + 3.5386(0.5) = 3.8110

Notice that, the moments were reduced to half because the supports are simple.
Considering span B-C
1

MBC=MCB=12 62 = 3
MBA=3.811 +

3.1652
2

= 5.3936

FINAL Ms
MB=3w (0.3913) +5.393w (0.6087) =4.4566w

0.6087
(3
2

MC=3w+

5.3932) = 2.2717

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Theory III
Copyright 2013

UNSYMMETRICAL CASE

FEMs
3
3

MA=72 (

74

MB=72 (12

4
)
4

72.53
3

= 72 (

7(4.5)3
3

4.54
)
4

2.54
)
4

= 0.54475

= 1.8362

DFBA= 1 7 1 = 0.46154

DFBC=0.53846

7 6

FINAL MOMENTS:
1

MB=(0.54475(0.5) 2 + 1.8362(0.50) 053846) = 0.56770

To get the final negative moments, we could just add the values computed from the symmetrical and
unsymmetrical cases based from the principle of superposition.
TOTAL NEGATIVE MOMENTS
MB= (4.4566+0.5677) w=5.0243WL
MC= (2.2717+0) w=2.2717WL< MB

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Theory III
Copyright 2013

QUIZ 1
(Theory 3)
1. DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM POSITIVE MOMENT AND THE NEGATIVE MOMENT AT THE
FIXED SUPPORT.

58
= 1.0879
7

6(

58
) = 6.5278
7

Cantilever M= 8.4482 x (1.0879)2/2

MB= 5 kNm
1

FEMs= 12 (8.4482)(6.5278)2 = 30.000

Mc = 30 +

25
= 42.5
2

Point of zero shear:

=

21.829
= 2.5839
8.4482

1
= (21.829)(2.5839) 5 = .
2

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Theory III
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2. DETERMINE THE MOMENT AT POINT C.

Columns steel pipe, outer = 300mm, thickness=10mm, G=200 GPa
Rafters aluminum, I section, Flanges, 250 x 20mm, web 450 x 10 mm, G=83 GPa

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Theory III
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(3004 2804 ) = 95.889106 4
64
1
(2504903 2404503 ) = 628.52106 4
=
12
200 95.889
. 75 (
)
6
=
= 0.29130
20095.889
83628.52
. 75 (
)
+
6
45
=

= 0.7087
=

1
2
(10)(45) = 66.6667
12

= 66.667 +

0.7087
(66.667 0) = .
2

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Engr. ALBERTO C. CAETE

Theory III
Copyright 2013