A-1

Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Appendix
ANALYSIS OF INDETERMINATE BEAMS

A.1 INTRODUCTION

Indeterminate beams are commonly encountered in the form of single span propped cantilevers or multiple
span, continuous beams. Short cut procedures were developed and discussed in this chapter for the analysis
these types of problems.

The main tool used in the analysis is the Moment-Distribution-Method (MDM).

Some basic concepts must first be made clear that will be useful in understanding the better the procedures
discussed in this chapter.

Load, shear, moment, slope and deflection are related and the relationships are shown below.

V(x) = ∫ 𝑤(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 w(x) = dV(x)/dx

M(x) = ∫ 𝑉(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 V(x) = dM(x)/dx

EI dy(x)/dx = ∫ 𝑀(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 M(x) = EI d[dy(x)/dx]/dx

𝑑𝑦(𝑥)
y(x) = ∫[ ] 𝑑𝑥 dy(x)/dx = d[y(x)]/dx
𝑑𝑥

As an aside, from the above relationships, it can be seen that

EIy(x) = ∬ 𝑀(𝑥)𝑑𝑥

which is the basis for the double integration method for solving beam deflections.

Similarly,

M(x) = ∬ 𝑤(𝑥)𝑑𝑥.

Several observations can be inferred from the above equation. First, the moment diagram is dependent solely
on the load w(x) within the length of the beam. For example, for a uniformly loaded, simply supported beam
shown in Figure A.1, the height of the moment diagram represented by the maximum moment can easily be
1
established by equilibrium equations for this determinate beam as wL2.
8

Figure A.1

The shape and height of the moment diagram will remain the same even if the support boundary conditions
are changed. In effect, changing the boundary conditions will simply shift and/or tilt the moment diagram.
 A-2
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams
1
For example, for a beam fixed at both ends, the negative moment is wL2 and the positive moment is the
12
1 1
height wL2 minus the negative moment which gives wL2 as shown in Fig A.2.
8 24

Figure A.2

A.2 FIXED-END MOMENTS

Crucial to the MDM procedure are the fixed-end moments. The fixed-end moments are determined usually
from formulas of common types of loadings. Some of these are shown below:

BEAM LOADING FIXED-END MOMENT

w
𝑤𝐿2
M=
12
L
P
𝑃𝐿
L/2 L/2 M=
8

𝑃𝑎𝑏 2 𝑃𝑎2 𝑏
ML = M=
𝐿2 𝐿2
a b

Other beam formulas can be found in the "Strength of Materials" text book by Singer and in the ASEP Steel
Handbook.

The fixed-end moments for other types of loadings can be determined by evaluating the integral of fixed-end
moments produced by a differential load 𝑑𝑃 = 𝑤(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 from the formulas in the third row of the table above.

To illustrate, consider a beam with a triangular loading as shown below.

a=x b = L-x
𝑥 𝑑𝑃 𝑤𝑜

MA
A B MB
𝑑𝑥
 A-3
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Figure A.3

The shaded area represents the differential load 𝑑𝑃 = 𝑤(𝑥)𝑑𝑥. The end moments due to the differential load
are:
𝐿 𝑑𝑃𝑥(𝐿−𝑥)2 𝐿 𝑑𝑃𝑥 2 (𝐿−𝑥)
MA = ∫0 MB = ∫0
𝐿2 𝐿2

𝑤𝑜 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
where: 𝑑𝑃 = 𝑤(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 =
𝐿

The fixed-end moments are determined by evaluating the integrals.

dPx L  x 
2
dM A 
L2
L
M A   dM A
0

WO x
x L  x  dx
1 L
 
2

L2 0 L
L
W0  L2 x 3 2Lx 4 x 5 
    
L3  3 4 5 0
W0 L2

30

Similarly, the fixed-end moment at the other end is determined as follows:

L
M B   dM B
0

WO x 2
x L  x  dx
1 L

L2 
0 L

 x 
1 L
 3 3
L  x 4 dx
L 0

L
W0  x 4 L x 5 
   
L3  4 5 0
W0 L2

20

A.3 SINGLE SPAN BEAMS

Single span beams can be classified into three types:

1) Both ends simply supported

2) Both ends fixed

3) One end fixed and the other end simply-supported. This is also commonly known as a propped
cantilever.

Analysis of a simply supported beam is done in a straight forward manner with the use of equilibrium
equations since this is determinate.

For beams with both ends fixed, determining the fixed-end moments essentially completes the analysis.

Similar to the MDM approach, once the end moments are determined, the analysis is completed by using
equilibrium equations to determine the end shears and subsequently the shear and moment diagrams with the
beam length.
 A-4
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

From the moment diagram, the maximum positive moment is determined. This is important in reinforced
concrete (RC) design because the positive moment is used in determining the requirements for the bottom
steel tension reinforcements much like the maximum negative moments which are used for the top
reinforcements. Shears from the shear diagram are determined at certain locations along the beam length for
the design of the shear reinforcements.

The analysis of a propped cantilever will involve some work. The general approach is as follows.

1) Determine the fixed-end moments.

2) Balance the fixed-end moment in the simply supported end and carry-over half of this to the fixed
end.

Example 1. As an example, a propped cantilever is shown in Fig. A.4, with a uniformly distributed load. The
1 1
fixed-end moment at the right support is wL2 while the fixed-end moment at the left support is - wL2. To
12 12
1
balance the moment at the right end, add wL2 to its fixed-end moment, resulting to a zero moment at this
12
roller support. Then, pass half of the balancing value to the other (fixed) end. The resulting moment at the
1 1 1 1
fixed end will be one half of wL2 which is equal to wL2 that is then added to wL2 to give wL2.
12 24 12 8

Figure A.4

Since the fixed support will absorb all moments passed to it and will no longer pass moments to the other
end, the determination of the end moments is deemed complete.

The maximum positive moment is determined by first solving for the vertical reaction. Only one vertical
reaction need to be evaluated and the choice is the reaction at the simple support.

The general straight forward procedure to determine the vertical reactions is to use the principle of
superposition and determine the vertical reactions from the loads separately from the end moments.

ML MR
= +
ML L
L MR L
RL RR
RL RR RL RR
The reactions due to the end moments are:
𝑀𝐿 − 𝑀𝑅 𝑀𝑅 − 𝑀𝐿
RL = and RR =
𝐿 𝐿

For the uniformly loaded propped cantilever, the reaction at the simple support is

RR = wL/2 + (-wL2/8)/L = (3/8) wL

The shear diagram is

RL x

RR
 A-5
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Recognizing that the integral of shear is the moment, the maximum positive moment is the area of the small
triangle at the right. This area represents the difference in the moment from the point of zero shear and the
right support. The point of zero shear is the point of maximum moment owing from the fact that this is a
extremum (from calculus when the first derivative dM/dx is zero). Since the moment at the simple support is
zero, therefore, the area of the triangle at the right part of the shear diagram is equal to the maximum positive
moment.

The slope of the shear diagram is equal to w and can be used in determining the location of the point of zero
shear

x = [(3/8)wL]/w = (3/8)L

and the area of the triangle is

Max Mpos = (1/2) [(3/8)wL] (3/8)L = (9/128)wL2

The same result can be arrived at by using the left vertical reaction although this will be a bit longer solution.

RR = wL/2 + (wL2/8)/L = (5/8) wL

x = [(5/8)wL]/w = (5/8)L

The difference in the moments from the fixed support to the point of zero shear is

M = (1/2) [(5/8)wL] (5/8)L = (25/128)wL2

The height of the maximum positive moment is determined by subtracting to this the moment at the fixed
support.

Max Mpos = (25/128)wL2 - (1/8)wL2 = [(25-16)/128]wL2 = (9/128)wL2

MPOS

M = (25/128)wL2
ML = wL2/8

Example 2. The next example is a propped cantilever with a concentrated load at midspan. The moment at
the fixed end is easily determined by adding half of the fixed end moment from the other end.
 A-6
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

The maximum positive moment can be determined in several ways. A quick way of doing this is to recognize
that the maximum positive moment will occur at the location of the concentrated load. This is because it is at
this point where the shear diagram crosses the abscissa and therefore is a point of zero shear. The height of
the moment diagram is not changed by the boundary conditions and this height is established from the height
of the moment diagram for a simply supported case. The height is therefore equal to (P/2)*(L/2) = PL/4. From
similar triangles, the height of the negative moment at midspan is half of 3PL/16 = 3PL/32. This is then
deducted from the height of the moment diagram to get the maximum positive moment.

Mpos = (1/4 - 3/32) = (5/32)PL

Of course, the procedure outlined in the previous example can be used to solve for the maximum positive
moment.

The reaction at the simple support is RR =P/2 - (3PL/16)/L = 5PL/16.

The shear diagram is shown below.

RL

RR
The maximum positive moment is the area of the rectangle at the right side of the shear diagram above.

Mpos = (5PL/16)(L/2) = 5PL/32

Example 3. The next example is for a beam with a concentrated load at a distance "a" from the left fixed-
support and a distance "b" from the right simple support of a propped cantilever. Applying what have been
Pab 2
discussed earlier, the formula for MA of the structure below can be determined. is the fixed-end
L2
Pa 2 b
moment at the left support while is the fixed-end moment at the right support. Adding half of the fixed-
L2
end moment from the right to the fixed-end moment at the left will give the final moment Ma at A.
 A-7
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Figure A.7
𝑃𝑎𝑏 2 𝑃𝑎2 𝑏 𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑎
Ma = + = (𝑏 + )
𝐿2 2𝐿2 𝐿2 2

Hence, in summary the process for a single span propped cantilever is simply as follows:

1) Compute the fixed end moments (FEM's), MAB and MBA

2) Final moments:

MA= MAB + (1/2 MBA)

MB= 0

Example 4. Consider a propped cantilever with a triangular loading shown below.

It has been established earlier in Section A.2 that the fixed-end moments for a triangular loading shown above
are

ML = (1/30)wL2 and MR = (1/20)wL2

Hence, the final moment is simply

Ma = [1/30 + (1/2)(1/20)]wL2 = (7/120)wL2

If the supports are interchanged as shown below,

A B

The moment at the fixed support B is determined as follows:

wL2 1  wL2 
MB    
20 2  30 
 1 1  1 
M B  wL2    
 20 2  30 
2
wL
MB 
15
 A-8
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Example 5. Determine the moment at the fixed support of the propped cantilever shown below.

Figure A.11

Solution: In this problem it is important to express the equation of the curve. With the origin at the left support and
given that the vertex of the 5˚ curve is at this origin, the equation of the curve is equal to a constant multiplied by x
raised to the degree of the curve, w(x) = ax5. To get the value of "a", substitute the values of wo and L respectively to
get

wo= aL5.

This gives a value of a = wo/L5 and the equation for the load becomes

w(x) = wo(x/L)5

Using the procedure discussed in Section 2.2 for solving the fixed-end moments, we set
WO x 5 5
WX    ax=5 w dx = wo(x/L) dx
W dP
L5
dP  W dx when x  L, W  WO
W
Pab 2
To get the fixedWend moment
 aL5
 a  atOA, substitute the values above to the equation and integrate as follows:
O
L5 L2

FIXED - END MOMENTS :

dPx L  x 
2
dM A 
L2
WO x 5
x L  x 2
L
M A   dM A  
L
L5 dx
0 0 L2

 x  L 
W L
 7O  2Lx  x 2 dx
6 2

L 0

L
WO  x 7 L2 2Lx 8 x 9 
   
L7  7 8 9 0
WO  L9 2L9 x 9 
   
L7  7 8 9
WO L2
MA 
252

Similarly, the fixed end moment at B is determined as follows:

WO x 5
x 2 L  x 
L
M B   dM B  
L
L5 dx
0 0 L2

 x L  x  dx
W L
 7O 7 8

L 0

L
WO  x 8 L x 9 
   
L7  8 9 0
WO  L9 x 9 
   
L7  8 9
2
W L
MB  O
72

FINAL MOMENTS
2 2 2
 L
WO  x 8 L x 9 
   
L7  8 9 0
WO  L9 x 9  A-9
   
L7  8 9 Analysis of Indeterminate Beams
2
WO L
MB 
Finally, the
72moment at the fixed end is determined in the usual process

FINAL MOMENTS
WO L2 1  WO L2  11WO L2
MA    
252 2  72  1008

A.4 TWO-SPAN BEAMS

First, two-span beams will be discussed. These beams can be classified into:

1) Beams with both exterior supports fixed.

2) Beams with one exterior support fixed and the other exterior end is a simple support.

3) Beams with both exterior ends simply supported.

Short cut procedures will be established to be able to analyze such problems in a quick amd easy manner.

A.4.1 Two-Spans With Both Exterior Supports Fixed

This is the first of the three cases mentioned above. The short cut formulas derived here will also be applicable to the
other two cases.

If MDM is applied to the structure shown below, it is noted that it will only need one cycle to complete the MDM
process. The unbalanced moment at B shall be balanced and distributed to the two members meeting at B and half of
these distributed moments will be carried over to the respective far ends of the two members. Since the far ends are
fixed supports, the carried over moments will be absorbed completely by these fixed supports thereby ending the
MDM process.

A B C

Ki
First thing is to get the distribution factors (DF's), where DF= K
 A-10
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

I
Ki is the relative stiffness for member i, K= , and ∑K is the sum of the relative stiffness of all members meeting at
L
the joint. The distribution factors are computed below. Note that the sum of distribution factors at a joint must be equal
to one. Thus, only one distribution factor need to be computed in detail. Since there are only two members meeting at
joint B, the DF of the other member is simply the complement of the solved DF of the first member.

1
DFBA  8  1  0.428571  1 - DF 
BC
1 1 7
8 6 3

DFBC  1 - DFBA  0.571429

Next is to get the fixed end moments of Span AB and Span BC.

M AB  M BA 
1
3082  160 kN - m
12
 30 6   90 kN - m
1
M BC  M CB
2

12

The unbalanced moment at joint B is the difference between MBA and MBC. The unbalanced moment is then distributed
to Members BA and BC.

M  160  70  0.428571  M  130 kN-m

MB { M
BA

BC
BC
 90  70  0.571429   130 kN - m

Form the above, the final moment of joint B is given by the results of either M BA or MBC since these two moments
have to be equal to satisfy equilibrium requirements. It is noticed further that a general expression can be written to
determine the moment MBC.

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 (1)

The above short cut equation is referred to as the CAÑETE CROSS FORMULA.

FEMBA FEMBC

DFBA DFBC

M B  FEM BA  DFBC  FEM BC  DFBA

Half of the distributed moments are carried over and added to the moments at the fixed external supports.

M A  M AB  160 
1
700.428571  175 kN - m
2
  90  70 0.571429  70 kN - m
1
M C  M CB
2
 A-11
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Likewise, general expressions can be formulated to determine the moments at the external fixed ends, M A and MC.

M A  FEM AB 
1
FEM BA  FEM BC  DFBA (2)
2
 FEM BC  FEM BA  DFBC
1
M C  FEM CB (3)
2

The three equations above, collectively known as the CAÑETE FORMULAS, give directly the values for the three
moments, MA, MB and MC.

It should be noted that the above formulas will give the negative moments (negative or downward curvature) at the
supports A, B and C. If any of the computed values using the above formulas will yield a value with negative algebraic
sign, this means that the direction of the moment is opposite, i.e. the moment is “positive” (or upward curvature).

A.4.2 Two-Spans With One Exterior End Fixed and the other Exterior End Simply Supported

The approach to the problem will be similar to the preceding case. From the structure shown below, the moment M C
is equal to zero. Thus, only two more moments need to be determined. The cross formula for determining the moment
at joint B and the formula for the exterior fixed support at joint A will still be applied. However, some modifications
need to be made before using the aforementioned formulas for MA and MB.

From the figure below, the distributed moment assigned to M BC, half will have to be carried over to the far end MCB.
Since Joint C is a simple support and cannot absorb any moment, the carried over moment has to be balanced and half
of it returned back to Joint B.

From the above, if the assigned distributed moment to BC is 100, 50 will be carried over to the simple far end and
returned with a moment of -25 for a net moment of 75 absorbed by member BC. Thus, to avoid the endless cycle of
passing and returning moments from Joint B to and back from Joint C, the relative stiffness of Member BC is modified
(adjusted). To reflect this ne moment of 75%, a modification factor of 0.75 is introduced and multiplied to the relative
stiffness of Member BC.
 A-12
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

The computations using the modified relative stiffness is illustrated below for the structure shown above.

1
DFBA  5  0.51613
1  .75
5 4 .

DFBC  0.48387

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

FIXED - END MOMENTS :

M AB  305  62.5 kN - m
1 2

12
M BC  254  33.333
1 2

12

Taking note that the final moment at the simple support at Joint C is zero, it is needed to balance the fixed-end moment
FEMCB to eliminate it. Half of the balancing moment shall be carried over to the middle support to be added to the
fixed-end moment FEMBC. Since the FEM’s of span BC are equal (FEM BC=FEMCB), then this operation is achieved
by simply multiplying the FEMBC with a factor of 1.5.
M BC  254   33.333  1.5  50 kN - m
1 2

12

Now, the cross formula can be applied to determine the final moment at B.

MB  62.50.48387  50 0.51613  56.0484 kN - m

The general formula for the fixed end at Joint A is now used to determine the moment M A.

M A  FEM AB 
1
FEM BA  FEM BC  DFBA
2

M A  62.5 
1
62.5  500.516123  65.7258 kN - m
2

Of course, the third moment MC = 0.

A.4.3 Two-Spans With Both Exterior Ends Simply Supported

For beams with both external simple supports, the moments at these external supports are zero. Thus, what remains
to be determined is the moment MB at Joint B. Both spans have simple exterior supports and thus both members will
have the reduction factor ¾. This factor need not be included in the calculation for the distribution factors since this
factor of ¾ simply cancel out.

70 kN 90 kN

A B C

2.5m 2.5m 2.0m 2.0m

For the structure shown above, get the distribution factors of Span BA and Span BC.
 A-13
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

1
DFBA  5  0.44444
1 1
5 4
DFBC  1 - 0.44444  0.55556

The fixed end moment of BA and BC are then determined. Note that both exterior supports are simple (i.e. M=0) and
for both members, the FEM's at both ends of each member are equal. Therefore, the FEMBA and FEMBC will be
multiplied with factor of 1.5.

70 5
MBA   43.75 kNm  1.5  65.625 kN - m
8

90 4
M BC   45 kNm  1.5  67.5 kN - m
8

The moment at Joint B is now ready to be solved using the cross formula.

MA  0
M B  65.625 0.55556  67.5 0.44444  66.458 kN - m
MC  0

A.5 THREE-SPAN BEAMS

For beams with three-span, the MDM is applicable anyway but it will need several cycles of balancing and carry over
moments before the final moments can be determined.

Consider the following structure for which we shall determine the internal moments at each joint by the moment
distribution technique. We shall assume that EI are constant and the same for all beams.
 A-14
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Shown above is the lengthy procedure of the MDM process for determining the final moments. Another process. like
"Three-Moment Equation" procedure, might prove to be shorter and more accurate.

A quicker and easier analysis procedure in the analysis of 3-span continuous beams is with the use of the Three
Moment Equation Method.

A.6 SYMMETRICAL BEAMS

A.6.1 Symmetrical Loading

Beams that have symmetrical geometry can be reduced by half. For example, a four-span symmetrical structure can
be reduced into a two-span beam.

As observed, the above beam is geometrically symmetrical with respect to the middle internal joint. Moreover, the
loadings are likewise symmetrical. The behavior of this beam is that the middle joint will have zero vertical deflection
and rotation Therefore, this joint can be replaced with a fixed support thereby cutting the structure in half as shown
below.

Now, the procedure discussed for 2-span beams with both exterior supports fixed can be applied.

A.6.2 Anti-symmetrical Loading

Structures can also be reduced by half when the geometry is symmetrical and the loading is anti-symmetrical. Consider
the 2-span beam below. The vertical deflection and curvature of the beam at the middle joint will both be zero. This
can therefore be replaced with a simple support while cutting the structure in half.

A.6.3 Unsymmetrical Loading

In general, structures can be reduced by half as long as the geometry is symmetrical. An unsymmetrical loading can
be divided into a combination of a symmetrical and anti-symmetrical loadings.
 A-15
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

A B C D E

Example A.1 Consider the 4-span beam above with an unsymmetrical loading. The loads are cut in half and first
applied in a symmetrical fashion as shown below. The 4-span beam is then reduced into a 2-span beam.

The halved loads are now applied in an anti-symmetrical fashion as shown below and the structure is reduced into a
2-span beam.

It is observed that when the two loadings are combined, the symmetrical and anti-symmetrical cases, the combined
loads will be equal to the original loadings. Principle of superposition allows us to analyze these reduced structures
separately and combine the results to get the final moments.
 A-16
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

A B C

1⁄
4
DFBA = 1⁄ +1⁄ = 0.6
4 6

DFBC = 1 - 0.6 = 0.4

FEMAB = FEMBA =15*42/12 = 20 kN-m

FEMBC = FEMCB =60*6/8 = 45 kN-m

Final M's: MA = 20 + (0.6/2)(20-45) = 12.5 kN-m

MB = 20*0.4 + 45*0.6 = 35 kN-m

MC = 45 + (0.4/2)(45-20) = 50 kN-m

The anti-symmetrical case is then analyzed.

1⁄ 2
4
DFBA = 1⁄ +0.75⁄ =
4 6 3

2 1
DFBC = 1 - =
3 3

FEMAB = FEMBA = 20 kN-m

FEMBC = 60*6/8 * 1.5 = 67.5 kN-m

2
Final M's: MA = 20 + ( )(20+67.5) = 49.167 kN-m
2∗3

1 2
MB = 20* - 67.5* = -38.333 kN-m
3 3

MC = 0 kN-m

The moments from the two cases are then combined to get the final moments.

MA = 12.5 + 49.167 = 61.667 kN-m

MB = 35 - 38.333 = -3.333 kN-m

MC =50 + 0 = 50 kN-m

MD = 35 + 38.333 = 73.333 kN-m

ME = 12.5 - 49.167 = -36.667 kN-m

Example A.2 Now, let us consider a multiple span frame. As observed, the frame is geometrically symmetrical and
therefore half of the structure is considered for analysis.
 A-17
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

With the frame modified, the end supports is considered fixed since Joint C has zero vertical deflection and rotation.
The remaining frame is analyzed like a 2-span continuous beam.

First, the stiffness factor of each span is computed on the basis of 4EI/L or by using the relative-stiffness factor I/L
(4E is common for all members given that the structure is homogeneous and will cancel out). Thus, the distribution
factors of Span BC and Span BA are then determined.

1
6 1
DFBC    0.35714
1  1.2 11.2
6 4
4

DFBA  1 - 0.35714  0.64286

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

M BA  0
506
M BC   37.5 kN - m
8

The final moments are then determined using the derived formulas.
 A-18
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

MA  0 
1
0  37.50.64286   12.054 kN - m
2
M B  0 0.35714   37.5 0.64286   24.107 kN - m

M C  37.5 
1
 37.5 - 00.35714  44.196 kN - m
2

Example A.3 Determine the forces in the beams and columns shown below with a dead load of 25 kN/m, a live load
of 10 kN/m and a wind load of 60 kN. The beam span lengths are 6.8m and the column height is 4.2m. Use f 1 = 0.5.

FW
B Columns are 400mm x 400mm
B C
and the beams are 300mm x
600mm.

A
Solution: A D

Using the Principle of Superposition, the frame analysis for the gravity (vertical) loads will be done separately from
the lateral frame analysis.

B C B

A D A

Taking advantage of symmetry, the structure can be cut by half as shown below.

B C

It is numerically convenient to express the relative moment of inertia in decimeters. Thus, the inertias of the beam and
column are computed as follows.

IBeam, IBC = 4*43 = 256

IColumn, IBA = 3*63 = 648

 A-19
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

The distribution factors can now be calculated.

256/4.2
DFBA = 256 648 = 0.39010
+
4.2 6.8

DFBC = 1 - 0.3901 = 0.6099

For the load combination 1.2D + 1.6L, the distributed load is wu = 1.2*25 + 1.6*10 = 46 kN/m

The beam fixed end moments are

𝑤𝐿2 46∗6.82
MBC = MCB = = = 177.25 kN-m
12 12

The final moments are

MBC = MBA = 177.25*0.3901 = 69.147 kN-m

0.6099
MCB = 177.25 + *177.25 = 231.31 kN-m
2
MAB = MBA/2 = 69.147/2 = 34.574 kN-m

To find the maximum positive moment in the beam BC, the end shear V BC is determined. This will be used to locate
the point of zero shear. The shear diagram is then used to quantify the maximum positive moment.
49∗6.8 69.147−231.31
Shear, VBC = + = 132.55 kN
2 6.8
132.55
Distance of point of zero shear from B, x = = 2.8816 m
46
132.55∗2.8816
Maximum positive moment, Mpos = - 69.147 = 121.83 kN-m
2

The column forces are

Exterior Columns:
Axial force, Pu = VBC = 132.55 kN
Moment at the top of the column, MTop = 69.147 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = 34.574 kN-m

Interior Column:
Axial force, Pu = 2*VCB = 2*(46*6.8 - 132.55) = 360.49 kN
Moment at the top of the column, MTop = 0.0 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = 0.0 kN-m

For other load combinations, the beam and column forces are determined proportionately from the factored gravity
load, wu.

For example, with the load combination 1.2D + f1L (where f1 = 0.5), factored distributed load will reduce to

wu = 1.2*25 + 0.5*10 = 35 kN/m

And the resulting member forces will be

Beam Forces:
MBC = MBA = 69.147*(35/46) = 52.612 kN-m
MCB = 231.31*(35/46) = 175.99 kN-m

Exterior Columns:
Axial force, Pu = VBC = 132.55*(35/46) = 100.86 kN
 A-20
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

Moment at the top of the column, MTop = 69.147*(35/46) = 52.612 kN-m

Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = 34.574*(35/46) = 26.306 kN-m

Interior Column:
Axial force, Pu = 360.49*(35/46) = 274.29 kN
Moment at the top of the column, MTop = 0.0 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = 0.0 kN-m
Meanwhile, for the load combination 0.9D E 1.6W, the resulting load and forces are
wu = 0.9*25 = 22.5 kN/m

And the resulting member forces will be

Beam Forces:
MBC = MBA = 69.147*(22.5/46) = 33.822 kN-m
MCB = 231.31*(22.5/46) = 113.14 kN-m

Exterior Columns:
Axial force, Pu = VBC = 132.55*(22.5/46) = 64.836 kN
Moment at the top of the column, MTop = 69.147*(22.5/46) = 33.822 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = 34.574*(22.5/46) = 16.911 kN-m

Interior Column:
Axial force, Pu = 360.49*(22.5/46) = 176.33 kN
Moment at the top of the column, MTop = 0.0 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = 0.0 kN-m

The lateral load frame analysis is done using the Portal Method which will not be elaborated here. The details of this
procedure can be found in most Theory of Structure textbooks. Instead, the resulting beam and column forces will just
be enumerated.

FW
B C B

A D A

V 2V V
Factored wind force,

FW = 1.6*60 = 96 kN

Shears:

VAB = VBA = V = 96/4 = 24 kN

VDC = VCD = 2V = 2*24 = 48 kN

Moments:

MAB = MBA = MBC = MCB = 24*(4.2/2) = 50.4 kN-m

 A-21
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

MCD = MDC = 48*(4.2/2) = 100.8 kN-m

For the reversing factored wind force applied on the frame, the resulting member forces will be

Beam Forces:
MBC = MCB = E50.4 kN-m
Exterior Columns:

Axial force, Pu = VBC = 50.4*(2/6.8) = E 14.824 kN

Moment at the top of the column, MTop = E50.4 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = E50.4 kN-m

Interior Column:

Axial force, Pu = 0.0 kN

Moment at the top of the column, MTop = E100.8 kN-m
Moment at the bottom of the column, MBottom = E100.8 kN-m

Exercises:

Determine the maximum positive and negative moments in the beam shown for each span in the following
problems:

1. Assume P = 100 kN

2. Assume P = 100 kN
 A-22
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

3.

4. Hint: There is zero moment at the internal hinge

Determine the moments at the supports shown in the following problems:

5.
 A-23
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.
 A-24
Analysis of Indeterminate Beams