Find Beam Reaction by

VIRTUAL WORK METHOD

 Virtual Displacement
• When the body is in equilibrium under the action
of system of force, there cannot be any
displacement of body.
• Let us assume that the body in equilibrium
undergoes an imaginary and small displacement
compatible with the geometrical condition of the
system.
• This small imaginary displacement is called as
virtual displacement.
 Virtual Work
• The work done by all the forces acting on the
body due to the virtual displacement of the body
is called as virtual work.
• It is the product of force and the corresponding
virtual displacement.

Virtual Work = Force x Virtual Displacement

 Principle of Virtual Work
• It states, “If a system of force acting on a body be
in equilibrium and if the system be imagined to
undergo small displacement, compatible with the
geometrical condition, then the algebraic sum of
virtual work done by all the forces of the system
is zero.
• ∑ Virtual Work = 0
 Sign Conventions
• If the force or reaction and the corresponding virtual
displacement are in the same direction, the virtual work is
taken POSITIVE.
• If the force or reaction and the corresponding virtual
displacement are in the opposite direction, the virtual work is
taken NEGATIVE.

• ** Note: No work is done by the forces that are perpendicular

to the virtual displacement i.e. the work is done only by the
force or reaction which are collinear (i.e. act along the same
line) with the virtual displacement.
 Virtual Work for Moment
• It is given by formula,
• Virtual Work = Moment x Angular vertical displacement

 Sign Conventions
• If the moment and the corresponding angular vertical
displacement are in the same direction, the virtual work is
taken POSITIVE.
• If the moment and the corresponding angular vertical
displacement are in the opposite direction, the virtual work is
taken NEGATIVE.
 Steps to find Beam Reaction by Virtual Work Method
• Assume one support hinged i.e. the rotation at the support is
allowed but imaginary (virtual) displacement ‘y’ at the other
support, either in upward or downward direction and draw a
sketch.
• Calculate the displacement under the load points δ1, δ2,
δ3,…….. etc. in terms of ‘y’ by using geometry of similar
triangles.
• Calculate virtual work due to all the loads and reaction using
correct sign convention.
• Virtual Work = Force/Reaction x virtual displacement
• Apply the Principle of Virtual Work
• i.e. ∑ Virtual Work = 0
• 5. Substitute the value of δ1, δ2, δ3,…….etc. in terms of ‘y’.
Divide the both side of equation by ‘y’ and find the unknown
support reaction.
• 6. Similarly find other unknown support reaction.