Statical Indeterminancy

Module
1

Energy Methods in
Structural Analysis
Version 2 CE IIT, Kharagpur

Lesson
1
General Introduction

Instructional Objectives
After reading this chapter the student will be able to

1. Differentiate between various structural forms such as beams, plane truss,
space truss, plane frame, space frame, arches, cables, plates and shells.
2. State and use conditions of static equilibrium.
3. Calculate the degree of static and kinematic indeterminacy of a given
structure such as beams, truss and frames.
4. Differentiate between stable and unstable structure.
5. Define flexibility and stiffness coefficients.
6. Write force-displacement relations for simple structure.

1.1 Introduction
Structural analysis and design is a very old art and is known to human beings
since early civilizations. The Pyramids constructed by Egyptians around 2000
B.C. stands today as the testimony to the skills of master builders of that
civilization. Many early civilizations produced great builders, skilled craftsmen
who constructed magnificent buildings such as the Parthenon at Athens (2500
years old), the great Stupa at Sanchi (2000 years old), Taj Mahal (350 years old),
Eiffel Tower (120 years old) and many more buildings around the world. These
monuments tell us about the great feats accomplished by these craftsmen in
analysis, design and construction of large structures. Today we see around us
countless houses, bridges, fly-overs, high-rise buildings and spacious shopping
malls. Planning, analysis and construction of these buildings is a science by
itself. The main purpose of any structure is to support the loads coming on it by
properly transferring them to the foundation. Even animals and trees could be
treated as structures. Indeed biomechanics is a branch of mechanics, which
concerns with the working of skeleton and muscular structures. In the early
periods houses were constructed along the riverbanks using the locally available
material. They were designed to withstand rain and moderate wind. Today
structures are designed to withstand earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones and blast
loadings. Aircraft structures are designed for more complex aerodynamic
loadings. These have been made possible with the advances in structural
engineering and a revolution in electronic computation in the past 50 years. The
construction material industry has also undergone a revolution in the last four
decades resulting in new materials having more strength and stiffness than the
traditional construction material.

In this book we are mainly concerned with the analysis of framed structures
(beam, plane truss, space truss, plane frame, space frame and grid), arches,
cables and suspension bridges subjected to static loads only. The methods that
we would be presenting in this course for analysis of structure were developed
based on certain energy principles, which would be discussed in the first module.

1.2 Classification of Structures
All structural forms used for load transfer from one point to another are 3-
dimensional in nature. In principle one could model them as 3-dimensional elastic
structure and obtain solutions (response of structures to loads) by solving the
associated partial differential equations. In due course of time, you will appreciate
the difficulty associated with the 3-dimensional analysis. Also, in many of the
structures, one or two dimensions are smaller than other dimensions. This
geometrical feature can be exploited from the analysis point of view. The
dimensional reduction will greatly reduce the complexity of associated governing
equations from 3 to 2 or even to one dimension. This is indeed at a cost. This
reduction is achieved by making certain assumptions (like Bernoulli-Euler
kinematic assumption in the case of beam theory) based on its observed
behaviour under loads. Structures may be classified as 3-, 2- and 1-dimensional
(see Fig. 1.1(a) and (b)). This simplification will yield results of reasonable and
acceptable accuracy. Most commonly used structural forms for load transfer are:
beams, plane truss, space truss, plane frame, space frame, arches, cables,
plates and shells. Each one of these structural arrangement supports load in a
specific way.


Beams are the simplest structural elements that are used extensively to support
loads. They may be straight or curved ones. For example, the one shown in Fig.
1.2 (a) is hinged at the left support and is supported on roller at the right end.
Usually, the loads are assumed to act on the beam in a plane containing the axis
of symmetry of the cross section and the beam axis. The beams may be
supported on two or more supports as shown in Fig. 1.2(b). The beams may be
curved in plan as shown in Fig. 1.2(c). Beams carry loads by deflecting in the

same plane and it does not twist. It is possible for the beam to have no axis of
symmetry. In such cases, one needs to consider unsymmetrical bending of
beams. In general, the internal stresses at any cross section of the beam are:
bending moment, shear force and axial force.

In India, one could see plane trusses (vide Fig. 1.3 (a),(b),(c)) commonly in
Railway bridges, at railway stations, and factories. Plane trusses are made of
short thin members interconnected at hinges into triangulated patterns. For the
purpose of analysis statically equivalent loads are applied at joints. From the
above definition of truss, it is clear that the members are subjected to only axial
forces and they are constant along their length. Also, the truss can have only
hinged and roller supports. In field, usually joints are constructed as rigid by

welding. However, analyses were carried out as though they were pinned. This is
justified as the bending moments introduced due to joint rigidity in trusses are
negligible. Truss joint could move either horizontally or vertically or combination
of them. In space truss (Fig. 1.3 (d)), members may be oriented in any
direction. However, members are subjected to only tensile or compressive
stresses. Crane is an example of space truss.


Plane frames are also made up of beams and columns, the only difference
being they are rigidly connected at the joints as shown in the Fig. 1.4 (a). Major
portion of this course is devoted to evaluation of forces in frames for variety of
loading conditions. Internal forces at any cross section of the plane frame
member are: bending moment, shear force and axial force. As against plane
frame, space frames (vide Fig. 1.4 (b)) members may be oriented in any
direction. In this case, there is no restriction of how loads are applied on the
space frame.

1.3 Equations of Static Equilibrium
Consider a case where a book is lying on a frictionless table surface. Now, if we
apply a force horizontally as shown in the Fig.1.5 (a), then it starts moving in
the direction of the force. However, if we apply the force perpendicular to the
book as in Fig. 1.5 (b), then book stays in the same position, as in this case the
vector sum of all the forces acting on the book is zero. When does an object
1
F

move and when does it not? This question was answered by Newton when he
formulated his famous second law of motion. In a simple vector equation it may
be stated as follows:

(1.1) ma F
n
i
i
=
=1


where is the vector sum of all the external forces acting on the body, is
the total mass of the body and is the acceleration vector. However, if the body
is in the state of static equilibrium then the right hand of equation (1.1) must be
zero. Also for a body to be in equilibrium, the vector sum of all external moments
( ) about an axis through any point within the body must also vanish.
Hence, the book lying on the table subjected to external force as shown in Fig.
1.5 (b) is in static equilibrium. The equations of equilibrium are the direct
consequences of Newtons second law of motion. A vector in 3-dimensions can
be resolved into three orthogonal directions viz., x, y and z (Cartesian) co-
ordinate axes. Also, if the resultant force vector is zero then its components in
three mutually perpendicular directions also vanish. Hence, the above two
equations may also be written in three co-ordinate axes directions as follows:
=
n
i
i
F
1
m
a
= 0 M

; 0 =
x
F

= 0
y
F ;
= 0
z
F (1.2a)

; 0 =
x
M 0 =
y
M ; 0 =
z
M (1.2b)

Now, consider planar structures lying in xy plane. For such structures we could
have forces acting only in x and directions. Also the only external moment that
could act on the structure would be the one about the -axis. For planar
structures, the resultant of all forces may be a force, a couple or both. The static
equilibrium condition along
y
z
x -direction requires that there is no net unbalanced
force acting along that direction. For such structures we could express
equilibrium equations as follows:

; 0 =
x
F

= 0
y
F ; 0 =
z
M (1.3)

Using the above three equations we could find out the reactions at the supports
in the beam shown in Fig. 1.6. After evaluating reactions, one could evaluate
internal stress resultants in the beam. Admissible or correct solution for reaction
and internal stresses must satisfy the equations of static equilibrium for the entire
structure. They must also satisfy equilibrium equations for any part of the
structure taken as a free body. If the number of unknown reactions is more than
the number of equilibrium equations (as in the case of the beam shown in Fig.
1.7), then we can not evaluate reactions with only equilibrium equations. Such
structures are known as the statically indeterminate structures. In such cases we
need to obtain extra equations (compatibility equations) in addition to equilibrium
equations.


1.4 Static Indeterminacy
The aim of structural analysis is to evaluate the external reactions, the deformed
shape and internal stresses in the structure. If this can be accomplished by
equations of equilibrium, then such structures are known as determinate
structures. However, in many structures it is not possible to determine either
reactions or internal stresses or both using equilibrium equations alone. Such
structures are known as the statically indeterminate structures. The
indeterminacy in a structure may be external, internal or both. A structure is said
to be externally indeterminate if the number of reactions exceeds the number of
equilibrium equations. Beams shown in Fig.1.8(a) and (b) have four reaction
components, whereas we have only 3 equations of equilibrium. Hence the beams
in Figs. 1.8(a) and (b) are externally indeterminate to the first degree. Similarly,
the beam and frame shown in Figs. 1.8(c) and (d) are externally indeterminate to
the 3
rd
degree.

Now, consider trusses shown in Figs. 1.9(a) and (b). In these structures,
reactions could be evaluated based on the equations of equilibrium. However,
member forces can not be determined based on statics alone. In Fig. 1.9(a), if
one of the diagonal members is removed (cut) from the structure then the forces
in the members can be calculated based on equations of equilibrium. Thus,

structures shown in Figs. 1.9(a) and (b) are internally indeterminate to first
degree.The truss and frame shown in Fig. 1.10(a) and (b) are both externally and
internally indeterminate.


So far, we have determined the degree of indeterminacy by inspection. Such an
approach runs into difficulty when the number of members in a structure
increases. Hence, let us derive an algebraic expression for calculating degree of
static indeterminacy.
Consider a planar stable truss structure having members and m j joints. Let the
number of unknown reaction components in the structure ber . Now, the total
number of unknowns in the structure is r m + . At each joint we could write two
equilibrium equations for planar truss structure, viz., 0 =
x
F and .
Hence total number of equations that could be written is .
= 0
y
F
j 2
If then the structure is statically determinate as the number of
unknowns are equal to the number of equations available to calculate them.
r m j + = 2
The degree of indeterminacy may be calculated as

j r m i 2 ) ( + = (1.4)


We could write similar expressions for space truss, plane frame, space frame
and grillage. For example, the plane frame shown in Fig.1.11 (c) has 15
members, 12 joints and 9 reaction components. Hence, the degree of
indeterminacy of the structure is

18 3 12 ) 9 3 15 ( = + = i

Please note that here, at each joint we could write 3 equations of equilibrium for
plane frame.


1.5 Kinematic Indeterminacy
When the structure is loaded, the joints undergo displacements in the form of
translations and rotations. In the displacement based analysis, these joint
displacements are treated as unknown quantities. Consider a propped cantilever
beam shown in Fig. 1.12 (a). Usually, the axial rigidity of the beam is so high that
the change in its length along axial direction may be neglected. The
displacements at a fixed support are zero. Hence, for a propped cantilever beam
we have to evaluate only rotation at B and this is known as the kinematic
indeterminacy of the structure. A fixed fixed beam is kinematically determinate
but statically indeterminate to 3
rd
degree. A simply supported beam and a
cantilever beam are kinematically indeterminate to 2
nd
degree.


The joint displacements in a structure is treated as independent if each
displacement (translation and rotation) can be varied arbitrarily and
independently of all other displacements. The number of independent joint
displacement in a structure is known as the degree of kinematic indeterminacy or
the number of degrees of freedom. In the plane frame shown in Fig. 1.13, the
joints B and have 3 degrees of freedom as shown in the figure. However if
axial deformations of the members are neglected then
C
4 1
u u = and and can
be neglected. Hence, we have 3 independent joint displacement as shown in Fig.
1.13 i.e. rotations at
2
u
4
u
B and C and one translation.



1.6 Kinematically Unstable Structure
A beam which is supported on roller on both ends (vide. Fig. 1.14) on a
horizontal surface can be in the state of static equilibrium only if the resultant of
the system of applied loads is a vertical force or a couple. Although this beam is
stable under special loading conditions, is unstable under a general type of
loading conditions. When a system of forces whose resultant has a component in
the horizontal direction is applied on this beam, the structure moves as a rigid
body. Such structures are known as kinematically unstable structure. One should
avoid such support conditions.


1.7 Compatibility Equations
A structure apart from satisfying equilibrium conditions should also satisfy all the
compatibility conditions. These conditions require that the displacements and
rotations be continuous throughout the structure and compatible with the nature
supports conditions. For example, at a fixed support this requires that
displacement and slope should be zero.

1.8 Force-Displacement Relationship


Consider linear elastic spring as shown in Fig.1.15. Let us do a simple
experiment. Apply a force

at the end of spring and measure the deformation
. Now increase the load to

and measure the deformation . Likewise
repeat the experiment for different values of load . Result may be
represented in the form of a graph as shown in the above figure where load is
shown on -axis and deformation on abscissa. The slope of this graph is known
as the stiffness of the spring and is represented by and is given by
1
P
1
u
2
P
2
u
n
P P P ,...., ,
2 1
y
k

u
P
u u
P P
k =
=
1 2
1 2
(1.5)

ku P = (1.6)

The spring stiffness may be defined as the force required for the unit deformation
of the spring. The stiffness has a unit of force per unit elongation. The inverse of
the stiffness is known as flexibility. It is usually denoted by and it has a unit of
displacement per unit force.
a

k
a
1
= (1.7)

the equation (1.6) may be written as

= ku P aP P
k
u = =
1
(1.8)

The above relations discussed for linearly elastic spring will hold good for linearly
elastic structures. As an example consider a simply supported beam subjected to
a unit concentrated load at the centre. Now the deflection at the centre is given
by

EI
PL
u
48
3
= or u
L
EI
P
48
3

= (1.9)

The stiffness of a structure is defined as the force required for the unit
deformation of the structure. Hence, the value of stiffness for the beam is equal
to

3
48
L
EI
k =

As a second example, consider a cantilever beam subjected to a concentrated
load ( P ) at its tip. Under the action of load, the beam deflects and from first
principles the deflection below the load (u ) may be calculated as,

zz
EI
PL
u
3
3
= (1.10)

For a given beam of constant cross section, lengthL , Youngs modulus E , and
moment of inertia the deflection is directly proportional to the applied load.
The equation (1.10) may be written as
ZZ
I

P a u = (1.11)

Where is the flexibility coefficient and is a
zz
EI
L
a
3
3
= . Usually it is denoted by
the flexibility coefficient at i due to unit force applied at
ij
a
j . Hence, the stiffness of
the beam is

3
11
11
3 1
L
EI
a
k = = (1.12)

Summary
In this lesson the structures are classified as: beams, plane truss, space truss,
plane frame, space frame, arches, cables, plates and shell depending on how
they support external load. The way in which the load is supported by each of
these structural systems are discussed. Equations of static equilibrium have
been stated with respect to planar and space and structures. A brief description
of static indeterminacy and kinematic indeterminacy is explained with the help
simple structural forms. The kinematically unstable structures are discussed in
section 1.6. Compatibility equations and force-displacement relationships are
discussed. The term stiffness and flexibility coefficients are defined. In section
1.8, the procedure to calculate stiffness of simple structure is discussed.

Suggested Text Books for Further Reading
Armenakas, A. E. (1988). Classical Structural Analysis A Modern
Approach, McGraw-Hill Book Company, NY, ISBN 0-07-100120-4

Hibbeler, R. C. (2002). Structural Analysis, Pearson Education
(Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Delhi, ISBN 81-7808-750-2

J unarkar, S. B. and Shah, H. J . (1999). Mechanics of Structures Vol. II,
Charotar Publishing House, Anand.

Leet, K. M. and Uang, C-M. (2003). Fundamentals of Structural Analysis,
Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, ISBN 0-07-058208-4

Negi, L. S. and J angid, R.S. (2003). Structural Analysis, Tata McGraw-
Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, ISBN 0-07-462304-4

Norris, C. H., Wilbur, J . B. and Utku, S. (1991). Elementary Structural
Analysis, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, ISBN 0-07-
058116-9

MATRIX ANALYSIS of FRAMED STRUCTURES, 3-rd Edition, by Weaver
and Gere Publishe, Chapman & Hall, New York, New York, 1990

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