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Chapter
5
Moving Loads and
Influence Lines

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Instructional Objectives:
The objectives of this lesson are as follows:
• Understand the moving load effect in simpler term
• Study various definitions of influence line
• Introduce to simple procedures for construction of influence lines

37.1 Introduction
In earlier lessons, you were introduced to statically determinate and statically
indeterminate structural analysis under non-moving load (dead load or fixed
loads). In this lecture, you will be introduced to determination of maximum
internal actions at cross-sections of members of statically determinate structured
under the effects of moving loads (live loads).

Common sense tells us that when a load moves over a structure, the deflected
shape of the structural will vary. In the process, we can arrive at simple
conclusion that due to moving load position on the structure, reactions value at
the support also will vary.

From the designer’s point of view, it is essential to have safe structure, which
doesn’t exceed the limits of deformations and also the limits of load carrying
capacity of the structure.

37.2 Definitions of influence line

In the literature, researchers have defined influence line in many ways. Some of
the definitions of influence line are given below.

• An influence line is a diagram whose ordinates, which are plotted as a

function of distance along the span, give the value of an internal force, a
reaction, or a displacement at a particular point in a structure as a unit load
move across the structure.
• An influence line is a curve the ordinate to which at any point equals the value
of some particular function due to unit load acting at that point.
• An influence line represents the variation of either the reaction, shear,

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moment, or deflection at a specific point in a member as a unit concentrated

force moves over the member.

37.3 Construction of Influence Lines

In this section, we will discuss about the construction of influence lines. Using
any one of the two approaches (Figure 37.1), one can construct the influence line
at a specific point P in a member for any parameter (Reaction, Shear or

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Moment). In the present approaches it is assumed that the moving load is having
dimensionless magnitude of unity. Classification of the approaches for
construction of influence lines is given in Figure 37.1.

Construction of Influence Lines

Tabulate Values Influence Line-Equation

for

37.3.1 Tabulate Values

Apply a unit load at different locations along the member, say at x. And these
locations, apply statics to compute the value of parameter (reaction, shear, or
moment) at the specified point. The best way to use this approach is to prepare a
table, listing unit load at x versus the corresponding value of the parameter
calculated at the specific point (i.e. Reaction R, Shear V or moment M) and plot
the tabulated values so that influence line segments can be constructed.

37.3.2 Sign Conventions

Sign convention followed for shear and moment is given below.

Parameter Sign for influence line

Reaction R Positive at the point when it acts upward on the beam.

Shear V Positive for the following case

V

Moment M Positive for the V case

M

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37.3.3 Influence Line Equations

Influence line can be constructed by deriving a general mathematical equation to
compute parameters (e.g. reaction, shear or moment) at a specific point under
the effect of moving load at a variable position x.

The above discussed both approaches are demonstrated with the help of simple
numerical examples in the following paragraphs.

37.4 Numerical Examples

Example 1:

Construct the influence line for the reaction at support B for the beam of span 10
m. The beam structure is shown in Figure 37.2.

Figure 37.2: The beam structure

Solution:
As discussed earlier, there are two ways this problem can be solved. Both the
approaches will be demonstrated here.

Tabulate values:
As shown in the figure, a unit load is places at distance x from support A and the
reaction value RB is calculated by taking moment with reference to support A. Let
us say, if the load is placed at 2.5 m. from support A then the reaction R B can be
calculated as follows (Figure 37.3).
Σ MA = 0 : RB x 10 - 1 x 2.5 = 0 ⇒ RB = 0.25

Figure 37.3: The beam structure with unit load

Similarly, the load can be placed at 5.0, 7.5 and 10 m. away from support A and
reaction RB can be computed and tabulated as given below.

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x RB
0 0.0
2.5 0.25
5.0 0.5
7.5 0.75
10 1

Graphical representation of influence line for RB is shown in Figure 37.4.

Figure 37.4: Influence line for reaction RB.

Influence Line Equation:

When the unit load is placed at any location between two supports from
support A at distance x then the equation for reaction RB can be written as

Σ MA = 0 : RB x 10 – x = 0 ⇒ RB = x/10

The influence line using this equation is shown in Figure 37.4.

Example 2:
Construct the influence line for support reaction at B for the given beam as
shown in Fig 37.5.

Figure 37.5: The overhang beam structure

Solution:
As explained earlier in example 1, here we will use tabulated values
and influence line equation approach.

Tabulate Values:
As shown in the figure, a unit load is places at distance x from support A and the
reaction value RB is calculated by taking moment with reference to support A. Let

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us say, if the load is placed at 2.5 m. from support A then the reaction R B can be
calculated as follows.
Σ MA = 0 : RB x 7.5 - 1 x 2.5 = 0 ⇒ RB = 0.33

Figure 37.6: The beam structure with unit load

Similarly one can place a unit load at distances 5.0 m and 7.5 m from support A
and compute reaction at B. When the load is placed at 10.0 m from support A,
then reaction at B can be computed using following equation.

Σ MA = 0 : RB x 7.5 - 1 x 10.0 = 0 ⇒ RB = 1.33

Similarly a unit load can be placed at 12.5 and the reaction at B can be
computed. The values of reaction at B are tabulated as follows.

x RB
0 0.0
2.5 0.33
5.0 0.67
7.5 1.00
10 1.33
12.5 1.67

Graphical representation of influence line for RB is shown in Figure 37.7.

Figure 37.7: Influence for reaction RB.

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Influence line Equation:

Applying the moment equation at A (Figure 37.6),

Σ MA = 0 : RB x 7.5 - 1 x x = 0 ⇒ RB = x/7.5

The influence line using this equation is shown in Figure 37.7.

Example 3:
Construct the influence line for shearing point C of the beam (Figure 37.8)

Figure 37.8: Beam Structure

Solution:
Tabulated Values:
As discussed earlier, place a unit load at different location at distance x from
support A and find the reactions at A and finally computer shear force taking
section at C. The shear force at C should be carefully computed when unit load is
placed before point C (Figure 37.9) and after point C (Figure 37.10). The
resultant values of shear force at C are tabulated as follows.

Figure 37.9: The beam structure – a unit load before section

Figure 37.10: The beam structure - a unit load before section

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X Vc
0 0.0
2.5 -0.16
5.0 -0.33
7.5(-) -0.5
7.5(+) 0.5
10 0.33
12.5 0.16
15.0 0

Graphical representation of influence line for Vc is shown in Figure 37.11.

Figure 37.11: Influence line for shear point C

Influence line equation:

In this case, we need to determine two equations as the unit load position before
point C (Figure 37.12) and after point C (Figure 37.13) will show different shear
force sign due to discontinuity. The equations are plotted in Figure 37.11.

Figure 37.12: Free body diagram – a unit load before section

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Figure 37.13: Free body diagram – a unit load after section

Influence Line for Moment:

Like shear force, we can also construct influence line for moment.

Example 4:
Construct the influence line for the moment at point C of the beam shown in
Figure 37.14

Figure 37.14: Beam structure

Solution:
Tabulated values:
Place a unit load at different location between two supports and find the support
reactions. Once the support reactions are computed, take a section at C and
compute the moment. For example, we place the unit load at x=2.5 m from
support A (Figure 37.15), then the support reaction at A will be 0.833 and support
reaction B will be 0.167. Taking section at C and computation of moment at C
can be given by

Σ Mc = 0 : - Mc + RB x 7.5 - = 0 ⇒ - Mc + 0.167 x 7.5 - = 0 ⇒ Mc = 1.25

Figure 37.15: A unit load before section

Similarly, compute the moment M c for difference unit load position in the span.
The values of Mc are tabulated as follows.

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X Mc
0 0.0
2.5 1.25
5.0 2.5
7.5 3.75
10 2.5
12.5 1.25
15.0 0

Graphical representation of influence line for Mc is shown in Figure 37.16.

Figure 37.16: Influence line for moment at section C

Influence Line Equations:

There will be two influence line equations for the section before point C and after
point C.

When the unit load is placed before point C then the moment equation for
given Figure 37.17 can be given by

Σ Mc = 0 : Mc + 1(7.5 –x) – (1-x/15)x7.5 = 0 ⇒ Mc = x/2, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 7.5

Figure 37.17: Free body diagram - a unit load before section

When the unit load is placed after point C then the moment equation for
given Figure 37.18 can be given by

Σ Mc = 0 : Mc – (1-x/15) x 7.5 = 0 ⇒ Mc = 7.5 - x/2, where 7.5 < x ≤ 15.0

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Figure 37.18: Free body diagram - a unit load before section

The equations are plotted in Figure 37.16.

Example 5:
Construct the influence line for the moment at point C of the beam shown in
Figure 37.19.

Figure 37.19: Overhang beam structure

Solution:
Tabulated values:
Place a unit load at different location between two supports and find the support
reactions. Once the support reactions are computed, take a section at C and
compute the moment. For example as shown in Figure 37.20, we place a unit
load at 2.5 m from support A, then the support reaction at A will be 0.75 and
support reaction B will be 0 .25.

Figure 37.20: A unit load before section C

Taking section at C and computation of moment at C can be given by

Σ Mc = 0 : - Mc + RB x 5.0 - = 0 ⇒ - Mc + 0.25 x 5.0 = 0 ⇒ Mc = 1.25

Similarly, compute the moment Mc for difference unit load position in the
span. The values of Mc are tabulated as follows.

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x Mc
0 0
2.5 1.25
5.0 2.5
7.5 1.25
10 0
12.5 -1.25
15.0 -2.5

Graphical representation of influence line for Mc is shown in Figure 37.21.

Figure 37.21: Influence line of moment at section C

Influence Line Equations:

There will be two influence line equations for the section before point C and after
point C.

When a unit load is placed before point C then the moment equation for
given Figure 37.22 can be given by
Σ Mc = 0 : Mc + 1(5.0 –x) – (1-x/10)x5.0 = 0 ⇒ Mc = x/2, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 5.0

Figure 37.22: A unit load before section C

When a unit load is placed after point C then the moment equation for given
Figure 37.23 can be given by
Σ Mc = 0 : Mc – (1-x/10) x 5.0 = 0 ⇒ Mc = 5 - x/2, where 5 < x ≤ 15

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Figure 37.23: A unit load after section C

The equations are plotted in Figure 37.21.

37.5 Influence line for beam having point load and uniformly
distributed load acting at the same time
Generally in beams/girders are main load carrying components in structural
systems. Hence it is necessary to construct the influence line for the reaction,
shear or moment at any specified point in beam to check for criticality. Let us
assume that there are two kinds of load acting on the beam. They are
concentrated load and uniformly distributed load (UDL).

37.5.1 Concentrated load

As shown in the Figure 37.24, let us say, point load P is moving on beam from A
to B. Looking at the position, we need to find out what will be the influence line
for reaction B for this load. Hence, to generalize our approach, like earlier
examples, let us assume that unit load is moving from A to B and influence line
for reaction A can be plotted as shown in Figure 37.25. Now we want to know, if
load P is at the center of span then what will be the value of reaction A? From
Figure 37.24, we can find that for the load position of P, influence line of unit load
gives value of 0.5. Hence, reaction A will be 0.5xP. Similarly, for various load
positions and load value, reactions A can be computed.

Figure 37.24: Beam structure

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Figure 37.25: Influence line for support reaction at A

37.5.2 Uniformly Distributed Load

Beam is loaded with uniformly distributed load (UDL) and our objective is to find
influence line for reaction A so that we can generalize the approach. For UDL of
w on span, considering for segment of dx (Figure 37.26), the concentrated load
dP can be given by w.dx acting at x. Let us assume that beam’s influence line
ordinate for some function (reaction, shear, moment) is y as shown in Figure
37.27. In that case, the value of function is given by (dP)(y) = (w.dx).y. For
computation of the effect of all these concentrated loads, we have to integrate
over the entire length of the beam. Hence, we can say that it will be ∫ w.y.dx = w ∫
y.dx. The term ∫ y.dx is equivalent to area under the influence line.

Figure 37.26: Uniformly distributed load on beam

Figure 37.27: Segment of influence line diagram

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For a given example of UDL on beam as shown in Figure 37.28, the influence
line (Figure 37.29) for reaction A can be given by area covered by the influence
line for unit load into UDL value. i.e. [0.5x (1)xl] w = 0.5 w.l.

Figure 37.28: UDL on simply supported beam

Figure 37.29: Influence line for support reaction at A.

37.6 Numerical Example

Find the maximum positive live shear at point C when the beam (Figure 37.30) is
loaded with a concentrated moving load of 10 kN and UDL of 5 kN/m.

Figure 37.30: Simply supported beam

Solution:
As discussed earlier for unit load moving on beam from A to B, the influence line
for the shear at C can be given by following Figure 37.31.

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Figure 37.31: Influence line for shear at section C.

Concentrated load: As shown in Figure 37.31, the maximum live shear force at
C will be when the concentrated load 10 kN is located just before C or just after
C. Our aim is to find positive live shear and hence, we will put 10 kN just after C.
In that case,
Vc = 0.5 x 10 = 5 kN.

UDL: As shown in Figure 37.31, the maximum positive live shear force at C will
be when the UDL 5 kN/m is acting between x = 7.5 and x = 15.
Vc = [ 0.5 x (15 –7.5) (0.5)] x 5 = 9.375

Total maximum Shear at C:

(Vc) max = 5 + 9.375 = 14.375.

Finally the loading positions for maximum shear at C will be as shown in

Figure 37.32. For this beam one can easily compute shear at C using statics.

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Figure 37.32: Simply supported beam

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

• Junarkar, 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 Jangid, 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

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