CIVE1144

Analysis of Complex Structure

Course coordinator: Dr. Shiwei Zhou
School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University

Offering coordinator: Dr. David Chan

Department of Construction, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education,
Vocational Training Council
 Introduction of Structures and Loads
Prepared by Dr. Xiaodong Huang

Revised by Dr. Shiwei Zhou

School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University

Content
• Types of structures
• Types of loads
• Supports and connections
Introduction of Structures
Structure – Made up of a series connected parts used to support a load
(or loads). e.g. Buildings, Bridges, Towers, Dams, Ship and
aircraft frames, Tanks, Pressure vessels, Off-shore Platform etc.

Process of creating a structure:

1. Planning: Structure for public use
safe; economical, esthetic etc.
2. Analysis: To determine internal forces (normal force, shear forces,
bending moment etc.) and displacements
3. Design: Determine the size of the members to meet the various
criteria: strength, stability, deflection (as determined by acceptable
codes and specifications).
4. Construction: according to specified design drawings.
Example of bad design
Catastrophic result of failed design
Types of structural elements
1. Axial force members
Tied rods or bracing struts
Types of structural elements
1. Axial force members
Tied rods or bracing struts
Columns
Types of structural elements
1. Axial force members
Tied rods or bracing struts
Columns
Cables
Types of structural elements
1. Axial force members
Tied rods or bracing struts
Columns
Cables
Membranes
Types of structural elements
1. Axial force members
Tied rods or bracing struts
Columns
Cables
Membranes
2. Beams
Types of structural elements
1. Axial force members
Tied rods or bracing struts
Columns
Cables
Membranes
2. Beams
Types of structures
{ Truss
{ Cables and Arches
{ Frames
{ Surface structures (e.g. tents)
 Types of structures
{ Truss
{ Cables and Arches
{ Beams and Frames
{ Surface structures (e.g. tents)
Pinned Connections

All members are in tension

or compression.
Types of loads
{ Dead loads – e.g. gravity load.
{ Live loads – may be caused by the weight of objects temporarily placed on a structure.
{ Wind loads – either pressure or suction on the exposed surface
{ Earthquake forces – produce horizontal shear at the base
{ Soil pressure – retaining walls, tunnels etc. are subjected to soil pressure
{ Hydrostatic pressure – water tanks, dams etc. are subjected to hydrostatic pressure
{ Other loads – blast loading, temperature changes, differential settlement of foundation
Supports and Connections
Three types of supports:

Fixed end Pin support roller support

Two types of Connections:

Rigid connection Pin connection

 Analysis of statically determinate
structures
Prepared by Dr. Xiaodong Huang

Revised by Dr. Shiwei Zhou

School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University

Content
• Principle of superposition
• Equilibrium equations
• Application of equilibrium equations
• Determinacy and stability
Principle of Superposition
Statement: The total displacement or internal loading (stress) at a
point in a structure subjected to several external loadings can be
determined by adding together the displacements or internal loadings
(stress) caused by each of the external loads acting separately.

F2
F1 F1

=
Δ Δ1

+ F2

Δ = Δ1 + Δ 2
Δ2
Principle of Superposition
Statement: The total displacement or internal loading (stress) at a
point in a structure subjected to several external loadings can be
determined by adding together the displacements or internal loadings
(stress) caused by each of the external loads acting separately.
Two requirements (conditions):
1. The material must behave in a linear-elastic manner, so that Hooke’s
law is valid.
Principle of Superposition
Statement: The total displacement or internal loading (stress) at a
point in a structure subjected to several external loadings can be
determined by adding together the displacements or internal loadings
(stress) caused by each of the external loads acting separately.
Two requirements (conditions):
1. The material must behave in a linear-elastic manner, so that Hooke’s
law is valid.
2. The geometry of the structure must not undergo significant changes
when the loads are applied, i.e., small displacement theory applies.
F2
F1
F1 F2
 Equilibrium Equations
A structure or one of its members is in equilibrium when it maintains a
balance of force and moment. In 3D cases, this requires the force and moment
equations of equilibrium be satisfied along three independent axes as

∑F ∑ Fy = 0 ∑ Fz = 0
Fz
x =0 Fy
Mz
∑M x =0 ∑M y =0 ∑M z =0 My
Fx
Mx
In 2D cases, there are in general three equations of equilibrium for a given
structure or member:

∑F
Fy
x =0 ∑F y =0 ∑M = 0
M Fx
 Application of equilibrium
equations
In 2D cases, there are in general three equations of equilibrium for a given
structure or member:

∑F x =0 ∑F y =0 ∑M = 0
Three equilibrium equations (simultaneous equations) can determine three reaction
forces (unknowns).

10N 8.67N
30o
+
∑F x = 0: Ax + 5 = 0
MA Ax = −5N
Ax A 5N B
1m + ∑F y = 0: Ay − 8.67 = 0

Ay Ay = 8.67 N

+ ∑M A = 0 : M A − 8.67 ×1 = 0
M A = 8.67 Nm
When all the reaction forces in a structure can be determined strictly from
equilibrium equations, the structure is referred to as statically determinate.
Application of equilibrium
equations
80kN/m

B C 25kN
A
5 4
3
E
D

3m 1.5m 3m 1m
Application of equilibrium
equations
180kN 80kN/m
80kN/m

Ax Cx
A B C
B C 25kN
A
3m 5 Ay By Cy
4
Cy
3
E 25kN
D Cx Dy
C 5 4
3m 1.5m 3m 1m Dx 3 E
Dx Ex
D
D
Ey
Dy
 Application of equilibrium
equations
180kN 80kN/m
80kN/m

Ax Cx
A B C
B C 25kN
A
3m 5 Ay By Cy
4
Cy
3
E 25kN
D Cx Dy
C 5 4
3m 1.5m 3m 1m Dx 3 E
Dx Ex
D
D
For member CD: Ey
+ F = 0:
+ ∑ M C = 0 : Dx = 0 x ∑ Cx = 0
Dy

For member DE: For member ABC:

+ F = 0:
∑
3
+ F = 0:
x
E x − 25 × − Dx = 0 E x = 15kN
5 ∑ x
Ax + C x = 0 Ax = 0kN
4
+ ∑MD = 0 : E y × 4 − 25 × × 3 = 0
5
E y = 15kN
+ ∑M A = 0 : C y × 4.5 − 180 × 3 + By × 3 = 0

+ ∑ Fy = 0 :
4 B y = 187.5kN
E y − 25 × − Dy = 0 Dy = −5kN
5
+ ∑ Fy = 0 :
For member CD: Ay + By − 180 = 0 Ay = −7.5kN
+ ∑ Fy = 0 : Dy − C y = 0 C y = −5kN
 Determinacy
MA C
A A B
Ax B

E
Ay D

Statically determinate structures: number of reactions (r) = equilibrium equations (3n)

(n – the number of members)
Statically indeterminate structures: number of reactions (r) > equilibrium equations (3n)
degree of indeterminacy = r – 3n

10N 8.67N
+
∑F x = 0: Ax + 5 = 0

MA
30o Ax = −5N
A C
∑F
5N
Ax B + y = 0: Ay + C y − 8.67 = 0

Ay Cy + ∑M A = 0 : M A + C y × 0.5 − 8.67 ×1 = 0

Ay ; C y ; M A = ?
Examples – beams and frames
Reactions: r = 3
Equations: 3n=3
So, statically determinate structure

Reactions: r = 4
Equations: 3n=3
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 1
Reactions: r=6
Equations: 3n=3
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 3

Reactions: r = 5
Equations: 3n=3
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 2
Examples – beams and frames

Reactions: r=9
Equations: 3n=3x2=6
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 3

The conclusion is same

as the above!!!

Reactions: r = 11
Equations: 3n=3x3=9
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 2

The conclusion is same

as the above!!!
Examples – Articulated structures
Reactions: r=7
Equations: 3n=3x2=6
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 1

Reactions: r=7
Equations: 3n=3x2=6
So, statically indeterminate structure
and degree of indeterminacy is 1
Examples – Frames with internal loop

Reactions: r=11
Equations: 3n = 3x2=6
So, statically indeterminate structure
and the degree of indeterminacy is 5
Examples – Frames with internal loops

Reactions: r=20
Equations: 3n = 3x3=9
So, statically indeterminate structure
and the degree of indeterminacy is 11
 Examples – Frames with internal loop

Reactions: r=17
Equations: 3n = 3x2=6
So, statically indeterminate structure
and the degree of indeterminacy is 11

The conclusion is same as

the above one!!!
Statically determinate and
indeterminate structures
A statically indeterminate structure can be made statically determinate by
introducing pin connections or releasing some constraints, e.g.

Reactions: r=4
Equations: 3n = 3x1=3
So, statically indeterminate structure
and the degree of indeterminacy is 1

OR

r=6 and 3n=3x2=6 r=3 and 3n=3x1=3

 Stability of structures
When we design a structure, all members must be properly held or constrained
by their supports. In other words, the structure must be stable to sustain any
external loadings and the following situations must be avoided.
1) Reaction forces are less than the total number of equilibrium equations (r < 3n)

P P P

r=2
3n = 3x1 = 3
A A A r<n
So unstable.
 Stability of structures
When we design a structure, all members must be properly held or constrained
by their supports. In other words, the structure must be stable to sustain any
external loadings and the following situations must be avoided.
1) Reaction forces are less than the total number of equilibrium equations (r < 3n)

r=8
3n = 3x3 = 9
r<n
So unstable.
 Stability of structures
When we design a structure, all members must be properly held or constrained
by their supports. In other words, the structure must be stable to sustain any
external loadings and the following situations must be avoided.
1) Reaction forces are less than the total number of equilibrium equations (r < 3n)
2) All reaction forces are parallel.

Unstable!
 Stability of structures
When we design a structure, all members must be properly held or constrained
by their supports. In other words, the structure must be stable to sustain any
external loadings and the following situations must be avoided.
1) Reaction forces are less than the total number of equilibrium equations (r < 3n)
2) All reaction forces are parallel.
3) All reaction forces are concurrent at a point.

Unstable!
 Summary: Stability and Determinacy
Reactive forces are all parallel
Unstable structures
(bad design)

Structures

Stable structures
(possible good design)
 Summary: Stability and Determinacy
Reactive forces are all parallel
Unstable structures Support reactions are concurrent at one point
(bad design) o

Structures

Stable structures
(possible good design)
 Summary: Stability and Determinacy
Reactive forces are all parallel
Unstable structures Support reactions are concurrent
(bad design)
r < 3n

Structures

The total number of reactions r = 2

Stable structures
(possible good design) The number of members n = 1
 Summary: Stability and Determinacy
Reactive forces are all parallel
Unstable structures Support reactions are concurrent
(bad design)
r < 3n

Structures

Statically determinate structures

r = 3n
Stable structures
(possible good design)

r = 3, n = 1, 3 = 3(1)
 Summary: Stability and Determinacy
Reactive forces are all parallel
Unstable structures Support reactions are concurrent
(bad design)
r < 3n

Structures

Statically determinate structures

r = 3n
Stable structures
(possible good design) Statically indeterminate structures
r > 3n, degree of indeterminacy = r - 3n

r = 4, n = 1, 4 > 3(1)
Statically indeterminate to the first degree
 Activities
• Solve problems 2-9, 2-11 to 2-16 of Hibbeler, Structural Analysis
 Analysis of statically determinate
structures
Prepared by Dr. Xiaodong Huang

Revised by Dr. Shiwei Zhou

School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University

Content
• Method of sections
• Shear and moment functions
• Shear and moment diagrams
Method of sections
Before a structural member can be proportioned, it is necessary to
determine the force and moment that act within it (internal
loadings or forces). The internal load at a specified point in a
member can be determined by using the method of sections.

w V
N
M
x
Sign Convention:
+ Draw the moment diagram positive
M M on the tension side of the member.
-
Sign Convention
Draw the moment diagram positive on the tension side of the member.
+
M M
-
e.g.

w V
The cut section is on the
right-hand side
x M

The cut section is on the

M left-hand side
V x
Example
50kN/m 300kN
Draw the shear and
150kNm moment diagrams of
A 3.6m B C
the beam.
6m
 Support Reactions
50kN/m 300kN
The reactions at the
150kNm fixed end.
A 3.6m B C
6m
+ ∑F y = 0:
180kN
300kN VA − 180 − 300 = 0
MA 150kNm VA = 480kN
+∑ M
A B C
= 0:
VA A

M A − 180 ×1.8 − 300 × 6 − 150 = 0

M A = 2274kNm
 Shear and Moment Functions
50kN/m 300kN
For segment AB 0 ≤ x1 ≤ 3.6m

∑F
150kNm
A 3.6m B C + y = 0:
x1
6m 480 − 50 x1 − V = 0
x2
V = 480 − 50 x1
50x1
+ ∑ M = 0:
V x1
2274kNm
M 2274 − 480 x1 + 50 x1 × −M =0
A 2
480kN
x1 M = 25 x1 − 480 x1 + 2274
2
 Shear and Moment Functions
50kN/m 300kN
For segment AB 0 ≤ x1 ≤ 3.6m
150kNm
A 3.6m B C V = 480 − 50 x1
x1
6m M = 25 x12 − 480 x1 + 2274
x2
For segment BC 3.6m ≤ x2 ≤ 6m
180kN
V + ∑F y = 0:
2274kNm
A B
M 480 − 180 − V = 0
480kN
x2
V = 300kN
+ ∑ M = 0:
2274 − 480 x2 + 180 × ( x2 − 1.8) − M = 0
M = −300 x2 + 1950
 Shear Force Diagram
50kN/m 300kN
For segment AB 0 ≤ x1 ≤ 3.6m
150kNm
A 3.6m B C V = 480 − 50 x1
x1
6m M = 25 x12 − 480 x1 + 2274
x2
For segment BC 3.6m ≤ x2 ≤ 6m
V V = 300kN
480kN 300kN 300kN
M = −300 x2 + 1950
SFD: x
 Bending Moment Diagram
50kN/m 300kN
For segment AB 0 ≤ x1 ≤ 3.6m
150kNm
A 3.6m B C V = 480 − 50 x1
x1
6m M = 25 x12 − 480 x1 + 2274
x2
For segment BC 3.6m ≤ x2 ≤ 6m
V V = 300kN
480kN 300kN 300kN
M = −300 x2 + 1950
SFD: x

M
2274kNm

870kNm
150kNm
BMD:
Example 2 – Frame

Draw bending
moment diagram?
 Example

C D

Reactions: r = 3
This structure is a statically
Equilibrium Equations: 3n = 3x1 = 3
determinate structure.
 Example
+
∑F
x = 0 : Ax + 5 = 0
Ax = −5kN

Ax

Ay
By
 Example
+
∑F x = 0 : Ax + 5 = 0
Ax = −5kN
+ ∑F
y = 0:
Ay + By − 10 = 0

Ax

Ay
By
 Example
+
∑F x = 0 : Ax + 5 = 0
Ax = −5kN
+ ∑F y = 0:
Ay + By − 10 = 0

+ ∑M A = 0:
By × 2 − 10 ×1 − 5 × 2 = 0
By = 10kN
Ax
Thus: Ay = 0kN
Ay
By
Sign convention of bending moment
Draw the moment diagram positive on the tension side of the
member. Normally we draw the positive moment above the beam,
therefore the positive bending moment bends the horizontal beam
upward. The positive bending moment bends the vertical beams
outside.
+
M M
- N
M M M
e.g. V

+ - - +
A
M M
A B
Example
For section AC:

N
C M
D V

5kN

0 kN

5kN

0 kN 10kN
Example
For section AC:
N
M
V
C D
10kNm
x

5kN

0 kN
+ ∑M = 0:
− 5× x − M = 0
5kN M = −5 x
When x=0 (point A); M=0
0 kN 10kN
When x=2m (point C); M=-10kNm
 Example
For Section CE:
x
N
C E D V M
10kNm

10kNm

5kN

0 kN

5kN + ∑M = 0:
− 5× 2 − M = 0
0 kN 10kN M = −10kNm
 Example
For Section ED:

V M
C E D
10kNm x
10kNm

5kN

0 kN
5kN + ∑M = 0:
0 kN
− 5 × 2 + 10 × x − M = 0
10kN
M = 10 x − 10
 Example
For Section BD:
N
M
C E V
D
10kNm x
10kNm

10kN

+ ∑M = 0:
5kN
M =0

0 kN 10kN
 Discussion
At Joint C:
V
C
C E N
D
10kNm V M
M
10kNm N

The bending moment at the rigid

joint of the vertical beam is always
equal to the bending moment at the
same point of the horizontal beam.
5kN

0 kN 10kN
 Deflection
1) Sidesway

C E D
10kNm

10kNm

5kN

0 kN 10kN
 Deflection
2) Rotations at joints

C E D
10kNm

10kNm

5kN

0 kN 10kN
 Deflection
3) deformation of members

C E D
10kNm

10kNm

5kN

0 kN 10kN
 Summary
Analysis of a statically determinate structure.
• Determine the support reactions and resolve the reactions
forces/moments acting on the structure.
• Imaginarily “cut” the structure at an appropriate section. Specify
coordinates x starting from one end of the structure to the “cut” .
• After the section is made, draw a free-body diagram of the segment
(keep all distributed loadings, moments and forces acting on the
member). At the section indicate the unknown resultants V and M
acting in their positive direction.
• M is obtained by summing moments about the cut point.
• Plot the values of moment for each segment.
 Activities
• Solve problems SA 2-17 to 2-21, 2-23, 2-25, 2-26, 2-34 to 2-36, 2-41, 2-42 of
Hibbeler, Structural Analysis