CE 360: Structural Mechanics I

Analysis of statically determinate structures and approximate

methods for indeterminate structures
by

Tonatiuh Rodriguez-Nikl
Spring 2015

California State University, Los Angeles

College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology
Department of Civil Engineering

Contents
Contents

Course Documents

1 Procedures

II Study Guide

1 Introduction and Moment Diagrams

11

2 Deflected Shapes of Beams

23

3 Beam Deflections by Virtual Work

27

4 Forces in Frames

43

5 Deflections in Frames

47

6 Deflections in Trusses

51

7 General Applications of Virtual Work

55

8 Approximate Analysis: Portal Method for Lateral Loading

of Moment Frames

59

9 Approximate Analysis: Moment Frames under Gravity Loads 63

10 Approximate Analysis: Braced Frames under Lateral Loads

67

11 Using Influence Lines

71

12 Drawing Influence Lines

75

13 Moving Point Loads and Maximum Absolute Response

79

ii

CONTENTS

14 Cable Structures

83

III Exams

87

1 Fundamentals

89

2 Deflections & Approximate Analysis

91

3 Influence Lines & Cables

93

4 Comprehensive Final Exam

95

Part I

Course Documents

DOCUMENT

Procedures
1.1

Shear and Moment Diagrams by Graphical Method

Determine external reactions as needed by considering global equilibrium.

Redraw a free body diagram of the whole member. Draw actual distributed loads (not resultants).
Identify points of discontinuity (where there is any sudden change).
Between points of discontinuity consider the following properties of
slopes and areas:
At any point in the diagram
The slope of the shear diagram = the value of distributed load
The slope of the moment diagram = the value of shear force
Between any two points
The change in shear = the area under the distributed load curve
The change in moment = the area under the shear diagram
At points of discontinuity, use the following known results. Reading
from left to right
A concentrated force
Causes a jump in the shear diagram equal to the magnitude of
the force and in the same direction as the force
Causes a kink in the moment diagram
A concentrated moment
Has no eect on the shear diagram
Causes a jump in the moment diagram equal to the magnitude
of the moment (upward jump for clockwise moment, downward
for counterclockwise)
If reading from right to left, all directions are reversed.
3

DOCUMENT 1. PROCEDURES

1.2

Drawing Deflected Shapes of Beams

Obtain bending moment diagram (qualitative diagram is OK)

Draw deflected shape:
Respect curvature implied by bending moment diagram,
Respect restraints,
Respect continuity (deflection and slope).

1.3

Sketching Deflected Shapes of Beams without the

Moment Diagram

This procedure is highly iterative. You will make assumptions that may prove
incorrect. At the end, you need to make sure that your solution is internally
consistent. There is only one correct answer. This is like a difficult Sudoku
puzzle, where you sometimes have no choice but to make a guess and see how
it works out.
Leave space on your paper to draw a deflected shape, free body diagram,
moment diagram, and shear diagram.
Deflect the points directly under a load in the direction of the load (with
more complex loading the point may move against the load you will
correct for this later).
Sketch the deflection and rotation boundary conditions imposed by restraints.
Sketch a smooth deflection curve that respects all points and slopes.
Identify any points of inflection.
Identify moment and shear boundary conditions. Draw a partial free
body diagram and include any known information on the moment and
shear diagrams.
Sketch the moment diagram. Be consistent with the moment boundary
conditions, the curvature of the deflected shape, locations of points of
inflection (zero moment), and the load (M 00 = !). Remember that the
moment changes slope wherever there is a point load.
Sketch the shear diagram. Be consistent with the shear boundary conditions, the moment diagram (M 0 = V ), and the load (V 0 = !).
Complete the free body diagram. Jumps in the shear diagram represent
point forces. Jumps in the moment diagram represent point moments.
Check that the deflected shape, free body diagram, and shear and moment diagrams are consistent with each other. If not, adjust your sketches
iteratively until they are consistent.

1.4

Beam Deflections by Virtual Work

Draw moment diagram due to applied loads (real moments M ).

For each desired deflection
(or rotation )

1.5. REACTIONS AND INTERNAL FORCES IN FRAMES

Apply a unit force (or moment) at the location and in the direction
of desired deflection (or rotation)
Draw moment diagram due to unit load (virtual moment m)
R
Deflections (or rotations) are given by (or ) = L mM/EI dx. This
integral can often be computed with the graphical integration tables.

1.5

Reactions and Internal Forces in Frames

Draw a free body diagram of the entire structure (global FBD).

Separate the structure into individual pieces anywhere there is a hinge.
Draw FBDs of each piece.
Using the global FBD and the FBDs for individual members, solve for
all reactions and forces at the hinges.
Divide all pieces into straight segments. Place an unknown axial force,
shear force, and bending moment at each cut.
Solve for the unknown axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments.
Draw moment diagrams for each straight segment using the methods of
Section 1.1.
Summarize the results on a sketch of the structure.

1.6

Deflections in Structures by Virtual Work

Calculate bending moments (M ) and axial forces (N ) under real loads.

Note that axial forces are usually neglected in frames and bending moments do not exist in trusses.
Apply a unit force (or moment) at location of and in direction of desired
deflection (or rotation)
Calculate bending moments (m) and axial forces (n) due to unit load.
Deflections are given by
=

Nb Z
X
i=1

Li

a
mi Mi X
ni N i L i
+
EIi
EAi
i=1

where Nb is the number of members with bending moment and Nb is the

number of members with axial force.

1.7

Sketching Deflected Shapes for Frames

Sketch the joints in their displaced and rotated position. This will involve
an educated guess that will be checked later.
Sketch a trial deflected shape using the assumed joint displacement and
rotation. Respect
The curvature implied by the moment diagram (if available)
The deflection imposed by restraints

DOCUMENT 1. PROCEDURES
Continuity where appropriate (this includes maintaining the angle
at rigid joints)
Check the four items just listed and equilibrium at all joints. If any errors
or inconsistencies are notes, return to the first step and repeat the sketch.
If the moment diagram was not available it can be sketched now based
on the curvature of the deflected shape.

1.8

Using Influence Lines

Obtain influence line r(x) by either of previous methods. Be sure influence line was obtained using a unit force or a unit beam deflection.
Response R to various loads is as follows.
Single load of magnitude P0 at a location x0 :
R = P0 r(x0 )
Multiple loads of magnitude Pi at respective locations xi :
R=

X
i

Pi r(xi )

The worst case for moment at a point is when one of the loads is
above the point. The worst case for shear at a point is when one of
the loads is just left of just right of the point.
Distributed load w(x) between two points A and B:
R=

w(x)r(x) dx
A

Special case of a uniform load of magnitude w0 :

R = w0

r(x) dx
| A {z
}

Area under r(x)

1.9

Drawing Influence Lines (as function of x)

Select a response (moment at midspan, reaction at a support, shear at

end, etc.).
Place a unit load at a distance x from the left end of the beam.
Solve for the response as a function of x. The result may be a piecewise
function.
Plot the resulting function


1.10. DRAWING INFLUENCE LINES (MULLER-BRESLAU
PRINCIPLE)7

1.10

Drawing Influence Lines (M

uller-Breslau Principle)

Allow the force of interest to displace the beam a unit distance:

Reaction: move support unit distance,

Shear force: displace ends apart (left end down) a unit distance
while maintaining beam segments parallel,
Bending moment: rotate right side of beam down a unit angle relative to left.

If the beam is statically determinate, all sections of the beam will remain
straight.
If desired, obtain other values of influence line by small angle trigonometry.

1.11

Maximum Absolute Response

See class notes

1.12

Approximate Analysis of Indeterminate Building

Frames

Make reasonable assumptions to reduce structure to statically determinate.

Portal method (lateral loading)
Point of inflection (zero moment) occurs at center of beams and
at center of columns (except for pinned, ground level columns).
Interior columns carry twice the shear as exterior columns.

Frames under gravity loading

Ends of beams have moment equal to 0.045wL2 .

Consider joint equilibrium. Divide moment imbalance evenly
between all unloaded members (usually just columns).
If the base of of a bottom story column is fixed, the base carries half the moment as the top and the column is in double
curvature.
Braced frames (lateral loading)
Make an assumption about the force in the compression brace
depending on its slenderness. A slender brace will have zero
force. A non-slender brace will divide force evenly with the
tension brace.
There is no shear in the columns.

Use equilibrium to solve for all quantities of interest.

DOCUMENT 1. PROCEDURES

1.13

Cable Structures with Point Loads

Solve like a truss with the method of joints with the dierence being that the
geometry is partially unknown. In general, this means solving a coupled system
of equations. The following procedure applies to book problems, which always
have a cable of known orientation.
Use global equilibrium to find the force in the cable of known orientation.
Use method of joints to find the rest of the unknowns, including the
unknown geometry.

Part II

Study Guide

LESSON

Introduction and Moment

Diagrams
Lesson Objectives
Classify structural systems
Draw moment diagrams using the graphical method

Related Reading
Textbook

Read 1.1 and 1.2 then skim the rest of chapter 1

2.1 (skim pp. 40 45). The rest of chapter 2 is review. Read it in
as much depth as you need given the strength of your background.
4.1 4.3

Procedures 1.1

Preparation
State the calculus relationships between shear force, bending moment, and
distributed load.

11

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS AND MODELS

Structural Elements, Systems and Models

The slides from class are included in the following pages.

13

14

LESSON 1. INTRODUCTION AND MOMENT DIAGRAMS

Structural Elements (sec 1.2)

Rods: Straight, narrow, carry
load axially
Beams: Horizontal, carrying
vertical loads through
bending
Columns: Vertical, carrying
vertical loads through
compression
Beam-Columns: Columns
that also resist forces in
bending
Cables: Thin, carry load in
tension, deform noticeably
Structural elements combine to form structural systems to carry loads

Moment Frame (steel / concrete)

Damaged in 2011 Tohoku Earthquake

http://www.eqclearinghouse.org/2011-03-11-sendai/2011/08/03/eeri-steel-structuresreconnaissance-group/dsc_0207/

All joints rigidly

connected

Forces resisted by
large sidesway
Statically
indeterminate

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS AND MODELS

15

Concentric Braced Frame (Steel)

Columns typically
continuous (rigidly
connected)

Braces and beams

typically pin connected

http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=717

Eccentrically-Braced Frame (Steel)

http://www.structuremag.org/images/0209-f2-6.jpg

16

LESSON 1. INTRODUCTION AND MOMENT DIAGRAMS

Truss

All members
pin connected
Loading only at
joints

Bracing
(another truss)

Floor System
Bracing
(another truss)
http://www.past-inc.org/historic-bridges/Gloss-trussbridge.html

Floor Systems
(may also rest on joists
or stringers)
or girder

or beam

http://www.tatasteelconstruction.com/en/reference/teaching_resources/architectural_studio_reference/design/choice_of_structural_systems_for_multi/framing_schemati
/

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS AND MODELS

Suspension Bridge (Cable)

Note a truss supporting

the roadway

http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/800px-GoldenGateBridge-001.jpg

Cable Stayed Bridge

Cable stays (support deck
from main tower)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUUFOFQX8Ro/TatjMDpPHrI/AAAAAAAAAyc/pJr6bQLv_pQ/s1600/pic2.jpg

17

18

LESSON 1. INTRODUCTION AND MOMENT DIAGRAMS

Structural Models (sec 2.1)

No connection is
perfectly rigid or flexible
choose the best fit
Model neglects member
size and uses centerline
dimensions

What error is introduced? Why?

Additional insight in section2.1

IN-CLASS EXERCISES

19

In-Class Exercises
During this lesson we will be working on shear and moment diagrams as a class.
Some of you may already be very good at drawing them. If you are finding this
lesson less challenging than you would like, start working on the Additional
Problems listed in the next section. One page of the textbook is reproduced
for your convenience. Dont follow the directions as written, just draw shear
and moment diagrams of the entire beam.

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

21

Followup Problems
1. F4-15 (p 160)
2. Draw shear and moment diagrams of the following beam

3. 4-33 (p 162)
Additional Practice: Using the graphical method, draw shear and moment
diagrams for all beams pictured in pages 144 to 149 and pages 160 to 162.

LESSON

Deflected Shapes of Beams

Lesson Objectives
Draw deflected shapes of beams using a moment diagram
Draw deflected shapes of beams (and shapes of shear and moment diagrams) directly from loading

Related Reading
Textbook 8.1 and 8.2
Procedures 1.2 and 1.3

Preparation
State the relation between moment and curvature (see 8.2)

23

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

25

Followup Problems
Draw deflected shapes for the beams pictured in the following problems. Use
both methods covered in class. First, attempt to draw the deflected shape
without the moment diagram. Then, calculate the moment diagram and redraw the shape.
1. Problem 8-30 (p 336)
2. One more problem to be given in class
Additional Practice: Draw deflected shapes for all beams pictured on pages
314 and 315. Verify your solutions in office hours.

LESSON

Beam Deflections by
Virtual Work
Lesson Objectives
Compute deflections in beams by virtual work

Related Reading
Textbook 9.1 9.3, and 9.7 (ignore frame examples)
RL
Textbook front cover, Table for Evaluating 0 mm0 dx
Procedures 1.4

27

28

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Preparation
Draw deflected shapes and moment diagrams for the three beams pictured
below:

THEORY ON DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

29

Theory on Deflections by Virtual Work

The slides from the lecture presentation on virtual work are included in the
following pages.

30

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Background
Hookes Law
Bending Stress
Axial Stress
Moment of Inertia

Work-Energy Principle

THEORY ON DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

External Work

External Work

31

32

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

External Work

Internal Strain Energy

THEORY ON DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Internal Strain Energy

Internal Strain Energy

33

34

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Internal Strain Energy

Internal Strain Energy

THEORY ON DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Ui for Axial Forces

Ui for Beam (bending)

35

36

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Summary
External Work (Force)

External Work (Moment)

Internal Energy (Axial)

Internal Energy (Bending)

Application
Calculate deflection at
the tip of the beam

THEORY ON DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

37

Limitations
Can only calculate
deflections:
At the location of the
force (or moment)
In the direction of the
force (or moment)
Due to a single point
force (or moment)

Virtual Work

Pv

1. Apply virtual force Pv

causing virtual stresses
v.
2. Apply real load F,
causing real strains
and real deflection
at Pv.

38

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

Virtual Work
3. External virtual work is
4. Internal strain energy
is

Pv

5. Find by equating
external virtual work
and internal virtual
strain energy

Conclusion
External Work (Force)

External Work (Moment)

Internal Energy (Axial)

Internal Energy (Bending)

INTEGRATION TABLES:

Integration Tables:

39

The integration table from the book is reproduced here for your convenience.

40

LESSON 3. BEAM DEFLECTIONS BY VIRTUAL WORK

This integration table is more detailed and is needed for some problems
involving parabolas with upward concavity.

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

Followup Problems
1. Problem 9-29 (p 388)
2. Problem 9-31 (p 388)
Additional Practice:All the odd problems from 9-21 to 9-33 (page 388).

41

LESSON

Forces in Frames
Lesson Objectives
Determine reactions and internal forces in statically determinate frames.

Related Reading
Chapter 2
Procedures 1.5

43

44

LESSON 4. FORCES IN FRAMES

Preparation
1. Solve for Ax , Ay and P .

2. Draw moment diagrams for the beams shown.

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

45

Followup Problems
1. Draw moment diagrams for the frames and loading given in class.
Additional Practice: For problem F2-1 to F2-10 (p . 70 and 71) and 2-33,
2-34, 2-36 2-44 (p. 75 to 77), draw axial, shear and moment diagrams for all
members. A detailed solution will be provided for F2-7.

LESSON

Deflections in Frames
Lesson Objectives
Calculate deflections in frames using virtual work
Draw deflected shapes of frames

Related Reading
Textbook 9.7
Procedures 1.7

47

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

49

Followup Problems
1. Problem 9-46 and 9-47 (p 390). Do the problems as stated and also draw
the deflected shape. Both problems refer to the same structure but ask
for dierent displacements.
Additional Practice: Problems 9-42, 9-44, 9-51, 9-54, 9-58, and 9-60 (p. 389
391). Also, draw deflected shapes.

LESSON

Deflections in Trusses
Lesson Objectives
Calculate deflections in trusses using virtual work

Related Reading
9.4

Preparation
Solve the problems given in class.

51

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

53

Followup Problems
1. Problem 9-15 (p 363)
Additional Practice: Do all problems from pages 361 to 363, ignoring those
for Castiglianos Theorem.

LESSON

General Applications of
Virtual Work
Lesson Objectives
Calculate deflections in any structure made from truss and frame members
Draw deflected shapes for any structure made from truss and frame members

Related Reading
Procedures 1.6

Preparation
Determine axial forces and bending moments for the two problems given in
class.

55

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

57

Followup Problems
For the structure shown below determine the vertical deflection at D (midway
between A & B). Use the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Find axial force in BC and moment diagram for AB due to applied loads
Determine the virtual loading needed to find the vertical deflection at D
Find axial force in BC and moment diagram in AB due to virtual load
Use virtual work to find vertical deflection at D.

Use w = 0.5 kip/in, E = 29,000 ksi, IAB = 600 in4 , and ABC = 1.5 in2 .

Additional Practice: In all problems use bending stiness EI for bending members, and axial stiness EA for members loaded only by axial forces (two force
members). Ignore axial deformations in bending members.
1. Use virtual work to find horizontal deflection at C.

Answer:
C

83.
3 kipft 2016 kipft3
+
EA
EI

(right)

58

LESSON 7. GENERAL APPLICATIONS OF VIRTUAL WORK

2. Calculate the vertical deflection at the right end. Use P = 200 lb, L =
6 ft, a = 2 ft, and h = 1 ft.

Answer:
=

1.8 kipft 6.4 kipft3

+
EA
EI

(down)

3. Use the structure and loading in F2-1. Ignore the directions in the text
and find vertical and horizontal deflection at C. Answer: 208 kN m/EA
(up).
4. Use the structure and loading in F2-2. Ignore the directions in the
text. Find vertical deflections at B and exactly between A and B. Answers: At B, 80 kN m/EA, and between A and B, 40 kN m/EA +
33.
3 kN m3 /EI.
5. Use the structure and loading in 2-38. Ignore the directions in the text
and find vertical deflection at C. The cable is inextensible. Answer:
27.25 kipft/EA + 4.542 kipft3 /EI.
6. Use the structure in problem 2-39. Ignore the distributed load. Place
a load of 1 kip downward at C. Find vertical deflection at C. Answer:
51.85 kipft/EA + 29 kipft3 /EI.

LESSON

Approximate Analysis:
Portal Method for Lateral
Loading of Moment Frames
Lesson Objectives
Use the portal method to analyze indeterminate moment frames under
lateral load

Related Reading
Textbook 7.1, 7.4 7.5
Procedures 1.11

Preparation
Read the assigned sections, then:
State the assumed hinge locations for a portal frame with fixed bases and
with pinned bases.

59

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

61

Followup Problems
1. Problem 7-41 (p 294)
Additional Practice: All problems from pages 294 to 295, excluding problems referring to the cantilever method.

LESSON

Approximate Analysis:
Moment Frames under
Gravity Loads
Lesson Objectives
Conduct approximate analysis of indeterminate moment frames under
gravity loads

Related Reading
Textbook 7.3
Procedures 2.11

Preparation
Read the assigned sections, then:
State the distance from the columns that the textbook suggests placing
hinges for gravity loading.

63

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

Followup Problems
TBD

65

LESSON

Approximate Analysis:
Braced Frames under
Lateral Loads
Lesson Objectives
Conduct approximate analysis of braced frames under lateral loads

Related Reading
Textbook 7.2
Procedures 1.11

67

10

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

Followup Problems
1. Problem 7-11 (p. 269)
2. Problem 7-12 (p. 269)
Additional Practice: Problems 7-9 and 7-10, then problems 7-1 to 7-8.

69

LESSON

Using Influence Lines

Lesson Objectives
Define influence lines
Use influence lines for static loads

Related Reading
Textbook 6.1 6.2
Procedures 1.10

Preparation
Read the assigned sections, then:
State what is represented by the horizontal axis of an influence line.
State what is represented by the vertical axis of an influence line.

71

11

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

73

Followup Problems
You are given the following influence line

Reaction at A (unitless)

0.5

0.5

10

15

20
25
Location of Load (ft)

30

35

40

Determine Reaction at A for:

a) A load of 10 kips placed at 10 ft
b) A load of 10 kips placed at 30 ft
c) A series of concentrated loads placed as follows:
4 kips at 15 ft
2 kips at 18 ft
2 kips at 21 ft

d) A uniform load of 0.4 kips/ft placed over the whole beam

e) The worst possible placement of a uniform load of 0.6 kips/ft (first determine
the worst possible location, then determine the resulting reaction at A)
Additional Practice: In example 6.3 (p. 209) what is the shear at C for (i)
a point load of 4 kips placed at midspan, (ii) point loads of 3 and 5 kips placed
at 5 and 7.5, respectively, and (iii) a distributed load placed over the whole
beam. Also, (iv) where should the load be placed to obtain the worst shear.

LESSON

Drawing Influence Lines

Lesson Objectives
Draw influence lines by determining equation
Draw influence lines using the M
uller-Breselau Principle

Related Reading
Textbook 6.1 & 6.3 (p. 435 to 439)
Procedures 1.8 and 1.9

Preparation
1. Plot the following functions from x = 0 to x = L.

y
y
y
y
y

= x/L
= 1 x/L
= (L x)/2
= x/L
= x/2

2. Read the assigned sections, then for each of the following cases, state the
motion that is applied to the beam to find qualitative influence lines: (a)
reaction at a support, (b) shear force at a point, and (c) bending moment.
3. Also, for the triangle that will be sketched in class, solve for h in terms
of L and . Use the following small angle approximations: tan a a and
tan b b.

75

12

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

77

Followup Problems
1. Problem 6-1 and 6-2 (p. 225)
2. Problem 6-13 and 6-14 (p. 226)
3. Problem 6-24 (p. 227, use the M
uller-Breselau Principle to draw influence
lines)
Additional Practice: Problems 6-3, 6-5, 6-7, 6-9, and 6-11 (p. 225 to 226).
Problems 6-4, 6-6, 6-8, 6-10, and 6-12 (p 225 to 226). Then, to practice both
drawing and using influence lines, do 6-15 to 6-19 (p. 226).

LESSON

Moving Point Loads and

Maximum Absolute
Response
Lesson Objectives
Use influence lines for moving series of point loads
Find the maximum absolute shear and moment in a beam

Related Reading
Textbook 6.6 & 6.7

79

13

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

81

Followup Problems
1. Problem 6-71 (p. 257).
2. Problems 6-74 and 6-75 (p. 257).
Additional Practice: Problems 6-59, 6-60, 6-61, 6-62, 6-63, 6-65, 6-66, and 6-72
(p. 255 to 257). Problems 6-73, 6-76, 6-77, 6-78, 6-79, and 6-80 (p. 257 to
258).

LESSON

Cable Structures
Lesson Objectives
Determine forces and geometry in cable structures with concentrated
loads.
Determine forces and geometry in cable structures with uniform loads.

Related Reading
Textbook 5.1 5.3
Procedures 1.12

83

14

FOLLOWUP PROBLEMS

85

Followup Problems
1. Problem 5-2
2. Problem 5-8
Additional Practice: Problems 5-3, 5-4, and 5-5. Problems 5-7, 5-9, 5-10, 5-11,
5-16 and 5-17.

Part III

Exams

87

EXAM

Fundamentals
Note: The objectives listed here may dier slightly. An update will be provided prior to the exam.

Instructions
Youll be allowed one 8-1/211 sheet of notes and a calculator. All necessary
tables will be provided for you. Bring a blue book or looseleaf paper.

Lesson Objectives Tested on Exam

Draw moment diagrams using the graphical method
Draw deflected shapes of beams using a moment diagram
Draw deflected shapes of beams (and shapes of shear and moment diagrams) directly from loading
Compute deflections in beams by virtual work
Determine reactions and internal forces in statically determinate frames.

89

EXAM

Deflections & Approximate

Analysis
Note: The objectives listed here may dier slightly. An update will be provided prior to the exam.

Instructions
Youll be allowed one 8-1/211 sheet of notes and a calculator. All necessary
tables will be provided for you. Bring a blue book or looseleaf paper.

Lesson Objectives Tested on Exam

Calculate deflections in any structure made from truss and frame members
Draw deflected shapes for any structure made from truss and frame members
Use the portal method to analyze indeterminate moment frames under
lateral load
Conduct approximate analysis of indeterminate moment frames under
gravity loads
Conduct approximate analysis of braced frames under lateral loading

91

EXAM

Influence Lines & Cables

Note: The objectives listed here may dier slightly. An update will be provided prior to the exam.

Instructions
Youll be allowed one 8-1/211 sheet of notes and a calculator. All necessary
tables will be provided for you. Bring a blue book or looseleaf paper.

Lesson Objectives Tested on Exam

Use influence lines for static loads

Draw influence lines by determining equation
Draw influence lines using the M
uller-Breselau Principle
Use influence lines for moving series of point loads
Find the maximum absolute shear and moment in a beam
Determine forces and geometry in cable structures with concentrated
loads.
Determine forces and geometry in cable structures with uniform loads.

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EXAM

Comprehensive Final Exam

Note: The objectives listed here may dier slightly. An update will be provided prior to the exam.

Instructions
Youll be allowed three 8-1/211 sheet of notes and a calculator. All necessary tables will be provided for you. Bring a blue book or looseleaf paper.

Lesson Objectives Tested on Exam

Problems will be divided into the following four groups. Approximately one
quarter of the points will be allocated to each group. Minimal partial credit
will be given (in eect the lower level problems are partial credit for the higher
level problems). The exam will be scored as follows: 0% to 20% is the F range,
20% to 40% is the D range, 40% to 60% is the C range, 60% to 80% is the B
range, and 80% to 100% is the A range.
D-Level
Draw moment diagrams using graphical method
Compute deflections in beams by virtual work (with moment diagrams
given)
Determine reactions and internal forces in statically determinate frames.
Use influence lines for point loads and distributed loads at specific locations

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EXAM 4. COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM

C-Level
Calculate deflections in frames using virtual work (moment diagrams
given)
Calculate deflections in trusses using virtual work (truss forces given)
Determine column shears for the portal method
For approximate analysis of moment frames under gravity loads, determine the moments at the ends and center of loaded beams
Use influence lines for a movable uniform load (determine worst case)
B-Level
Draw deflected shapes of beams and frames (with moment diagram given)
Calculate deflections in frames using virtual work (moment diagrams not
given)
Calculate deflections in trusses using virtual work (truss forces not given)
Use the portal method to determine column moments
Conduct approximate analysis of braced frames under lateral loading
(brace forces only)
Draw influence lines by determining equation
Use influence lines for a moving series of point loads
Find the maximum absolute shear and moment in a cantilever or simply
supported beam
A-Level
Draw deflected shapes of beams directly from loading
Draw deflected shapes of frames directly from loading
Calculate deflections in any structure made from truss and frame members
Draw deflected shapes for any structure made from truss and frame members (no moment diagram given)
Use the portal method to analyze indeterminate moment frames under
lateral load (all member forces)
Conduct approximate analysis of indeterminate moment frames under
gravity loads (all member forces)
Conduct approximate analysis of braced frames under lateral loading (all
member forces)
Draw influence lines using the M
uller-Breselau Principle