Deflections - Work-Energy Methods

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Deflections - Work-Energy Methods

Virtual Work (Unit Load Method)
Introduction
The method of virtual work, or sometimes referred to as the unit-load method, is one of the several techniques available
that can be used to solve for displacements and rotations at any point on a structure.
The following paragraphs briefly describe this concept. Please refer to an introductory text book on structural analysis
for a complete description of this approach.
The following relationships are used to calculate:
Deflection (translation) at a point:
(1)
Rotation at a point:
(2)
Where Q is a virtual load applied at the point of interest in the direction of interest (i.e., in the direction of which a
displacement needs to be calculated). This Q load is often taken to be unity and must be consistent with the units being
used in the analysis (i.e., the load Q is a unit force or a unit moment in the case of calculating a translation and rotation,
respectively). The moments M and m are the moments induced in a structure due to the applied "real" loads and the
virtual load, Q, respectively. E and I are the Young's modulus and the moment of inertia for the member over which the
integration is being evaluated.
The integration to solve for the displacement can be carried out using either direct integration or by utilizing a visual
integration method. With direct integration, the equations of M and m for each segment of the structure must be
developed for use in the equation,
(3)
The determination of the moments M and m due to the applied "real" loads and the virtual load respectively can be
quite difficult and is prone to error, especially with complex bending moment diagrams. An alternative to this
approach is to construct the moment diagrams by using either the method of superposition or the cantilever method
(examples for each method are given below).
The visual integration technique is a simplified process that completes the integration of equations (1) and (2) by
utilizing the following relationship,
(4)
Where n is the number of segments in the M diagram. The segments are selected and numbered to simplify the
integration of equation 4. A is the area of the moment diagram of each segment and h is the respective height of the m
diagram at the centroid of each segment of the moment diagram, M.
By using equation (4), the calculation of deflections and rotations becomes a simple matter of addition rather than
integration.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
In performing the integration in equation 4 using visual integration, the following rules must be observed.
1) Construct the moment diagram due to the applied loads on the structure.
2) Divide the moment diagram, M, to segments that you can easily be able to calculate the area and locate
the center of each segment (see note 5 below). Calculate the area and locate the center of each segment on the
M-diagram. Project the location of the center of each area on the m-diagram.
3) Draw the m-diagram due to a virtual load Q. The virtual load Q, has an arbitrary value, most of the
time a value of one is used. This load is applied at the point of interest and in the direction of which a
displacement is to be calculated. Measure the height, hi, on the moment diagram of the virtual load.
Note: Q is a unit force when calculating horizontal or vertical displacement and is a unit moment when
calculating rotation.
4) Both moment diagrams must be continuous over the length over which the integration being
performed.
5) If the moment diagram due the applied loads or the moment diagram due to the virtual load is not
continuous, one MUST divide the integration into segments, each of which is continuous over the integration
length. See the following example:
6) Another alternative to perform the integration is illustrated below:

Examples
Beam Deflection - Determine the deflection at a point on a beam.

- Cantilever Method - Superposition Method
Beam Rotation - Determine the rotation at a point on a beam.
Frame Deflection - Determine the deflection at a point on a frame.

Truss Deflection - Determine the deflection at a point on a truss due to

applied loads, temperature changes, and fabrication errors.
Contact Dr. Fouad Fanous for more information.

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:16
Deflections - Method of Virtual Work

Vertical Deflection of a Beam - Cantilever
The following example utilizes the cantilever method to determine the "real" and
virtual moment diagrams used in the calculation of deflections of a beam.
Note: The colors of the loads and moments are used to help indicate the
contribution of each force to the deflection or rotation being calculated. The
moment diagrams show the moments induced by a load using the same color as
the load.
problem statement
Determine the vertical displacement at end C of the beam shown in the figure below.
The modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia (I) are constant for the entire
beam.
Figure 1 - Beam structure to analyze
Solution:
§ calculate the support reactions
Calculate the support reactions (caused by the applied "real" loads) using the
following relationships.
Check these reactions by summing the forces in the vertical direction.
The resulting system,

Figure 2 - Beam structure with reactions
§ draw shear (V) and moment diagrams (M) for the structure
under applied "real" loads
The resultant shear and moment diagrams can be determined using statics (see figures
below).
Figure 3 - Resultant shear and moment diagrams
In this example we will use the cantilever method find an equivalent moment diagram
in order to carry out the required integration.
To construct the moment diagrams caused by the applied "real" loads utilizing the
cantilever method, a point on the structure is selected and a fixed support is assumed
at this location. In this example, point B is selected and a fixed support is inserted
(see figure below).
Notice that all reaction forces are applied as loads on the structure with the assumed
fixed support at B.
Figure 4 - Cantilever beam structure

Plot the moment diagram for each applied load separately, i.e., by parts. The final
results can then be obtained by utilizing the method of superposition i.e., by summing
the contribution of each individual load to the displacement being calculated. This
method is applicable since the structure is assumed to be elastic and the deflections
are small.
Note: The centroid of each area is indicated by the numbered arrow and dot.
i) Moment diagram due to the 56 ft-k concentrated moment at A,
Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 56 ft-k moment
ii) Moment diagram due to the 2 k/ft applied load,
Figure 6 - Moment diagram due to 2 k/ft applied load
iii) Moment diagram due to the 21 k support reaction at A,
Figure 7 - Moment diagram due to 21k support reaction
iv) Moment diagram due to the 6k applied load at end C
Figure 8 - Moment diagram due to 6k applied load
Notice that the resultant moment diagram (figure 3 above) is the sum of these four
diagrams.
Figure 9 - Resultant moment diagram
§ apply virtual load, Q
Apply the virtual load at the point of interest in the desired direction. In this case,
apply a unit load at point C in the vertical direction. (see figure below)
Figure 10 - Beam with virtual load applied
§ solve the support reactions due to the virtual load, Q
Following the same procedure as used previously, calculate the support reactions
(caused by the virtual load).
Sum the moments about A and B.
Check these reactions by summing the vertical forces.
Figure 11 - Support reactions due to unit load

§ draw virtual moment diagram (m)
Determine the moment diagram due to the virtual load using the same procedure used
to draw the "real" moment diagram i.e., with a fixed support assumed at point B.
Figure 12 - Virtual unit load on cantilever structure
The resulting moment diagram due to the virtual load.
Figure 13 - Moment diagram on cantilever structure due to virtual unit load
§ calculate areas and centroids
Once the "real" moment diagrams are determined, calculate the area enclosed by each
moment diagram and determine the location of the centroid of each of these areas.
Location of centroid
Area No. Area/EI (k-ft2/EI)
from support B (ft)
1. -56x20/EI=-1120/EI X1 = 1/2x20 = 10
2. 1/3x20x-400/EI=-2666.67/EI X2 = 1/4x20 = 5
3. 1/2x20x420/EI=4200/EI X3 = 1/3x20 = 6.67
4. 1/2x6x-36/EI=-108/EI X4 = 1/3x6 = 2
§ determine heights of virtual moment diagram at centroids

Determine the values - heights (hi) - on the virtual moment diagram (m) at the
centroids of the moments due to the real loads. This is needed to carry out the
integration by using the equation given in the introduction,
Proportions can be used to determine these heights (hi) on the moment diagram (m).
For example, using similar triangles from the shared angle (location of X1, X2, X3 &
X4 were determined previously)
Figure 14 - Heights on virtual load diagram
The heights (hi) are shown in the figure above at the locations of the centroids of the
corresponding areas from the moment diagrams (M).
§ integrate
Integrate the equation , by using the visual integration approach.
Multiply the areas of the "real" moment diagram by the heights of the virtual moment
diagram and add them together.
Area (a) Height (h)

Area No. A *h (k2-ft3/EI)
from M diagram (k-ft2/EI) from m diagram (k-ft) i i
1. -1120/EI -3 3360/EI
2. -2666.67/EI -4.5 12000/EI
3. 4200/EI -4 -16800/EI
4. -108/EI -4 432/EI
Total -1008/EI
Since EI is constant throughout the structure, the total deflection at C equals -1008
k2-ft3/EI.
The negative sign indicates that the displacement is opposite to the direction of the
unit load that was applied at C - therefore the deflection is upward.
If values of E and I are specified, the vertical deflection at C in inches can be

determined. For example, let E = 29,000 ksi, I = 144 in4, and Q = 1 k, then

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:14

Vertical Deflection of a Beam - Superposition
The following example illustrates the steps to be followed to calculate deflections of

statically determinate structures using superposition and the method of virtual work.
the load.
problem statement
Determine the vertical displacement at end C of the beam shown in the figure below.
The modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia (I) are constant for the entire
beam. (This problem is identical to the Vertical Deflection of a Beam - Cantilever
example, except that the moment diagrams are developed using the method of
superposition.)
Solution:
Calculate the support reactions (caused by the applied "real" loads) using the
following relationships.
Check these reactions by summing the shear forces.
Figure 2 - Beam structure with support reactions
§ draw moment diagram (M) for the structure under applied "real"
loads
Using the method of superposition, draw a moment diagram for each separate load
applied to the beam.

iii) Moment diagram due to the 6k applied load at end C,
Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 6 k applied load
Notice that the resultant moment diagram is equal to the sum of these three diagrams.
§ apply virtual load, Q
Apply the virtual load at the point of interest in the desired direction. In this case,
apply a unit load at point C in the vertical direction. (see figure below)
Figure 7 - Beam structure with virtual unit load applied
§ solve the support reactions due to the virtual load, Q
Following the same procedure used previously, calculate the support reactions
Sum moments about A and B.

Figure 8 - Support reactions due to virtual unit load
The moment diagram due to the virtual load.
Figure 9 - Moment diagram due to virtual unit load
(the locations of X1, X2, X3 & X4 were determined previously)
Area No. Area/EI (k-ft2)
from support (ft)
1. 1/2x-56x20/EI=-560/EI X1 = 1/3x20 = 6.67
2. 2/3x20x100/EI=1333.33/EI X2 = 1/2x20 = 10
3. 1/2x20x-36/EI=-360/EI X3 = 1/3x20 = 13.33
4. 1/2x6x-36/EI=-108/EI X4 = 1/3x6 = 2
.
Figure 10 - Heights of virtual moment diagram
The heights (hi) are shown in the figure above at the locations of the centroids of the
corresponding areas from the moment diagrams (M).
§ integrate
Area (a) Height (h)

Area 2
from M diagram (ft - from m diagram Ai*hi (k2-ft3)
No.
k) (ft-k)
1. -560/EI -2 1120/EI
2. 1333.33/EI -3 -4000/EI
3. -360/EI -4 1440/EI
4. -108/EI -4 432/EI
Total -1008/EI
Since EI is constant throughout the structure, the total deflection at C equals -1008
k2-ft3/EI.
unit load that was applied at C - therefore the deflection is upward.

determined. For example, let E = 29,000 ksi,I = 144 in4, and Q = 1 k, then

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:14

Rotation of a Beam - Cantilever
problem statement
Using the same structure as used in the Beam Deflection examples, determine the
rotation at A of the beam shown in the figure below using the Cantilever Method. The
modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia (I) are constant for the entire
beam.
the load.
Calculate the support reactions (caused by the applied loads) using the following
relationships:
§ draw moment diagrams (M) for the structure under applied

"real" loads
Using the cantilever method, fix the structure at joint B and draw the resulting
moment diagram induced by the applied "real" loads.
Plot the moment diagram for each applied load separately, i.e., by parts. The final
results can then be obtained by utilizing the method of superposition i.e., by summing
the contribution of each individual load to the displacement being calculated. This
method is applicable since the structure is assumed to be elastic and the deflections
are small.

iii) Moment diagram due to the 21 k support reaction at A,
Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 21 k support reaction
iv) Moment diagram due to the 6k applied load at end C
Notice that the resultant moment diagram (figure 3 above) is the sum of these four
diagrams.
§ apply virtual load
Apply the virtual load at the point of interest in the desired direction. In this case, we
want to know the rotation at point A. Therefore, apply a unit moment at point A in the
positive (clockwise) direction.
Figure 8 - Beam with virtual unit load applied
§ solve the support reactions due to the virtual load
(caused by the virtual load) using the following relationships:
Determine the moment diagram due to the virtual load using the same method as used
to find the moment diagrams for the applied loads.
Moment diagram due to the virtual load by using the cantilever method and fixing the
structure at joint B.
Area No. Area/EI (ft2-k/EI)
from support (ft)
1. -56x20/EI=-1120/EI X1 = 1/2x20 = 10
2. 1/3x20x-400/EI=-2666.67/EI X2 = 3/4x20 = 15
3. 1/2x20x420/EI=4200/EI X3 = 2/3x20 = 13.33
4. 1/2x6x-36/EI=-108/EI X4 = 1/3x6 = 2
Heights (hi) and locations by the cantilever method.
Figure 11 - Heights on virtual moment diagram
§ integrate
Integrate the equation by using the visual integration

approach.
Multiply the areas of the "real" moment diagram by the heights found in the virtual
moment diagram and add them together.
Area Area (a) Height (h)

Ai*hi (ft3-k2/EI)
No. from M diagram (ft2-k/EI) from m diagram (ft-k)
1. -1120/EI 1 -1120/EI
1. -1120/EI -1/2 560/EI
2. -2666.67/EI 1 -2666.67/EI
2. -2666.67/EI -3/4 2000/EI
3. 4200/EI 1 4200/EI
3. 4200/EI -2/3 -2800/EI
4. -108/EI 0 0/EI
Total 173.33/EI
Since EI is constant throughout the structure, the total rotation at A equals +173.33
ft3-k2/EI.
The positive sign indicates that the rotation is in the same direction as the unit
moment applied at A - therefore the rotation is in the clockwise direction.

determined. For example, let E = 29,000 ksi, I = 144 in4, and Q = 1 ft-k, then

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:14

Rotation of a Beam - Superposition
problem statement
Using the same structure as used in the Beam Deflection examples, determine the
rotation at A of the beam shown in the figure below using the method of
Superposition. The modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia (I) are
constant for the entire beam.
the load.
Calculate the support reactions (caused by the applied loads) using the following
relationships:

§ draw moment diagrams (M) for the structure under applied

"real" loads
Using the method of superposition, draw a moment diagram for each separate load
applied to the beam.
The resulting moment diagram can then be calculated by solving for each applied load
separately and adding the results.
iii) Moment diagram due to the 6k applied load at end C,
Notice that the resultant moment diagram is equal to the sum of these three diagrams.
§ apply virtual load
want to know the rotation at point A. Therefore, apply a unit moment at point A in the
positive (clockwise) direction.
Figure 7 - Beam structure with virtual unit load applied
(caused by the virtual load) using the following relationships:
Figure 8 - Reactions due to virtual unit load

Determine the moment diagram due to the virtual load using the same method as used
to find the moment diagrams for the applied loads.
Moment diagram due to the virtual load using superposition.
Area No. Area/EI (k-ft2/EI)
from support (ft)
1. 1/2x-56x20/EI=-560/EI X1 = 1/3x20 = 6.67
2. 2/3x20x100/EI=1333.33/EI X2 = 1/2x20 = 10
3. 1/2x20x-36/EI=-360/EI X3 = 1/3x20 = 13.33
4. 1/2x6x-36/EI=-108/EI X4 = 1/3x6 = 2
Heights and locations by superposition.
Figure 10 - Heights of virtual moment diagram
§ integrate
Integrate the equation by using the visual integration

approach.
Multiply the areas of the "real" moment diagram by the heights found in the virtual
Area (a)
Area Height (h)
from M diagram (k- Ai*hi (k2-ft3/EI)
No. from m diagram (ft-k)
ft2/EI)
1. -560/EI 2/3 -373.33/EI
2. 1333.33/EI 1/2 666.67/EI
3. -360/EI 1/3 -120/EI
4. -108/EI 0 0/EI
Total 173.33/EI
Since EI is constant throughout the structure, the total rotation at A equals +173.33
k2-ft3/EI.
The positive sign indicates that the rotation is in the same direction as the unit
moment applied at A - therefore the rotation is in the clockwise direction.

determined. For example, let E = 29,000 ksi, I = 144 in4, and Q = 1 ft-k, then

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:15

Horizontal Deflection of a Frame - Cantilever
The following example utilizes the cantilever method to determine the deflection of a
frame.
the load.
problem statement
Determine the horizontal displacement at D of the frame shown (indicated by XD in

Figure 1).
Solution:
Calculate the support reactions using statics.

Positive moment is in the clockwise direction
Check these reactions by summing the moments at any point on the structure.
Figure 2 - Support reactions due to applied loads
§ determine moment diagrams (M) for the structure under

applied loads
Construct the moment diagrams caused by the applied loads utilizing the cantilever
method.
The final moment diagram under the applied loads is;

Figure 3 - Moment diagram due to applied loads
This diagram can be determined by using statics, or the cantilever method can be
used.
In the cantilever method, a point on the structure is selected where a single fixed
support can be used to replace all the degrees of freedom in the structure. This method
is only useful in statically determinate structures.
In this example, point B is selected and a fixed support is inserted at this location.
The loaded system with a fixed support at point B.
Figure 4 - Frame structure fixed at B
The resulting moment diagram can be calculated by solving for each applied load
separately and adding the results. This can be done by using superposition of the loads
on the members acting as cantilevers off of support B.
i) Moment diagram due to the 1 k/ft distributed load,

Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 1 k/ft load

Area: 1/3x(Base)x(Height) = 1/3 x 15 ft x -112.5 ft-k = -562.5 ft2-k
Location of centroid: 1/4x(Base) = 1/4 x 15 ft = 3.75 ft from support B
ii) Moment diagram due to the 15 k support reaction at A,
Figure 6 - Moment diagram due to 15 k support reaction

Area: 1/2x(Base)x(Height) = 1/2 x 15 ft x 225 ft-k = 1687.5 ft2-k
Location of centroid: 1/3x(Base) = 1/3 x 15 ft = 5 ft from support B
iii) Moment diagram due to the 20 k concentrated load at C,

Area: 1/2x(Base)x(Height) = 1/2 x 15 ft x -300 ft-k = -2250 ft2-k
iv) Moment diagram due to the 13.75 k support reaction at D,

Figure 8 - Moment diagram due to 13.75 k support reaction

Area: 1/2x(Base)x(Height) = 1/2 x 30 ft x 412.5 ft-k = 6187.5 ft2-k
The sum of these four diagrams equals the total resultant for the structure.
Notice that the answer at both sides of joint B is equal, i.e.;
225-112.5 = 112.5 ft-k

412.5-300 = 112.5 ft-k
§ apply virtual load and solve support reactions
want to know the horizontal deflection at point D. Therefore, apply a unit load at
point D in the horizontal direction. (see Figure 3 below)
Figure 10 - Frame structure with unit load applied

Following the same procedure used for the loaded structure, calculate the support
reactions (caused by the virutal load).
note: the value of XA is negative because the resulting force acts in the opposite
direction to how it is drawn in Figure 10, above.
Figure 11 - Support reactions due to unit load
to draw the "real" moment diagram.
The cantilever structure;

Figure 12 - Cantilever structure with loads and reactions applied
i) Moment diagram due to the reaction load at A,
Figure 13 - Moment diagram due to reaction loads at A
ii) Moment diagram due to the reaction load at D,
Figure 14 - Moment diagram due to reaction loads at D
Again, notice that the moments on both sides of joint B are equal.
integration to determine the deflection.
Using the locations of the centroids, determined previously, determine the heights (hi)
on the virtual moment diagram (m) at these locations.
Area No. Location from B Height (hi) (ft-k)

1. 3.75 ft -11.25
2. 5 ft -10
3. 5 ft -12.5
4. 10 ft -10
Locations of heights (hi);
§ integrate
Area Area (A) from M diagram (k- Height (hi) from m diagram Ai*hi (k2-
No. ft2)/EI (k-ft) ft3)/EI
1. -562.5 -11.25 6328.125/EI
2. 1687.5 -10 -16875/EI
3. -2250 -12.5 28125/EI
4. 6187.5 -10 -61875/EI
Total -44296.875/EI
Since EI is constant throughout the structure, the total horizontal deflection at D

2 3
equals -44296.875 k -ft /EI.
unit load that was applied at D - therefore the deflection is to the right.

determined. For example, let E = 29,000 ksi, I = 144 in4, and Q = 1 k, then;

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:15

Horizontal Deflection of a Frame - Superposition
The following example utilizes the superposition method to determine the deflection
of a frame.
the load.
problem statement
Determine the horizontal displacement at D of the frame shown (indicated by XD in

Figure 1).
Solution:
Calculate the support reactions using statics.

§ determine moment diagrams (M) for the structure under

applied loads
Construct the moment diagrams caused by the applied loads utilizing the
superposition method.
The final moment diagram under the applied loads is;

Figure 3 - Moment diagram due to applied loads
This diagram can be determined by using statics, or a simplified method using

superposition can be used.
To get the final moment diagram by superposition, start by selecting one of the
applied loads, determine the support reactions due to the load and drawing the
resulting moment diagram.
i) for the 20 k applied load at C,
Figure 4 - Frame structure with 20 k load applied
The resulting moment diagram,

Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 20 k load
ii) for the 1 k/ft applied load between AB,
Figure 6 - Frame structure with 1 k/ft load applied
The resulting moment diagram,
Figure 7 - Moment diagram due to 1 k/ft load
This diagram can be simplified by drawing the effects of each load separately, i.e.;
Figure 8 - Moment diagram due to 1 k/ft load (by parts)
The sum of these diagrams are equal the total resultant for the structure.
§ apply virtual load and solve support reactions
want to know the horizontal deflection at point D. Therefore, apply a unit load at
point D in the horizontal direction. (see figure 3 below)
Figure 10 - Frame stucture with unit load applied
Following the same procedure used for the loaded structure, calculate the support
reactions (caused by the virutal load).
to draw the "real" moment diagram.
i) Moment diagram due to the unit load at D,

Notice that the moments on both sides of joint B are equal.
integration to determine the deflection.
Using this locations of the centroids, determined previously, determine the heights (hi)
on the virtual moment diagram (m) at these locations.
Area No. Location from B Height (hi) (ft-k)

1. 7.5 ft -7.5
2. 5 ft -10
3. 15 ft -7.5
4. 10 ft -10
Locations of heights (hi);
§ integrate
Multiply the areas of the "real" moment diagram by the heights (hi) of the virtual
Area Area (A) from M diagram Height (hi) from m diagram Ai*hi (k2-
No. (k-ft2) (ft-k) ft3)/EI
1. 281.25 -7.5 -2109.375
2. 843.75 -10 -8437.5
3. 2250 -7.5 -16875

4. 1687.5 -10 -16875
Total -44296.875/EI
Since EI is constant throughout the structure, the total horizontal deflection at D

equals -44296.875 k2-ft3/EI.
unit load that was applied at D - therefore the deflection is to the right.

determined. For example, let E = 29,000 ksi, I = 144 in4, and Q = 1 k then;

Last Modified: 08/25/2003 23:44:16

Deflection of a Truss
The virtual work method can be used to determine the deflection of trusses. We know
from the principle of virtual work for trusses that the deflection can be calculated by
the equation with n equal to the virtual force in the member and equal
to the change in length of the member. Therefore, the deflection of a truss due to any
condition that causes a change in length of the members can be calculated. This
change in length can be caused by the applied loads acting on each member,
temperature changes, and by fabrication errors.
Axial Deformation:
From statics we know how to determine member forces in a truss by using either the
method of joints or the method of sections. Once these forces are known we can
determine the axial deformation of each member by using the equation:
The equation for the deflection can be modified with this value for .
where m is equal to the number of members, n is the force in the member due to the
virtual load, N is the force in the member due to the applied load, L is the length, A is
the area, and E represents Young's Modulus of Elasticity.
Temperature Changes:
The axial deformation of a truss member of length L due to a change in temperature

of is given by:
where is the coefficient of thermal expansion.

The equation for the deflection is then modified with this value for .
where j is the number of members experiencing temperature change and n is the force
in the member due to the virtual load.
Fabrication Errors:
In the case of fabrication errors, the deformation of each member is known.

Therefore, the original equation for deflection of a truss can be modified.
where k is the number of members undergoing fabrication errors and n is the force in
the member due to the virtual load and is the change in length of the member due to
fabrication errors.
The total deflection of a truss is made up of the sum of all of these cases.
This equation is now used to find the deflection of a truss. Please refer to an
introductory text book on structural analysis for a complete description of this
approach.
problem statement
Using the method of virtual work, determine the vertical deflection at joint G in the
truss below, under the loading conditions show in figures i), ii), and iii).
The member properties are A=2 in2 and E=29x103 ksi.
The truss is subjected to the following applied loads:

i)
Figure 1 - Truss structure to analyze
And the following fabrication errors are present:
ii)
Figure 2 - Fabrication errors present
NOTE: TO PREVENT ERRORS, CALCULATE THE INFLUENCE OF EACH

CASE INDEPENDENTLY AND THEN ADD THE RESULTS AT THE END
§ calculate the support reactions, due to the applied loads
Figure 3 - Frame structure with applied loads
Calculate the support reactions (caused by the applied loads) by summing the
moments about A and E: (answers in Kips)
Check these reactions by summing vertical and horizontal forces:

§ use the method of joints to determine the force in each

member, due to the applied loads
For equilibrium at joint A,
Figure 5 - Joint equilibrium at A
Sum vertical and horizontal forces to determine the force in each member, (Kips)
Remember that in the method of joints, a joint reaction is in the opposite direction to
how the force acts on the member. Therefore, member AB is in compression.
Continue this method for each joint in the structure.
Truss diagram with internal forces due to applied loads,
Figure 6 - Truss member reactions
§ apply virtual load at G

want to know the deflection at point G. Therefore, apply a unit load at point G.
Figure 7 - Truss with virtual unit load applied
§ use method of joints to determine virtual force in each member
Use the method of joints as illustrated in Step 2 to determine the member results due
to the unit virtual load. Add the results to your existing table:
Truss diagram with internal forces due to virtual load,
Figure 9 - Internal forces due to virtual unit load
§ calculate the deflection

The deflection of the truss can now be determined by completing the equation:
For the case of Axial Deformation
nNL/AE
Member n(k) N(k) L(in) AE (in2-ksi)
(in-k)
AB -0.67 -33.33 48 58000 0.0184
BC -0.67 -33.33 48 58000 0.0184
CD -0.67 -46.66 48 58000 0.0257
DE -0.67 -46.66 48 58000 0.0257
AF 0.83 41.67 60 58000 0.0359
BF 0 -10 36 58000 0
CF -0.83 -25 60 58000 0.0216
FG 1.33 53.33 48 58000 0.0589
CG 1 0 36 58000 0
CH -0.83 -8.33 60 58000 0.0072
GH 1.33 53.33 48 58000 0.0589
DH 0 -30 36 58000 0
HE 0.83 58.33 60 58000 0.0503
Total 0.3209
For the case of Fabrication Error
Change in
Member n(k) n( )(k-in)
Length ( )(in)
AB -0.67 + 0.4 -0.268
FG 1.33 + 0.6 0.798
HE 0.83 - 0.3 -0.249
Sum 0.281
Since there were no temperature effects included in this example, the total deflection
at point G is the sum of these two results.
(1 k)( ) = 0.281 in-k + 0.321 in-k = 0.602 in-k

= 0.602 in-k / 1 k = 0.602 in
The positive answer of 0.602 in indicates that the structure will deflect down in the
direction of the virtual load

Deflections - Work-Energy Methods

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Deflections - Work-Energy Methods

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Deflections - Work-Energy Methods

The following relationships are used to calculate:

Deflection (translation) at a point:

6) Another alternative to perform the integration is illustrated below:

Beam Deflection - Determine the deflection at a point on a beam.

Frame Deflection - Determine the deflection at a point on a frame.

Truss Deflection - Determine the deflection at a point on a truss due to

Contact Dr. Fouad Fanous for more information.

Deflections - Method of Virtual Work

Figure 1 - Beam structure to analyze

Check these reactions by summing the forces in the vertical direction.

The resulting system,

Figure 2 - Beam structure with reactions

Figure 3 - Resultant shear and moment diagrams

Figure 4 - Cantilever beam structure

i) Moment diagram due to the 56 ft-k concentrated moment at A,

Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 56 ft-k moment

ii) Moment diagram due to the 2 k/ft applied load,

Figure 6 - Moment diagram due to 2 k/ft applied load

iii) Moment diagram due to the 21 k support reaction at A,

Figure 7 - Moment diagram due to 21k support reaction

iv) Moment diagram due to the 6k applied load at end C

Figure 8 - Moment diagram due to 6k applied load

Figure 9 - Resultant moment diagram

§ apply virtual load, Q

Figure 10 - Beam with virtual load applied

§ solve the support reactions due to the virtual load, Q

Sum the moments about A and B.

Check these reactions by summing the vertical forces.

The resulting system,

Figure 11 - Support reactions due to unit load

§ draw virtual moment diagram (m)

Figure 12 - Virtual unit load on cantilever structure

The resulting moment diagram due to the virtual load.

Figure 13 - Moment diagram on cantilever structure due to virtual unit load

§ calculate areas and centroids

§ determine heights of virtual moment diagram at centroids

Figure 14 - Heights on virtual load diagram

Integrate the equation , by using the visual integration approach.

Area (a) Height (h)

If values of E and I are specified, the vertical deflection at C in inches can be

Contact Dr. Fouad Fanous for more information.

Deflections - Method of Virtual Work

The following example illustrates the steps to be followed to calculate deflections of

Figure 1 - Beam structure to analyze

Check these reactions by summing the shear forces.

The resulting system,

Figure 2 - Beam structure with support reactions

i) Moment diagram due to the 56 ft-k concentrated moment at A,

Figure 3 - Moment diagram due to 56 ft-k moment

ii) Moment diagram due to the 2 k/ft applied load,

Figure 4 - Moment diagram due to 2 k/ft applied load

iii) Moment diagram due to the 6k applied load at end C,

Figure 5 - Moment diagram due to 6 k applied load

Figure 6 - Resultant moment diagram

§ apply virtual load, Q

Figure 7 - Beam structure with virtual unit load applied

§ solve the support reactions due to the virtual load, Q

Sum moments about A and B.

Check these reactions by summing the vertical forces.

The resulting system,

Figure 8 - Support reactions due to virtual unit load