Unit Load Method - Done

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work
2012
CHAPTER 1 (C01-P03)
METHOD OF VIRTUAL WORK
Learning Outcome
At the end of this chapter, students should:
1) Able to determine deformation for statically determinate beams by using Unit Load Method.
2) Able to determine deformation for statically determinate frames by using Unit Load Method.
3) Able to determine deformation for statically determinate trusses by using Unit Load Method.
Method of Virtual Work / Unit Load Method (ULM) for Beams and Frames
Method of virtual work, which was introduced by John Bernoulli in 1717, provides a powerful analytical
tool for many problems of structural mechanics.
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 method of virtual work can also be applied to deflection problems involving beam and frames.
However, the analysis is will only consider bending effect since strains due to bending are the primary
cause of beam or frame deflections.
The formula for the method of virtual work for beam and frame deflections is as follows.
Where
1
external virtual unit load acting on the beam or frame in the direction of .
internal virtual moment in the beam or frame, expressed as a function of x and

caused by the external virtual unit load (moment equation for virtual system).
external displacement of the point caused by the real loads acting on the beam or
frame.
internal moment in the beam or frame, expressed as a function of x and caused by

the real loads (moment equation for real system)
modulus of elasticity of the material.
moment of inertia of cross-sectional area, computed about the neutral axis.
2012
In a similar manner, the formula for the method of virtual work for beam and frame rotation is as follows
where is the rotation or slope angle in unit rad at a point on the beam or frame.
Procedure for analysis

The following step-by-step procedure can be used to determine the slopes and deflections of beams and
frames by the virtual work method.
1. Real system
a) Draw a diagram of the beam showing all the real (given) loads acting on it.
b) Calculate reactions at the support by using Equilibrium Equations.
c) For each segment of the beam, determine the equation expressing the variation of the bending
moment due to real loading (M) along the length of the segment in terms of a position coordinate
x. It is usually convenient to consider the bending moments as positive in accordance with the
beam sign convention.
2. Virtual system
a) Draw a diagram of the beam showing without the real loads. If deflection is to be determined,
then apply a unit load at the point and in the direction of the desired displacement. If the slope is
to be calculated, then apply a unit couple moment at the point on the beam or frame where the
slope is desired.
b) Calculate reactions at the support by using Equilibrium Equations.
c) For each segment of the beam, determine the equation expressing the variation of the bending
moment due to real loading (m) along the length of the segment in terms of a position coordinate
x. It is usually convenient to consider the bending moments as positive in accordance with the
beam sign convention.
3. Determine the desired deflection or slope of the beam or frame by applying the appropriate virtual
work equation.
4. If the value of deflection or slope is positive, the direction of desired displacement or rotation that we
put in the virtual system is in the same direction, whereas, the negative value shows that the value that
we put is in opposite direction.
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Example 1: Unit Load Method for Beam

Below is a simply supported beam ABCD subjected uniformly distributed load of 25 kN/m along member
ABC whereas joint B and D are subjected to a point load of 100 kN and 150 kN, respectively. The total
length of the beam is 25 m. By taking E is 200 GPa and I is 500 x 106 mm4.
a) Show that the beam is statically determinate beam.
b) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), determine vertical displacement at joint D.
150 kN
100 kN
25 kN/m
10 m
D
10 m
5m
Figure 1.1
Solution:
(a) n = r 3m = 3 3 = 0
Tips: The beam is statically determinate when the difference between reactions and no. of equilibrium
equation is zero.
(b) Unit Load Method (ULM) is a method to determine displacement of determinate beam by dividing
the beam into two systems call Real system/beam and Virtual System. Real system is the system
when the beam is subjected to the real loads whereas the virtual system is the system when the beam
is subjected to the virtual load.
Tips: Students should be able to solve for the reactions and write the moment equation for both
systems before applying into the formula of deflection.
Real system/beam (Identification of M)
100 kN
150 kN
25 kN/m
Ay
Ay
10 m
10 m
Cy
Solve the reactions for the real beam/system using Equilibrium Equation.
MA = 0,
25(20)(20/2) + 100(10) + 150(25) Cy(20)
Cy
487.50 kN
Ay + Cy - 25(20) - 100 - 150
Ay + 487.50 - 25(20) - 100 - 150
Ay
262.50 kN
Ax
0 kN
Fy = 0,
Fx = 0,
5m
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2012
Using the reactions value calculated, student should be able to write the moment equation for each
segment /member.
Member AB (origin A) 0 x 10 m
Tips:
1.
x always starts at the origin that has been chosen. Identification of limit of x is determined from A to
B. At origin, x is always 0.
2. Always draw the free-body diagram (FBD) for each member/segment as shown. The FBD should
always reflect the condition as above i.e. Member AB (origin A) 0 x 10 m.
3. In writing the moment equations, always apply M at the cutting point of the member/segment using
beam sign convention as below. Note that the figure below happened at the cutting point. So, take
anticlockwise moment as positive moment.
+ ve
Free-body diagram (FBD)

M = 0,
25 kN/m
M
M +262.5(x) 25(x)(x/2) = 0
M
262.5x-12.5x2
x
262.5
Member BC (origin A) 10 x 20 m
Tips:
1. Joint A is chosen as origin and x always starts at the origin that has been chosen. At A, x = 0 m, at B,
x = 10 m and at C, x = 20 m. So, x for member BC is located between 10 m and 20 m i.e. member BC
(origin A) 10 x 20 m.
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100 kN
25 kN/m
M
B
( x 10) m
10 m
262.5
M = 0,
M +262.5(x) 25(x)(x/2) 100 (x10) = 0

M
262.5x 12.5x2 100x + 1000
Member CD (origin D) 0 x 5 m
Tips:
1. x always starts at the origin that has been chosen. Identification of limit of x is determined from C to
D. At origin, x is always 0.
2. By using the beam sign convention as below, take clockwise moment as positive moment.
+ ve
150 kN
M = 0,
M + 100(x)
-100x
M
M
D
x
2012
Virtual system/beam (Identification of m)
Tips:
Vertical displacement has been determined at point D. So, we need to put a virtual load (unit load) at
point D in the desired displacement. Then, calculate reactions and write the moment equation for the
virtual system.
1 kN
Ay
B
Ay
10 m
10 m
Cy
Solve the reactions for the real beam/system using Equilibrium Equation.
MA = 0,
1(25) Cy (20)
0.8 kN
Ay
0.2 kN
Ax
0 kN
Cy
Fy = 0,
Ay + Cy 1
Fx = 0,
5m
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Using the reactions value calculated, student should be able to write the moment equation for each
segment /member.
Tips:
Students must use the same condition of member, origin and limit as uses in the real system.

M = 0,
m +0.2(x)
0.2x
x
0.2
A
x
0.2
M = 0,
m + 0.2x
0.2x
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1 kN
M = 0,
m + 1(x)
0
-x
D
x
Then, when finishing in writing the moment equation for both real system and virtual system,
summarized the result in a table as shown below.
Member
AB
BC
CD
Origin
A
A
D
Limit
0 - 10
10 20
0-5
Lastly, apply the formula as below.
1.D
1.D
=
+
+
1.D
M (Real System)
262.5x-12.5x2
262.5x 12.5x2 100x + 1000
-100x
m (Virtual System)
0.2x
0.2x
-x
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Self-Learning Exercise
Question 1
Below is a cantilever beam ABCD subjected uniformly distributed load of 25 kN/m along member ABC
whereas joint B and D are subjected to a point load of 100 kN and 150 kN, respectively. The total length
of the beam is 25 m. By taking E is 200 GPa and I is 500 x 106 mm4.
a) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), determine vertical displacement at joint D.
b) Draw shear force diagram (SFD) for the beam.
150 kN
100 kN
25 kN/m
10 m
B
10 m
Figure 1.2
10
C
5m
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Question 2
whereas joint B and D are subjected to a point load of 100 kN and 150 kN, respectively. The total length
of the beam is 25 m.
a) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), determine vertical displacement at joint D in terms of EI.
b) Draw bending moment diagram (BMD) for the beam.
150 kN
100 kN
25 kN/m
2EI
2EI
EI
A
10 m
10 m
Figure 1.3
11
5m
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Question 3
whereas joint B and D are subjected to a point load of 100 kN and 150 kN, respectively. By taking E is
200 GPa and I is 500 x 106 mm4.
c) Determine vertical displacement at joint D by using Unit Load Method (ULM) in terms of .
d) If is varies from 1 m to 10 m, explain the relationship between displacement at joint D and .
150 kN
100 kN
25 kN/m
10 m
C
10 m
Figure 1.4
12
D
m
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Question 4
Below is a simply supported beam ABCD subjected uniformly distributed load of 25 kN/m along member
ABC whereas joint B and D are subjected to a point load of 100 kN and 150 kN, respectively. The total
length of the beam is 25 m.
a) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), determine rotational displacement at joint D in terms of EI if EI is
constant for all members.
b) If the rotational displacement at joint B is given as 0.05 rad counterclockwise, determine the flexural
rigidities, EI value by using Method of Virtual Work.
150 kN
100 kN
25 kN/m
10 m
D
10 m
Figure 1.5
13
5m
Past Years Exam Questions

March 2004
14
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April 2006
15
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April 2009
16
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October 2006
17
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Example 2: Unit Load Method for Frame

Below is a rigid jointed plane frame ABCD with pinned supported at A and supported on roller at D.
There is a point load of 200 kN subjected at B. Beam CD is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of
magnitude 50 kN/m. By taking E is 200 GPa and I is 500 x 106 mm4.
a) Show that the frame is statically determinate frame.
b) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), determine horizontal displacement at joint C.
50 kN/m
D
C
EI
4m
2EI
200 kN
B
4m
2EI
A
8m
Figure 1.6
Solution
a) n = r 3m = 6 6 = 0
Tips: The beam is statically determinate when the difference between reactions and no. of equilibrium
equation is zero.
b) Horizontal displacement at joint C can be determined using the equation as below.
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From the equation, we find that the information needed is moment equations for both real frame and
virtual frame. In order to write the moment equation, we need to determine reaction at the support A and
D first.
General Procedure for analysis of structures
Reactions Internal forces (moment equations) displacement
Real frame/system
Draw the free-body diagram (FBD) of the real frame.
50 kN/m
D
C
EI
4m
2EI
Dy
200 kN
B
4m
2EI
Ax
A
8m
Ay
Reactions at the supports

(Reactions is needed to identify the moment equation in the next step)
MA = 0,
19
200(4) + 50(8)(8/2) - Dy(8)
Dy
300 kN
Fy = 0,
Ay + Dy 50(8)
Ay + 300 - 400 =
Ay
100 kN
200 - Ax
0 kN
Ax
200 kN
Fx = 0,
Moment Equation (M)

(Write the moment equation for the real system)
50 kN/m
D
C
EI
4m
2EI
300 kN
200 kN
B
4m
2EI
200 kN
A
8m
100 kN
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2012
M
M = 0,
M +200(x)
M
200 kN
200x
100 kN
200 kN
M = 0,
M +200(x) 200(x-4)
M
200 kN
100 kN
21
800
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2012
M = 0,
M +50(x)(x/2) 300(x)
M
300x 25x
50 kN/m
D
300 kN
Virtual frame/system
1 kN
D
C
EI
4m
2EI
Dy
B
4m
2EI
Ax
A
8m
Ay
22
Reactions at the supports

MA = 0,
1(8) - Dy(8)
1 kN
Ay + Dy
Ay + 1
Ay
- 1 kN
1 - Ax
0 kN
1 kN
Dy
Fy = 0,
Fx = 0,
Ax
Moment Equation (m)

Virtual frame/system
1 kN
D
C
EI
2EI
1 kN
B
2EI
1 kN
1 kN
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m
M = 0,
m +1(x)
m
1 kN
1 kN
M = 0,
m +1(x)
m
1 kN
1 kN
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M = 0,
m 1(x)
m
m
D
x
1 kN
Member
AB
BC
CD
Origin
A
A
D
1.D
1.D
=
+
+
25
1.D
Limit
04
48
0-8
M (Real System)
200x
800
300x 25x2
M (Virtual System)
x
x
x
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Self Learning Exercise

Question 5
Below is a rigid jointed plane frame ABCD with pinned supported at A and supported on roller at D.
There is a point load of 200 kN subjected at B. Beam CD is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of
magnitude 50 kN/m.
a) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), determine rotational displacement at joint C in terms of EI.
b) If horizontal displacement at joint D is 0.005 m, determine moment of inertia, I if E is 70 GPa.
50 kN/m
D
C
EI
4m
2EI
200 kN
B
4m
2EI
A
8m
Figure 1.7
26
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Question 6
Figure shows a rigid-jointed plane frame pinned to the foundation at A and supported on roller at D. A
uniformly distributed load of 50 kN/m is shown acting on member BC. A concentrated load of 150 kN
and a point moment of 30 kNm is acting at B and C, respectively. The flexural rigidity of the frame
member AB, BC and CD are 2E, E and 2E, respectively. Using Unit Load Method, calculate
horizontal deflection of joint C in terms of EI.
150 kN
50 kN/m
30 kNm
3
4
(E)
5m
(2E)
3m
Figure 1.8
27
5m
(2E)
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Method of Virtual Work / Unit Load Method (ULM) for Trusses

Method of virtual work can be used to determine the displacement of a truss joint when the truss is
subjected to an external loading.
The virtual work equation for the truss is
Where
1
external virtual unit load acting on the truss joint in the stated direction of .
internal virtual normal force in a truss member caused by the external virtual unit load.
external joint displacement caused by the real loads on the truss.
internal normal force in a truss member caused by the real loads.
length of a member
modulus of elasticity of a member
Procedure for Analysis

The following step-by-step procedure can be used to determine the deflections of trusses by the virtual
work method.
1. Real system
If the deflection of the truss is to be determined is caused by external loads, then apply a method of
joints/ method of sections to compute the (real) axial forces (N) in all member of the truss.
2. Virtual system
Remove all the given (real) loads form the truss; then apply a unit load at the joint where the
deflection is desired and in the direction of the desired deflection to form the virtual force system.
By using the method of joint / method of sections, compute the virtual axial forces (n) in all member
of the truss.
3. The desired deflection of the truss can now be determined by applying the equation. A positive
answer for the desired deflection means that the deflection occurs in the same direction as the unit
load, whereas a negative answer indicates that the deflection occurs in the direction opposite to that
of the unit load.
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Example 3: Method of Virtual Work for Truss

Figure 1.8 below shows a pin-jointed truss ABCDE. The truss has pinned support at A and roller at E.
Joint C is subjected to horizontal point load of 200 kN whereas joint D is subjected to vertical point load
of 150 kN at D as shown. Modulus of elasticity E is 200 GPa and cross-section area A is 500 mm2 for all
members.
(a) Show that the truss is a determinate truss.
(b) Using Unit Load Method (ULM), calculate horizontal deflection at joint C.
200 kN
150 kN
4m
B
6m
E
5m
Figure 1.9
Solution:
(a)
=
=
=
m + r -2j
7 + 3 2(5)
0
Since n = 0, the truss is a statically determinate truss.
(b)
To determine displacement using unit load method (ULM), we must divide the truss/system into
two systems i.e. Real system and Virtual System.
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Real system (N)

Calculate reactions for the support.
200 kN
150 kN
4m
B
6m
Ax
E
5m
Ey
Ay
MA = 0,
200(10) + 150(5) - Ey(5)
550 kN
Ay + 550 - 150 =
Ay
- 400 kN
200 - Ax
0 kN
Ax
200 kN
Ey
Fy = 0,
Ay + Ey 150
Fx = 0,
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Determine member forces for each member of the truss for the real system using either Method of Joint/
Method of Section.
200 kN
160
-256.12
150 kN
D
0
160
200 kN
-550
E
0
400 kN
31
312.41
550 kN
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Virtual system (N)

Since the horizontal deflection at C will be determined, remove all external forces, and put a unit load at
joint C in the direction of the desired displacement. Then, determine the reactions at the support due to a
virtual force.
Calculate reactions for the support
C
1 kN
4m
B
6m
Ax
E
5m
Ey
Ay
MA = 0,
1(10) - Ey(5)
2 kN
Ay + Ey
Ay
- 2 kN
1 - Ax
0 kN
1 kN
Ey
Fy = 0,
Fx = 0,
Ax
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Determine member forces for each member of the truss for the virtual system using either Method of
Joint/ Method of Section.
1 kN
0.8
-1.28
D
0
0.8
1.56
1 kN
-2
E
0
2 kN
2 kN
Summarize into the table form

Member
AB
BC
CD
DE
AE
AD
BD
Substitute into the formula,
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L (m)
6
4
6.4
6
5
7.8
5
N (kN)
160
160
-256.12
-550
0
312.41
0
n (kN)
0.8
0.8
-1.28
-2
0
1.56
0
nNL
768
512
2098.14
6600
0
3801.40
0
13779.54
2012
Self Learning Exercise

Question 2
A pin-jointed truss is shown in Figure 1.9. The truss has pinned support at A and D as shown. The truss
is subjected to a vertical load of 150 kN at joint C and 50 kN at joint B. By assuming that EA is constant
for all members, Take E = 200 GPa and A = 500 mm2 for all members.
(a) Show that the truss in Figure 1.9 is a determinate truss.

(b) Determine the vertical displacement at joint E by using Unit Load Method.
50 kN
150 kN
3m
D
4m
6m
Figure 1.10
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Past Year Exam Questions

April 2007
35
2012

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Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

internal virtual moment in the beam or frame, expressed as a function of x and

internal moment in the beam or frame, expressed as a function of x and caused by

modulus of elasticity of the material.

moment of inertia of cross-sectional area, computed about the neutral axis.

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Procedure for analysis

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Example 1: Unit Load Method for Beam

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Real system/beam (Identification of M)

Ay + Cy - 25(20) - 100 - 150

Ay + 487.50 - 25(20) - 100 - 150

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Free-body diagram (FBD)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Free-body diagram (FBD)

M +262.5(x) 25(x)(x/2) 100 (x10) = 0

262.5x 12.5x2 100x + 1000

Free-body diagram (FBD)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Virtual system/beam (Identification of m)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Free-body diagram (FBD)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Lastly, apply the formula as below.

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Past Years Exam Questions

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Example 2: Unit Load Method for Frame

b) Horizontal displacement at joint C can be determined using the equation as below.

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Reactions Internal forces (moment equations) displacement

Reactions at the supports

200(4) + 50(8)(8/2) - Dy(8)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Moment Equation (M)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Reactions at the supports

Moment Equation (m)

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Self Learning Exercise

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Method of Virtual Work / Unit Load Method (ULM) for Trusses

external joint displacement caused by the real loads on the truss.

internal normal force in a truss member caused by the real loads.

modulus of elasticity of a member

Procedure for Analysis

Chapter 1 Method of Virtual Work

Example 3: Method of Virtual Work for Truss

Since n = 0, the truss is a statically determinate truss.