FLEXIBILITY METHOD /

FORCE METHOD
Single Degree of Indeterminacy (n=1) &
Structures with Multiple Degrees of Indeterminacy
 LEARNING OUTCOMES
Weeks 8 and 9
This topic is designed to assess student ability’s on:
 Able to calculate degree of indeterminacy of the indeterminate beams,
frames and arches.
 Able to apply principle of superposition to equate the original
indeterminate structure into a primary and redundant applied
structures.
 Able to write the compatibility of displacement equation of the single
and multiple degrees of indeterminacy for the indeterminate structures.
 Able to determine unknown reaction forces for indeterminate structures
by using Flexibility Method/ Force Method (caused by member loads
and support settlement/displacement).
(CO2PO5)

 Able to draw the bending moment diagram for indeterminate beams,

frames and arches.
(CO1PO2)
 CONTENT
This chapter consist of: -

 Structures with Single Degree of Indeterminacy

 Structures with Multiple Degrees of Indeterminacy

 Structures with Support Settlements, Temperature

Changes and Fabrication Errors
 FLEXIBILITY METHOD
INTRODUCTION
A structure of any type is classified as statically
indeterminate when the number of unknown
reactions or internal forces exceeds the number
of equilibrium equations available for its
analysis.

Flexibility method is one of the several technique

available to analyze indeterminate structures. The
following is the procedure that describes the
concept of this method for analyzing externally
indeterminate structures with single or double
degrees of indeterminacy.
 FLEXIBILITY METHOD
INTRODUCTION
 This flexibility method is sometimes referred as force method,
compatibility method or the method of consistent
deformations.

 This method was introduced by James C. Maxwell in 1864.

 Flexibility method involves removing enough restraints from

the indeterminate structure to render it statically determinate
and this determinate structure must be statically stable.
 FLEXIBILITY METHOD
METHOD OF ANALYSIS

It is necessary to satisfy equilibrium,

compatibility and force-displacement
requirements for the structure.
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Single degree of indeterminacy Multiple degrees of indeterminacy

Beam; d = 3m + r – 3j = 3(1) + 6 – 3(2) = 3°
Beam; d = 3m + r – 3j = 3(2) + 4 – 3(3) = 1°

Frame; d = 3m + r - 3j = 3(4) + 7 – 3(5) = 4°

Frame; d = 3m + r - 3j = 3(2) + 4 – 3(3) = 1° 10 kN 10 kN
A B C 25 kN

2m
D

2m
E
2m 1m 1m 2m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

General Procedures

 Determine degree of indeterminacy (DOI) of the system. No. of DOI

represents no. of redundant.
 Choose the redundant forces.
 Write the general equation. (eg. Actual beam = primary beam +
redundants applied)
 Draw the figure of actual structure, primary structure and redundants
applied structure.
 Write the compatibility equation and force-displacement equation.
(Apply the superposition principle).
 Calculate the value of redundant forces.
 Once the redundant forces are known, the other reaction at the rest of
the support will be solved using equilibrium equation or by applying
superposition principle.
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Flexibility Method Concept

 Involves removing enough restrained

from the indeterminate structure to
render it statically determinate.
 This determinate structure, which
must be statically stable, is referred as
primary structure.
 The restraints removed from the given
indeterminate structure are called
redundant.
 The redundant are then applied as
unknown loads on the structure, and
their values are determined by solving
the compatibility equation.
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Flexibility Method of Analysis

- Animation
Statically indeterminate to 1 degree
1

Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.4 : Truss Analysis Leave blank

BEAMS AND FRAMES
1

Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.4 : Truss Analysis Leave blank

Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Example 1
(a):
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Example
1 (b):
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Flexibility Method of Analysis

- Animation
Statically indeterminate to 2 degrees
1

Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Example 2 :
Figure Q2 shows a continuous beam ABCD fixed at A and supported on rollers at B and C. The beam is
loaded with a point moment of 15KNm at B, a linearly varying load between C and D, and a point load of
20KN at its free end D. The second moments of area:
IAC = 6x10-5m4
ICD = 4x10-5 m4
a) Sketch three possible primary structures for the beam and identify the redundants in each one.
(6 marks)
b) Selecting the vertical reaction at C and the moment reaction at A as the redundants, establish the
flexibility matrix of the beam. (8 marks)
c) Form the compatibility equations and solve for the two redundants. (5 marks)
d) Determine the remaining support reactions. (3 marks)
e) Determine the vertical deflection of the beam at the free end D. (3 marks)

Take E = 200GPa.
Solution :
20 kN
15 kNm 6 kN/m

A D
B C
2m 2m 3m

Figure Q2
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Solution: Question 2 (a); Redundant , d = 3m + r -3j = 3(3) + 5 – 3(4) = 2⁰

Three (3) possible choices of Primary Structures, M

15 kNm 6 kN/m 20 kN Let MA and VC as

redundants
D
A B C
2m 2m 3m

15 kNm 6 kN/m 20 kN Let MA and VB as

redundants
D
A B C
2m 2m 3m
15 kNm 6 kN/m 20 kN

Let VB and VC as A D
redundants B C
2m 2m 3m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Question 2(b)
General equation
Actual frame = Primary structure + redundant VC applied + redundant MA applied
10  11 12   VC  0
Compatibility equation;
      
 20   21  22  M A  0
x
x x
20 kN
15 kNm 6 kN/m

A B C D
71kN 100
Redundant applied structure,
2m kN 2m 3m
m1
x
x x
Primary Structures, M
A B C D
1kN 2 kN 1kN
2m 2m 3m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Redundant applied structure, m2

x
x x

1kNm
A B C D
0.5kN 0.5kN
2m 2m 3m

Member Range M m1 m2
0≤X≤2 -71X 1 (X) -0.5(X) + 1
AB
= 1- 0.5X
-71(X) +15+100(X-2) 1(X)-2(X-2) -0.5(X)+0.5(X-
=-71X+15+100X-200 = X-2X+4 2)+1
BC 2≤X≤4 =29X-185 = 4-X = -0.5X+0.5X-
1+1
=0
-20(X)-(1/2)(2X)(X)(1/3 x X)
DC 0≤X≤3 =- 20X-X3/3 0 0
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Flexibility Matrix;

 11  12 
F 
 
 21 22 
1 2 1 4 2.667 2.667
11   (1x ) 2
dx   ( 4  x ) 2
dx    4.444 x10 4

EI 0 EI 2 12000 12000
1 2 0.667
12  0 (1x)(1  0.5 x)dx   5.556 x105
EI 12000
 21  f12  5.556 x105
1 2 0.667
 22  0 (1  0.5 x) dx 
2
 5.556 x105
EI 12000

444.4 55.56
Flexibilit y matrix  106  
55.56 55.56 
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Question 2 (c): Compatibility Equation;

10  11 12   VC  0

      
 20   21  22  M A  0
1 2 1 4
 10  0 (71x)( x)dx  2 (29 x  185)( 4  x)dx
EI EI
 189.333  215.333
 10    33722 x10 6
12000 12000
1 2
 20  0 (71x)(1  0.5 x)dx
EI
 47.333
 20   3944 x10 6
12000
 33722 444.4 55.56  VC  0
      
  3944  55.56 55.56 M A  0
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Compatibility Equation;
10  11 12   VC  0
      
 20   21  22  M A  0
 33722 444.4 55.56  VC  0
      
  3944  55.56 55.56 M A  0
 VC  1  76.6kN 
   
 A
M EI  5.6 kNm
20 kN
5.6 kNm 6 kN/m
15 kNm

Question 2(d); A B C D
The remaining 8.4 kN 56 kN 76.6 kN
support reactions
2m 2m 3m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Question 2(e); Vertical deflection of the beam at the free end D , ∆VD

x 20 kN
x x
5.6 kNm 15 kNm 6 kN/m
MT
A B C D
8.4 kN 56 kN 76.6 kN
2m 2m 3m

1 kN
x
7 kNm x x

mT B
A C D
1 kN
2m 2m 3m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.3 : Beam Analysis Leave blank

Vertical deflection of the beam at the free end D , ∆VD

By using Virtual Work Equation;

M T mT
1.VD  
EI
1 2
1.VD  0 (8.4 x  5.6)( x  7)dx
EI
1 4 1 3 x3
 2 (8.4 x  5.6  56( x  2)  15)( x  7)dx  0 (20 x  )(  x)dx
EI EI 3
 28 139.467 192.6
VD   
12000 12000 8000
VD  0.0334m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Example 3:

10 kN/m
C
B EI

2m EI Frame ABC carries a uniformly distributed load of

10 kN/m is shown in Figure Q3. Solve the
reactions of the supports if support C settles by
1000/EI, in addition to the 10 kN/m acting on BC.
A

2m

Figure Q3
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Solution: Let VC as the redundant

10 kN/m 1 kN
10 kN
B EI C B EI C

1 kN
2m EI Primary Structures, 2m EI
M
Redundant applied
structure, m1
A A
10 kN 1 kN
2m 2m

20 kN
1 kN
MEMBER ORIGIN RANGE M m1
AB A 0≤x≤2 -10x x
BC B 0≤x≤2 -20 + 20x- 2-x
(10x2/2)
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Compatibility Equation;

 1000
10  11VC  (1)
EI
1 2 1 2
10   (10 x)( x)dx   (20  20 x  5 x 2 )(2  x)dx
EI 0 EI 0
 26.667  20
10    1000
EI EI 10  11VC  (1)
 140 EI
10   140 16  1000
3EI  VC 
1 1
11   ( x) 2 dx   (2  x) 2 dx 
2 2 2.667 2.667

3EI 3EI EI
EI 0 EI 0 EI EI 16  1000 140
16 V C  
11  3EI EI 3EI
3EI
VC  178.75kN
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.2 : Introduction Leave blank

Remaining support reaction;

10 kN/m
C 188.75 kN
B EI

178.75 kN
2m EI

A
188.75 kN
2m

198.75 kN
1

Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.5 : Frame Analysis Leave blank

Example 4 :
A rigid jointed plane frame structure is shown in Figure Q4. The frame is fixed to foundation at D and pinned
at A. In addition to the inclined load at B and the uniformly-distributed load on CD as shown, the support at
D rotates 100/E clockwise. The relative flexural rigidities of the members are constant as indicated.
a) Sketch three (3) possible primary structures for the frame and identify the redundants in each case.
(6 marks)
b) Determine the flexibility matrix of the frame, taking the moment and horizontal reaction at D as the
redundants. (8 marks)
c) Form the compatibility equations for the frame. (4 marks)
d) Solve for the unknown redundants. (4 marks)
e) Solve for the unknown reaction forces. (3 marks)

25 kN
3 Solution :
B C
4
(E
)

5m (E) (E 20 kN/m

)
D
A

Figure Q4
5m
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.5 : Frame Analysis Leave blank

Solution: Question 4 (a); Redundant , d = 3m + r -3j = 3(3) + 5 – 3(4) = 2⁰

Three (3) possible choices of Primary Structures, M

Let MD and HD as Let HA and MD as Let HA and VA as

redundants redundants redundants
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.5 : Frame Analysis Leave blank

Question 4(b)
General equation
Actual frame = Primary structure + redundant MD applied + redundant HD
applied
 10   11  12  M D  100 / EI 
Compatibility equation;      D    0 
  
 20   21 22   X   

Primary Structures, M Redundant applied structure,

15 kN m1
AY = 45 kN AY = -0.2 kN
AX = 80 kN AX = 0 kN
20 kN
DY = 0.2 kN
DY = -30 kN

20 kN/m

AX
AX 1
AY DY
AY DY
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.5 : Frame Analysis Leave blank

Redundant applied structure, m2

x AY = 0 kN

AX = 1 kN

DY = 0 kN

x x

AX 1

AY DY

MEMBE ORIGIN RANGE M m1 m2

R
AB A 0≤x≤5 -80x 0 -x
BC B 0≤x≤5 30x-400 -0.2x -5
CD D 0≤x≤5 -10x2 -1 -x
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.5 : Frame Analysis Leave blank

Question 4(b); Flexibility Matrix Question 4(c); Compatibility Equation

    10   11  12  M D  100 / EI 
F   11 12 
 21  22     D    0 
  
 20   21 22   X   
1 5 1 5 6.667 1 5 1 5
 11   (0.2 x) 2 dx   (1) dx   10  0 (30 x  400)( 0.2 x)dx  0 (10 x 2 )( 1)dx
2

EI 0 EI 0 EI EI EI
1166.667
1 5 1 5 25  10 
 12 
EI  0
(0.2 x)(5)dx 
EI  0
(1)( x)dx 
EI 1 5
EI
1 5
25  20  0 (80 x)(  x)dx  0 (30 x  400)( 5)dx
 21  f12  EI EI
EI 1 5
 0 (10 x 2 )(  x)dx
1 5 1 5 1 5 EI
 22  0 ( x) dx  0 (5) dx  0 ( x) dx
2 2 2
13020.833
EI EI EI 
208.333 EI
 22 
EI
Compatibility Equation of the frame;
1 6.667 25   1166.667  6.667 25  M D  100 / EI 
F 1
EI  25 208.333  
   D    0 
EI 13020 .833  25 208.333 X   
Chapter 2: Flexibility Method Topic 2.5 : Frame Analysis Leave blank

Question 4(d); Solve for the value of Question 4(e); Solve for the unknown
redundants reaction forces
15 kN
6.667 25  M D  1 100  1166.667
 25 208.333  H   EI  0  13020.833 
  D    20 kN

6.667 25  M D  1   1066.667  20 kN/m

 25 208.333  H   EI  13020.833
  D   
78.726 kN
AX
M D  1 135.216kNm 135.216kNm
   
 D
H EI   78.726 kN 
AY DY
AX = 1.274 kN
AY = 17.957 kN
DY = -2.957 kN