Structural Theory 1 (Method of Superposition)

BSCE 3 – CIEN 30043 Structural theory 1
Prepared By:
Engr. Antonio P. Curva

Instructor 1
DEFLECTION OF BEAM USING
SUPERPOSITION METHOD
As we previously determined, the differential equations for a deflected beam are linear
differential equations, therefore the slope and deflection of a beam are linearly
proportional to the applied loads. This will always be true if the deflections are small
and the material is linearly elastic. Therefore, the slope and deflection of a beam due to
several loads is equal to the sum of those due to the individual loads. In other words,
the individual results may be superimposed to determined a combined response, hence
the Method of Superposition.
This is a very powerful and convenient method since solutions for many support and
loading conditions are readily available in various engineering handbooks. Using the
principle of superposition, we may combine these solutions to obtain a solution for more
complicated loading conditions.
- The slope or deflection at any point on the beam is equal to the resultant of the slopes
or deflections at that point caused by each of the load acting separately.
- Loads and their resulting load effects can be added or subtracted for a structure. This
is the Principle of Superposition: For a linearly elastic structure, the load effects
caused by two or more loadings are the sum of the load effects caused by each
loading separately.
- The superposition method allows the single and total deformation to be calculated
in structures composed of a number of 'basic blocks'. The method is based upon
the programs for description of the previously discussed basic cases of loading.
- The Principle of Superposition is a method used to solve complex problems with
multiple loads and/or reactions acting on the member. Superposition helps us solve
these problems by breaking the member down as many times as necessary for each
force acting on it. Once all the stresses or deflections for the point of interest are
found, they can then be added all together to get a final answer.
Statically Indeterminate Beams
The method of superposition is very useful for the reactions at the supports of statically
indeterminate beams. As you may recall, a statically indeterminate beam is a beam
with redundant supports (i.e. more supports than are required to maintain equilibrium of
the beam). Therefore, the equations of equilibrium are not sufficient to determine all the
reactions. By using the method of superposition, we may determine the force imposed
by a redundant support
The procedure is as follows:
1. Remove enough supports to make the problem statically determinate.

2. Replace each support with the reactions they exert. The reactions are treated as part
of the applied loading.
3. Solve the problem using the same procedure as a statically determinate problem to
determine the reaction forces at the redundant supports.
Note: the slopes and deflections due to the individual loadings must satisfy certain
compatibility conditions so that the boundary conditions for the original problem are
met.
Rotation and Deflection for Common Loadings
Case 1: Concentrated load at the free end of cantilever beam
Case 2: Concentrated load at any point on the span of cantilever beam
Case 3: Uniformly distributed load over the entire length of cantilever beam
Case 4: Triangular load, full at the fixed end and zero at the free end, of cantilever
beam
Case 5: Moment load at the free end of cantilever beam
Case 6: Concentrated load at the midspan of simple beam
Case 7: Concentrated load at any point on simple beam
Case 8: Uniformly distributed load over the entire span of simple beam
Case 9: Triangle load with zero at one support and full at the other support of
simple beam
Case 10: Triangular load with zero at each support and full at the midspan of
simple beam
Case 11: Moment load at the right support of simple beam
Case 12: Moment load at the left support of simple beam
Sample Problems
1. Compute the deflections (EIy) at each concentrated load.
Solution:
From Case No. 7 of Summary of Beam Loadings, the deflection equations are
Sample Problems
The point under the load P is generally located at x = a and at this point, both
equations above will become
Sample Problems
Sample Problems
2. Determine the midspan deflection of the beam shown in Figure, if E = 10 GPa and
I = 20 × 106 mm4.
From Case No. 7, midspan deflection is
From Case No. 8, midspan deflection is

Sample Problems
Sample Problems
3. The beam shown in Figure has a rectangular cross section 50 mm wide. Determine
the proper depth d of the beam if the midspan deflection of the beam is not to exceed
20 mm and the flexural stress is limited to 10 MPa. Use E = 10 Gpa.
Sample Problems
Solution:
Sample Problems
Based on allowable midspan deflection. Use Case No. 7, the midspan deflection of
simple beam under concentrated load is given by
Sample Problems
For the given beam, the midspan deflection is the sum of the midspan deflection of each
load acting separately.
Sample Problems
4. A continuous beam having supports at A, B and C is subjected to a uniform load of

2kN/m. The beam has a pin-connected support at A and rollers at B and C
respectively. Spans AB = BC and is equal to 20 m.
a. Compute the reaction at B
b. Compute the maximum positive moment
c. Compute the moment at B
Sample Problems
Solution:
Reference:

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BSCE 3 – CIEN 30043 Structural theory 1

Engr. Antonio P. Curva

Statically Indeterminate Beams

1. Remove enough supports to make the problem statically determinate.

1. Compute the deflections (EIy) at each concentrated load.

From Case No. 7, midspan deflection is

From Case No. 8, midspan deflection is

4. A continuous beam having supports at A, B and C is subjected to a uniform load of

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