CE 413 – Theory of Structures II St.

Paul University Surigao, Surigao City

Module V – Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Structure

Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Structure

Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Structure Beams

The uses of influence lines for statically indeterminate structures are the same as those for statically determinate
structures. They enable the design engineer to locate the critical positions for live loads and to compute forces for various
positions of loads.

Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Structure are not as simple to draw as they are for statically determinate
structures.

Example 1

Draw influence lines for reactions at each support of the structure shown

A
B C

20 ft 40 ft

Example 2

Draw influence lines for VB, VC, VD, MX = 70, and the shearing force at x = 60 ft for the beam in the figure.

A B C D

20 ft 30 ft 40 ft

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CE 413 – Theory of Structures II St. Paul University Surigao, Surigao City
Module V – Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Structure

Qualitative Influence Lines

Muller-Breslau’s principle is based upon Castigliano’s Theorem of least work, which was presented in our previous topic
which states: The total virtual work done by all the active forces is equal to zero.

Muller-Breslau’s principle can be proven by considering the beam shown in the figure.

A B

A B

To determine the magnitude of the reaction VB, we can move the support and reaction at B through a small virtual
displacement γ B , as shown in the figure. The beam’s position is now represented by line AB and the unit load has been
moved through the distance y.

The virtual work equation for the active forces on the beam

(VB )( γ B ) = 1.0( y )
(VB ) = 1.0( y )
(γ B )
Should the magnitude of (γ B ) be unity for the active

(VB ) = 1.0( y ) =y
(γ B )

Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Trusses

f 'x fv L
γ xb ∑ AE
VB = =
γ bb f v2 L
∑ AE

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CE 413 – Theory of Structures II St. Paul University Surigao, Surigao City
Module V – Influence Lines for Statically Indeterminate Structure

Example 3

Draw influence lines for the three vertical reactions and for force in member U1U2 in the truss shown in the figure. The
load moves along the bottom chord. The numbers beside each member are the areas of the members in square inches.

U1 4 U2 4 U3

4
4
3 3 3 3 3

L0 L1 L4 L5
L3
4 4 4 4

A B C

4 at 20 ft = 80 ft

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