Plastic Analysis

Beam Plastic Analysis: Notes 8.
Beam Plastic Analysis

Notes
We will consider the plastic method of analysis as applicable to beams subjected to point
loads and uniformly distributed loads. The beam may be of uniform section or of different
section properties along its span.
When the cross-section of a member has become fully plastic due to a bending moment, an
increase in the moment causes the member to act as if hinged at this point. That is, at this
section where yielding occurs, large rotations are possible without a significant increase in the
applied bending moment. This phenomenon is equivalent to having a "plastic hinge" at the
section.
The method of plastic analysis involves calculating the loads required to produce sufficient
plastic hinges in a structure to turn it into a mechanism, and hence collapse.
Plastic analysis is based on the following assumptions:

1. there is no instability of members;
2. axial force effects and shear force effects are negligible; hence the full plastic moment
(Mp) is attained due to bending only;
3. small deformations occur; although deformed shapes are exaggerated for clarity.
Position of Plastic Hinge

Plastic hinges occur at points of maximum elastic moments within a member. So, in a beam
of constant section, plastic hinges will develop at:
1. the ends of a member;
2. position of point loads;
3. position of maximum moment in a member having a distributed load.
M DATOO
Beam Plastic Analysis: Notes 8.2
Principle of Virtual Work

We will make extensive use of principle of virtual work in plastic analysis. The principle of
virtual work involves setting up an arbitrary system of loads (forces, moments) which satisfy
equilibrium requirements, and an arbitrary system of displacements (deflections, curvatures,
rotations) which satisfy compatibility requirements.
PoVW: external work done by the loads is equal to internal work absorbed by the plastic
hinges:
P M p
Suppose that a beam is on the point of collapse by the formation of plastic hinges. Now, a
small deformation of the collapse mechanism can occur at constant values of applied loads.
During such a small deformation, the load P will work by moving through a distance , say,
where is the component of displacement along the line of action of P.
The magnitude of the work done is P . For all loads on the beam, the total external work
done is P .
Note that P is the product of load P and the component of displacement along the line of
action of P. (Or, P is the product of displacement and the component of P acting in the
direction of displacement.)
P is positive if the displacement is the same direction as P.

P is negative if the displacement is in the opposite direction to P.
P is zero if the line of action of P is perpendicular to the displacement.
Now, the work done by the external loads will be absorbed in the rotating plastic hinges,
which rotate through an angle , say, at a constant moment Mp. For all such hinges on the
frame, the total work absorbed is M . At each plastic hinge, the work absorbed must be
p
positive regardless of the sense of the hinge rotation.
M DATOO
Theorems Associated with Plastic Analysis

Equilibrium: the system of bending moments must be in equilibrium with the applied loads.
Yield: the bending moment at any point on the structure must not exceed the full
plastic moment Mp.
Mechanism: the bending moment must be equal to the full plastic moment Mp at a
sufficient number of points such that the structure, or part of it, becomes a
mechanism.
Uniqueness: if the three conditions of equilibrium, yield and mechanism are satisfied
simultaneously, then the value of the collapse load is unique.
The following two corollaries arise from the above theorems:
Lower bound/safe theory (static theory)

Here, the collapse load is calculated from equilibrium considerations by assuming a bending
moment distribution such that the moment at any section does not exceed Mp.
If a collapse load is found such that equilibrium and yield are satisfied, then a safe solution
has been obtained: W Wc. This means that Mp has not been exceeded anywhere, but it is
also possible that the structure has not yet collapsed, since there may not be sufficient plastic
hinges to produce a structure collapse.
Upper bound/unsafe theory (kinematic theory)

Here, the collapse load is calculated by assuming a collapse mechanism and then equating the
external work done to the energy absorbed in the plastic hinges.
If a collapse load is found so that a mechanism is formed, then possibly an unsafe solution
has been obtained: W Wc. It may be that for the chosen mechanism, the yield criterion is
violated (i.e. the moment at some other section exceeds Mp). If so, then an incorrect
mechanism has been chosen, and a different mechanism would have formed at a lower
collapse load.
M DATOO
So we see that it is possible to either work from a lower bound or an upper bound solution to
a unique solution. The lower bound solution method (static theory) is very cumbersome,
whereas the upper bound solution method (kinematic theory) is more suitable.
Joint of Different Sections

If a joint is made of members having different sections sizes, and hence different Mp values,
then the critical Mp value is of the smallest section size (weaker)member, having the lower
value of Mp.
Distributed Loads
When a simply supported beam is subjected to a uniformly distributed load, the bending
moment distribution is parabolic and the maximum value occurs at the mid-span position.
When a span within a continuous beam is subjected to a uniformly distributed load, the
bending moment distribution is parabolic, but the maximum bending moment may not
necessarily occur exactly at the mid-span position.
If the collapse mechanism involves a plastic hinge at the maximum bending moment position,
then the location of this hinge will have to be determined.
In practise, the difference between the exact location of the plastic hinge at the maximum
bending moment position, and the corresponding assumed central location is insignificant in
the design of beam plastic analysis. Hence, unless stated otherwise, the location of the plastic
hinge at the maximum bending moment position, for spans subjected to a uniformly
distributed load, will be taken to be at mid-span.
Note that in the principle of virtual work equation, the work done by a uniformly distributed
load is the product of the effective load over the uniformly distributed load length under
consideration and the average distance, over that length, through which the load moves.
M DATOO
Plastic Hinge and Support Hinge

At a fixed support, the moment is restrained by the resistance of any span rotation in the
elastic range. The onset of the plastic range will induce rotations until plastic failure. Thus, it
a plastic hinge develops at a fixed support.
At a simple support, there is no moment restrained as the span is allowed to rotate in the
elastic range. Since the support cannot take any moments, it is not possible to develop a
plastic hinge. Such hinges are support hinges.
Approximation
In the calculations, an initial joint rotation is assumed in a chosen mechanism. The
subsequent rotations and displacements must be compatible with the geometry.

L tan L
A rotation of , with an adjacent length of L in a right-angled triangle above will have the
height of L tan . Now for small , measured in radians, tan , so the height L tan
is approximated to L .
Kinematic Theory Calculations Procedures

1 assume a collapse mechanism of a span within the whole beam.
2 identify the locations of the possible plastic hinges
3 assume a rotation at one plastic hinge
4 follow through the rotations and displacements at other hinges, conforming
compatibility to the beam geometry
5a for collapse of the whole beam, given the full plastic moment of the section, identify
the lowest load that will cause failure of the beam
5b for collapse of the whole beam, given the applied loads, identify the highest full
plastic moment value that will cause failure of the beam
M DATOO
Example 1
Determine the load W that will cause the plastic collapse of the uniform section beam shown
below. The section has a full plastic moment Mp = 80 kNm.
2m 4m
Working in consistent units of kN and m.
A plastic hinge can develop at the fixed supports A and C, and under the point load, B.
Assume rotation at joint A, and a mechanism where the plastic hinges occur at positions
A, B and C.
The vertical displacement under the point load is
XB AX tan 2 tan 2
The rotation at joint C is found from the geometry, compatible with the assumed rotation at
joint A:
XB 2
c
XC 4 2
The rotation at B is the sum of the rotations from the contributions of AB and BC
rotations:

.
2
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2 4
X
A C
/2
2
/2
/2
B
From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

W 2
80 80 80

A 2
2

B C
2W 240
W 120
From kinematic theorem: Wc 120
As this is the only mechanism possible, the then the critical load value is also Wc 120 kN.
M DATOO
Example 2
W 3W
1m 2m 1m
A plastic hinge can develop at the fixed supports and under the point loads.
Mechanism 1
Assume rotation at joint 1, and a mechanism where the plastic hinges occur at positions
1, 2 and 4.
1 2 1
W 3W
/3
1 4
/3

/3
W 3W
60 60 60

3 1 3
3

2 4
2W 160
W 80
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Mechanism 2
1, 3 and 4.
1 2 1
W 3W

1 4
3
3
3
3
From Principle of Virtual Work P M :

p
60 60 3 60 3
W 3W 3
1 3 4
10W 480
W 48
Thus, the critical collapse load, is the lowest value from all the possible mechanisms, that is
Wc 48 kN
M DATOO
Example 3
A uniform section beam is subjected to a loading condition as shown below. Determine the
critical value of the full plastic moment of the section.
60 kN
10 kN/m
A C
B
2m 1m 4m

A plastic hinge can develop at the fixed support A, under the point load in span AB, at the
continuous support B, and at the centre span under the uniformly distributed load in span BC.
Note that the support at C is a hinge support, and will thus induce no plastic hinge.
Mechanism 1 (Span AB)

1, 2 and 3.
2 1
60
1 3
2
2
60 2 M p M p 2 M p 2

1 2 3
120 6M p
M p 20
From kinematic theorem: M p 20
M DATOO
Mechanism 2 (Span BC)

Assume rotation at joint 1, and a mechanism where the plastic hinges occur at positions 3
and 4 (it is assumed that in span BC, the maximum moment occurs at mid-span, and hence
the plastic hinge will occur at that point).
The external work done by the uniformly distributed loads can be considered in two ways.
The equivalent point load for each half of the span can be considered, and the corresponding
displacement under that position; this is done for the two halves of the span:
2 2
20 20
Thus, the external work done is

20 20 40
Alternatively, the whole span under the uniformly distributed load is considered, and the
average mid-span displacement is taken:
2 2
40
3

2
Thus, the external work done is

2
40 40
2
The average displacement method is normally used.

M DATOO
2
40 M p M p

2
3 4
40 3M p
M p 13.3
From kinematic theorem: M p 13.3
Thus, the critical plastic moment, is the highest value from all the possible mechanisms, that
is
M p 20 kNm
M DATOO
Example 4
W 3W W
2W kN/m
A B C D
1m 2m 1m 2m 1m
A plastic hinge can develop at the fixed support A, under the point loads in span AB, at the
continuous support B, at the assumed centre position under the uniformly distributed load in
span BC, and support C only when the span CD is considered.

1, 2 and 4.
1 2 1
W 3W
/3
1 4
/3

/3
W 3W
60 60 60

3 1 3
3

2 4
2W 160
W 80
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1, 3 and 4.
1 2 1
W 3W

1 4
3
3
3
3
60 60 3 60 3
W 3W 3
1 3 4
10W 480
W 48

Assume rotation at joint 4, and a mechanism where the plastic hinges occur at positions 4
and 5 (it is assumed that in span BC, the maximum moment occurs at mid-span, and hence
the plastic hinge will occur at that point). Note that, for compatibility, it will not be possible
for a plastic hinge to develop at support C in this assumed mechanism; thus the span CD has
to displace upwards about support C.
2 1
W
4W

4 7

M DATOO

4W W
60 60 [ ]

2 4 5
(note the negative external energy at position 7)
W 180
W 180
Mechanism 4 (Span CD)

Assume rotation at joint 6, and a mechanism where the plastic hinge occurs at position 6.
W
60

5
W 60
W 60
Thus, the critical collapse load, is the least value from all the possible mechanisms, that is
Wc 48 kN
M DATOO
Beam Plastic Analysis: Worked Example 8.16
Beam Plastic Analysis

Worked Examples
Question 1
Determine the load intensity w that will cause the plastic collapse of the uniform section
beam shown below. The section has a full plastic moment Mp.
Solution 1
A plastic hinge can develop at the fixed supports and at mid-span where the maximum
moment, due to the uniformly distributed load, occurs.
Assume rotation at joint 1, and a mechanism where the plastic hinges occur at positions 1,
2 and 3.
L/2 L/2
wL
1 3

L / 2
1 L
wL M p M p M p

2 2
1 2 3
wL2
4M p
4
16M p
W
L2
16M p
From kinematic theorem: Wc
L2
M DATOO
Question 2
below. The section has a full plastic moment Mp.
W 2W W
A C
B
2m 2m 2m 3m
Solution 2
A plastic hinge can develop under the point loads in span AB. Supports at A and B are
support hinges and cannot develop a plastic hinge. Support B will develop a plastic hinge
only when considering the mechanism in span BC.

2 2 2 3
W
W 2W
/2
3 / 2
1
5
2
/2
2
M DATOO
W 2 2W W 3 M p
2

2

2

5 3
W M p
2 2
0.600M p
3
W Mp
5
3
From kinematic theorem: Wc M p
5

2 2 2 3
W 2W
6
2
2
1
2
2 4
5
W 2 2W 4 W 6 M p 2

3

4W 3M p
0.750M p
3
W Mp
4
3
4
M DATOO

W
2
4
3
W 3 M p

4
3W M p
0.333M p
1
W Mp
3
1
3
1
Thus, the critical load is the lowest value from all the possible mechanisms, Wc M p
3
M DATOO
Question 3
Determine the load factor that will cause the plastic collapse of the uniform section beam
shown below. The section has a full plastic moment Mp.
5 kN
2 kN/m
A C
B
2m 1m 3m
Solution 3
A plastic hinge can develop at the fixed support A, at the assumed centre position under the
uniformly distributed load in span AB, at the continuous support B, and under the point load
in span BC.

2 and 3.
1 1
1 3

4 M p M p M p
1
2
1 2 3
2 4M p
2M p
From kinematic theorem: c 2M p
M DATOO

Assume rotation at joint 3, and a mechanism where the plastic hinge occurs at position 3
and 4.
1 3
3
/3

/3
5 M p M p

3
3
4
7
5 M p
3
7
Mp
15
7
From kinematic theorem: c Mp
15
Thus, the critical load factor is the lowest value from all the possible mechanisms,
7
c Mp
15
M DATOO
Question 4
A uniform section beam is subjected to a loading condition as shown below. Determine the
critical value of the full plastic moment of the section.
12 kN 12 kN 12 kN
6 kN/m
1 kN/m
A D
B C
4m 4m 6m 2m 2m 2m
Solution 4
uniformly distributed load in span AB, under the point load in span AB, at the continuous
support B, at the assumed centre position under the uniformly distributed load in span BC, at
the continuous support C, and under the point loads in span CD.

2 and 3.
4 4
12
1 3

4
M DATOO
12 4 8 1 4 M p M p M p
2

1 2 3
64 4M p
M p 16

Assume rotation at joint 3, and a mechanism where the plastic hinge occurs at positions 3,
4 and 5.
3 3
36
3 5

3
36 3 M p M p M p
1
2
3 4 5
54 4M p
M p 13.5
M DATOO

2 2 2
12 12
5
/2
2
/2
6
12 2 12 M p M p

2
5
6
5
36 M p
2
M p 14.4
M DATOO

2 2 2
12 12
5
2 2
4
12 2 12 4 M p M p 2

5 7
72 4M p
M p 18
Thus, the critical plastic moment, is the highest value from all the possible mechanisms, that
is
M p 18 kNm.
M DATOO
Question 5
Determine the load factor that will cause the plastic collapse of the non-uniform section
beam shown below.
50 kN 25 kN 25 kN
15 kN/m
A D
B C
Mp=200 kNm Mp=150 kNm Mp=100 kNm
6m 4m 4m 2m 2m 2m
Solution 5
uniformly distributed load in span AB, at the continuous support B, under the point load in
span BC, at the continuous support C, and under the point loads in span CD.
Note that at a joint with two different section sizes, the weaker section (smaller plastic
moment value) is used as this will go into the plastic region first (compared to the bigger
section at the joint).
M DATOO

2 and 3.
3 3
90
200 150
1 3

3

2 200

200 200 150
15 6 3
1
2 1

2

3

135 750
5.56
From kinematic theorem: c 5.56

Assume rotation at joint 3, and a mechanism where the plastic hinge occurs at position 3,
4 and 5.
4 4
50
150 100
3 5

4

4 150
150 150 100

50 4

3 4 5
200 550
2.75
M DATOO

Assume rotation at joint 5, and a mechanism where the plastic hinge occurs at positions 5
and 6.
2 2 2
25 25
100
5
/2
2
/2
6 100

25 2 25
100 100

5

2

6
75 250
3.33
M DATOO

Assume rotation at joint 5, and a mechanism where the plastic hinge occurs at positions 5
and 7.
2 2 2
25 25
100
5
2 2
4
2
7 100
100 100 2
25 2 25 4

5 7
150 400
2.67
Thus, the critical load factor is the lowest value from all the possible mechanisms, that is
c 2.67
M DATOO
Complex Stress System: Notes 9.1
Complex Stress System

Notes
We have so far determined the stress distribution on a section produced separately by axial
force, bending moment, shear force and torsion. In practice, some or all of these stresses
occur simultaneously to form a complex stress system at a point. We thus have to determine
the maximum normal (direct) and shear stresses, which usually occur on different planes to
those of the applied stress.
A complex stress system at a point is represented by a thin element at that point. Since it is a
thin element, any stress variation across its thickness is ignored. Also, as the sides of the
element are very small, it is assumed the same values of direct and shear stresses act on each
side of the element. For a two dimensional stress system, a rectangular element in the x-y
axes system is considered. Note the arrowhead notation for the shear stresses.
fy
y
x
fx fx
fxy
fy
For convenience then, the two dimensional element, of thickness t, is usually drawn as a
flat element:
fy
y
x
fx fx
fxy
fy
M DATOO

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Beam Plastic Analysis: Notes 8.

Beam Plastic Analysis

Plastic analysis is based on the following assumptions:

Position of Plastic Hinge

Principle of Virtual Work

P is positive if the displacement is the same direction as P.

positive regardless of the sense of the hinge rotation.

Theorems Associated with Plastic Analysis

The following two corollaries arise from the above theorems:

Lower bound/safe theory (static theory)

Upper bound/unsafe theory (kinematic theory)

Joint of Different Sections

Plastic Hinge and Support Hinge

Kinematic Theory Calculations Procedures

Working in consistent units of kN and m.

The vertical displacement under the point load is

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

From kinematic theorem: Wc 120

Working in consistent units of kN and m.

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

From Principle of Virtual Work P M :

From kinematic theorem: Wc 48

Working in consistent units of kN and m.

Mechanism 1 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

From kinematic theorem: M p 20

Mechanism 2 (Span BC)

Thus, the external work done is

Thus, the external work done is

The average displacement method is normally used.

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

From kinematic theorem: M p 13.3

Working in consistent units of kN and m.

Mechanism 1 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Mechanism 2 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Mechanism 3 (Span BC)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

(note the negative external energy at position 7)

Mechanism 4 (Span CD)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Beam Plastic Analysis

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Mechanism 1 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

(note the negative external energy at position 5)

Mechanism 2 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

(note the negative external energy at position 5)

Mechanism 3 (Span BC)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Mechanism 1 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Mechanism 2 (Span BC)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

Mechanism 1 (Span AB)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

From kinematic theorem: M p 16

Mechanism 2 (Span BC)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p

From kinematic theorem: M p 13.5

Mechanism 3 (Span CD)

From Principle of Virtual Work P M : p