Influence Lines Applications

Prepared by:

Engr. Kenny B. Cantila

Once an influence line is constructed, we can determine where to place live
load on a structure to maximize response function.

Each ordinate of an influence line gives the value of the response function
due to a single concentrated load of unit magnitude placed on the structure at
the location of that ordinate. Thus,
Procedures for constructing influence lines using Müller-Breslau’s principle
(in combination with equilibrium method to find key ordinates for I.L.)

• Use Müller-Breslau principle to draw the shape of the influence line-

release restraint corresponding to desired response function and apply
displacement (rotation) to the released structure at the location and in the
positive direction of the response function.

• Using equilibrium, determine the numerical values of the I.L. ordinates by

placing a unit load on the given (not released) structure at the location of the
response function.

• By using the geometry of the I.L. (piecewise linear), determine the

numerical value of the other ordinates.

Reference: Chapter09- Influence Lines Applications

 INFLUENCE LINES INVOLVING CONCENTRATED LOADS

Each ordinate of an influence line gives the value of the response function
due to a single concentrated load of unit magnitude placed on the
structure at the location of that ordinate.

1. The value of a response function due to any single concentrated load can
be obtained by multiplying the magnitude of the load by the ordinate
of the response function influence line at the position of the load.

2. Maximum positive value of the response function is obtained by

multiplying the point load by the maximum positive ordinate.
Similarly, the maximum negative value is obtained by multiplying the
point load by the maximum negative ordinate.

Reference: Chapter09- Influence Lines Applications

 INFLUENCE LINES INVOLVING DISTRIBUTED LOADS

The uniform load over a differential segment as a differential point force and
integrate in which the last integral expression represents the area under
the segment of the influence line, which corresponds to the loaded portion
of the beam.

1. The value of a response function due to a uniformly distributed load

applied over a portion of the structure can be obtained by multiplying the
load intensity by the net area under the corresponding portion of the
response function influence

2. To determine the maximum positive (or negative) value of a response

function due to a uniformly distributed live load, the load must be
placed over those portions of the structure where the ordinates of the
response function influence line are positive (or negative).

Reference: Chapter09- Influence Lines Applications

Problem 1: Consider a truck travelling over the 100-ft span of the bridge.
Determine the maximum positive and negative shear that can be developed at
the midspan.
 Maximum Positive Shear (Case 1)

32 k 32 k

y1 y2 0.50
= =
6 36 50 8k
14’ 30’
y1 = 0.06
y2 = 0.36 0.50
𝑦2

50’ 𝑦1

14’ 30’ 6’

-0.50

Vc = 8 0.5 + 32 0.36 + 32 0.06 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟒𝟒 𝐤

 Maximum Positive Shear (Case 2)

32 k 32 k
y1 0.50
=
20 50
y1 = 0.20
8k
y2 −0.50 14’ 30’
=
36 50
y2 = −0.36 0.50

𝑦1
36’ 14’

30’ 20’

𝑦2
-0.50

Vc = 8 −0.36 + 32 0.50 + 32 0.20 = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟓𝟐 𝐤

 Maximum Positive Shear (Case 3)

32 k 32 k
y1 −0.50
=
20 50
8k y1 = −0.20
14’ 30’
y2 −0.50
=
0.50 6 50
y2 = −0.06

6’ 14’ 30’

𝑦2 50’
𝑦1

-0.50

Vc = 8 −0.06 + 32 −0.20 + 32 0.50 = 𝟗. 𝟏𝟐 𝐤

 Maximum Negative Shear (Case 1)

32 k 32 k
y1 y2 0.50
= =
6 36 50
8k
y1 = 0.06 14’ 30’
y2 = 0.36
0.50
𝑦2

50’ 𝑦1

14’ 30’ 6’

-0.50

Vc = 8 −0.5 + 32 0.36 + 32 0.06 = 𝟗. 𝟒𝟒 𝐤

 Maximum Negative Shear (Case 2)

y1 0.50 32 k 32 k
=
20 50
y1 = 0.20
8k
y2 −0.50 14’ 30’
=
36 50
y2 = −0.36 0.50

𝑦1
36’ 14’

30’ 20’

𝑦2
-0.50

Vc = 8 −0.36 + 32 −0.50 + 32 0.20 = −12.48 k

 Maximum Negative Shear (Case 3)

32 k 32 k
y1 y2 −0.50
= =
6 20 50
8k
14’ 30’ y1 = −0.06
y2 = −0.20
0.50

6’ 14’ 30’

𝑦1
𝑦2

-0.50

Vc = 8 −0.06 + 32 −0.20 + 32 −0.50 = −22.88 k

Problem 2: The car has a weight of 4200 lb and a center of gravity G.
Determine the maximum live load moment created in the side girder at C as it
crosses the bridge. Assume the car can travel in either direction along the
center of the deck, so that half its load is transferred to each of the two side
girders.

P1 2,100 lb P2 2,100 3 = P1 (0) + P2 (7) 𝐏𝟐 = 𝟗𝟎𝟎 𝐥𝐛

3′ 4′ P1 = 2,100 − 900 𝐏𝟏 = 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐥𝐛

Mc
900 lb 1,200 lb

9.5 11.25
𝑥
38′ 45′ 60′

Mc = 1,200 11.25 + 900 9.5 = 22,050 lb ∙ ft

Problem 3: Determine the maximum reaction at support B, the maximum
shear at point C and the maximum positive moment that can be developed at
point C on the beam shown due to

• a single concentrated live load of 8000 N

• a uniform live load of 3000 N/m
• a beam weight (dead load) of 1000 N/m

A C B

4m 4m 4m
 Maximum Reaction at Support B

R Bmax = 1,000 9 + 3,000 9 + 8,000 1.5 = 48,000 N = 48 kN

 Maximum Shear at Point C

VCmax = 1,000 −2 + 1 + 3,000 −2 + 8,000 −0.5 = −11,000 N

 Maximum Moment at Point C

MCmax = 1,000 8 − 4 + 3,000 8 + 8,000 2 = 44,000 N ∙ m

 REFERENCES

http://civilengineer.webinfolist.com/str/ild-application.htm

http://civilengineer.webinfolist.com/mech/bmcalc.htm