MODULE 3

Unit 2
CLASSICAL METHODS OF STRUCTURAL
ANALYSIS FOR TRANSITIONS
(DEFLECTIONS) AND ROTATIONS OF
STATICALLY DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

36 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

Module 3: MOMENT-AREA METHOD

The moment-area method is one of the most effective methods in determining the
slopes and deflections of beam structures. It was initially developed by Otto Mohr and
later stated formally by Charles E. Green in 1873. This is method rely greatly on the
shape of bending moment diagram. The area of the bending moment diagram is utilized
for computing the slope and deflection at particular points along the axis of the beam.
Therefore, it is better suited to cases where the areas and centroids of the regions in the
bending moment diagram are easy to determine as well as for beams with loading
discontinuities and variable EI.
Moment-area method is based on two theorems, known as moment-area theorem of
Mohr’s theorem. These theorems provide a semi-graphical technique in determining the
slope of the elastic curve and its deflection due to bending. The first theorem correlates
the slope change between any two points of the beam, while the second one is related
with the deflection at a point of the beam. Figure 3.1 illustrates a simple beam, deflected
by some random loading, and the corresponding bending moment diagram.

A B

Area AB
M/EI Diagram

XA XB

Elastic Curve

t A/B 0B/A t B/A

37 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

Figure 3.1
Theorem 1. The change in slope between any two points on the elastic curve equal the
area of the M/EI diagram Between these two points.

1
θ B/ A = ( Area AB )❑ Eq .3.1
EI

Equation 3.1 represents the mathematical expression of moment-area theorem 1 where

θBA denotes the angle between the tangents to the elastic curve at A and B.

Theorem 2. The vertical deviation of the tangents at a point (A) on the elastic curve
with respect to the tangent extended from another point (B) equals the moment of the
area under M/EI diagram between the two points (A and B). This moment is computed
about point A (the point on the elastic curve) where the deviation t A/B is to be
determined.

1
t A / B= ( Area AB ) ( x A ) Eq . 3.2
EI

1
t B/A= ( Area AB ) ( x B ) Eq. 3.3
EI

Equation 3.2 and 3.3 represents the mathematical expression of moment-area theorem
2 where tBA denotes the tangential deviation of B from the tangent at A, which is the
deflection of point B in the direction perpendicular to the undeformed axis of the beam
from the tangent at point A. Take note of the order of the subscripts used for t in
equation 3.2 and 3.3. The first subscript is the point where the deviation is determined
and about which the moments are evaluated, while the second subscript denotes the
point where the tangent to the elastic curve is drawn.

Sign Convention

38 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

In applying the moment-area theorem, the following rule should be used for the
interpretation of signs of the change in slope and tangential deviation.
1. Positive θB/A has a counterclockwise direction, whereas negative θ B/A has a
clockwise direction.

Positive change of slope; Negative change of slope;

counterclockwise from left clockwise from left tangent
tangent

2. The tangential deviation tB/A is positive if B lies above the tangent line drawn to
the elastic curve at A, and negative if B lies above the tangent line.

Positive deviation; B located Negative deviation; B located

above reference tangent below reference tangent

39 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

Example 3.1
Determine the slope and deflection at points B and C of the cantilever beam shown in
the figure using moment-area method. E = 29,000 ksi, I = 3,000 in 4

Solution:

40 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

1 1
θ B/ A =
EI [
( 125 ) ( 10 ) + ( 125 ) (10 )
2 ]
1875 k . ft 2
θ B/ A =
EI

1875(12)2
θ B=θ B / A = θ B=0.0031 rad (clockwise )
29000 (3000)

1 1 10
t B/A=
EI [
( 125 )( 10 ) (5)+ ( 125 ) ( 10 ) ( )
2 3 ]
8333.33 k . ft 3
t B/A=
EI

8333.33(12)3
∆ B =t B/ A =
29000(3000)

∆ B =0.1655∈↓

1 1 1
θC / A =
EI [
( 125 )( 10 )+ ( 125 ) ( 10 ) + (250)(10)
2 2 ]
3125 k . ft 2
θC / A =
EI

3125(12)2
θC =θC / A = θC =0.0052rad ( clockwise)
29000( 3000)

1 1 10 1 2
t C/ A=
EI [
( 125 ) ( 10 )( 5+ 10 )+ (125 )( 10 )
2 ( 3 )
+10 + (250)(10)( x 10)
2 3 ]
35416.67 k . ft 3
t C/ A=
EI

35416.67(12)3
∆ C =t C/ A=
29000(3000)
∆ C =0.17034 ∈↓

41 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

Example 3.2
A beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Using moment-area theorems determine the
slope at A and displacement at B. E = 200 GPa, I = 190X10 6 mm4

Solution:

1 1 1
θA/B=
EI 2[( 24 )( 2 ) +24 ( 2 ) + ( 8 )( 2)
2 ]
80 kN .m 2
θA/B=
EI
80
θ A =θ A / B =
1 θ A =0.0021 rad (clockwise)
200 x 10 6 (190 x 106 )( )
1000 4

1 1 2 1 2
t A / B= [
EI 2
( 24 ) ( 2 ) ( x 2)+ 24 ( 2 ) (2+1)+ ( 8 ) (2)(2+ ( 2 ) )
3 2 3 ]
202.67 kN . m3
t A / B=
EI
202.67
∆ B =t A / B =
1
200 x 10 6 (190 x 106 )( )
1000 4

42 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

∆ B =0.00533 m=0.5 .33 mm↓

Self-Assessment Question 3
1. A simply supported beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Determine the slope
and deflection at the point of application of 5k load. Use moment-area method,
E = 29 x 103 ksi and I = 550in4

5k

1.4 k/ ft

A B

4 ft 2 ft 5 ft

2. For the beam loaded as shown in the figure, determine displacement at B using
moment-area theorems. EI is constant

14 kN 14 kN

C
A D
B

3m 3m 3m

43 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

Answer to Self-Assessment Question 3

3. A simply supported beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Determine the slope
and deflection at the point of application of 5k load. Use moment-area method,
E = 29 x 103 ksi and I = 550in4

5k

1.4 k/ ft

A B

4 ft 2 ft 5 ft

28.74 k . ft 2 (
Answer: θ B= clockwise )
EI

216.70 k . ft 2
∆B= ↓
EI

4. For the beam loaded as shown in the figure, determine displacement at B using
moment-area theorems. EI is constant

14 kN 14 kN

C
A D
B

3m 3m 3m

31.5 kN . m 3
Answer: ∆ B = ↓
EI

44 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

ACTIVITY 3
1. Use moment-area method and determine the slope at A and C and displacement at
B. E = 200 GPa, I = 70 x 106 mm4

5 kN/ m

B
A C

4m 4m

2. For the overhanging beam shown, determine the maximum value of EIδ between the
supports using moment-area method. EI is constant

3600 N/ m
1200 N/ m

B
A C

4 m 2 m

3. Using moment-area method, compute the slope and deflection at the free end of the
of the cantilever beam shown. E = 29,000 ksi , I = 760 in 4

4 k/ ft 4 k/ ft

1 2 ft 6 ft 6 ft

45 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory
 MODULE 3

46 | P a g e CE 4 – Structural theory