Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

Three-Moment Equation

The three-moment equation gives us the relation between the moments between any three points in a beam and
their relative vertical distances or deviations. This method is widely used in finding the reactions in a continuous
beam.

The general three-moment equation with 𝐸 and 𝐼 that varies from span to span is given by

𝑀1 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀3 𝐿2 6𝐴1 𝑎̅1 6𝐴2̅̅̅𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ3

+ 2𝑀2 ( + )+ + + = 6( + ) → Equation 5.1
𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

where:
ℎ1 and ℎ3 are the vertical deviations at points 1 and 3, respectively, relative to point 2 (positive means
above point 2)

In the occasion where 𝐸 and 𝐼 are constants, the equation above may be reduced to

𝑎1 6𝐴2̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ3
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 ( + ) → Equation 5.2
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

For the application of three-moment equation to continuous beam, points 1, 2, and 3 are usually unsettling
supports, thus ℎ1 and ℎ3 are zero. With 𝐸 and 𝐼 as constants, the equation will then reduce to

𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + =0 → Equation 5.3
𝐿1 𝐿2

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

TABLE 5.1 – Factors for the Three-Moment Equation for Various Loadings
6𝐴𝑎̅ 6𝐴𝑏̅
Case No. Type of Load
𝐿 𝐿
𝑃
𝐿 𝐿
2 2
3𝑃𝐿2 3𝑃𝐿2
1
8 8
𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2
𝑃
𝑎 𝑏
𝑃𝑎 2 𝑃𝑏 2
2 (𝐿 − 𝑎2 ) (𝐿 − 𝑏 2 )
𝐿 𝐿
𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2
𝑤

𝑤𝐿3 𝑤𝐿3
3
4 4
𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2
𝑤

7𝑤𝐿3 8𝑤𝐿3
4
60 60
𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2
𝑤

8𝑤𝐿3 7𝑤𝐿3
5
60 60
𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2

𝐿
𝑤
2
5𝑤𝐿3 5𝑤𝐿3
6
32 32

𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2
𝑎 𝑏

𝑀 𝑀 𝑀
7 − (3𝑎2 − 𝐿2 ) + (3𝑏 2 − 𝐿2 )
𝐿 𝐿
𝑅1 𝐿 𝑅2

The formulas in Table 5.1 can be derived by treating a loaded single span as a simple beam. Factors 𝐴𝑎̅ and 𝐴𝑏̅ are
the moments of areas with centroids referred from the left and at the right, respectively, of the moment diagram
of the equivalent simple beam.

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

Solve for the reactions of the continuous beam shown in Figure 5.1a to draw the shear and
[Problem No. 1]
moment diagrams.

80 kN 75 N/m
50 kN/m

𝐴 𝐷
𝐵 𝐶
2m 5m 5m
𝐸𝐼 = constant

Figure 5.1a

Solution:
From the general three-moment equation without support settlements (Equation 5.3),
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2

𝑎2 6𝐴3̅̅̅
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅ 𝑏3
𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + 2𝑀𝐶 (𝐿2 + 𝐿3 ) + 𝑀𝐷 𝐿3 + + =0
𝐿2 𝐿3
𝑎3 6𝐴0 ̅̅̅
6𝐴3 ̅̅̅ 𝑏0
𝑀𝐶 𝐿3 + 2𝑀𝐷 (𝐿3 + 𝐿0 ) + 𝑀𝐷′ 𝐿0 + + =0
𝐿3 𝐿0

Solving the three-moment factors, we obtain

𝑎2 𝑤𝐿3 50(5)3
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
= =
𝐿2 4 4
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑎2
= 1562.5 kN ∙ m2
𝐿2

6𝐴3 ̅̅̅
𝑏3 7𝑤𝐿3 7(75)(5)3
= =
𝐿3 60 60
6𝐴3 ̅̅̅
𝑏3
= 1093.75 kN ∙ m2
𝐿3

𝑎3 8𝑤𝐿3 7(75)(5)3
6𝐴3 ̅̅̅
= =
𝐿3 60 60
6𝐴3 ̅̅̅
𝑎3
= 1250 kN ∙ m2
𝐿3

6𝐴0 ̅̅̅
𝑏0
=0
𝐿0

𝑀𝐵 = −80(2)
𝑀𝐵 = −160 kN ∙ m

−160(5) + 2𝑀𝐶 (5 + 5) + 𝑀𝐷 (5) + 1562.5 + 1093.75 = 0

20𝑀𝐶 + 5𝑀𝐷 = −1856.25

𝑀𝐶 (5) + 2𝑀𝐷 (5 + 0) + 0 + 1250 + 0 = 0

5𝑀𝐶 + 10𝑀𝐷 = −1250

𝑀𝐶 = −70.36 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐷 = −89.82 kN ∙ m

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

𝑨𝒚 = 𝟓𝟗𝟒. 𝟖𝟐 𝐍 ↑
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝟗. 𝟎𝟕 𝐍 ↑
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟐𝟗𝟔. 𝟏𝟐 𝐍 ↑

[Problem No. 2] Determine the moment over the middle support and the vertical support reactions of the
continuous beam shown in Figure 5.1a.

1400 N/m
600 N/m

𝐴 𝐶
𝐵
3m 3m 1m
𝐸𝐼 = constant

Figure 5.1a

Solution:
From the general three-moment equation without support settlements (Equation 5.3),
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2

6𝐴1 𝑎̅1 𝑤𝐿3 600(3)3

= =
𝐿1 4 4
6𝐴1 𝑎̅1
= 4050 N ∙ m2
𝐿1

6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2 6 1 8 1 12
= [ (2100)(4) ( ) − (2100)(3) (1 + )]
𝐿2 4 2 3 4 5
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2
= 8767.5 N ∙ m2
𝐿2

0 + 2𝑀𝐵 (3 + 4) + 0 + 4050 + 8767.5 = 0

14𝑀𝐵 + 12817.5 = 0
𝑀𝐵 = −915.54 N ∙ m

𝑨𝒚 = 𝟓𝟗𝟒. 𝟖𝟐 𝐍 ↑
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝟗. 𝟎𝟕 𝐍 ↑
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟐𝟗𝟔. 𝟏𝟐 𝐍 ↑

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

[Problem No. 3] Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam shown
in Figure 5.2a by using the three-moment equation.

150 kN 100 kN 50 kN/m

𝐴 𝐶
𝐵
2m 2m 2m 5m
2𝐼 𝐼

𝐸 = constant

Figure 5.2a

Solution:
150 kN 100 kN 50 kN/m

𝐴𝑥 = 0 𝐴 𝐶
𝐵
2m 2m 2m 5m

𝐴𝑦 = 101.80 kN 𝐵𝑦 = 311.06 kN 𝐶𝑦 = 87.14 kN

Figure 5.2b
(Indeterminate Beam with Support Reactions)

162.86

101.80

Shear 𝐴 𝐶
(𝑘𝑁) 𝐵

−48.20

−87.14
−148.20
203.6 3.26 m 1.74 m

107.2
76.25

Moment 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
(𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚)

2nd degree curve

−189.2
Figure 5.2c
(Shear and Moment Diagram)
150 kN 100 kN
148.2 162.86 50 kN/m
189.32
189.32
𝐴 𝐵 𝐵 𝐵 𝐶

189.32 189.32
2m 2m 2m 5m

𝐴𝑦 = 101.80 𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 = 148.2 𝐵𝑦 = 311.06 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 162.86 𝐶𝑦 = 87.14

Figure 5.2d
(Span End Moments and Shears)

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

From the general three-moment equation with varying 𝐸 and 𝐼 (Equation 5.1),
𝑀1 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑎1 6𝐴2̅̅̅
𝑀3 𝐿2 6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ3
+ 2𝑀2 ( + )+ + + = 6( + )
𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

Since there are no displacements at points 1 and 3 relative to point 2, therefore ℎ1 = ℎ3 = 0 and the equation is
simplified to
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 6𝐴1 ̅̅̅𝑎1 6𝐴2̅̅̅ 𝑏2
+ 2𝑀𝐵 ( + )+ + + =0
𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐿2

Solving for the three-moment equation factors,

6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
𝑎1 𝑃𝑎 2
=∑ (𝐿 − 𝑎2 )
𝐿1 𝐿
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
𝑎1 150(2) 2 100(4) 2
= (6 − 22 ) + (6 − 42 )
𝐿1 6 6
6𝐴1 𝑎̅1
= 2933.33 kN ∙ m2
𝐿1

6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2 𝑤𝐿3
=
𝐿2 4
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2 50(53 )
=
𝐿2 4
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2
= 1562.5 kN ∙ m2
𝐿2

Let the flexural rigidities of each span be

𝐸1 𝐼1 = 2𝐸𝐼 and 𝐸2 𝐼2 = 𝐸𝐼

The moments at exterior supports are zero 𝑀𝐴 = 𝑀𝐶 = 0

Substituting the calculated parameters to the simplified three-moment equation,

6 5 2933.33 1562.5
0 + 2𝑀𝐵 ( + )+0+ + =0
2𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
16𝑀𝐵 + 3029.17 = 0
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟏𝟖𝟗. 𝟑𝟐 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦

𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟎𝟏. 𝟖𝟎 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟑𝟏𝟏. 𝟎𝟔 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟖𝟕. 𝟏𝟒 𝐤𝐍 ↑

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

[Problem No. 4] Determine the moment over the middle support and the vertical support reactions of the
continuous beam shown in Figure 5.3a.
1400 N/m 900 N 800 N/m

𝐴 𝐶
𝐵
4m 1m 1m 2m

𝐸𝐼 = constant

Figure 5.3a

Solution:
From the three-moment equation without support settlements (Equation 5.3),
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2

𝑎1 8𝑤𝐿3 8(1400)(4)3
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
= =
𝐿1 60 60
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
𝑎1
= 11 946.67 N ∙ m2
𝐿1

6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2 𝑃𝑏 2 𝑤𝑎2
= (𝐿 − 𝑏 2 ) + (2𝐿2 − 𝑑 2 )
𝐿2 𝐿 4𝐿
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2 900(3) 2 800(2)
= (4 − 32 ) + [2(4)2 − 22 ]
𝐿2 4 4(4)
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2
= 10 325 N ∙ m2
𝐿2

0 + 2𝑀𝐵 (4 + 4) + 0 + 11 946.67 + 10325 = 0

𝑴𝑩 = −𝟏𝟑𝟗𝟏. 𝟗𝟖 𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 → answer

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

[Problem No. 5] Find the moments over the supports for the propped beam in Figure 5.4a. The right end is
assumed to be perfectly fixed.
20 lb/ft

𝐶
𝐴 𝐵
10 ft 4 ft

𝐸𝐼 = constant
Figure 5.4a

Solution:
From the three-moment equation without support settlements (Equation 5.3),
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2

Translating the three-moment equation to the equation for the given beam
𝑎0 6𝐴1 𝑏̅1
6𝐴0̅̅̅
𝑀𝐴′ 𝐿0 + 2𝑀𝐴 (𝐿0 + 𝐿1 ) + 𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 + + =0
𝐿0 𝐿1

Solving for the three-moment equation factors,

6𝐴1 𝑏̅1 𝑤𝐿3 20(10)3
= =
𝐿1 4 4
6𝐴1 𝑏̅1
= 5000 lb ∙ ft 2
𝐿1

Calculating for the moment at 𝐵 by considering the free-body diagram to the right of 𝐵, we have
𝑀𝐵 = −20(4)(2)
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝐥𝐛 ∙ 𝐟𝐭

0 + 2𝑀𝐴 (0 + 10) − 160(10) + 0 + 5000 = 0

𝑴𝑨 = −𝟏𝟕𝟎 𝐥𝐛 ∙ 𝐟𝐭

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

[Problem No. 6] Compute for the moment over the supports of the continuous beam shown in Figure 5.5a if the
support 𝐴 yields with a settlement of 10 mm.
100 kN 80 kN
25 kN/m

1m 2m 1m
𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
4m 3m

𝐸𝐼 = constant
Figure 5.5a

Solution:
From the three-moment equation without support settlements (Equation 5.3),
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ3
𝑀1 𝐿1 + 2𝑀2 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀3 𝐿2 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 ( + )
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

Writing the three-moment equations, we have

𝑎0 6𝐴1 𝑏̅1
6𝐴0̅̅̅ ℎ𝐴′ ℎ𝐵
𝑀𝐴′ 𝐿0 + 2𝑀𝐴 (𝐿0 + 𝐿1 ) + 𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 ( + )
𝐿0 𝐿1 𝐿0 𝐿1
𝑎1 6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅ 𝑏2 ℎ𝐴 ℎ𝐶
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 ( + )
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2
𝑎2 6𝐴3̅̅̅
6𝐴2̅̅̅ 𝑏3 ℎ𝐵 ℎ𝐶 ′
𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + 2𝑀𝐶 (𝐿2 + 𝐿3 ) + 𝑀𝐶 ′ 𝐿3 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 ( + )
𝐿2 𝐿3 𝐿2 𝐿3

Solving for the three-moment factors,

6𝐴0 ̅̅̅
𝑎0
=0
𝐿0
6𝐴1 𝑏̅1 𝑃𝑏 2
=∑ (𝐿 − 𝑏 2 )
𝐿1 𝐿
6𝐴1 𝑏̅1 100(3) 2 80(1) 2
= (4 − 32 ) + (4 − 12 )
𝐿1 4 4
6𝐴1 𝑏̅1
= 825 kN ∙ m2
𝐿1

6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
𝑎1 𝑃𝑎 2
=∑ (𝐿 − 𝑎2 )
𝐿1 𝐿
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
𝑎1 100(1) 2 80(3) 2
= (4 − 12 ) + (4 − 32 )
𝐿1 4 4
6𝐴1 ̅̅̅
𝑎1
= 795 kN ∙ m2
𝐿1

6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2 𝑤𝐿3 25(3)3
= =
𝐿2 4 4
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑏2
= 168.75 kN ∙ m3
𝐿2

𝑎2 𝑤𝐿3 25(3)2
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
= =
𝐿2 4 4
6𝐴2 ̅̅̅
𝑎2
= 168.75 kN ∙ m2
𝐿2

6𝐴3 ̅̅̅
𝑏3
=0
𝐿3

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Three-Moment Equation

𝐸𝐼 = 200(826 × 106 )(1000)−2

𝐸𝐼 = 165200 kN ∙ m2

0.010
0 + 2𝑀𝐴 (0 + 4) + 𝑀𝐵 (4) + 0 + 825 = 6(165200) (0 + )
4
8𝑀𝐴 + 4𝑀𝐵 = 1653 →①

−0.010
𝑀𝐴 (4) + 2𝑀𝐵 (4 + 3) + 𝑀𝐶 (3) + 795 + 168.75 = 6(165200) ( + 0)
4
4𝑀𝐴 + 14𝑀𝐵 + 3𝑀𝐶 = −3441.75 →②

𝑀𝐵 (3) + 2𝑀𝐶 (3 + 0) + 0 + 168.75 + 0 = 6(165200)(0 + 0)

3𝑀𝐵 + 6𝑀𝐶 = −168.75 →③

𝑴𝑨 = 𝟒𝟎𝟓. 𝟖𝟔 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟑𝟗𝟖. 𝟒𝟔 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦
𝑴𝑪 = 𝟏𝟕𝟏. 𝟏𝟏 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦

[Problem No. 7] For the continuous beam shown in Figure 5.6a, compute for moment over the supports, vertical
reactions, and the deflection at the overhang.
60 kN 40 kN/m 90 kN

2m 2m
𝐴 𝐷
𝐵 𝐶
2m 6m 4m

𝐸𝐼 = constant
𝐸 = 200 GPa
𝐼 = 125 × 106 mm4
Figure 5.6a

Solution:

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

Slope-Deflection Equation
Indeterminate Beams
Slope-Deflection Equations,
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓) + FEM𝐴𝐵 → Equation 6.1
𝐿
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐴 − 3𝜓) + FEM𝐵𝐴
𝐿 → Equation 6.2
𝑃 𝑃
𝑤 𝑤

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵
𝑀𝐴𝐵 𝐸𝐼 = constant 𝑀𝐵𝐶 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐵 𝐸𝐼 = constant 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐶
𝐿 𝐿

Figure 7.0a Figure 7.0b

(Arbitrary Member) (Fixed-End Moments)

Tangent at 𝐴 𝑡𝐵/𝐴

𝜃𝐵

𝛿
𝜓
𝜃𝐴 Elastic Curve
𝑡𝐴/𝐵

Tangent at 𝐵

Members with One End Hinged

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓) + FEM𝐴𝐵
𝐿
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 =0= (2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓) + FEM𝐴𝐵
𝐿

If the end 𝐵 of member 𝐴𝐵 is hinged, then the moment at 𝐵 must be zero. Substituting 𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 0

2𝐸𝐼
0= (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐴 − 3𝜓) + FEM𝐵𝐴
𝐿

Solving for 𝜃𝐵 , we obtain

𝜃𝐴 3 𝐿
𝜃𝐵 = − + 𝜓− (FEM𝐵𝐴 )
2 2 4𝐸𝐼

Substituting 𝜃𝐵 from the previous equation to 𝑀𝐴𝐵 , thus obtaining the modified slope-deflection equation for
member 𝐴𝐵, hinged at 𝐵:

2𝐸𝐼 𝜃𝐴 3 𝐿
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = [2𝜃𝐴 + (− + 𝜓 − (FEM𝐵𝐴 )) − 3𝜓] + FEM𝐴𝐵
𝐿 2 2 4𝐸𝐼

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

3𝐸𝐼 FEM𝐵𝐴
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = (𝜃𝐴 − 𝜓) + (FEM𝐴𝐵 − )
𝐿 2
Therefore the modified slope-deflection equation for one-end hinged is

3𝐸𝐼 FEMℎ𝑟
𝑀𝑟ℎ = (𝜃𝑟 − 𝜓) + (FEM𝑟ℎ − ) → Equation 6.3
𝐿 2
𝑀ℎ𝑟 = 0 → Equation 6.4

where:
𝜃𝐴 and 𝜃𝐵 are the member end rotations at points 𝐴 and 𝐵, respectively
𝜓 is the chord rotation for the member 𝐴𝐵
FEM𝐴𝐵 and FEM𝐵𝐴 are the fixed-end moments at points 𝐴 and 𝐵, respectively
Subscript 𝑟 refers to the rigidly connected end of the member

Sign Convention
All angular rotations and moments shall have a positive (+) sign for the counter-clockwise (↺) direction.

Degrees of Freedom

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

[Problem No. 1] Determine the reactions and draw the shear and moment diagrams for continuous beam shown
in Figure 6.1 by the slope-deflection method.

80 kN 70 kN
60 kN/m

𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
4m 2m 2m 2m

𝐸𝐼 = constant

Figure 6.1a

Solution:
80 kN 70 kN
60 kN/m

𝐴𝑥 = 0 𝐷𝑥 = 0
𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
𝑀𝐴 = 73.33 4m 2m 2m 2m 𝑀𝐷 = 102.42
𝐴𝑦 = 115.00 𝐵𝑦 = 200.15 𝐶𝑦 = 74.85
Figure 6.2b
(Indeterminate Beam with Support Reactions)

115.00

75.15

Shear 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
(𝑘𝑁)
−4.85
−74.85
1.92 m
−125.00

56.97
47.27
36.88

Moment 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
(𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚)

−73.33 −93.33
2nd degree curve −102.43
Figure 6.2c
(Shear and Moment Diagram)

60 kN/m 80 kN 70 kN
125.00 75.15

𝐴 𝐵 𝐵 𝐵 2m 2m 2m 𝐶

−73.33 −93.33 −93.33 −102.43

4m 6m
𝐴𝑦 = 115.00 𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 = 125.00 200.15 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 75.15 𝐶𝑦 = 74.85

Figure 6.2d
(Span End Moments and Shears)

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

Formulate the end moment equations through the slope-deflection Equations 6.1-2,
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓𝐴𝐵 ) + FEM𝐴𝐵
𝐿𝐴𝐵
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐴 − 3𝜓𝐴𝐵 ) + FEM𝐵𝐴
𝐿𝐴𝐵

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐶 − 3𝜓𝐵𝐶 ) + FEM𝐵𝐶
𝐿𝐵𝐶
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐶 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓𝐶𝐵 ) + FEM𝐶𝐵
𝐿𝐶𝐵

Solving for the member fixed-end moments

𝑤𝐿2 𝑃𝑎𝑏 2
FEM𝐴𝐵 = FEM𝐵𝐶 = ∑
12 𝐿2
60(4)2 80(2)(4)2 70(4)(2)2
FEM𝐴𝐵 = FEM𝐵𝐶 = +
12 62 62
FEM𝐴𝐵 = 80 kN ∙ m ↺ FEM𝐵𝐶 = 102.22 kN ∙ m ↺

𝑤𝐿2 𝑃𝑎𝑏 2
FEM𝐵𝐴 = − FEM𝐶𝐵 = − ∑
12 𝐿2
60(4)2 80(2)2 (4) 70(4)2 (2)
FEM𝐵𝐴 =− FEM𝐶𝐵 = −[ + ]
12 62 62
FEM𝐵𝐴 = −80 kN ∙ m ↻ FEM𝐶𝐵 = −97.78 kN ∙ m ↻

Member chord rotations and joint rotations,

𝜓𝐴𝐵 = 𝜓𝐵𝐶 = 𝜓𝐶𝐷 = 0
𝜃𝐴 = 𝜃𝐶 = 0

End moment equations,

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = [2(0) + 𝜃𝐵 − 0] + 80
4
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0.5𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 80 →①

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = [2𝜃𝐵 + 0 − 0] − 80
4
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 80 →②

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 0 − 0) + 102.22
6
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0.6667𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 102.22 →③

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = (0 + 𝜃𝐵 − 0) − 97.78
6
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 0.3333𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 97.78 →④

Equilibrium equations using equations ② and ③, see free-body diagram at joint 𝐵 (Figure 6.3c)
𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 80 + 0.6667𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 102.22 = 0
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 = −13.33 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐

Substitute 𝜃𝐵 = −13.33 to the end moment equations, we have

𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0.5(−13.33 ) + 80
𝑴𝑨𝑩 = +𝟕𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↻

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

𝑀𝐵𝐴 = (−13.33 ) − 80
𝑴𝑩𝑨 = −𝟗𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↻

𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0.6667(−13.33 ) + 102.22

𝑴𝑩𝑪 = +𝟗𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↺

𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 0.3333(−13.33 ) − 97.78

𝑴𝑪𝑩 = −𝟏𝟎𝟐. 𝟒𝟐 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↺

Solving for the member reactions in Figure 6.2d

+↺ ∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 +↺ ∑𝑀𝐵 = 0
𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 (4) + 73.33 − 93.33 − 60(4)(2) = 0 𝐶𝑦 (6) + 93.33 − 102.42 − 80(2) − 70(4) = 0
𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 = 125 kN ↑ 𝐶𝑦 = 74.85 kN ↑

+↑ ∑𝐹𝑦 = 0 +↑ ∑𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝐴𝑦 + 125 − 60(4) = 0 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 + 74.85 − 80 − 70 = 0
𝐴𝑦 = 115 kN ↑ 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 75.15 kN ↑

𝐵𝑦 = 125 + 75.15 = 200.15 kN ↑

Therefore, the support reactions are

𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟓 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟕𝟒. 𝟖𝟓 𝐤𝐍 ↑

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

[Problem No. 2] Determine the reactions and draw the shear and moment diagrams for continuous beam shown
in Figure 6.1 by the slope-deflection method.

140 kN
65 kN/m

𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 𝐷
6m 4.5 m 4.5 m 3m

𝐸𝐼 = constant

Figure 6.1a

Solution:
140 kN
65 kN/m

𝐴𝑥 = 0 𝐷𝑥 = 0
𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 𝐷
𝑀𝐴 = 200.48 6m 4.5 m 4.5 m 3m 𝑀𝐷 =57.69
𝐴𝑦 = 197.74 𝐵𝑦 = 269.89 𝐶𝑦 = 120.06 𝐷𝑦 = 57.69
Figure 6.2b
(Indeterminate Beam with Support Reactions)

197.74

77.63
57.69
Shear 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 𝐷
(𝑘𝑁)

−62.37
3.04 m
−192.26

164.88
100.08
57.69
Moment 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 𝐷
(𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚)

−115.38

−184.46
−200.48 2nd degree curve

Figure 6.2c
(Shear and Moment Diagram)

65 kN/m 140 kN
192.26 77.63 62.37 57.69

𝐴 𝐵 𝐵 𝐵 𝐶 𝐶 𝐶 𝐷

−200.48 −184.04 −184.04 −115.38 −115.38 57.69

6m 9m 3m
𝐴𝑦 = 197.74 𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 = 192.26 𝐵𝑦 = 269.89 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 77.63 𝐶𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 62.37 𝐶𝑦 = 120.06 𝐶𝑦𝐶𝐷 = 57.69 𝐷𝑦 = 57.69

Figure 6.2d
(Span End Moments and Shears)

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

Formulate the end moment equations through the slope-deflection Equations 6.1-2,
2𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓𝐴𝐵 ) + FEM𝐴𝐵 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = (2𝜃𝐶 + 𝜃𝐷 − 3𝜓𝐶𝐷 ) + FEM𝐶𝐷
𝐿𝐴𝐵 𝐿𝐶𝐷
2𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐴 − 3𝜓𝐴𝐵 ) + FEM𝐵𝐴 𝑀𝐷𝐶 = (2𝜃𝐷 + 𝜃𝐶 − 3𝜓𝐶𝐷 ) + FEM𝐷𝐶
𝐿𝐴𝐵 𝐿𝐷𝐶

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐶 − 3𝜓𝐵𝐶 ) + FEM𝐵𝐶
𝐿𝐵𝐶
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐶 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓𝐶𝐵 ) + FEM𝐶𝐵
𝐿𝐶𝐵

Solving for the member fixed-end moments

𝑤𝐿2 𝑃𝐿
FEM𝐴𝐵 = FEM𝐵𝐶 =
12 8
65(6)2 140(9)
FEM𝐴𝐵 = FEM𝐵𝐶 =
12 8
FEM𝐴𝐵 = 195 kN ∙ m ↺ FEM𝐵𝐶 = 157.5 kN ∙ m ↺

𝑤𝐿2 𝑃𝐿
FEM𝐵𝐴 = − FEM𝐶𝐵 = −
12 8
65(6)2 140(9)
FEM𝐵𝐴 =− FEM𝐶𝐵 =−
12 8
FEM𝐵𝐴 = −195 kN ∙ m ↻ FEM𝐶𝐵 = −157.5 kN ∙ m ↻

FEM𝐶𝐷 = FEM𝐷𝐶 = 0

Member chord rotations and joint rotations,

𝜓𝐴𝐵 = 𝜓𝐵𝐶 = 𝜓𝐶𝐷 = 0
𝜃𝐴 = 𝜃𝐷 = 0

End moment equations,

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = [2(0) + 𝜃𝐵 − 0] + 195
6
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0.3333𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 195 →①

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = [2𝜃𝐵 + 0 − 0] − 195
6
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 0.6667𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 195 →②
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐶 − 0) + 157.5
9
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0.4444𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 0.2222𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 + 157.5 →③

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐶 + 𝜃𝐵 − 0) − 157.5
9
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 0.4444𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 + 0.2222𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 157.5 →④

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = (2𝜃𝐶 + 0 − 0) + 0
3
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 1.3333𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 →⑤

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐷𝐶 = (0 + 𝜃𝐶 − 0) + 0
3
𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 0.6667𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 →⑥

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

Equilibrium equations using equations ② and ③, see free-body diagram at joint 𝐵 (Figure 6.3c)
𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0
0.6667𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 195 + 0.4444𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 0.2222𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 + 157.5 = 0
1.1111𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 0.2222𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 = 37.5 →⑦

Equilibrium equations using equations ④ and ⑤, see free-body diagram at joint 𝐶 (Figure 6.3c)
𝑀𝐶𝐵 + 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0
0.4444𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 + 0.2222𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 − 157.5 + 1.3333𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 = 0
0.2222𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 + 1.7778𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 = 157.5 →⑧

Solving equations ⑦ and ⑧ simultaneously, we obtain

𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵 = 16.442 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐶 = 86.538 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐

Substitute 𝜃𝐵 = 0.00172 to the end moment equations, we have

𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0.3333(16.442) + 195
𝑴𝑨𝑩 = +𝟐𝟎𝟎. 𝟒𝟖 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↻

𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 0.6667(16.442) − 195

𝑴𝑩𝑨 = −𝟏𝟖𝟒. 𝟎𝟒 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↻

𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0.4444(16.442) + 0.2222(86.538) + 157.5

𝑴𝑩𝑪 = +𝟏𝟖𝟒. 𝟎𝟒 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↺

𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 0.4444(86.538) + 0.2222(16.442) − 157.5

𝑴𝑪𝑩 = −𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟑𝟖 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↺

𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 1.3333(86.538)
𝑴𝑪𝑫 = +𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟑𝟖 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↺

𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 0.6667(86.538)
𝑴𝑫𝑪 = +𝟓𝟕. 𝟔𝟗 𝐤𝐍 ∙ 𝐦 ↺

Solving for the member reactions in Figure 6.2d

+↺ ∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 +↑ ∑𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 (6) + 200.48 − 184.04 − 65(6)(3) = 0 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 + 62.37 − 140 = 0
𝐵𝑦𝐴𝐵 = 192.26 kN ↑ 𝐵𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 77.63 kN ↑

+↑ ∑𝐹𝑦 = 0 +↺ ∑𝑀𝐴 = 0
𝐴𝑦 + 192.26 − 65(6) = 0 𝐷𝑦 (3) + 115.38 − 57.69 = 0
𝐴𝑦 = 197.74 kN ↑ 𝐷𝑦 = 57.69 kN ↑

+↺ ∑𝑀𝐵 = 0 +↑ ∑𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝐶𝑦𝐵𝐶 (9) − 140(4.5) + 184.04 − 115.38 = 0 𝐶𝑦𝐶𝐷 − 57.69 = 0
𝐶𝑦𝐵𝐶 = 62.37 kN ↑ 𝐶𝑦𝐶𝐷 = 57.69 kN ↑

𝐵𝑦 = 192.26 + 77.63 = 269.89 kN ↑

𝐶𝑦 = 62.37 + 57.69 = 120.06 kN ↑

Therefore, the support reactions are

𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟗𝟕. 𝟕𝟒 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑩𝒚 = 𝟐𝟔𝟗. 𝟖𝟗 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑪𝒚 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎. 𝟎𝟔 𝐤𝐍 ↑
𝑫𝒚 = 𝟓𝟕. 𝟔𝟗 𝐤𝐍 ↓

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Theory of Structures II Lecture Notes Slope-Deflection Equation

[Problem No. 3] Compute for the moment over the supports of the continuous beam shown in Figure 6.3a if the
support 𝐴 yields with a settlement of 10 mm.
100 kN 80 kN 25 kN/m

1m 2m 1m
𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
4m 3m

𝐸𝐼 = constant
𝐸 = 200 GPa
𝐼 = 826×106 mm4
Figure 6.3a

Solution:
Formulate the end moment equations through the slope-deflection Equations 6.1-2,
2𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐴 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓𝐴𝐵 ) + FEM𝐴𝐵 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐶 − 3𝜓𝐵𝐶 ) + FEM𝐵𝐶
𝐿𝐴𝐵 𝐿𝐵𝐶
2𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = (2𝜃𝐵 + 𝜃𝐴 − 3𝜓𝐴𝐵 ) + FEM𝐵𝐴 𝑀𝐶𝐵 = (2𝜃𝐶 + 𝜃𝐵 − 3𝜓𝐶𝐵 ) + FEM𝐶𝐵
𝐿𝐴𝐵 𝐿𝐶𝐵

Solving for the member fixed-end moments

𝑃𝑎𝑏 2 𝑤𝐿2
FEM𝐴𝐵 = ∑ 2 FEM𝐵𝐶 =
𝐿 12
100(1)(3)2 80(3)(1)2 25(3)2
FEM𝐴𝐵 = + FEM𝐵𝐶 =
42 42 12
FEM𝐴𝐵 = 71.25 kN ∙ m ↺ FEM𝐵𝐶 = 18.75 kN ∙ m ↺

𝑃𝑎2 𝑏 𝑤𝐿2
FEM𝐵𝐴 = ∑ FEM𝐶𝐵 = −
𝐿2 12
100(1)2 (3) 80(3)2 (1) 25(3)2
FEM𝐵𝐴 =− − FEM𝐶𝐵 =−
42 42 12
FEM𝐵𝐴 = −63.75 kN ∙ m ↻ FEM𝐶𝐵 = −18.75 kN ∙ m ↻

Computing for the member chord rotations,

10
𝜓𝐴𝐵 = = 0.0025
4000
𝜓𝐵𝐶 = 0

The flexural rigidity is equal to

𝐸𝐼 = 200(826 × 106 )(1000)−2
𝐸𝐼 = 165200 kN ∙ m2

End moment equations,

2(165200)
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = [2(0) + 𝜃𝐵 − 3(0.0025)] + 71.25
4
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 82600𝜃𝐵 − 548.25 →①

2(165200)
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = [2𝜃𝐵 + 0 − 3(0.0025)] − 63.75
4
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 165200𝜃𝐵 − 683.25 →②

2(165200)
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = [2𝜃𝐵 + 0 − 3(0)] + 18.75
3
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 220266.67𝜃𝐵 + 18.75 →③

Prepared by: Engr. Abbey Dale Abellanosa 58| P a g e