CHAPTER 4 INDETERMINATE FRAMES

[S K Mutua © 2004]
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 Background
The Simplified Stiffness Method discussed in Chapter 3 can be applied to analyse
indeterminate frames. The fixed-end forces and displacements due to applied loads
acting on single-span beams are used as input [Handout 3]. Similarly, the member-end
forces and displacements due to a unit displacement corresponding to the unknown
displacement are used as input. These member-end forces are called stiffness
coefficients [Handout 4]. The solution procedure is similar to that of multi-span beams.

4.1.2 Sign Convention

1. Bending moments at the end of a member are positive when acting clockwise.
2. The slope θ of the member is positive when the tangent of the member turns
clockwise from the original orientation. [The slope θ is measured just to the right of
the point, and it is measured “from the member-axis to the member tangent”.
3. The displacement δ of point B relative to point A is positive when the member
longitudinal axis rotates clockwise from the original orientation.

4.1.3 Classification of Frames

Rigid-jointed frames, simply referred to as frames, may be classified into two categories,
depending on their ability to sway. Sway is defined as the lateral displacement of the
frame, measured at the beam level.

1. Frames NOT Subject to Sway: These are frames which are either symmetrical
without applied sway load or are braced against sway.

2EI 2EI
Symmetrical frame
EI EI without applied EI
sway load Unsymmetrical frame
braced against sway

A frame is said to be symmetrical if it exhibits symmetry with respect to geometry, applied

loading and support restraints; AND it is not subject to differential support yield.

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 1

2. Frames Subject to Sway: These are frames which are symmetrical with applied
sway load OR are unsymmetrical
with or without applied sway load 2EI 2EI
AND in either case the frame is EI EI EI
unbraced against sway.
Unsymmetrical
Symmetrical with without applied
applied sway load sway load

Frames may be further classified into several categories, depending on their geometry: -
1. Simple Frames: These are frames which are made up of two members only: one
column and one beam.
2. Simple Frames with Inclined Leg: These are simple frames where the column is
inclined to the vertical axis.
3. Portal Frames: These are frames which are made up of three members: two
columns and one beam.
4. Portal Frames with Inclined Legs: These are portal frames where one or both
columns are inclined to the vertical axis.
5. Multi-bay Frames: These are portal frames with more than one bay. A bay is the
space enclosed by two columns and one beam.
6. Bridge Frames: These are single-bay or multi-bay frames which are used in the
construction of bridges.
7. Multi-storey Frames: These are frames with two or more storeys. A storey is the
space between any two levels.
Examples of each of these types of frames are shown in Handout 5.
This chapter covers the analysis of frame type labeled number 1 up to number 12.

The analysis of frames NOT subject to sway is similar to the analysis of multi-span
beams and is discussed in section 4.2. However, the analysis of frames subject to sway
is slightly different and is discussed in section 4.3. In both cases, axial and shear strains
are neglected and only flexural strains are considered.

4.1.4 Support Yield

The effect of Support yield is to cause additional fixed-end forces and displacements.
The additional fixed-end forces and displacements are given in Handout 3 cases 7 to 10,
and should be added algebraically to the fixed-end forces due to applied loads. The rest of
the solution procedure remains the same.

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 2

4.2 FRAMES NOT SUBJECT TO SWAY
If a frame is NOT subject to sway, the redundant degrees of freedom are the joint
rotations only. The stiffness equations are therefore similar to those of a multi-span
beam. The Simplified Stiffness Method is quite easily applied to analyse such frames as
illustrated in examples 1 to 4. If the frame is fully symmetric, then advantage may be
taken of such symmetry as illustrated in example 3.

Example 1: Analyse the frame shown below and:

32 kN/m
Determine VA, HA, MA, VC, HC, θB and θC
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape B C
2EI
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield. 4m
EI
VA = 108 kN HA = 27 kN MA = 36 kNm
VC = 84 kN HC = –27 kN
EIθB = 72 EIθC = –108 A
6m

Solution MBCF
32 kN/m
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB be the redundant dof. MBAF
B C
Step 2: Fixed Structure 2EI HCBF
Restrain the frame at B to obtain the fixed structure [FF] [FF]
4m

EI
VCBF
MABF = MBAF = MCBF = 0 MBCF = –ωL2/8 = –144
MABF
VABF = 5ωL/8 = 120 VCBF = 3ωL/8 = 72 HABF A
HABF = 0 HCBF = 0 θCF = –ωL3/48(2EI) = –72/EI 6m
VAB F

Step 3: Stiffness Structure

Release the restraint at B and impose unit rotation to obtain the stiffness structure [S1]
mAB1 = 2EI/L = EI/2 mBA1 = 4EI/L = EI mBC1 = 3(2EI)/L = EI mBC1
vAB1 = – 3(2EI)/L2 = –EI/6 vCB1 = 3(2EI)/L2 = EI/6 B C
2EI, 6 m
hAB1 = 6EI/L2 = 3EI/8 hCB1 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 hCB1
mBA1
θC1 = – 1/2
EI, 4 m vCB1
Step 4: Stiffness Equations hAB1
S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 2EI A mAB1

MBF = MBAF + MBCF = –144 MB = 0 vAB1 [S1]

S11 θB + MB = MB
F
(2EI) θB – 144 = 0
Solving θB = 72/EI

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 3

Step 5: Superposition
MAB EI/2 0 36 kNm
MBA EI 0 72 kNm
MBC EI –144 –72 kNm
MCB 0 0 0
VAB = –EI/6 [72/EI] + 120 = 108 kN
HAB 3EI/8 0 27 kN
VCB EI/6 72 84 kN
HCB –3EI/8 0 –27 kN
θC –1/2 –72/EI –108/EI

Step 6: Output
108
32 kN/m 72
C + C 72 B – C
B
2EI B
27 27 – – +
EI
4m

D-Shape 84 84
– 110.25
SFD (kN)
36 A BMD (kNm)
A A +
27 6m 27 36
108
VA = 108 kN HA = 27 kN MA = 36 kNm VC = 84 kN HC = –27 kN
θB = 72/EI = 4.7x10-3 rad θC = –108/EI = –7.0x10-3 rad

Example 2: Analyse the frame shown below and: 32 kN/m

Determine VA, HA, MA, VC, HC, θB and θC B C

Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape 2EI
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield.
4m

EI
VA = 106.7 kN HA = 104 kN M A = 32 kNm
VC = 85.3 kN HC = –104 kN A
EIθB = 80 EIθC = –112
3m 6m

Solution VBCF MBCF

32 kN/m
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB be the redundant dof.
HCBF B C
Step 2: Fixed Structure: Restrain the frame at B
B HCBF 2EI HCBF
to obtain the fixed structure [FF] MBAF
4m

MABF = MBAF = MCBF = 0 MBCF = –ωL2/8 = –144 EI VBCF VCBF

VBCF = 5ωL/8 = 120 VCBF = 3ωL/8 = 72 F
[F ]
MABF 6m
VABF F
= VBC = 120 HABF A
HABF = VABF(3/4) = 120x(3/4) = 90
VABF 3m
HCBF = – HABF = –90 θCF = –ωL3/48(2EI) = –72/EI

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 4

Step 3: Stiffness Structure
Release the restraint at B and impose unit rotation to obtain mBA1 vCB1 mBC1
2EI, 6 m
the stiffness structure [S1] hCB1 C
B B
mAB1 = 2EI/L = 2EI/5 mBA1 = 4EI/L = 4EI/5
mBC1 = 3(2EI)/L = EI vCB1 vCB1
EI, 5 m
vCB1 = 3(2EI)/L2 = EI/6 vAB1 = – vCB1 = –EI/6
[S1]
hAB1 = (mAB1 + mBA1 – 3vAB1)/4 = 7EI/40 hAB1 A mAB1
hCB1 = –hAB1 = –7EI/40 θC1 = – 1/2
vAB1
Step 4: Stiffness Equations
S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 9EI/5 MBF = MBAF + MBCF = –144 MB = 0
S11 θB + MB = MB F
(9EI/5) θB – 144 = 0 θB = 80/EI

Step 5: Superposition
MAB 2EI/5 0 32 kNm
MBA 4EI/5 0 64 kNm
MBC EI –144 –64 kNm
MCB 0 0 0
VAB = –EI/6 [80/EI] + 120 = 106.7 kN
HAB 7EI/40 90 104 kN
VCB EI/6 72 85.3 kN
HCB –7EI/40 –90 –104 kN
θC –1/2 –72/EI –112/EI

Step 6: Output
106.7

32 kN/m 64
64
+ C
B C C
B –
2EI 104 19.2 – B
+
EI
4m

D-shape
– 85.3
85.3 113.7
A 32 A SFD (kN)
A +
104 3m 6m 19.2 32 BMD (kNm)

106.7

VA = 106.7 kN HA = 104 kN MA = 32 kNm VC = 85.3 kN HC = –104 kN

θB = 80/EI = 5.2x10-3 rad θC = –112/EI = –7.3x10-3 rad

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 5

Example 3: Analyse the frame shown below and: 40 kN/m
Determine VA, HA, MA, VD, HD, MD, θB and θC VA = 120 kN
HA = 27 kN
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape B 2EI C MA = 36 kNm
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield. VD = 120 kN

4m
EI HD = –27 kN
EI
MD = –36 kNm
Solution EIθB = 72
A D EIθC = –72
1. The frame is fully symmetric and only 6m
one half of the frame needs to be analysed.
2. When a member is bisected by the line of symmetry, its stiffness is halved. MBCF
40 kN/m
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB be the only redundant dof.
Step 2: Fixed Structure: Restrain the frame at B to obtain the fixed structure [FF] B C
2EI, 6 m
MABF = 0 MBAF = 0 MBCF = –ωL2/12 = –120 MBAF
VABF = ωL/2 = 120 HABF = 0 [FF] EI
EI, 4 m
Step 3: Stiffness Structure
HABF A MABF D
Release the rotational restraint at B and impose unit rotation to obtain
the stiffness structure [S1] VABF
mAB1 = 2EI/L = EI/2 mBA1 = 4EI/L = EI mBC1 = 4(EI)/L = 2EI/3
vAB1 = 0 hAB1 = 6EI/L2 = 3EI/8 EI, 6m
B C
Step 4: Stiffness Equation
mBA1
S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 5EI/3 MBF = MBAF + MBCF = –120 MB = 0 mBC1
S11 θB + MBF = MB (5EI/3) θB – 120 = 0 θB = 72/EI EI, 4m
[S1]
By symmetry θC = – θB θC = –72/EI hAB1 mAB1
A
Step 5: Superposition
M AB mAB1 MABF EI/2 0 36 kNm
MBA mBA1 MBAF EI 0 72 kNm
MBC = mBC1 [θB] + MBCF = 2EI/3 [72/EI] + –120 = –72 kNm
VAB vAB1 VABF 0 120 120 kN
HAB hAB1 HABF 3EI/8 0 27 kN
By Symmetry: MDC = –MAB = –36 kNm MCD = –MBA = –72 kNm MCB = –MBC = 72 kNm
VDC = VAB = 120 kN HDC = –HAB = –27 kN

Step 6: Output 72
120 SFD (kN) 72
40 kN/m BMD (kNm)
C + C 72 B C 72
B B
– – –
2EI +
4m

EI EI
– 120
+
36 108
36
A
27 A D 27 A D + + D
6m 27 27 36 36
120 120

VA = 120 kN HA = 27 kN MA = 36 kNm VD = 120 kN

HD = –27 kN MD = – 36 kNm EIθB = 72 EIθC = – 72

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 6

Example 4: Analyse the frame shown below and:
Determine VA, HA, MA, VD, HD, VE, HE, θB, θC, θD and θE 120 kN 24 kN/m 160 kN
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape
Take EI = 108x103 kNm2. No support yield. B 2EI C 3EI E

12 kN/m
VA = 105 kN HA = –27 kN MA = –18 kNm EI EI

6m
VD = 352.25 kN HD = 2.25 kN VE = 110.75 kN
HE = –47.25 kN θB = 54/EI = 0.5x10-3 rad
θC = 27/EI = 0.25x10-3 rad θD = –27/2EI = –0.13x10-3 rad A D
θE = –219/2EI = – 1.01x10-3 rad
3m 3m 3m 3m

Solution
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB and θC be the redundant dof.
Step 2: Fixed Structure: Restrain the frame at B and C to obtain the fixed structure [FF]
MABF = –ωL2/12 = –36 MBAF = ωL2/12 = 36 MCBF MCEF
MBCF = –ωL2/12 – PL/8 = –162
MBCF 120 kN 24 kN/m 160 kN
MCBF = ωL2/12 + PL/8 = 162
HECF
MCEF = –ωL2/8 – 3PL/16 = –288 MBAF
B 2EI C E
MCDF = MDEF = MECF = 0 3EI
12 kN/m

θDF = 0 θEF = –ωL3/48EI – PL2/32EI = – 96/EI [FF]

EI EI

6m
MCDF VECF
VABF = ωL/2 + P/2 = 132
MABF HDCF
VDCF = ωL/2 + P/2 + 5ωL/8 + 11P/16 = 332 A D
VEC = 3ωL/8 + 5P/16 = 104
F HABF 3m 3m 3m 3m
HABF = –ωL/2 = –36 HDCF = 0 HECF = –ωL/2 = –36 VDC F
VABF

Step 3: Stiffness Structures

Release the rotational restraints at B and C and impose unit rotations to obtain the stiffness structures
[S1] and [S2]

mBC1 mCB1 mCB2

hEC1 3EI, 6m E hEC2
B B C
C 3EI E 2EI, 6m
mBA1 2EI, 6m mCE2
mBC2 mCD2 vEC2
EI
[S1] EI, 6m EI EI, 6m
A mAB1 D A hDC2
D [S2]
hAB1
vAB1 vAB2 vDC2
vDC1

hAB1 = 6EI/L2 = EI/6 vAB1 = –6(2EI)/L2 = –EI/3 hDC1 = 0 θD1 = 0 θD2 = –1/2
vDC1 = 6(2EI)/L2 = EI/3 hEC1 = –6EI/L2 = –EI/6 vEC1 = 0 θE1 = 0 θE2 = –1/2
hAB2 = 0 vAB2 = – 6(2EI)/L2 = – EI/3 hDC2 = 3EI/L2 = EI/12 vDC2 = 6(2EI)/L2 – 3(3EI)/L2 = EI/12
hEC2 = –3EI/L2 = –EI/12 vEC2 = 3(3EI)/L2 = EI/4 mAB1 = 2EI/L = EI/3 mBA1 = 4EI/L = 2EI/3
mBC1 = 4(2EI)/L = 4EI/3 mCB1 = 2(2EI)/L = 2EI/3 mBC2 = 2(2EI)/L = 2EI/3 mCB2 = 4(2EI)/L = 4EI/3
mCD2 = 3EI/L = EI/2 mCE2 = 3(3EI)/L = 3EI/2θE1 = 0

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 7

Step 4: Stiffness Equations
S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 2EI/3 + 4EI/3 = 2EI S12 = mBC2 = 2EI/3
S21 = mCB1 = 2EI/3 S22 = mCB2 + mCD2 + mCE2 = 4EI/3 + EI/2 + 3EI/2 = 10EI/3
MBF = MBAF + MBCF = –126 MB = 0 MCF = MCBF + MCDF + MCEF = –126 MC = 0
S11θB + S12θC + MB = MB F
……………. (1)
S21θB + S22θC + MC = MC F
……………. (2)
Matrix Format 2EI 2EI/3 θB –126 0 Solving θB = 54/EI
+ =
2EI/3 10EI/3 θC –126 0 θC = 27/EI

Step 5: Superposition
MAB mAB1 mAB2 MABF EI/3 0 –36 –18 kNm
MBA mBA1 mBA2 MBAF 2EI/3 0 36 72 kNm
MBC mBC1 mBC2 MBCF 4EI/3 2EI/3 –162 –72 kNm
MCB mCB1 mCB2 MCBF 2EI/3 4EI/3 162 234 kNm
MCD mCD1 mCD2 θB MCD F 0 EI/2 54/EI 0 13.5kNm
MCE = mCE1 mCE2 + MCEF = 0 3EI/2 + –288 = –247.5 kNm
VAB vAB1 vAB2 θC VABF –EI/3 –EI/3 27/EI 132 105 kN
HAB hAB1 hAB2 HABF EI/6 0 –36 –27 kN
VDC vDC1 vDC2 VDCF EI/3 EI/12 332 352.25 kN
HDC hDC1 hDC2 HDCF 0 EI/12 0 2.25 kN
VEC vEC1 vEC2 VEC F 0 EI/4 104 110.75 kN
HEC hEC1 hEC2 HECF –EI/6 –EI/12 –36 –47.25 kN
θD θD1 θD2 θDF 0 –1/2 0 – 27/2EI
θE θE1 θE2 θEF 0 –1/2 –96 – 219/2EI

Step 6: Output
120 kN 24 kN/m 180 kN 193.25
E 105 121.25
47.25 +
33
B 2EI C 3EI + C E
B 45
12 kN/m

EI EI 110.75 – – 38.75 –
6m

87
247.5
18 D 2.25
SFD 159 110.75
27 A (kN)
3m 3m 3m 3m 234 27 A D 2.25

105 352.25 72 – θB = 54/EI

B 13.5 E = 0.5x10-3 rad
VA = 105 kN 72 θC = 27/EI
HA = –27 kN – + C
+ = 0.25x10-3 rad
MA = –18 kNm BMD θD = –27/2EI
VD = 352.25 kN (kNm) 135 = –0.13x10-3 rad
HD = 2.25 kN 224.25 θE = –219/2EI
VE = 110.75 kN = – 1.01x10-3 rad
HE = –47.25 kN 18 A D

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 8

4.3 FRAMES SUBJECT TO SWAY
Two assumptions are made in the analysis of frames subject to sway: -
1. Axial and shear deformations are negligible. This implies that member lengths
do not change, so that all joints at the same level before loading remain at that
level after loading, and suffer the same amount of horizontal sway.
2. During rotation, the joints do not sway; and during sway, the joints do not
rotate; BUT the principle of superposition is applicable to the two load effects.

If a frame is subject to sway, the redundant degrees of freedom are the joint rotations
and the translational displacement at the beam level, which is referred to as the sway.
The stiffness equations will therefore include translational stiffness coefficients
generated at each sway level. The Simplified Stiffness Method may be applied to analyse
such frames as illustrated in examples 5 to 8. If the frame is fully anti-symmetric, then
advantage may be taken of such anti-symmetry as illustrated in example 7.

Example 5: Analyse the frame shown below and:

32 kN/m δ δ
Determine VA, HA, MA, VC, θB, θC and δB→
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape 2EI C
B C B
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield. 2EI

EI
4m

EI Presumed
VA = 100.8 kN HA = 0 D-shape
MA = –28.8 kNm VC = 91.2 kN
EIθB = 576/5 EIθC = –648/5 A A
δB→ = 1152/5EI = 15 mm 6m

Solution
MBCF 32 kN/m
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB and δB be the redundant dof.
Step 2: Fixed Structure C
B
Restrain the frame at B to obtain the fixed structure [FF] MBAF 2EI
MABF = MBAF = MCBF = 0 MBCF = –ωL2/8 = –144
[FF]
4m

EI
HABF =0 θC =
F –ωL3/48(2EI) = –72/EI VCBF

VABF = 5ωL/8 = 120 VCBF = 3ωL/8 = 72 MABF

A

HABF 6m
VABF

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 9

Step 3: Stiffness Structure
Release the restraint at B and impose unit rotation to obtain the
hBA2 B EI, 6 m C
stiffness structure [S1], then impose unit sway to obtain the
stiffness structure [S2] mBA2
mBC1 EI, 4 m
hBA1 B EI, 6 m C [S2]
mAB1 = 2EI/L = EI/2 hAB2
mBA1 A mAB2
mBA1 = 4EI/L = EI
mBC1 = 3(2EI)/L = EI
EI, 4 m vCB1
vAB1 = – 3(2EI)/L2 = –EI/6 mAB2 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8
[S1]
vCB1 = 3(2EI)/L2 = EI/6 mBA2 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8
hAB1
A mAB1 hAB1 = 6EI/L2 = 3EI/8 hAB2 = –12EI/L3 = –3EI/16
hBA1 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 hBA2 = 12EI/L3 = 3EI/16
vAB1 θC1 = – 1/2 θC2 = 0

Step 4: Stiffness Equations

S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 2EI S12 = mBA2 = –3EI/8 S21 = hBA1 = –3EI/8 S22 = hBA2 = 3EI/16
MBF = MBAF + MBCF = –144 MB = 0 FBF = HABF = 0 FB = 0
S11θB + S12δB + MBF = MB ……………. (1)
S21θB + S22δB + FB = FB F
……..………. (2)
Matrix Equation Solving
2 –3/8 θB –144 0 θB = 576/5EI
EI + =
–3/8 3/16 δB 0 0 δB = 1152/5EI
Step 5: Superposition
MAB EI/2 –3EI/8 0 –28.8 kNm
MBA EI –3EI/8 0 28.8 kNm
MBC EI 0 576/5EI –144 –28.8 kNm
MCB = 0 0 + 0 = 0
VAB –EI/6 0 1152/5EI 120 100.8 kN
HAB 3EI/8 –3EI/16 0 0
VCB EI/6 0 72 91.2 kN
θC –1/2 0 –72/EI –648/5EI

Step 6: Output
100.8
32 kN/m
28.8
+
B C C B C
B
28.8
2EI – +
EI SFD (kN) –
4m

D-Shape 91.2
91.2 130
28.8
A 28.8 A BMD (kNm)
A
6m
100.8 VA = 100.8 kN HA = 0 MA = –28.8 kNm VC = 91.2 kN
EIθB = 576/5 EIθC = –648/5 δB→ = 1152/5EI = 15 mm

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 10

Example 6: Analyse the frame shown below and:
VA = 80.7 kN HA = 0
Determine VA, HA, MA, VC, θB, θC, δB→ and δB↓
MA = –150.7 kNm VC = 111.3 kN
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape EIθB = 15840/107 EIθC = –29664/107
EIδB→ = 74880/107 EIδB↓ = 56160/107
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield.

32 kN/m 5δ/4 δ
B 3δ/4 B
C C
2EI
δ
4m

4m
EI
Presumed
A A D-shape

3m 6m 3m 6m

Solution
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB and δB be the redundant dof. MBCF
VBCF 32 kN/m
HBA F

Step 2: Fixed Structure B C

B 2EI
Restrain the frame at B to obtain the fixed structure [F ] F MBAF
4m

MABF = MBAF = MCBF = 0 MBCF = –ωL2/8 = –144 EI VBCF VCBF

[FF]
VBC = 5ωL/8 = 120
F VCBF = 3ωL/8 = 72
A MABF 6m
VABF = VBC = 5ωL/8 = 120
F HABF

HABF = VABF(3/4) = 90
VABF 3m
HBAF = – HABF θCF = –ωL3/48(2EI) = –72/EI

Step 3: Stiffness Structures: Release the restraint at B and impose unit rotation to obtain the stiffness
structure [S1] then impose unit sway to obtain the stiffness structure [S2]

vCB2 mBC2
mBA1 vCB1 mBC1 EI, 6 m C
EI, 6 m
C hBA2 B
hBA1 B B B

EI, 5 m vCB1 vCB1 EI, 5 m mBA2 vCB2 vCB2

[S1]
A hAB2 A mAB2
hAB1 mAB1 [S2]

vAB1 vAB2

mAB1 = 2EI/L = 2EI/5 mBA1 = 4EI/L = 4EI/5 mBC1 = 3(2EI)/L = EI vCB1 = 3(2EI)/L2 = EI/6
mAB2 = –6(5/4)EI/L2 = –3EI/10 mBA2 = –6(5/4)EI/L2 = –3EI/10 mBC2 = 3(3/4)(2EI)/L2 = EI/8
vAB1 = – vCB1 = –EI/6 vCB2 = 3(3/4)(2EI)/L3 = EI/48 vAB2 = – vCB2 = –EI/48
hAB1 = (mAB1 + mBA1 – 3vAB1)/4 = 7EI/40 hBA2 = (mAB2 + mBA2 + 3vCB2)/4 = 53EI/320
hBA1 = – hAB1 = –7EI/40 hAB2 = – hBA2 = –53EI/320
θC1 = – 1/2 θC2 = – (3/2L)(3/4) = – 3/16
[The components of δ are shown in blue. See presumed D-shape]

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 11

Step 4: Stiffness Equations
S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 9EI/5 S12 = mBA2 + mBC2 = –7EI/40
S21 = hBA1 = –7EI/40 S22 = hBA2 = 53EI/320
MBF = MBAF + MBCF = –144 MB = 0 FBF = HBAF = –90 FB = 0
S11θB + S12δB + MB = MB F
……………. (1)
S21θB + S22δB + FB = FB F
……..………. (2)

Matrix Equation Solving

9/5 –7/40 θB –144 0 θB = 15840/107EI
EI + =
–7/40 53/320 δB –90 0 δB = 74880/107EI

By geometry δB↓ = (3/4)(δB→) = 56160/107EI

Step 5: Superposition
MAB 2EI/5 –3EI/10 0 –150.7 kNm
MBA 4EI/5 –3EI/10 0 –91.5 kNm
MBC EI EI/8 15840/107EI –144 91.5 kNm
MCB = 0 0 + 0 = 0
VAB –EI/6 –EI/48 74880/107EI 120 80.7 kN
HAB 7EI/40 –53EI/320 90 0
VCB EI/6 EI/48 72 111.3 kN
θC –1/2 –3/16 –72/EI –29664/107EI

Step 6: Output

32 kN/m 80.7

B 48.4 + C B C
C
2EI B – 91.5
–
EI
+ +
4m

150.7 D-shape 111.3 193.6

+
A 111.3 SFD (kN) 150.7
48.4 A A BMD (kNm)
3m 6m
80.7
VA = 80.7 kN HA = 0 MA = –150.7 kNm VC = 111.3 kN
θB = 15840/107EI = 9.6x10-3 rad θC = –29664/107EI = –18.0x10-3 rad
δB→ = 74880/107EI = 45.6 mm δB↓ = (3/4)δB = 56160/107EI = 34.2 mm

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 12

Example 7: Analyse the frame shown below and:
108 kN 2EI
Determine VA, HA, MA, VD, HD, MD, θB, θC and δB→
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape B C

EI

4m
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield.
EI
VA = –32 kN HA = –54 kN MA = –120 kNm
VD = 32 kN HD = –54 kN MD = 120 kNm A D
θB = 48/EI θC = 48/EI δB→ = 384/EI = 15 mm 6m

Solution
1. The D-shape shows that member BC is fully anti-symmetric.
2. The line of anti-symmetry bisects member BC.
3. The midpoint of member BC is therefore a point of contra-flexure.
4. Only one half of the frame needs to be analysed, treating the midpoint of BC as a hinge.
5. The out-of-balance sway force at B is taken as half of the applied sway force.

Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB and δB be the redundant dof

MBCF
108 kN
Step 2: Fixed Structure
B 2EI C
Restrain the frame at B to obtain the fixed structure [FF] MBAF
MABF = MBAF = MBCF = 0
4m

EI [FF] EI
HABF = 0 VABF = 0
MABF
HABF A D
6m
Step 3: Stiffness Structures VABF
Release the restraint at B and impose unit rotation to obtain the stiffness structure [S1] then impose unit
sway to obtain the stiffness structure [S2] mBC1
hBA1 B hBA2
mAB1 = EI/2 mBA1 = EI mBC1 = 3(2EI)/3 = 2EI B
2EI, 3 m
hAB1 = 6EI/L2 = 3EI/8 hBA1 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 mBA1 mBA2
vAB1 = – 3(2EI)/32 = – 2EI/3 [S2]
[S1] EI, 4m EI, 4m

mAB2 = –3EI/8 mBA2 = –3EI/8 mBC2 = 0 A mAB1 mAB2

hAB1 hAB2 A
hAB2 = –3EI/16 hBA2 = 3EI/16
vAB2 = 0 vAB1

Step 4: Stiffness Equations

S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 3EI S12 = mBA2 = –3EI/8 S21 = hBA1 = –3EI/8 S22 = hBA2 = 3EI/16
F F
MB = MBAF F
+ MBC = 0 MB = 0 FB = HABF =0 FB = (1/2)(108) = 54
S11θB + S12δB + MB = MB
F
……………. (1)
S21θB + S22δB + FBF = FB ………..……. (2)
Matrix Format 3EI –3EI/8 θB 0 0 Solving θB = 48/EI
+ =
–3EI/8 3EI/16 δB 0 54 δB =384/EI

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 13

By anti-symmetry: θC = θB = 48/EI
Step 5: Superposition
MAB mAB1 mAB2 MABF 1/2 –3/8 0 –120 kNm
MBA mBA1 mBA2 θB MBAF 1 –3/8 48/EI 0 –96 kNm
MBC = mBC1 mBC2 + MBC F = EI 2 0 + 0 = 96 kNm
VAB vAB1 vAB2 δB VABF –2/3 0 384/EI 0 –32 kN
HAB hAB1 hAB2 HABF 3/8 –3/16 0 –54 kN

By Anti-symmetry
MDC M AB MDC –120 kNm
MCD MBA MCD –96 kNm
MCB = MBC MCB = 96 kNm
VDC –VAB VDC 32 kN
HDC HAB HDC –54 kN

Step 6: Output

108 kN 2EI
B C VA = –32 kN HA = –54 kN MA = –120 kNm
VD = 32 kN HD = –54 kN MD = 120 kNm
EI
4m

D-shape θB = 48/EI θC = 48/EI δB→ = 384/EI = 15 mm

EI
120
120
A D
6m
54 54
32 32

96
54 54
B
96 – 96
B – C
96 + C
32
32 BMD (kNm)
+ –
SFD (kN)
A D – A + D
54 54 120 120

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 14

Example 8: Analyse the frame shown below and:
40 kN/m
Determine VA, HA, MA, VD, HD, MD, θB, θC and δB→ 108 kN
Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-shape B C
2EI
Take EI = 15.36x103 kNm2. No support yield.

4m
EI
Presumed EI
VA = 88 kN HA = –27 kN MA = –84 kNm D-Shape
VD = 152 kN HD = –81 kN MD = –156 kNm A D
EIθB = 120 EIθC = –24 EIδB→ = 25 mm
6m

Solution
Step 1: Redundant DoF: Let θB, θC and δB be the redundant dof.
MBCF MCBF
Step 2: Fixed Structure 40 kN/m
108 kN MCDF
Restrain the frame at B and C to obtain
MBAF B 2EI C
the fixed structure [FF]
MABF = MBAF = MCDF = MDCF = 0 EI

4m
[FF] EI
MBCF = –ωL2/12 = –120
MABF MDCF
MCBF = ωL2/12 = 120 A D
HABF = HDCF = 0 HABF 6m HDCF
VABF = VDCF = ωL/2 = 120 VABF VDCF
Step 3: Stiffness Structures
Release the restraints at B and C and impose unit rotations to obtain the stiffness structures
[S1] and [S2] then impose unit sway to obtain the stiffness structure [S3]

mBC1 mCB1 mBC2 mCB2

mAB1 = 2EI/L = EI/2 hBA1 B C hCD2
2EI, 6 m C B
mBA1 = 4EI/L = EI
2EI, 6 m
mBC1 = 4(2EI)/L = 4EI/3 mCD2
mBA1
mCB1 = 2(2EI)/L = 2EI/3 EI, 4 m EI, 4 m
[S1] [S2]
hAB1 = 6EI/L2 = 3EI/8
mAB1 mDC2
hBA1 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 A D A D
vAB1 = –6(2EI)/L2 = –EI/3 hAB1 vAB1 vAB2 hDC2
vDC1 vDC2
vDC1 = 6(2EI)/L2 = EI/3

mBC2 = 2(2EI)/L = 2EI/3 mAB3 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 hBA3 B 2EI, 6 m C hCD3

mCB2 = 4(2EI)/L = 4EI/3 mBA3 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8
mCD3
mCD2 = 4EI/L = EI mCD3 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 mBA3 [S3]
mDC2 = 2EI/L = EI/2 mDC3 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 EI, 4 m EI, 4 m

hDC2 = 6EI/L2 = 3EI/8 hAB3 = –12EI/L3 = –3EI/16 mAB3

A mDC3 D
hCD2 = –6EI/L2 = –3EI/8 hBA3 = 12EI/L3 = 3EI/16
hAB3 hDC3
vAB2 = –6(2EI)/L2 = –EI/3 hCD3 = 12EI/L3 = 3EI/16
vDC2 = 6(2EI)/L2 = EI/3 hDC3 = –12EI/L3 = –3EI/16

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 15

Step 4: Stiffness Equations
S11 = mBA1 + mBC1 = 7EI/3 S12 = mBC2 = 2EI/3 S13 = mBA3 = –3EI/8
S21 = mCB1 = 2EI/3 S22 = mCB2 + mCD2 = 7EI/3 S23 = mCD3 = –3EI/8
S31 = hBA1 = –3EI/8 S32 = hCD2 = –3EI/8 S33 = hBA3 + hCD3 = 3EI/8
MBF = MBAF + MBC = –120
F MB = 0 MC =F
MCBF + MCDF = 120 MC = 0
F
FB = HABF + HBAF = 0 FB = 108

Matrix Format Solving

7/3 2/3 –3/8 θB –120 0 θB = 120EI
EI 2/3 7/3 –3/8 θC + 120 = 0 θC = –24/EI
–3/8 –3/8 3/8 δB 0 108 δB = 384/EI

Step 5: Superposition
MAB 1/2 0 –3/8 0 –84 kNm
MBA 1 0 –3/8 0 –24 kNm
MBC 4/3 2/3 0 –120 24 kNm
MCB 2/3 4/3 0 120/EI 120 168 kNm
MCD = [EI] 0 1 –3/8 –24/EI + 0 = –168 kNm
MDC 0 1/2 –3/8 384/EI 0 –156 kNm
VAB –1/3 –1/3 0 120 88 kN
HAB 3/8 0 –3/16 0 –27 kN
VDC 1/3 1/3 0 120 152 kN
HDC 0 3/8 –3/16 0 –81 kN

Step 6: Output
88
40 kN/m
108 kN 27 + 81

B 2EI C B – C
4m

EI
D-shape +
EI +
SFD (kN)
84 152
156
A D
A D
27 6m 81 27 81

88 152 168

B 24 – 168

24 C –
+

120.8
VA = 88 kN HA = –27 kN MA = –84 kNm
VD = 152 kN HD = –81 kN MD = –156 kNm +
EIθB = 120 EIθC = –24 EIδB→ = 384 = 25 mm
– BMD (kNm)
A D
84 156

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 16

4.4 FURTHER NOTES
4.4.1 Fixed-End Sway Load
1. In examples 7 and 8, the applied sway load was a point load FB = 108 kN acting at
the sway level, and the fixed-end sway force FBF = 0.
2. In theory, the applied sway load may arise due to point load(s), uniformly
distributed load(s), bending moment(s), or any combination thereof, acting
anywhere within the span of the sway leg(s). In such a situation:
a) Consider the sway leg(s) as “fixed-end” members.
b) Using Handout 3, or otherwise, evaluate the “reactions” at the sway level.
c) The fixed-end sway force FBF = “fixed-end reactions” and the applied sway
load FB = 0. [See Tutorial # 4 Qu 7]
3. The “fixed-end reactions” in Note 2 (b) above must be evaluated with due regard to
propped ends. [See Tutorial # 4 Qu 8].
4. Effects of support yield are dealt with as explained in section 4.1.4
[See Tutorial # 4 Qu 3]

4.4.2 Unsymmetrical Frames

1. If a frame is symmetrical, then it can only sway due to an applied sway load.
2. An unsymmetrical frame can sway even without an applied sway load. [See Tut # 4
Qus 5 and 6]. The effective sway force arises from the requirements of horizontal
equilibrium after the joints have undergone their respective rotations.
3. The effective sway force in an unsymmetrical frame will therefore be different (in
magnitude and/or sense) from the applied sway load. [This implies that it is
possible for an unsymmetrical frame to sway to the left when in fact the
applied sway load was to the right, and vice versa!] [See Tutorial # 4 Qu 9]
4. In frames with inclined legs, both the legs and the beam will undergo sway. The
stiffness matrix equation must therefore be assembled by considering the
equilibrium of all the members affected by sway. [See Tutorial # 4 Qus 9 and 10]

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 17

4.5 SUMMARY
The analysis of rigid-jointed frames using the Simplified Stiffness Method is
accomplished in six steps:

Step 1: Redundant DoF: Identify ALL independent degrees of freedom (dof)

Step 2: Fixed Structure: Restrain ALL independent dof to obtain the fixed structure. The
fixed structure forces and displacements for some common cases are given in Handout 3.

Step 3: Stiffness Structure(s): impose a unit displacement corresponding to each

independent dof, while keeping all other dof restrained, to generate the stiffness
coefficients. The stiffness coefficients are given in Handout 4.

Step 4: Stiffness Equation(s): Write a stiffness equation to restore equilibrium at the site
of each independent dof. Each stiffness equation is a superposition of the fixed structure
out-of-balance forces and the structure stiffnesses multiplied by the corresponding dof.
Solve the stiffness equations to evaluate the displacements.

Step 5: Superposition: Use the principle of superposition to complete the analysis.

Step 6: Output: Draw the SFD, BMD and sketch the D-Shape using the techniques and
sign convention developed in FCC3 201.

S K Mutua FCC3 301 Chapter 4 © 2024 Page 18