Theory of Structure 1

4.0 Influence Lines for Statically Determinate Structures

Content:
4.1 Influence lines
4.2 Influence lines for beams
4.3 Qualitative influence lines
4.4 Influence lines for floor girders
4.5 Influence lines for trusses
4.6 Maximum influence at a point due to a series of concentrated loads
4.7 Absolute maximum shear and moment

4.1 Influence lines

 If a structure is subjected to a moving load, the variation of shear & bending
moment is best described using the influence line.
 One can tell at a glance, where the moving load should be placed on the structure
so that it creates the greatest influence at a specified point.
 The magnitude of the associated shear, moment or reaction at the point can then
be calculated using the ordinates of the influence-line diagram.
 One should be clear of the difference between Influence Lines & shear or
moment diagram.
 Influence line represent the effect of a moving load only at a specific point.
 Shear or moment diagrams represent the effect of fixed loads at all points along
the axis of the member.
 Procedure for Analysis
(i) Tabulate Values
(ii) Influence-Line equations

Influence line for reaction Ay

Influence line for shear Vc

1
Influence line for moment Mc

 Tabulate Values
1. Place a unit load at various locations, x, along the member.
2. At each location use statics to determine the value of function at the
specified point.
3. If the influence line for a vertical force reaction at a point on a beam is to
be constructed, consider the reaction to be +ve at the point when it acts
upward on the beam.
4. If a shear or moment influence line is to be drawn for a point, take the shear
or moment at the point as +ve according to the same sign convention used
for drawing shear & moment diagram.
5. All statically determinate beams will have influence lines that consist of
straight line segments

 Influence-line equations
1. The influence line can also be constructed by placing the unit load at a
variable position, x, on the member & then computing the value of R, V
or M at the point as a function of x.
2. The equations of the various line segments composing the influence line can
be determined & plotted.

Example:
Construct the influence line for the vertical reaction at A of the beam.

Solutions:
Tabulate Values
A unit load is placed on the beam at each selected point x & the value of Ay is calculated
by summing moments about B.

2
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0; −𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 (10) + 1(7.5) = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0; −𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 (10) + 1(5) = 0
𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = 0.75 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = 0.5

x Ay
0 1
2.5 0.75
5 0.5
7.5 0.25
10 0

Influence-Line Equation
The reaction as a function of x can be determined from
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0; −𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 (10) + (10 − 𝑥𝑥)(1) = 0
1
𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥𝑥
10

Example:
Construct the influence line for the vertical reaction at B of the beam.

Tabulate values
x By
0 0
2.5 0.5
5 1
7.5 1.5
10 2

3
Influence-line equation
Applying the moment equation about A,
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 0; 𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 (5) − 1(𝑥𝑥) = 0
1
𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥
5

Example:
Construct the influence line for the shear at point C of the beam.

Solution:
Note in particular that the unit load must be placed just to the left (𝑥𝑥 = 2.5− ) and
just to the right (𝑥𝑥 = 2.5+ ) of point C since the shear is discontinuous at C.

x Vc
0 0
2.5- -0.25
+
2.5 0.75
5 0.5
7.5 0.25
10 0

4
Influence-line equation

Example
Construct the influence line for the shear at point C of the beam.

Tabulate values
x Vc
0 0
-
4 -0.5
4+ 0.5
8 0
12 -0.5

Influence-line equations
1
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = − 𝑥𝑥 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 < 4m
8

1
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 1 − 𝑥𝑥 4m < 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 12m
8

5
Example:
Construct the influence line for the moment at C of the beam.

At each selected position of the unit load, the value Mc is calculated using the method
of sections.
−𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 + 0.25(5) = 0; 𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 = 1.25

x Mc
0 0
2.5 1.25
5 2.5
7.5 1.25
10 0

Influence-line equation
1
𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 + 1(5 − 𝑥𝑥) − �1 − 𝑥𝑥� 5 = 0
10
1
𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 = 𝑥𝑥 for 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 < 5m
2

1
𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 − �1 − 𝑥𝑥� 5 = 0
10
1
𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 = 5 − 𝑥𝑥 for 5m < 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 10m
2

6
4.2 Influence lines for beams
 Once the influence line for a function has been constructed, it will be possible to
position live loads on the beam which will produce the max value of the function.
 2 types of loadings will be considered:
(i) Concentrated force
(ii) Uniform load

Concentrated force
 For any concentrated force, F acting on the beam, the value of the function can be
found by multiplying the ordinate of the influence line at position x by magnitude
of F.

Influence line for Ay

For unit load, 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = 1�2

For a force of F, 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = �1�2�𝐹𝐹

Uniform load
 Each dx segment of this load creates a concentrated force of 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑤𝑤0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑.
 If 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 is located at x, where the influence-line ordinate is y, the value of the
function is (𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑)(𝑦𝑦) = (𝑤𝑤0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑)𝑦𝑦.
 The effect of all concentrated forces is determined by integrating over the entire
length of the beam.

 ∫ 𝑤𝑤0 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝑤𝑤𝟎𝟎 ∫ 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦

 Since ∫ 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 is equivalent to the area under the influence line, in general:
value of the function caused by a uniform load
= (the area under the influence line) x (intensity of the uniform load)

7
Example
Determine the maximum +ve shear that can be developed at point C in the beam due
to:
(i) a concentrated moving load of 4kN, and
(ii) a uniform moving load of 2kN/m.

Concentrated force
The max +ve positive shear at C will occur when the 4 kN force is located at x = 2.5m.
The ordinate at this peak is +0.75, hence:
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 0.75(4kN) = 3kN

The uniform moving load creates the max +ve influence for VC when the load acts on
the beam between x = 2.5 m and x = 10 m
The magnitude of VC due to this loading is:
1
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = � (10m − 2.5m)(0.75)� (2 kN⁄m) = 5.625kN
2

Total maximum shear at C:

(𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 )𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 3kN + 5.625kN = 8.625kN

8
Example:
The frame structure is used to support a hoist for transferring loads for storage at points
underneath it. It is anticipated that the load on the dolly is 3kN and the beam CB has
a mass of 24 kg⁄m. Assume the dolly has negligible size and can travel the entire
length of the beam. Also, assume A is a pin and B is a roller. Determine the maximum
vertical support reactions at A and B and the maximum moment in the beam at D.

Solution:
Maximum reaction at A:

Influence line for Ay

When a unit load is at A, the reaction at A is 1. The ordinate at C, is 1.33. Here the
maximum value for Ay occurs when the dolly is at C.
Since the dead load (beam weight) must be placed over the entire length of the beam,
1
�𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 � = 3000(1.33) + 24(9.81) � (4)(1.33)� = 4.63kN
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2

Maximum reaction at B:

Influence line for By

The values at C and B are determined by statics. The dolly must be at B. Thus,
1 1
�𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 �𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 3000(1) + 24(9.81) � (3)(1)� + 24(9.81) � (1)(−0.333)� = 3.31kN
2 2

9
Maximum moment at D:

Influence line for MD

The values at C and D are determined from statics. Here,
1 1
(𝑀𝑀𝐷𝐷 )𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 3000(0.75) + 24(9.81) � (1)(−0.5)� + 24(9.81) � (3)(0.75)�
2 2
= 2.46kNm

4.3 Qualitative Influence Lines

 The Müller-Breslau Principle states that the influence line for a function is to the
same scale as the deflected shape of the beam when the beam is acted upon by the
function.
 If the shape of the influence line for the vertical reaction at A is to be determined,
the pin is first replaced by a roller guide.

 When the +ve force Ay is applied at A, the beam deflects to the dashed position
which rep the general shape of the influence line.

Influence line of Ay
 If the shape of the influence line for shear at C is to be determined, the connection
at C may be symbolized by a roller guide.

 Applying a +ve shear force Vc to the beam at C & allowing the beam to deflect to
the dashed position.

Influence line of Vc

10
 If the shape of influence line for the moment at C is to be determined, an internal
hinge or pin is placed at C.

 Applying +ve moment Mc to the beam, the beam deflects to the dashed line.

Influence line of Mc

 The proof of the Müller-Breslau Principal can be established using the principle
of virtual work.
 Work = a linear displacement × force in the direction of displacement
Or
 Work = rotational displacement × moment if the direction of the displacement
 If a rigid body is in equilibrium, the sum of all the forces & moments on it must
be equal to zero.
 If the body is given an imaginary or virtual displacement, work done by all these
forces & couple moments must also be equal to zero.
 If the beam shown is given a virtual displacement δy at the support A, then only
Ay & unit load do virtual work.
 Ay does +ve work = 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦
 The unit load does –ve work = −1𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′
 Since the beam is in equilibrium, the virtual work sums to zero
𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 − 1𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0
 If 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 1, then 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′

11
 If the beam is sectioned at C, the beam undergoes a virtual displacement δy then
only the internal shear at C and the unit load do work.
 The virtual work equation is:
𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 − 1𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0
 If 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 1, then 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′
 The shape of the influence line for shear at C has been established.

 If a virtual rotation δφ is introduced at the pin, virtual work will be done only by
the internal moment & unit load.
𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 𝛿𝛿∅ − 1𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0
 If 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 = 1, then 𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 = 𝛿𝛿𝑦𝑦 ′

Example:
For each beam sketch the influence line.
Deflected shape Influence line

12
4.4 Influence Lines for Floor Girders
 Floor loads are transmitted from slabs to floor beams then to side girders & finally
supporting columns.

13
 The influence line for a specified point on the girder can be determined using the
same statics procedure.
 In particular, the value for the internal moment in a girder panel will depend upon
where point P is chosen for the influence line.
 Magnitude of MP depends upon the point’s location from end of the girder.
 Influence lines for shear in floor girders are specified for panels in the girder and
not specific points along the girder.
 This shear is known as girder shear.

Example:
Draw the influence line for the shear in panel CD of the floor girder.

Solution:
The unit load is placed at each floor beam location & the shear in panel CD is calculated.
Finally a segment of the girder is considered & the internal panel shear VCD is calculated.

x VCD
0 0.333
3 0
6 -0.333
9 0.333
12 0

14
4.5 Influence lines for trusses
 The loading on the bridge deck is transmitted to stringers which in turn transmit
the loading to floor beams and then to joints along the bottom cord.
 We can obtain the ordinate values of the influence line for a member by loading
each joint along the deck with a unit load and then use the method of joints or
method of sections to calculate the force in the member.

Example:
Draw the influence line for the force in member GB of the bridge truss.

Solution:
Each successive joint at the bottom cord is loaded with a unit load and the force in
member GB is calculated using the method of sections.
Since the influence line extends over the entire span of truss, member GB is referred to
as a primary member.

x FGB
0 0
6 0.354
12 -0.707
18 -0.354
24 0

This means that GB is subjected to a force regardless of where the bridge deck is loaded.
15
The point of zero force is determined by similar triangles.

Influence line for FGB

4.6 Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads

 The max effect caused by a live concentrated force is determined by multiplying
the peak ordinate of the influence line by the magnitude of the force.
 In some cases, e.g. wheel loadings, several concentrated loadings must be placed
on structure.
 Trial-and-error procedure can be used or a method that is based on the change in
function that takes place as the load is moved.

Shear Force:
 Consider the simply supported beam with associated influence line for shear at
point C.
 The max +ve shear at C is to be determined due to the series of concentrated loads
moving from right to left.
 Critical loading occurs when one of the loads is placed just to the right of C.

Influence line of Vc

16
By trial & error, each of three possible cases can therefore be investigated.
Case 1: (𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 )1 = 4.5(0.75) + 18(0.625) + 18(0.5) = 23.63kN

Case 2: (𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 )2 = 4.5(−0.125) + 18(0.75) + 18(0.625) = 24.19kN

Case 3: (𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 )3 = 4.5(0) + 18(−0.125) + 18(0.75) = 11.25kN

 Case 2 yields the largest value for VC and therefore rep the critical loading.
 Investigation of Case 3 is unnecessary since by inspection such an arrangement of
loads would yield (𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 )3 < (𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 )2 .

17
 Trial-and-error can be tedious at times.
 The critical position of the loads can be determined in a more direct manner by
finding ∆V which occurs when the loads are moved from Case 1 to 2, then from
Case 2 to 3.
 As long as computed ∆V is +ve, the new position will yield a larger shear.
 Each movement is investigated until a –ve ∆V is computed.
∆𝑉𝑉 = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃(𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1 )

 If the load moves past a point where there is a discontinuity in the influence line,
the change in shear is: ∆𝑉𝑉 = 𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑦1 )
 Use of above eqn will be illustrated with reference to the beam, loading &

influence line for Vc shown slope, s = 0.75�(12 − 3) = 0.0833 & jump at C =

0.75 + 0.25 = 1

 Consider the loads moving 1.5 m.

 When this occurs, the 4.5 kN load jumps down (-1) & all the loads move up the
slope of the influence line.
 This causes a change of shear
∆𝑉𝑉1−2 = 4.5(−1) + [4.5 + 18 + 18](0.0833)(1.5) = +0.563kN
 Since ∆𝑉𝑉1−2 is +ve, Case 2 will yield a larger value for VC than case 1.
 Since ∆𝑉𝑉2−3 is -ve, Case 2 is the position of the critical loading,
∆𝑉𝑉2−3 = 18(−1) + [4.5 + 18 + 18](0.0833)(1.5) = −12.94kN

Bending Moment:
 ∆𝑀𝑀 = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃(𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1 )
 Consider the beam, loading & influence line for the moment at point C

Influence line for Mc

18
 2.25 2.25
∆𝑀𝑀1−2 = 9 � � (1.2) + (18 − 13.5) � � (1.2) = 1.35kNm
3 12 − 3

Case 1 Case 2
 Since ∆ M1-2 is +ve, we compute for loads moved from Cases 2 to 3.

2.25 2.25
∆𝑀𝑀2−3 = −(9 + 18) � � (1.8) + 13.5 � � (1.8) = −30.38kNm
3 12 − 3

Case 2 Case 3
 ∆ M2-3 -ve, the greatest moment at C will occur when the beam is loaded as shown
in Case 2.

 The maximum moment at C is therefore, (𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 )𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 9(1.35) + 18(2.25) +

13.5(18) = 77.0kNm

Example:
Determine the maximum positive shear created at point B in the beam due to the wheel
loads of the moving truck.

19
Solution:
(i) 0.9 m movement of the 18 kN load
 Imagine that the 18 kN load acts just to the right of point B so that we obtain its
max +ve influence.
 Beam segment BC is 3 m long, the 4.5 kN load is not as yet on the beam.
 When the truck moves 0.9 m to the left, the 18 kN load jumps downward on the
influence line 1 unit.

 Although the 45 kN load also moves forward 0.9 m, it is still not on the beam.
0.5
Thus, ∆𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵 = 18(−1) + (18 + 40.5 + 67.5) � � (0.9) = +0.9kN
3

(ii) 1.8 m movement of the 40.5 kN load

 When the 40.5 kN load acts just to the right of B & the truck moves 1.8 m to the
0.5
left, we have ∆𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵 = 40.5(−1) + (18 + 40.5 + 67.5) � � (1.8) +
3

0.5
4.5 � � (1.2) = +6.3kN
3

(iii) 1.8 m movement of the 67.5 kN load

If the 67.5 kN load is positioned just to the right of B & then the truck moves 1.8 m to
the left, the 18 kN load moves only 0.3 m until it is off the beam.
Likewise, the 40.5 kN load moves only 1.2 m until it is off the beam
0.5 0.5 0.5
∆𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵 = 67.5(−1) + 18 � � (0.3) + 40.5 � � (1.2) + (67.5 + 45) � � (1.8)
3 3 3
= −24.8kN

20
 Since ∆VB is -ve, the correct position of the loads occur when 67.5 kN is just to the
right of B.
(𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵 )𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 18(−0.05) + 40.5(−0.2) + 67.5(0.5) + 45(0.2) = 33.8kN

 In practice, one also has to consider motion of the truck from left to right & then
choose the max value between these 2 situations.

4.7 Absolute Maximum Shear and Moment

 A more general problem involves the determination of both the location of the
point in beam & the position of the loading on the beam so that one can obtain the
absolute max shear & moment caused by the loads.

Shear Force:
 For cantilevered beam, the absolute max shear will occur at a point just next to the
fixed support.

 For simply supported beams the absolute max shear will occur just next to one of
the supports.

21
Bending Moment:
 The absolute max moment for a cantilevered beam occurs at a point where absolute
max shear occurs.
 The concentrated loads should be positioned at the far end of the beam.

 For a simply supported beam, the critical position of the loads & the associated
absolute max moment cannot, in general, be determined by inspection.
 The position can be determined analytically.
 Consider a beam subjected to forces, F1, F2 & F3.
 The moment diagram for a series of concentrated forces consists of straight line
segments having peaks at each force.
 Assume the absolute max moment occurs under F2.
 The position of the 3 loads on the beam will be specified by the distance x
measured from F2 to the beam’s centerline.

 To determine a specific value of x, first obtain the resultant force of the system FR
& its distance measured from F2.
 Moments are summed about B, yielding the beam’s left reaction Ay.
1 𝐿𝐿
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0; 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = (𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 ) � − (𝑥𝑥�′ − 𝑥𝑥)�
𝐿𝐿 2

22
 If the beam is sectioned just to the left of F2, M2 under F2 is:
𝐿𝐿 1 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
∑ 𝑀𝑀 = 0; 𝑀𝑀2 = �𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 � � − 𝑥𝑥� − 𝐹𝐹1 𝑑𝑑1 = (𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 ) � − (𝑥𝑥�′ − 𝑥𝑥)� � − 𝑥𝑥� − 𝐹𝐹1 𝑑𝑑1
2 𝐿𝐿 2 2

𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 𝐿𝐿 𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 ���

𝑥𝑥 ′ 𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 𝑥𝑥 2 �����′
𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥
= − − + − 𝐹𝐹1 𝑑𝑑1
4 2 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿

 For maximum M2, we require:

𝑑𝑑𝑀𝑀2 −2𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 𝑥𝑥 𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 ���
𝑥𝑥 ′ ���
𝑥𝑥 ′
= + = 0 or 𝑥𝑥 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿 2

 Hence, we may conclude that the absolute max moment in a simply supported
beam occurs under one of the concentrated forces such that this force is positioned
on the beam so that it & the resultant force of the system are equidistant from the
beam’s centerline.

 Envelope of Max influence-line values

 An elementary way to proceed requires constructing influence lines for the
shear or moment at selected points along the entire length of the beam & then
computing the max shear or moment in the beam for each point.
 These values when plotted yield an “envelope of maximums”, from which
both the absolute maximum value of shear or moment and its location can be
found.

Example:
Determine the absolute maximum moment in the simply supported bridge deck.

Solution:
↓ +𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 = ∑ 𝐹𝐹; 𝐹𝐹𝑅𝑅 = 8 + 6 + 4 = 18kN
𝑀𝑀𝑅𝑅 = ∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶 ; 18𝑥𝑥̅ = 6(3) + 4(4.5)
𝑥𝑥̅ = 2m
The absolute maximum moment occurs
under the 6kN load. The load and the
resultant force are positioned equidistant
from the beam’s centerline.

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∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0; −𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 (9) + 18(5) = 0
𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = 10kN
Now using the left section of the beam, yields
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝑆𝑆 = 0; −10(5) + 8(3) + 𝑀𝑀𝑆𝑆 = 0
𝑀𝑀𝑆𝑆 = 26.0kNm

There is a possibility that the absolute maximum moment may occur under the 8kN
load, since 8kN > 6kN and FR is between both 8kN and 6kN. To investigate this case,
the 8-kN load and FR are positioned equidistant from the beam’s centerline.

𝑀𝑀𝑆𝑆 = 24.5kNm

By comparison, the absolute maximum moment is 𝑀𝑀𝑆𝑆 = 26.0kNm which occurs

under the 6-kN load, when the loads are positioned on the beam.

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