S T R U C T 1 – LEC T U R E I I
DETERMINACY
AND STABILITY
GERALD RICKSON R. BERNARDINO, CE, RMP, SO2
OBJECTIVES
• Ability to identify support connections
• Identify and solve equations of equilibrium
• Identify determinacy and stability of beams and frames
• Ability to draw Free Body Diagrams
INTRODUCTION
An exact analysis of a structure can never be carried out,
since estimates always have to be made of the loadings and
the strength of the materials composing the structure.
Furthermore, points of application for the loadings must
also be estimated. It is important, therefore, that the
structural engineer develop the ability to model or idealize a
structure so that he or she can perform a practical force
analysis of the members. In this section we will develop the
basic techniques necessary to do this.
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
Structural members are joined together in various ways
depending on the intent of the designer. The three types of
joints most often specified are the pin connection, the roller
support, and the fixed joint.
A pin-connected joint and a roller support allow some freedom
for slight rotation, whereas a fixed joint allows no relative
rotation between the connected members and is consequently
more expensive to fabricate.
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
Other types of connections most commonly encountered on
coplanar structures are given in Table 2–1. It is important to be
able to recognize the symbols for these connections and the
kinds of reactions they exert on their attached members. This
can easily be done by noting how the connection prevents any
degree of freedom or displacement of the member.
In particular, the support will develop a force on the member if
it prevents translation of the member, and it will develop a
moment if it prevents rotation of the member.
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
SUPPORT CONNECTIONS
DETERMINACY AND STABILITY
Before starting the force analysis of a structure, it is
necessary to establish the determinacy and stability of
the structure.
DETERMINACY AND STABILITY
The equilibrium equations provide both the
necessary and sufficient conditions for equilibrium.
When all the forces in a structure can be determined
strictly from these equations, the structure is referred
to as statically determinate . Structures having more
unknown forces than available equilibrium equations
are called statically indeterminate .
DETERMINACY AND STABILITY
DEGREE OF INDETERMINACY (General Equation)
DI = r - 3n
where: r = (number of Reactions)
3n = 3 x (Number of members)
and: r = 3n, statically determinate
r > 3n, statically indeterminate
DETERMINACY AND STABILITY
DETERMINACY
In particular, if a structure is statically indeterminate, the
additional equations needed to solve for the unknown reactions are
obtained by relating the applied loads and reactions to the
displacement or slope at different points on the structure. These
equations, which are referred to as compatibility equations, must
be equal in number to the degree of indeterminacy of the structure.
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1
Classify the beam shown as statically determinate or statically
indeterminate and determine the degree of indeterminacy.
r=3
n=1
3=3
statically determinate
SAMPLE PROBLEM 2
Classify the beam shown as statically determinate or statically
indeterminate and determine the degree of indeterminacy.
r=5
n=1
5>3
statically indeterminate to the 2 nd degree
SAMPLE PROBLEM 3
Classify the beam shown as statically determinate or statically
indeterminate and determine the degree of indeterminacy.
r = 10
n=3
10 > 9
statically indeterminate to the 1 st degree
DETERMINACY AND STABILITY
STABILITY
To ensure the equilibrium of a structure or its members, it is not
only necessary to satisfy the equations of equilibrium, but the
members must also be properly held or constrained by their
supports. Two situations may occur where the conditions for proper
constraint have not been met.
DETERMINACY AND STABILITY
INSTABILITY
If the structure is unstable, it does not matter if it is statically
determinate or indeterminate. In all cases such types of structures
must be avoided in practice.
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1
Classify the structure shown as stable or unstable.
r=3
n=1
3=3
stable and statically determinate
SAMPLE PROBLEM 2
Classify the structure shown as stable or unstable.
r=3
n=1
3=3
unstable but statically determinate
SAMPLE PROBLEM 3
Classify the structure shown as stable or unstable.
r=7
n=3
7<9
unstable
EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
Occasionally, the members of a structure are connected
together in such a way that the joints can be assumed as pins.
Building frames and trusses are typical examples that are often
constructed in this manner. Provided a pin-connected coplanar
structure is properly constrained and contains no more supports or
members than are necessary to prevent collapse, the forces acting
at the joints and supports can be determined by applying the three
equations of equilibrium.
EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1
Determine the reactions on the beam shown.
SAMPLE PROBLEM 2
A beam simply supported at ends, carries a concentrated load of
300 lb and a uniformly distributed load weighing 100 lb per linear
foot. Determine the beam reactions.
SAMPLE PROBLEM 2
