Lecture 6:
Objectives:
• Understand the moving load effect in simpler term
• Study various definitions of influence line
• Introduce to simple procedures for construction of influence lines
Introduction:
Common sense tells us that when a load moves over a structure, the deflected
shape of the structural will vary. In the process, we can arrive at simple
conclusion that due to moving load position on the structure, reactions value at
the support also will vary.
Definitions of influence line:
There are many ways to to defined influence line:
• An influence line is a diagram whose ordinates, which are plotted as a function
of distance along the span, give the value of an internal force, a reaction, or a
displacement at a particular point in a structure as a unit load move across the
structure.
• An influence line represents the variation of either the reaction, shear,
moment, or deflection at a specific point in a member as a unit concentrated
force moves over the member.
Construction of Influence line:
In the present approaches it is assumed that the moving load is having
dimensionless magnitude of unity. Classification of the approaches for
construction of influence lines
Two approaches: Tabulated or Equations
Tabulated Value: Apply a unit load at different locations along the member, say
at x. And these locations, apply statics to compute the value of parameter
(reaction, shear, or moment) at the specified point. The best way to use this
approach is to prepare a table, listing unit load at x versus the corresponding
value of the parameter calculated at the specific point (i.e. Reaction R, Shear V
or moment M) and plot the tabulated values so that influence line segments can
be constructed.
Equations: Influence line can be constructed by deriving a general mathematical
equation to compute parameters (e.g. reaction, shear or moment) at a specific
point under the effect of moving load at a variable position x. The above
discussed both approaches are demonstrated with the help of simple numerical
examples in the following paragraphs.
Example 1: Construct the influence line for the reaction at support B for the
beam of span 10 m. The beam structure is shown in Figure 1
Tabulate values: As shown in the figure, a unit load is places at distance x from
support A and the reaction value RB is calculated by taking moment with
reference to support A. Let us say, if the load is placed at 2.5 m. from support A
then the reaction RB can be calculated as follows
Similarly, the load can be placed at 5.0, 7.5 and 10 m. away from support A and
reaction RB can be computed and tabulated as given below:
Influence Line Equation: When the unit load is placed at any location between
two supports from support A at distance x then the equation for reaction R B can
be written as
Σ M A = 0 : R B x 10 – x = 0 ⇒ R B = x/10
Influence line of Reaction B
EXAMPLE 2
Construct the influence line for support reaction at B for the given beam as
shown in Fig 37.5
As shown in the figure, a unit load is places at distance x from support A and
the reaction value RB is calculated by taking moment with reference to support
A. Let us say, if the load is placed at 2.5 m. from support A then the reaction R B
can be calculated as follows.
Similarly, one can place a unit load at distances 5.0 m and 7.5 m from support A
and compute reaction at B. When the load is placed at 10.0 m from support A,
then reaction at B can be computed using following equation.
Generate table up to 12.5m
Influence line Equation: Applying the moment equation at A
Lecture 6: ILD for Shear Force and Bending Moment
Objective: to draw the ILD of shear force and bending for single wheel load.
6.0 Shearing Force at Section
6.1 Step to be followed to draw the Influence Line for Shearing Force at Section n
1.2 Influence Line for Bending Moment at Section n
Bending Moment at a Section :
Construction of ILD for bending moment
Question 1. For the double overhanging beam shown in Figure 1, construct the influence lines for
the support reactions at B and C and the shearing force and the bending moment at section n.
Question 2. For the beam with one end overhanging support B, as shown in Figure 2, construct the
influence lines for the support reactions at B and C, and the shearing force and the bending moment
at a section “k.”
