Chapter 6

PLASTIC ANALYSIS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

Generally, the plastic analysis is an alternative method to analysis the

material of steel because of the ductile behaviour.

The characteristic stress-strain diagram for a steel material is shown in

Figure 6.1. In structural analysis, the steel structure passes three distinct
stages in the stress strain relationship as shown in Figure 6.1. When the
applied stress is proportional to the strain, a material is said to obey
Hooke’s Law. There is a linear relationship between the stress and strain;
the steel is in the elastic behaviour. The material will return to its original
undeformed shape if the load is removed. The slope is called the modulus
of elasticity, E or Young's Modulus.

In the second stage, as the stress increased further the plasticity spread
inwards until an entire cross section of structure has yielded at point 1 as
shown in Figure 6.1. The yielded section creates a plastic hinge and lost
all resistance to rotation. At this stage, the steel attain its maximum
possible moment capacity called the plastic moment, Mp. The
development of the hinge caused a redistribution of the bending moments
across the structure. The redistribution enables the structure to carry more
loads after first hinge has formed.

The second plastic hinge forms at the next most critical stage. On further
increase in stress, the bending moments at the section of the two plastic
hinges remain constant at their plastic moments and it keep increasing
until the third plastic hinge forms. The process of the formation of
successive plastic hinges continues until collapse of structure. The
structure has now become a mechanism.

1
The purpose of plastic analysis is to determine the collapse load or
ultimate load. Plastic analysis considers the behaviour of structure in
plastic limit before the structure collapse.

Stress,σ (sigma)

Yield stress, σy

σ
E =
ε

Strain,ε (epsilon)

elastic plastic Strain hardening

Figure 6.1: The stress strain relationship of steel

The advantages of plastic behaviour;

a) Reduce the risk of failure due to the additional load or calculation

error.
b) Give the additional safety to structure.

The theory of plastic analysis based on;

a) Stable structure.
b) Steel in ductile behaviour.
c) The main point in plastic action is the bending neglecting the
influence of any shear force and axial load that may be present.

Two methods can be used to solve the plastic analysis problem;

a) Graphical method
b) Virtual work method

2
6.2. PLASTIC MOMENT, MP

Consider the beam with the cross section (b x h) is subjected to bending,

M due to the point load, P.

b σ σy σy Fc =

Fc
Lever
h arm
Ft = h/2

σ < σy Ft =
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

elastic plastic

Figure 6.2: Stress distribution diagram

Where;

(a) beam cross section, b x h

(b) stress distribution for entire cross sectional area in the elastic
stage.

M.y
Bending stress, σ =
I
where M = bending moment
y = bottom or above distance to neutral axis
I = moment of inertia of cross section

(c) outer section achieved the yield stress (σy). bending moment
due to yield stress called as a yield moment, My.

3
 M y .y M y .h / 2 M y .h
σy = = =
I I 2I
⎛ bh ⎞
3
2⎜⎜ ⎟.σ y
2Iσ y ⎝ 12 ⎟⎠ ⎛ bh 2 ⎞
My = = = σ y ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
h h ⎝ 6 ⎠
= σ y .Z
I
Z = elastic modulus of the section =
y
bh 2
for rectangular section, Z =
6
πd 3
for circle cross section; Z =
32

(d) As the load increased further, yielding spreads inwards from

the extreme fibers until the cross section become half plastic.

(e) The entire section has become plastic. At this stage, the
bending moment known as a plastic moment, Mp.

Mp = load x lever arm

= F x h/2
= (σy .bh/2).(h/2)
= σy . bh2/4
= σy .zp

where zp = plastic modulus of section

for rectangular section, zp = bh2/4

The plastic hinge is created.

P

4
6.3 SHAPE FACTOR, S AND LOAD FACTOR, λ

a) Shape Factor, S

The ratio of the plastic moment to yield moment. S = Mp/My = Zp/Z

This factor based on cross sectional area and always more than 1.
bh 2 /4
o For rectangular section, S = 2 = 1.5
bh /6
o For circle section,

d3 πd3
Zp = ; Z=
3 32
⎛ d3 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎜ 3 ⎟
S = ⎝ ⎠ = 1.7 ; where d is the diameter
⎛ πd3 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎜ 32 ⎟
⎝ ⎠

For thin-walled section normally takes a value between 1.1 and 1.2.

For I section the value is 1.15.

b) Load factor, λ

o The ratio of the collapse load to maximum applied load.

o Load factor is based on the cross sectional shapes. Work load

depends
on the value of I and Z while collapse load depends on the cross
sectional shapes.

o Consider the rectangular section;

Resistance moment under work load, M;

bh 2
M = σb .
6
where, σb = pemissible stress in bending
= σy / 1.5
⎛ bh 2 ⎞
Plastic moment, Mp = σ y ⎜ ⎟
⎜ 4 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Mp
∴λ =
M
= 1 .5 x 1 .5
= 2.25

5
EXAMPLE 6.1

Given, σy = 250 N/mm2

200 mm Permissible stress, σb = 175 N/mm2

50 mm Determine :

(1) Elastic modulus,Z

(2) Yield moment, My
(3) Plastic moment, Mp
(4) Plastic modulus,Zp
400 mm (5) Shape factor, S
(6) Load factor, λ

100 mm

Solution:

Determine the centroid of cross sectional area.

PART AREA (mm2) y (mm) x (mm) Ay

(x106)(mm3)
1 200x50 = 10 00050/2 + 400 0 4.25
= 425
2 400 x 100 = 40 400/2 = 200 0 8
000
Σ= 50 000 Σ= 12.25

∑ Ay
y=
∑A
12.25x106
= = 245mm
50000

6
 200 mm

1 50 mm
205 mm
Neutral axis (N.A)

2 400 mm
245 mm

Reference axis
100 mm
Second moment of inertia, I;

PART AREA (mm2) bh 3

Ix = d (mm) Ad2
12
(106)(mm4)
(10 ) (mm4)
6

1 200x50 = 10 200(503 ) 205-50/2 = 324

000 12 180
= 25
2 400 x 100 = 40 100(4003 ) 245-400/2 = 81
000 12 45
=533.33
Σ= 50 000 Σ=558.33 Σ=405

∑ I xx = [Ix + Ad2]1 + [Ix + Ad2]2

= 963.33x106 mm4

1) Elastic modulus, Z;

I 963.33x106
Z= = = 3.93x106 mm3 ……….. Ans
y max 245

2) Yield moment, My;

M y = σ y .Z = 250(3.93x10 6 ) = 982 .5MNmm …….Ans

7
 3) Plastic moment, Mp

Notes:
ƒ Neutral axis (σ = 0) in the elastic analysis pass through the area of centre.
ƒ Neutral axis in the plastic analysis divide the cross sectional equal area.
This is called as the equal area axis (E.A.A).
ƒ For rectangular cross section;
Neutral axis = Equal Area Axis

200 mm

50 mm
200 mm Fc
x1 = 115 mm
Equal area axis (E.A.A)
400 mm
x2 = 125 mm
y1 = 250 mm Ft

100 mm

The equal area axis with the distance, y1 from bottom of section :
100(y1 ) = 200(50) + 100(400 - y1 )
y1 = 250 mm

Upper part;
200mm

50mm
Fc
150mm
x1 = ?
E.A.A

1st : Find the centroid of upper part;

PART AREA (mm2) y (mm) x (mm) Ay

(x10 )(mm3)
6

1 200x50 = 10 000
150 + 50/2 0 1.75
= 175
2 100x150 = 15 150/2 = 75 0 1.125
000
Σ= 25 000 Σ= 2.875

8
 2 nd : Centroid Fc with the distance, x 1 from equal area axis :

∑ Ay
y=
∑A
2.875 x106
= = 115mm ……change y to x1
25000

Lower part;

3rd : Centroid Ft with the distance, x 2 from equal area axis :

y1 250
x2 = = = 125 mm
2 2

Mp = force x lever arm = Ft x Z = σ y .A x Z

= 250(100x 250) x (125 + 115)
= 1.5 x 109 Nmm
…….. Ans

4) Plastic modulus, Zp;

M P 1.5x109
ZP = = = 6x106 mm3 ………Ans
σy 250

5) Shape factor,S;

MP 1.5x109
S= = = 1.53 ………Ans
M Y 982.5x106

6) Load factor, λ

σy 250
λ= x (S) = (1.53) = 2.19 ………Ans
σb 175

9
EXAMPLE 6.2

Determine the plastic moment, Mp.

50 Given : σy = 250 N/mm2.
50
All units in mm.
125

hole 50
25

50 25 150 25 50

Solution;

50 FC
A
50
x1
E.A.A
125 x2
B y Ft
hole 50
25

50 25 150 25 50

9 Total area = 50(300) + 50(150) + 200(200) – 50(150) = 55,000 mm2

9 Equal area axis located at the distance, y from the bottom of cross
sectional area.

200(y) – 150(50) = 55000/2

200y = 27500 – 7500
y = 175 mm

9 Lever arm length, Z = x1 + x2

10
 Upper part;

50 25 150 25 50

1 50 mm
Fc
2 50 mm
x1 = ?
E.A.A 25 mm
3

The centroid of upper part; (the reference axis is located at E.A.A)

PART AREA (mm2) y (mm) x (mm) Ay

(x106)(mm3)
1 300x50 = 15 000 75 + 50/2 = 0 1.5
100
2 150x50 = 7 500 25 + 50/2 = 0 0.375
50
3 200x 25 = 5 000 25/2 = 12.5 0 0.0625
Σ= 27 500 Σ= 1.934

Centroid Fc with the distance, x 1 from equal area axis :

∑ Ay
y=
∑A
1.934x106
= = 70.33mm ……change y to x1
27500

Second part;
E.A.A

4 x2 = ?
125-25 = 100 mm
Ft
5 50 mm
25mm

25 50 25

11
The centroid of second part; (the reference axis is located at E.A.A)

PART AREA (mm2) y (mm) x (mm) Ay

(x106)(mm3)
4 200x175 = 35 175/2 = 0 3.063
000 87.5
5 -150x50 = - 7 100 + 50/2 0 -0.938
500 = 125
Σ= 27 500 Σ= 2.125

Centroid Ft with the distance, x 2 from equal area axis :

∑ Ay
y=
∑A
2.125x106
= = 77.27mm ……change y to x2
27500

Mp = force x lever arm = Ft x Z = σ y .A x Z

= 250(27500) x (70.33 + 77.27)
= 1.015 GNmm
……….. Ans

12
6.4 THEOREMS IN PLASTIC ANALYSIS

Three following conditions must be satisfied by a structure in its collapse

state;

a. The equilibrium condition – the system of bending moments must be in

equilibrium with the applied load. (∑Fx = 0 , ∑Fy = 0 , ∑M = 0)

b. The yield condition – the bending moment may not exceed the plastic
moment, Mp at any point.

c. The mechanism condition – sufficient plastic hinges must have formed

to reduce all or part of the structure to a mechanism.

6.5 ASSUMPTIONS IN PLASTIC ANALYSIS

a. Obey the Hooke’s Law if the moment is not exceed the yield moment,
My.

b. The relationship of stress-strain must be considered;

Stress,σ
real

Strain,ε

c. The cross sectional area are assumed symmetrical about the major axis so
that plastic moment takes the same value whether the bending moment is
hogging or sagging.

d. A cross section is assumed elastic and rigid until the plastic moment is
reached at which point a hinge forms and the rotational stiffness
becomes zero.

e. Neglecting the influence of any axial load or shear force that may be
presented.

σ bending >>> σ axial

My P
σ bending = >>> σ axial =
I A

13
6.6 COLLAPSE LOAD AND COLLAPSE MECHANISM

Consider the statically determinate structure is simply supported with point

load, P;

P
A B
(a)
C
¾L ¼L
RA=P/4 RA=3P/4

(b)

⎛ P ⎞⎛ 3L ⎞ 3PL
M = ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = < MP
⎝ 4 ⎠⎝ 4 ⎠ 16

Pu = collapse load = λP

(c) θA θB

θC Plastic hinge

(d)

Moment plastic

Notes:

(a) The beam is subjected to work load, P in elastic condition.

(b) Bending moment diagram (BML) (Mmax < MP because its still in elastic
condition)

(c) As the load increased further, the plastic hinge is created at C. At this
stage, the beam achieved the collapse load, Pu or λP and bending moment
at C known as plastic moment, MP.

(d) Then, the beam will fail and can be as a mechanism. Mechanism is an
assemblage of members or parts which undergoes large displacement due
to even a very small load. Collapse load or ultimate load, Pu/λP with λ is a
load factor which is the ratio of the collapse load to work load.

14
6.7 THE LOCATIONS OF PLASTIC HINGE

For statically determinate beam, only one hinge is needed to ensure the
beam is in mechanism condition.

1 plastic hinge

For statically indeterminate beam, at least 2 hinges are needed to ensure

the beam is in mechanism condition.

3 plastic hinge 2 plastic hinge

Generally, there are two types of hinge in the beam structure. Normal
hinge is located at the pinned ended or roller ended support and no
moment. But for the continuous beam, the plastic hinge is located at the
continuous support. Plastic hinge have the moment plastic, MP and
existed at the following locations.

The plastic hinge can be found in these locations;

1. At fixed ended support.

Mp = 3

2. At point load.

Mp = 1

15
 3. At the centre of uniform distributed load.

Mp = 3

4. At continuous support.

Mp = 2

5. At joint of portal frame.

Mp = 6

The additional prediction in plastic analysis are;

a) At joint of the structure which is have two members. The plastic

hinge is created at the weakest member or at the smallest cross
sectional area.

b) At the joint which is having more than three members, the plastic
hinge is created in the member itself even the cross sectional area is
bigger than other members.

16
6.8 PLASTIC ANALYSIS BEAM USING THE GRAPHICAL METHOD

EXAMPLE 6.3

Determine plastic moment, Mp and the value of P required to cause collapse using
graphical method.
P

A B

L/3 2L/3

Solution;

P
Mp
A +
B
L/3 2L/3
L/3

VA + VB = P
+ MA = 0

⎛L⎞
P⎜ ⎟ − VB (L ) = 0 MP ?
⎝3⎠ =
L 2L / 3
P 2P
VB = , VA = 2
3 3 Mp ? = MP
? 3
Draw BMD;
+ (-)
(+)

⎛ 2P ⎞⎛ L ⎞ 2PL
M max = ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ =
⎝ 3 ⎠⎝ 3 ⎠ 9

Moment combination diagram;

M Mp

2PL/9
= (-) 2Mp/3 @ /9 (+)

(+) 2PL/9 2Mp/3

17
 From the moment combination diagram;

2 M P 2 PL
− MP − + =0
3 9

Plastic moment, Mp → − M − 2 M P + 2 PL = 0
P
3 9

5M P 2 PL
− =−
3 9
⎛ 2 PL ⎞ 3 6 PL
MP = ⎜ ⎟ =
⎝ 9 ⎠ 5 45

Value of P → − M − 2 M P + 2 PL = 0
P
3 9

5M P 2 PL
− =−
3 9
⎛ 5M P ⎞ 9 45M P
P=⎜ ⎟ =
⎝ 3 ⎠ 2L 6L

EXAMPLE 6.4

Determine the value of P required causing collapse using graphical method.

P P

A B
C D
L/3 L/3 L/3

18
 Solution;

P P
Mp
A B
C D +
L/3 L/3 L/3 L/3

VA + VB = 2P
+ MA = 0

⎛L⎞ ⎛ 2L ⎞
P⎜ ⎟ + P⎜ ⎟ − VB (L ) = 0
⎝3⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠
VB = P, VA = P Mp y1
Draw BMD; y2
(-)
+
(+) MP y MP y
= 1 = 2
L 2L / 3 L L/3
2 1
y1 = M P y2 = M P
3 3
⎛L⎞
M max = P⎜ ⎟
⎝3⎠

Moment combination diagram;

Mp M PL/3

(-) 2MP/3 (+) 2MP/3 MP/3

=
(+) C D C D
PL/3

From the moment combination diagram;

At point C: At point D:

2 M P PL M P PL
− MP − + =0 − MP − + =0
3 3 3 3

The value of P; The value of P;

P = 5M P / L P = 4M P / L

19
6.9 Plastic Analysis Beam Using The Virtual Work Method

9 The principal of virtual work;

External Virtual Work (EVW) = Internal Virtual

Work(IVW)

(subjected to external/applied load) (subjected to plastic hinge)

9 If more than one applied load acted on the beam, the mode failure
should be considered.

9 Consider the beam subjected to concentrated load, P;

6.9.1 External Work For The Beam Undergoes The Point Load, P.

EXAMPLE 6.5

Determine plastic moment, Mp and the value of P required to cause collapse using
the virtual work method.

P
A B
C
L/2 L/2

Mp
M=0
θA θB=? Mechanism
h
B

θC
Mp

Assumes tan θA = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

⎛L⎞ ⎛L⎞
θA = h / ⎜ ⎟ = θ , h = ⎜ ⎟ θ
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
⎛L⎞ ⎛L⎞ ⎛L⎞
θB = h / ⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ θ / ⎜ ⎟ = θ
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
θC = θA + θB = 2θ

20
 External work = Internal work

P (h) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θC)

⎛L⎞
P ⎜ ⎟θ = Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
⎝2⎠
⎛L⎞
P ⎜ ⎟θ = 3Mp(θ)
⎝2⎠
6Mp PL
P = or Mp =
L 6

EXAMPLE 6.6

The beam is fixed at both support and subjected to point load, W with distance, x
from A. Determine plastic moment, Mp in x using the virtual work method.

x W
A B

L
C Mp
Mp
θA
h θB h

Mp
θC

Assumes tan θA = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

h
θA = = θ , h = xθ
x
h xθ
θB = =
(L − x ) (L − x )
xθ θL
θC = θA + θB = θ + =
(L − x ) (L − x )
External work = Internal work
W (h) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θB) + Mp(θC)
⎡ xθ ⎤ ⎡ θL ⎤
W (xθ) = Mp(θ) + Mp ⎢ ⎥ + Mp ⎢ ⎥
⎣ (L − x ) ⎦ ⎣ (L − x ) ⎦
⎡ 2L ⎤
(Wx)θ = Mp ⎢ ⎥θ
⎣ (L − x ) ⎦
2L (L − x )
W = M P or Mp= Wx
(L − x ) x 2L

21
EXAMPLE 6.7

Determine the maximum P at the propped beam using the virtual work method.

P 2P

A B
C D

L L/2 L/2

Solution;

MP θA hD θb
hC

MP θC

MP θB
θA hC
hD
θD
MP

Mode failure 1 – Beam mechanism AB;

L L/2 L/2

P 2P
C D
A B
Mp θA θB
hD
hC
θC θA
θB Mp

22
 Assumes tan θA = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

⎛h ⎞
θA = ⎜ C ⎟ = θ ; h C = Lθ
⎝ L ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ Lθ ⎞
θB = ⎜ C ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = θ
⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠
⎛L⎞ Lθ
hD = θ B ⎜ ⎟ =
⎝2⎠ 2
θC = θA + θB = 2θ

External work = Internal work

P (hC) + 2P (hD) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θC)

⎛ Lθ ⎞
P (Lθ) + 2P ⎜ ⎟ = Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
⎝ 2 ⎠
2PL = 3Mp(θ)
3Mp
P =
2L

Mode failure 2 – Beam mechanism AB;

L L/2 L/2

P 2P
C D
A B
Mp θA
hC
hD θB
θA
θD θB Mp

Assumes tan θA = θ

⎛ h ⎞ 3L
θA = ⎜ D ⎟ = θ ; h D = θ
⎝ 3L / 2 ⎠ 2
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ Lθ ⎞
θB = ⎜⎜ D ⎟⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = θ
⎝L / 2⎠ ⎝ L ⎠
⎛L⎞ Lθ
hD = θ B ⎜ ⎟ =
⎝2⎠ 2
θC = θA + θB = 2θ

23
External work = Internal work

P (hC) + 2P (hD) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θC)

⎛ Lθ ⎞
P (Lθ) + 2P ⎜ ⎟ = Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
⎝ 2 ⎠
2PL = 3Mp(θ)
3Mp
P =
2L

3M P
* Maximum Load, Pu =
2L

EXERCISE 6.1:

1. Determine the value of P required causing collapse using the

virtual work method in Figure 6.1.

2. The simply supported beam of length 6m and plastic moment

150kNm carries a concentrated load P at midspan in Figure 6.2.
Find the value of P required to cause collapse. Use the virtual
work method.

3. A continuous beam comprises three equal spans of length, L

and has a uniform section with plastic moment, Mp. It carries
point loads of P at the centre of the two outer spans and 2P at
the centre of the middle span in Figure 6.3. Determine the value
of P required to cause collapse. Use the virtual work method.

2P P

A
D B E C

L/2 L/2 L/2 L/2

Figure 6.1
3M P 6M P
[Ans: Pat D = , Pat E = ]
L L

24
 P
A B
C
3m 3m

Figure 6.2

P 2P P

L L L

Figure 6.3

6.9.2 External Work For The Beam Undergoes The Uniform Load, q.

External work for the beam undergoes the uniform distributed load, q :

External work = w x area of mechanism along the load

= w x (1/2 x L x h)

A B
L
Mp
θA θB
h Mechanism

θC
Mp

25
EXAMPLE 6.8

The beam is fixed at both support and subjected to uniform distributed

load, w. Determine plastic moment, Mp using the virtual work method.

w/unit length
A
B

Solution;
The uniform distributed load can be changed to point load and it is acted at
the centre of the span.

w
A BB

Mp Mp
θA θB
h
θC
Mp

Assumes tan θA = θ

⎛ h ⎞ L
θA = ⎜ ⎟ =θ; h= θ
⎝L/2⎠ 2
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ Lθ ⎞
θB = ⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ =θ
⎝L/2⎠ ⎝ L ⎠
θC = θA + θB = 2θ

External work = Internal work

(1/2 x h x L)(w) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θB) + Mp(θC)

1 L
x θxLxw = Mp(θ) + Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
2 2
wL2
θ = 4Mp(θ)
4
wL2
Mp =
16
EXAMPLE 6.9

26
Determine the maximum of plastic moment for this beam.

8 kN/m 24 kN

A B C
6m 3m 2m

Solution;
MP
θ hD θ
1st Failure Mode
θ
MP

MP
nd θ hE θ
2 Failure Mode

MP θ

Mode failure 1 – Beam mechanism AB;

3m 3m

8 kN/m
D
A B
θA θB Mp
hD
θD θA
θB Mp

Assumes tan θA = θ

27
 ⎛h ⎞
θA = ⎜ D ⎟ = θ ; h D = 3θ
⎝ 3 ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 3θ ⎞
θB = ⎜ D ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = θ
⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ 3⎠
θD = θA + θB = 2θ
B

External work = Internal work

(1/2 x hD x L)(w) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θD)

1
x 3θ x 6 x 8 = Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
2
72 θ = 3Mp(θ)

Mp = 24 kNm

Mode failure 2 – Beam mechanism BC;

3m 2m

24 kN
E
B C
θB θC
Mp hE
θE θB
θC Mp

Assumes tan θB = θ

⎛h ⎞
θB = ⎜ E ⎟ = θ ; h E = 3θ
⎝ 3 ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 3θ ⎞
θC = ⎜ E ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = 1.5θ
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠
θE = θB + θC = θ + 1.5θ = 2.5θ

External work = Internal work

28
 (P x hE) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θE)
24 x 3θ = Mp(θ) + Mp(2.5θ)
72 θ = 3.5Mp(θ)

Mp = 20.6 kNm

From two mode failure, indicated that the maximum of plastic moment; Mp = 24
kNm

EXERCISE 6.1:

1. Determine the failure mode and plastic moment that might be

occurred in the beam.

30 kN/m 100 kN

A B C
8m 5m 5m

[Ans: Mp(AB) = 120kNm, Mp(BC) =

16.67kNm]

EXAMPLE 6.10

The beam is subjected to the uniform distributed load and point load as shown in
the figure. Given the unit of cross section is mm.

a) Determine the uniform distributed load that can be acted in the beam.
Given,σy = 250 N/mm2.
b) Find the value of P required to cause collapse using the virtual work
method.

50
1.5P kN
3P kN 29
0.25P kN/m 70

A C 50
Solution;

50
UA FC

70 x1
E.A.A
y x2
LA 50 Ft

25 25 50 25 25

9 The equal area axis (E.A.A) is located at the distance, y as shown in the
figure.

Upper area (UA) = Lower area (LA)

50(50) + 100(70-y) = 100(y) + 50(150)
200y = 2000
y = 10 mm

9 Lever arm length, Z = x1 + x2

• In the upper area, the centroid distance, x1:

50(50)(85) + 100(60)(30)
x1 = = 46.18 mm
50(50) + 100(60)

• In the lower area, the centroid distance, x2:

150(50)(35) + 100(10)(5)
x2 = = 31.47 mm
150(50) + 100(10)

30
9 Plastic moment, Mp = force x lever arm = Ft x Z
= σy .A .Z = 250(8500)(46.18+31.47) = 165 kNm .... Ans

1.5P kN
3P kN
0.25P kN/m

3.5 m 2m 1m 4m

Mp
θ 1st Failure Mode
θ
hE
hD
Mp
Mp
θ
Mp θ 2nd Failure Mode

Mp Mp
θ θ
hE 3rd Failure Mode

Mp

Mode failure 1 – Beam mechanism AB;

2m
1.5P kN
2.75 m 2.75 m

0.25P kN/m

D E
A B
θA θB Mp
hD hE

θD θA
θB Mp

Assumes tan θA = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

31
 ⎛ h ⎞
θA = ⎜ D ⎟ = θ ; h D = 2.75θ
⎝ 2.75 ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 2.75θ ⎞
θB = ⎜ D ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ =θ
⎝ 2.75 ⎠ ⎝ 2.75 ⎠
hE = θ B (2 ) = 2θ
θD = θA + θB = θ + θ = 2θ
B

External work = Internal work

(1/2 x L x hD)(0.25P) + 1.5P(hE) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θD)

(1/2 x 5.5 x 2.75θ)(0.25P) + 1.5P(2θ) = Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
4.89P (θ) = 3Mp(θ)
P = 0.613 Mp

Mode failure 2: – Beam mechanism AB;

2m

1.5P kN
0.25P kN/m

A B
θA E θB Mp
hE

θA
θE θB Mp
Assumes tan θA = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

⎛h ⎞
θA = ⎜ E ⎟ = θ ; h E = 3.5θ
⎝ 3.5 ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 3.5θ ⎞
θB = ⎜ E ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = 1.75θ
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
θE = θA + θB = θ + 1.75θ = 2.75θ

External work = Internal work

(1/2 x L x hE)(0.25P) + 1.5P(hE) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θE)

(1/2 x 5.5 x 3.5θ)(0.25P) + 1.5P(3.5θ) = Mp(1.75θ) +
Mp(2.75θ)
7.66P (θ) = 4.5Mp(θ)
P = 0.587 Mp

32
Mode failure 3: – Beam mechanism BC;

1m 4m

3P kN

Mp
F
B C
θB θC Mp
hF
θF θA
θB Mp

Assumes tan θB = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

⎛h ⎞
θB = ⎜ F ⎟ = θ ; hF = θ
⎝ 1 ⎠
⎛h ⎞ ⎛θ⎞
θC = ⎜ F ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = 0.25θ
⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝4⎠
θF = θB + θC = θ + 0.25θ = 1.25θ
B

External work = Internal work

3P (hF) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θC) + Mp(θF)

3P(θ) = Mp(θ) + Mp(0.25θ) + Mp(1.25θ)
3P(θ) = 2.5Mp(θ)
P = 0.833 Mp

From three mode failures, the maximum load occurred at 3rd Failure Mode;
P = 0.58MP
= 0.58x165 = 95.7 kN …….Ans
q = 0.25(95.7) = 23.9 kN/m …….Ans

33
6.10 Plastic Analysis Frame Using the Virtual Work Method

Two categories of mechanism in portal frame;

a) Free mechanism
b) Combined mechanism

For plastic analysis of frames, there are three types of mechanism;

(a) Beam mechanism (b) Sway mechanism

(c) Mekanisme g

Generally, the number of free mechanism (Me) can be determined by

using formula;

Me = N – d

Where N = position number of plastic hinge that might be occurred

d = number of redundant (d = R – 3)
R = reaction occurred
R = 5, N = 4
d=5–3=2

Me = 4 – 2 = 2 (sway + beam)

Total of Mechanism = 2 + 1 = 3

Combine mechanism

34
EXAMPLE 6.11

Determine the maximum moment plastic from the frame shown below.

10 kN/m
20 kN
B C

4m

6m

A
5m

Solution;

Me = N – d (R = 4 , N = 3 ; d = 4 - 3 = 1)
=3–1=2

Total of Mechanism = 2 + 1 = 3

Mode failure 1 – Beam mechanism BC;plastic hinge occurred at B, C and E.

2.5 m 2.5 m

10 kN/m
E
B C
θB θC Mp
hE
θE θB
θC Mp

35
 Assumes tan θB = θ (tangent is neglected because of the small value)

⎛h ⎞
θB = ⎜ E ⎟ = θ ; h E = 2.5θ
⎝ 2.5 ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 2.5θ ⎞
θC = ⎜ E ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ =θ
⎝ 2.5 ⎠ ⎝ 2.5 ⎠
θE = θB + θC = θ + θ = 2θ

External work = Internal work

(1/2 x L x hE)(10) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θC) + Mp(θE)

(1/2 x 5 x 2.5θ)(10) = Mp(θ) + Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ)
62.5 (θ) = 4Mp(θ)
Mp = 15.63 kNm

Mode failure 2 – Sway mechanism ABCD; plastic hinge occurred at B and C.

hC
20 kN hB B
C

өC
өB 4m
өD
6m

D
өA

A
5m

Assumes tan θA = θ ; θA = θB = θ ; θC = θD ; h B = hC
⎛h ⎞
θA = ⎜ B ⎟ = θ ; h B = 6θ = hC
⎝ 6 ⎠
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 6θ ⎞
θD = ⎜ C ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = 1.5θ
⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠

36
 External work = Internal work

(hB)(20) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θC)

(6θ)(20) = Mp(θ) + Mp(1.5θ)
120 (θ) = 2.5Mp(θ)
Mp = 48 kNm

Mode failure 3 – Combine mechanism ABCD; plastic hinge occurred at C and E.

hC
25 kN/m
20 kN hB B
өC1 C
өB hE
өE
өC2
E 4m
өB
өD
6m

D
өA

A
5m

Assumes tan θA = θ ; θA = θB = θ ; hB = hC
⎛h ⎞
θA = ⎜ B ⎟ = θ ; h B = 6θ = hC
⎝ 6 ⎠
hE = 2.5 (θB) = 2.5 θ
θC1 = θB = θ
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛ 6θ ⎞
θC2 = ⎜ C ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ = 1.5θ
⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠
θE = θB + θC1 = 2θ
External work = Internal work

(hB)(20) + (1/2 x L x hE)(25) = Mp(θC1 + θC2) + Mp(θE)

(6θ)(20) + (1/2 x 5 x 2.5θ)(25) = Mp(2.5θ) + Mp(2θ)
120 (θ) + 156.25 (θ) = 4.5 Mp (θ)
276.25 (θ) = 4.5 Mp (θ)
Mp = 61.4 kNm

From three failure modes, the maximum plastic moment; Mp max = 61.4 kNm.

37
EXAMPLE 6.12

Determine collapse load, Pu from the frame shown and show all Mp for each
modes.

P/2
B 2Mp E C

Mp Mp
L/2

A D

L/2 L/2

Solution;

Mode failure 1 – Beam mechanism BC; plastic hinge occurred at B, C and E.

P
E
B C
Mp θB θC
Mp
hE
θE θB
θC 2Mp
L/2 L/2

Assumes tan θB = θ
⎛ h ⎞ L
θB = ⎜ E ⎟ = θ ; h E = θ
⎝L/2⎠ 2
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛L/2⎞
θC = ⎜ E ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟θ = θ
⎝L/2⎠ ⎝L/2⎠
θE = θB + θC = θ + θ = 2θ

External work = Internal work

P(hE) = Mp(θB) + Mp(θC) + 2Mp(θE)

⎛L ⎞
P⎜ θ ⎟ = Mp(θ) + Mp(θ) + 2Mp(2θ)
⎝2 ⎠
16Mp
P =
L

38
Mode failure 2 – Sway mechanism ABCD; plastic hinge occurred at A, B, C and
D.

hB hC
B
P/2 C

өB өC

өA өD

A D

Assumes tan θA = θ ; θA = θB = θC = θD = θ ; hB = hC
⎛ h ⎞ L
θ A = ⎜ B ⎟ = θ ; h B = θ = hC
⎝L/2⎠ 2

External work = Internal work

(hB)(P/2) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θB) + Mp(θC) + Mp(θD)

⎛ L ⎞⎛ P ⎞
⎜ θ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = Mp(θ) + Mp(θ) + Mp(θ) + Mp(θ)
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ 2 ⎠

⎛ LP ⎞
⎜ ⎟ (θ) = 4Mp(θ)
⎝ 4 ⎠
16Mp
P =
L

Mode failure 3 – Combine mechanism ABCD; plastic hinge occurred at A, C, D

and E.

hB hC
B
өC1 C
өB hE
өE
өB E өC2

өA өD

A D

39
 Assumes tan θA = θ ; θA = θB = θ ; hB = hC
⎛ h ⎞ L
θ A = ⎜ B ⎟ = θ ; h B = θ = hC
⎝L/2⎠ 2
L
hE = θ
2
θC1 = θB = θ
⎛ h ⎞ ⎛L/2⎞
θC2 = θD = ⎜ C ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟θ = θ = θ
⎝L/2⎠ ⎝L/2⎠
θE = θB + θC1 = 2θ

External work = Internal work

(P/2)(hB) + P (hE) = Mp(θA) + Mp(θC1 + θC2) + Mp(θD) +

Mp(θE)
⎛ L ⎞⎛ P ⎞ ⎛L ⎞
⎜ θ ⎟⎜ ⎟ + P⎜ θ ⎟ = Mp(θ) + Mp(2θ) + Mp(θ) + 2Mp(2θ)
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝2 ⎠

⎛ 3PL ⎞
⎜ ⎟ (θ) = 8Mp(θ)
⎝ 4 ⎠
10.67Mp
P =
L

10.67.Mp
Maximum collapse load, Pu = kN
L

EXAMPLE 6.13

Determine collapse load, Pu from the frame shown and show all Mp for each
modes.

4P 5P

D E F H 3P
2Mp 3Mp G

Mp 2Mp 2Mp
2L

A B C

L L 1.5L 1.5L

40
Solution;

Mode failure 1 – Beam mechanism DF; plastic hinge occurred at D, E and F.

4P
E
D F
Mp θD θF
2Mp
hE
θE θD
θF 2Mp
L L

Assumes tan θD = θ = θF
⎛h ⎞
θD = ⎜ E ⎟ = θ ; h E = Lθ
⎝ L ⎠
θE = θD + θF= θ + θ = 2θ

External work = Internal work

4P(hE) = Mp(θD) + 2Mp(θE) + 2Mp(θF)

4P(Lθ) = Mp(θ) + 2Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(θ)
4LP(θ) = 7Mp(θ)
1.75Mp
P =
L

Mode failure 2 – Beam mechanism FH; plastic hinge occurred at F, G and H.

5P

F H
3Mp θF θH 2Mp
hG
θG θF
θH 3Mp
G
1.5L 1.5L

Assumes tan θF = θ = θH
⎛ h ⎞
θF = ⎜ G ⎟ = θ ; h G = 1.5Lθ
⎝ 1.5L ⎠
θG = θF + θH = θ + θ = 2θ

41
 External work = Internal work

5P(hG) = 3Mp(θF) + 3Mp(θG) + 2Mp(θH)

5P(1.5Lθ) = 3Mp(θ) + 3Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(θ)
7.5LP(θ) = 11Mp(θ)
1.47Mp
P =
L

Mode failure 3 – Sway mechanism ADFHCB; plastic hinge occurred at A,B,C,

D,F and H.

hD hF hH
D F H
3P

өD өF өH

өA өB өC

A B C

Assumes tan θA = θ = θB = θC = θD = θF = θH
⎛h ⎞
θC = ⎜ H ⎟ = θ ; h H = 2Lθ
⎝ 2L ⎠

External work = Internal work

3P(hH) = Mp(θ A + θ D ) + 2Mp(θ B + θ F ) + 2Mp(θC + θ H )

3P(2Lθ) = Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(2θ)

6LP(θ) = 10Mp(θ)
1.67Mp
P =
L

42
Mode failure 4 – Combine mechanism, Sway mechanism and beam mechanism
FH; plastic hinge occurred at A,B,C, D,G and H.

hD hF hH
D F G
өF өH1 H
hG
өD
өG өH2
өF

өC
өA өB

A B C

Assumes tan θA = θ = θB = θC = θD = θF = θH1= θH2

⎛ h ⎞
θF = ⎜ G ⎟ = θ ; h G = 1.5Lθ
⎝ 1.5L ⎠
⎛h ⎞
θC = ⎜ H ⎟ = θ ; h H = 2Lθ
⎝ 2L ⎠
θG = θF + θH1 = 2θ

External work = Internal work

5P(hG) + 3P(hH) =
Mp(θ A ) + Mp(θ D ) + 2Mp(θ B ) + 3Mp(θ G ) + 2Mp(θ C ) + 2Mp(θ H1 + θ H 2 )

5P(1.5Lθ) +3P(2Lθ) = Mp(θ) + Mp(θ) + 2Mp(θ) + 3Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(θ) + 2Mp(2θ)

13.5LP(θ) = 16Mp(θ)

1.19Mp
P =
L

43
Mode failure 5 – Combine mechanism, Sway mechanism and beam mechanism
DF and FH;

D 2Mp 2ө F 3Mp
өD өF өH1 H
өE
өD E
2өG өH2
Mp өF G

2Mp 2Mp
өC
өA өB

A B C

Assumes tan θA = θ = θB = θC = θD = θF = θH
⎛h ⎞
θD = ⎜ E ⎟ = θ ; h E = Lθ
⎝ L ⎠
⎛ h ⎞
θF = ⎜ G ⎟ = θ ; h G = 1.5Lθ
⎝ 1.5L ⎠
θE = θD + θF = 2θ
θG = θF + θH1 = 2θ

External work = 4P(hE) + 5P(hG) + 3P(hH)

= 4PLθ + 7.5PLθ + 6PLθ
= 17.5 Mpθ

Internal work
=
Mp(θ A ) + 2Mp(θ E ) + 2Mp(θ F ) + 2Mp(θ B ) + 3Mp(θ G ) + 2Mp(θ C ) + 2Mp(θ H1 + θ H 2 )

= Mp(θ) + 2Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(θ) + 3Mp(2θ) + 2Mp(θ) + 2Mp(2θ)

= 23 Mpθ

External work = Internal work

17.5 Mpθ = 23 Mpθ
1.31Mp
P =
L

From five failure modes, maximum collapse load occurred at mechanism no. 4;

1.19.Mp
Maximum Pu =
L

44
TUTORIAL 6

1. The fixed support at the both end of beam and roller support located at the
middle of the span. It carries point loads of 80kN, 50kN and 30kN. Determine
the failure mode occurred in the beam and plastic moment, Mp.

80kN 50kN 30kN

A C
B

4m 4m 3m 3m 3m

2. (a) A continuous beam ABCDE is fixed at A and pinned at B and D is

loaded as shown in Figure 7(a). Calculate the plastic moment Mp for
each member of the beam.
[Ans: Mp(AB) = 40kNm, Mp(BC) = 109kNm]

(b) Calculate the plastic moment Mp for cross section as shown in Figure
7(b) if the yield stress for the material is σy = 225 N/mm2.
[Ans: Mp = 62.5kNm]

(c) If the beam has a cross-section as shown in Figure(7b), state which part
of the beam is safe.
(Final Sem2-2007/08)
80 kN 20 kN

10 kN/m B
C D E
A

8m 5m 3m 3m

Figure 7a
10 mm

10 mm 160 mm

120 mm

Figure 7b

45
3. (a) A steel beam with cross section as shown in Figure 8(a).

(i) Calculate plastic modulus, Zp.

(ii) Determine steel yield stress if plastic moment of the cross section
is 150 kNm
[Ans: Zp = 3037.5 cm3, σy = 49.38 N/mm2]

(b) A continuous beam is loaded with various loads as illustrated in Figure

8(b). Determine the plastic moment for the beam.
[Ans: Mp(AB) = 375kNm, Mp(BC) = 66.7kNm, Mp(CB) = 112.5kNm]

(Final Sem1-2008/09)
30 mm

25mm 300 mm
25mm

45 mm

250 mm

Figure 8(a)

50 kN 75 kN

30 kN/m B
A D
C
10m 4m 8m 4.5m 4.5m

Figure 8(b)

4. (a) Figure 9(a) shows the characteristics stress-strain diagram for steel.
Name five(5) points indicator from 1 to 5.

(b) Define the following terms;

(i) Hooke’s Law
(ii) Modulus of Elasticity, E
(iii) Plastic hinge
(iv) Plastic moment
(v) Mechanism

46
(c) Figure 9(b) show the portal frame ABCD subjected to the point load
acted at the joint B and two point loads acted at the span BC.
(i) Draw the Mode of Failure that might be happened.
(ii) Determine the maximum moment plastic occurred at Beam
Mechanism BC.
[Ans: Mp(BC) = 48.33kNm,63.33kNm]

(Final Sem2-2008/09)

Figure 9(a)

45kN 50kN

20kN C
B

8m

A D

2m 2m 2m
Figure 9(b)

47