Unit 1.

Introduction
1.1 Definition of mechanics of structure
Mechanics of structure” is the study of deformations and internal forces induced in the real
bodies under the action of external forces. This subject is also called strength of material,
mechanics of structure.

1.2 Review on types of loads, types of supports. Their symbolic

representation . Reactions on them and degree of freedom.
Beam –
Beam is structural member which is acted upon by a system of external loads at right
angles to the axis
Types of load
1. Concentrated or point load :- A load which is acting at a point is called point load.

2. Uniformly distributed load :- If a load which is spread over a beam in such a manner
that rate of loading „w‟ is uniform through out the length then it is called as udl.

3. Uniformly varying load :- Load spread over a beam in such a manner that rate of
loading varies uniformly from point to point. Also known as triangular load.

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Types of supports
The basic supports used are:-
a. Roller support :- Roller supports are free to move x-direction and free to rotate z-
direction. hence, the degree of freedom (DOF) is 2. Since it is restrained y-direction,
reaction is developed only in y-direction. So number of unknown reaction = 1.

b. Hinge or pin support :- Hinge or pin support is capable of with standing force from
bottom vertical and horizontal directions. It is free free to rotate z-direction. hence, the
degree of freedom (DOF) is 1. Since it is restrained x-direction and y-direction,
reaction is developed x-direction and y-direction . So number of unknown reaction =
2. The symbolic representation of hinged support is follows:

c. Fixed support :- These are the supports which restricts rotation as well as
translation. hence DFO = 0. So the reactions developed are horizontal forces, vertical
forces and moments. The symbolic representation of fixed support is follows:

d. Link support :-

e. Rocker support :-

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Types of Beam
Following are the various types of beam.
1. Cantilever beam :- A beam whose one end free and the other end is fixed is called
cantilever beam.

2. Simply supported beam :- A beam supported or resting free on the support at its both
ends is called simply supported beam

3. Over hanging beam :- If one or both of the end portions are extended beyond the
support then it is called over hanging beam.

4. Fixed beam :- A beam whose both ends are fixed, is known as fixed beam.

5. Continuous beam :- A beam supported on more than two supports is known as

continuous beam.

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1.3 Stability of structure (beam, frame and truss)
Stability of structure is defined as ability to maintain its nature upon application of various
loads.
Stability of structure is characterized into two parts
• External Stability
• Internal Stability
External Stability:-
If a body is sufficiently constrained by external reactions such that rigid body movement of
structure can not be occurred, then the structure is said to be externally stable.
Necessary conditions for external stability are
1. There should be minimum three external reactions.
2. Reactions should be
(i) non-parallel and non-concurrent for plane structure
(ii) non-parallel, non-concurrent and non-coplanar for space structure.
(Concurrent means meeting at a single point).

Ex: Reaction are parallel, hence inclined loading will lead to rigid body movement. So
structure is externally
unstable.

Ex. Reactions are concurrent, hence structure is externally unstable.

Internal Stability
When a part of the structure moves appreciably with respect to the other part, then the
structure is said to be internally unstable.

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Ex:

Three consecutive hinges are present that is a mechanism. The failure condition is shown
below

1.4 Introduction to Statically determinate and indeterminate

structures.

Statically determinate structure

The structure for which the reactions at supports and internal forces in the member can be
found out by the conditions of static equilibrium, is called a Statically determinate
structure.
Example of indeterminate structures are : simply supported beams, cantilever beams, three
hinge arches, single and double overhanging beams, etc.

Statically indeterminate structure

The structure for which the reactions at supports and internal forces in the member can not
be found out by the conditions of static equilibrium, is called a Statically indeterminate
structure
Example of indeterminate structures are : Fixed beams, continuous beams, fixed arches,
two hinge arches, portals, multistoried frames, etc.

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1.5 Determination of Degree of static indeterminacies.
Degree of static indeterminacy
The degree of static indeterminacy represents the difference between the number of static
unknowns (reactions and internal forces) and the number of static equations (equilibrium
equations).
Degree of static indeterminacy( Ds) = Total number of unknown (external and internal)
forces - Number of independent equations of equilibrium
and Ds = Dse + Dsi
Where,
Ds = Total indeterminacy
Dsi = Degree of internal static indeterminacy
Dse = Degree of external static indeterminacy

Degree of static indeterminacy for beam ( Ds)

Ds = Dse + Dsi
Dse = r- 3
Where,
r= number of support reactions.
3= number of equation of equilibrium
Dsi = 0 ( ∴ Degree of internal indeterminacy for beams is always zero.)
Ds = Dse + Dsi
Ds = r-3 + 0
Ds = r- 3

If beam with internal hinge ,

Ds = r- (3 +C)
( ∴ Bending moment at internal hinge is 0. i.e. one equilibrium equation has been added.)
Where,
c= (n-1)
n= number of members connected to hinge.

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 Alternative,
For beams and frames.
Degree of static indeterminacy (Ds) = (3m+r) – (3j+c)
Where,
m = number of members
r= number of support reactions.
j = number of joints.
c = equilibrium equation due to internal hinge.

 Ds = 𝟎, Stable and determinate structure

 Ds > 0, Indeterminate structure.
 Ds < 0, Unstable.
Degree of static indeterminacy for truss ( Ds) :-
Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds ) = ( m + r ) - 2j
Where,
m = number of members
r= number of support reactions.
j = number of joints.

 Ds = 𝟎, Stable and determinate structure

 Ds > 0, Indeterminate structure.
 Ds < 0, Unstable

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 Solved Example
Example 1. Find the degree of static Indeterminacy of the beams.

Solution :

Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 2+1 = 3

Number of static equilibrium equations = 3

Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = r – 3 =3-3 = 0

∴ The beam is statically determinate.

Example 2. Find the degree of static Indeterminacy of the beams.

Solution :

Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 3+1 = 4

Number of static equilibrium equations = 3

Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = r – 3 = 4 - 3 = 1

∴ The beam is statically indeterminate..of 1 degree.

Example 3. Find the degree of static Indeterminacy of the beams.

Solution :

Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 2+1+1+2 = 6

Number of static equilibrium equations = 3

Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = r – 3 = 6 - 3 =

∴ The beam is indeterminate..of 3 degree.

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Example 3. Find the degree of static Indeterminacy of the beams.
Hinge

Solution :
Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 2+1+1+2 = 6
Number of static equilibrium equations = 3
Special conditions ( c) = 1
Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = r – (3 +c ) = 6 – (3 +1 ) =2
∴ The beam is statically indeterminate.
Alternative method:
Solution :
Number of members (m) = 4
Number of joints ( j ) = 5
Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 2+1+1+2 = 6
Number of static equilibrium equations = 3
Special conditions ( c) = 1
Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = ( 3m + r ) – (3j + c)
= ( 3 x4 + 6) – (3 x 5+ 1)
= 18 – 16
=2
∴ The beam is statically indeterminate.
Example 4. Find the degree of static Indeterminacy of the truss.
Solution :
Number of members (m) = 9
Number of joint ( j ) = 6

Number of reactions (r ) = 4

Degree of static indeterminacy (Ds) =(m + r ) - 2j

= (9 + 4 ) – 2 x 6

=1

∴ The truss is statically indeterminate.

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 Example 5. Find the Indeterminacy of the Frame.

Solution :
Number of members (m) = 3
Number of joints ( j ) = 4
Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 2+1 = 3
Number of static equilibrium equations = 3
Special conditions ( c) = 0 ( ∴ no internal hinge)
Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = ( 3m + r ) – (3j + c)
= ( 3 x3 + 3) – (3 x 4+ 0)
= 12 – 12
=0
∴ The frame is statically determinate. ( ∴ Ds = 0 )
Example 6. Find the Indeterminacy of the Frame.

Solution :
Number of members (m) = 9
Number of joints ( j ) = 8
Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 3+2 = 5
Number of static equilibrium equations = 3
Special conditions ( c) = 0 ( ∴ no internal hinge)
Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = ( 3m + r ) – (3j + c)
= ( 3 x9 + 5) – (3 x 8+ 0)
= 32 – 24
=8
∴ The frame is statically indeterminate. ( ∴ Ds >0 )

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Example 7. Find the Indeterminacy of the Frame.

Solution :

Number of members (m) = 14

Number of joints ( j ) = 12 c= (n-1)
n= number of members
connected to hinge.
Number of Unknown reaction (r) = 3+2 +3 + 2 = 10 c = 3 – 1 = 2 (one interal hinge)
Number of static equilibrium equations = 3
Special conditions ( c) = 2 + 2 = 4
Degree of static indeterminacy ( Ds) = ( 3m + r ) – (3j + c)
= ( 3 x 14 + 10) – (3 x 12+ 4)
= 52 – 40
= 12
∴ The frame is statically indeterminate. ( ∴ Ds >0 )

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