Basic influence line equations for N-truss members

Magdy Israel Salama

Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
magdy1000@hotmail.com


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Abstract:
The subject matter of this paper is essentially to offering simple
equations to the construction of influence line diagrams for simply
supported N-truss members using the classical approach of truss
analysis as joint and section methods. also, simple equations to obtain
maximum positive truss forces due to dead load and also obtaining
maximum positive and maximum negative forces in each member due
to live load. The dead and live loads were considered uniformly
distributed load as a practical assumption for the ordinary steel
buildings /footbridges and as an approximate assumption for the truss
bridges. The results are series of simple equations for the forces of
upper, lower, diagonal and vertical members as a function of all factors
which are affect these forces (such as truss span, panel length, member
order and the height of the truss at each panel). Also, a simple equation
was derived for determination of the maximum deflection of the truss
under study. It is anticipated that the primary application of the
proposed expressions will be spot-check computer results of steel
buildings and bridges.
Keywords: Influence line; Bridge; N-truss; moving load; closed form
equations.
1. Introduction:

The engineering structures are

often subjected to moving loads.
Typical examples of moving loads

on a structure are traveling cars,

trains, bridge cranes, etc. Moving
load means that the load position
on the structure may be arbitrary.
It is obvious that internal forces
and displacements in any section
of a structure depend on the
position of a moving load. An
important problem in analysis of
structures is the determination of
maximum internal forces in a
structure caused by a given
moving
load
and
the
corresponding most unfavorable
position of this load. This problem
may be solved using influence
lines.
Influence line is a fundamental
and very profitable concept of
structural
analysis.
Their
application allows perform a deep
and manifold analysis of different
types of structures subjected to
any type of fixed and moving
loads. Influence lines method
becomes especially effective tool
analysis if a structure is subjected
to different groups of loads.
There are three methods used for
constructing the influence line [1,
2]. The first is to tabulate the
influence values for multiple
points along the structure, then
use those points to create the
influence line. The second is to
determine
the
influence-line
equations that apply to the
structure, thereby solving for all
points along the influence line in
terms of x, where x is the number
of meter from the start of the
structure to the point where the
unit load is applied. The third
method is called the MllerBreslau's principle. It creates a
qualitative influence line. This
influence line will still provide the
designer with an accurate idea of

where the unit load will produce

the largest response of a function
at the point being studied, but it
cannot be used directly to
calculate what the magnitude
that response will be, whereas
the influence lines produced by
the first two methods can.
Basic influence line equations for
continuous beams and rigid
frame as statically indeterminate
structures
were
derived
by
Edward B. [3].
Simply supported N-Truss is one
of the main structures used in
ordinary building and bridges. To
construct the influence lines for
forces in different members of Ntruss,
long
time
is
taken
especially if the truss has large
number of panels. So that, simple
equations
for
constructing
influence lines and to determine
the maximum forces of truss
members are required.
2. Model and Assumptions
Consider a simply supported N-truss with
height varies parabolic along the span as
shown in Figs. 1(a), carrying a
concentrated load (P) at each joint which
may be considered as uniformly
distributed load (w =P/a) where a is the
panel length. The truss is assumed to be
loaded at the lower or upper chord. This
type of simply supported trusses can be
considered more economic in long spans.

3. Method of Analysis and Theoretical

Equations
3.1 Truss with variable height
(a)

(b)

(c)

Using the classical methods as the method

of sections, two sections (1 and 2) are
taken through the truss that cut members
of order (i). Calculations are carried out
for a part of the truss. Taking moments
about intersection point of two of forces
acting on one side of section, the third
force can be determined.
The values required to construct
influence lines can be expressed
as follows
For lower members

Figure (1): Simply Supported N-Truss

Fig. (1-b) shows a simply supported Ntruss with linearly varying height and Fig.
(1-c) shows a truss with constant height.
Fig. (1-a( represents the general model for
all the three models.

L
i

(i 1) a
(i 1)
1

hi
2 n

(1)
For upper members

i a 2 (hi 1 hi ) 2
U
hi 1
(2)

i
2 n 1

hi

h2

h1
1

hi+1

a
l=2nxa

Figure 2: Influence line for N-Truss members

For diagonal members

a 2 hi2
i 1
1

hi
2 n

hi
h
i
1 i 1
hi 1
hi 1

(3-

a)

and

a 2 hi2

hi
i
1 1 i 1
hi
2 n
hi 1

b)
For vertical members

(3-


i 1
Vi 1 1
2 n

a)

2 i (i 1)

i
1
2n

Vi

and
b)

hi 1
h n

, Vn 1 n 1
hi
h n 1

,
hi 1

hi

2 i (i 1)

(4-

(4-

The maximum positive and maximum negative forces (F+ve, F-ve) due to a
unit uniformly distributed live load and forces due to a unit uniformly
distributed dead load (Fnet) can be obtained as follows
net
Li

(i 1)
ve
, FL 0
2n

(i 1) n a 2

hi

i a n a 2 (hi 1 hi )2 i

1 ,

hi 1
2n

ve
Li

(5)
F

net
Ui

ve
Ui

FU ve 0
i

(6)

FD ve

a a 2 hi2
2hi

2n i

hi
1 i 1 ,
hi 1

(7-

hi
h
i ,
1 i 1
hi 1
hi 1

(7-

2 n

a)

FD ve

a a 2 hi2

2hi

i 1

2 n

b)
net
Di

a a 2 hi2
i

2n i

2hi
2n

hi
h
(i ) i
1 i 1
hi 1
hi 1

c)
Where

Di / ( Di Di )

FV ve (i 1 )
i

(8-a)

hi 1
a
i 1
1 1
2 i (i 1)
2
2 n
hi

h
a i
FV ve (2n i 1 )
1 2 i (i 1) i 1
2 2n
hi
(8-b)
i

(7-

FVnet
i

h
a
i

i 2n 2 i (i 1) i 1
(i 1 )
2
hi
2 n 2 n 2n

(8-

c)

Vi / (Vi Vi )
Where

Also, by applying the energy method (virtual work method) to the truss
under study, the maximum deflection at the mid-point (ymax) can be
determined by the following equation

ymax

F net * F1

EA

(9)
The forces in members due to a unit load at the midpoint of the truss
(F1) can be determined from the influence lines that are obtained in Eqs
(1-4). Thus the maximum deflection will be in the following expression
2
2
n
i
(i 1)
1 i 2 a n 2 (a 2 (hi 1 hi ) 2 )1.5
1 (i 1) 2 n 2 a 4
ymax 2
1 2 n EA
1 2 n
2
2
i 1
EA
h
(2
n

1)
h
(2
n

i
)

Li
i
Ui
i

hi
hi
h
i
(i ) i
1 i 1 2n i
1 i 1
hi 1
2n
h i 1
hi 1

hi 1
h
a
i

i 2n 2 i (i 1) i 1
2 i (i 1) i 1
4 EAVi
hi
2 n 2n 2 n

hi

a (a 2 hi2 )1.5
4 EADi hi2

hn
n3 a
1
EAVn 1
hn 1
(10)

A , A , A and AVi
Where Li Ui Di
are the cross sectional area of lower, upper,
diagonal and vertical members respectively.
3.2
Truss
height

with

constant

Consider a truss with constant

height as shown in Fig. (1-c), the

FLnet FL ve

values required to construct the

influence lines will be expressed

ve
Li

(i 1) n a 2
h

a a 2 h2
2h
(17 a)

(12)

And

FD ve

a h 1 i
2 n
h

a 2 h2
h

D
i

2n i

For diagonal members

i
1 ,

2n

FD ve

i a2 n
h

FU ve 0
i

(16)

(11)

(11)
For upper members
ia i
U
1
h 2 n

(i 1)
,
2n
(15)

FUnet FU ve

in a simple form as follows

For lower members
(i 1) a
(i 1)
L
1

h
2n

a a2 h2
2h

2n i

2n 1

2n i 1 i

2n 1 2 n

(17 b)

2 n
FDnet

(13)
For vertical members
i 1
i

Vi
1
and Vi
2 n
2n
(14)

a a 2 h2
2n 2i 1
2h

(17

i 1 a i 1
)
2n 1 2 2 n

(18

c)

FV ve (i 1
i

a)

The maximum positive and

maximum negative forces (F+ve, Fve
) due to a unit uniformly
distributed live load and forces
due
to
a
unit
uniformly
distributed dead load (Fnet) will be
take the following expressions

FV ve (2n i 1
i

i 1 a i
)
1
2n 1 2 2 n

(18 b)
a
FVnet 2i 2n 1
2
(18 c)
i

Also, the maximum deflection at the midpoint will be in the following expression

ymax

1 (i 1) 2 n 2 a 4
(i 1)
2 i 1
1

2
2 n
EALi h (2 n i 1)
n

a (a 2 h 2 )1.5
4 EADi h2

i
1 i2 a 4 n2

2
EAUi h (2n i )
2 n

i
a
1
i

2n i 2n i 4 EA i 1 2n 2n 2n i 2n

Vi

(19)

2 n

4. Numerical examples
Two numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the efficiency of
the present procedure. The problems are solved by using the obtained
equations and by the Finite element method [6].

5.00

4.92

4.67

4.26

3.68

2.93

2.00

Example 1: Consider a simply supported truss, subjected to uniform

distributed dead load 0.80 t/m and uniform distributed live load 1.20
t/m. Span length is 48 m (12 equal panels each of them 4.0 m) and the
height is variable as shown in Figure 3. The obtained equations will be
used to construct influence line of members L4, U4, D4 and V4 as well as
to the determination of maximum positive and maximum negative
forces in these members due to dead and live loads.

2 x 6 x 4.00 = 48 m

Figure 3: Example 1
h1=2.0 m, h2= 2.93, h3=3.68, h4=4.26, h5=4.67
a=4.0 m, n=6, i=4, hi=4.26 m, hi+1=4.67 m, hi-1=3.68 m
Substituting in Eqs. (1-4), the values required to construct influence
lines will be as follows

L
i

(4 1) (4)
(4 1)
1
2.1127

4.26
2*6

(4) 42 (4.67 4.26) 2

U
4.67

4
2.2961
2* 6

Similarly,

D 0.5838, D 0.5933, Vi 0.5563 and Vi 0.3944

i

Also, the maximum and minimum forces due to dead and live loads can be obtained by
substituting in Eqs. (5-8) as follows

FL 4 ( D.L.)

(4 1) (6) 42
4.26

FL4ve ( L.L.) 60.85 t

(4 1)
(0.8) 40.56 t
2*6

FL4ve ( L.L.) 0.0 t

FU ( D.L.)
4

(4)(4)(6) 42 (4.67 4.26)2 4

1 (0.8) 44.08 t

4.67
2* 6

FU4ve ( L.L.) 0.0 t

FU4ve ( L.L.) 66.13 t

0.504

3.496
12 4

2(6)

4.26
4.26

(0.8) 4.81 t
1 4 1
(3.496)
4.67
4.67

FD 4 ( D.L.)

4 42 4.262
2(4.26)

FD4ve ( L.L.)

4 42 4.262
4
2(6) 4 0.504 1
2(4.26)
2 (6)

FD4ve ( L.L.)

4 42 4.262
4 1
3.496 1
2(4.26)
2 (6)

4.26

1 4 1 4.67 (1.2) 12.11 t

4.26
4.26

(1.2) 4.90 t
1 4 1

4.67
4.67

Sim

ilarly,

0.585
FV 4 ( D.L.) 2.12 t , FV4ve ( L.L.) 4.79 t

and FV4ve ( L.L.) 7.96 t

3.00

Example 2: Consider a simply supported truss, subjected to the same

loads of the previous example. Span length is 35 m (14 equal panels
each of them 2.50 m) and the height is 3.0 m as shown in Fig. (4). The
obtained equations will be used to determine of maximum positive and
negative forces in members L7, U7, D7 and V7 due to dead and live loads
as well as the maximum deflection under the effect of the total load
assuming all the members of the truss are 2L 100x100x10 (Area= 38.31
cm2) and the modulus of elasticity (E) = 2000 ton /cm2.

2.50

2 x 7 x 2.5 = 35 m

Figure 4: Example 2
a=2.5 m, n=7, i=7, h=3.0 m
Substituting in Eqs. (15-18), the maximum forces will be as follows

FL 7 ( D.L.)

(7 1) (7) (2.5) 2
3

(7 1)
ve
ve
50 t , FL 7 ( L.L.) 75 t and FL 7 ( L.L.) 0
2 (7)

FU 7 ( D.L.)

(7) (2.5) 2 (7)

3

7
1 51.04 t ,
2 (7)

FU7ve ( L.L.) 0 and FU7ve ( L.L.) 76.56 t

(2.5) 2.52 32
FD 7 ( D.L.)
2(7) 2(7) 1 (0.8) 1.30 t
2(3)
FD ve ( L.L.)

(2.5) 2.52 32
2(3)

FD ve ( L.L.)

(2.5) 2.52 32
2(3)

2(7) 7

14 7
7
1 (1.2) 7.36 t ,
14 1
14

14 7 1 7
7 14 1 14 (1.2) 5.41 t

Similarly,

FV 7 ( D.L.) 1.0 t , FV7ve ( L.L.) 4.15 t

and

FV7ve ( L.L.) 5.65 t

Substituting in Eq. (19), the maximum deflection under the effect of

total load will be
ymax= 129.18 mm

5. Comparison of the results

All the results obtained from the
derived equations are the same
results obtained from the finite
element method [6]. Then, the
present equations can be rather
used by the designer engineers
where these equations are very
simple in use compared with
other classical methods.
6. Conclusions
In
this
paper,
classical
approaches of truss analysis are
developed to obtain closed form
equations
that
required
constructing the influence lines
for the all members of the simply

supported N-truss. Also, the

maximum positive and maximum
negative forces of each member
due to live load and the forces
due to fixed load are obtained in
series of simple equations for the
forces of upper, lower, diagonal
and vertical members as a
function of all factors which are
affect these forces (such as truss
span, panel length, member
order and the height of the truss
at each panel).
The derived equations can be put
in a simple spread sheet which
gives us the ability and the
simplicity to change any of the
input data (panel length, number
of panels and truss height) and
obtaining the required maximum
forces in a matter of few seconds
without drawing the influence
lines as well as the maximum
deflection of the truss and the

contribution of each member in

this deflection. This is a great
help especially in the primary
design. Also, the present work

References
[1] Wai-Fah Chen, Eric M. Lui,
Handbook of Structural
Engineering, CRC press, Taylor &
Francis Group, 2005.
[2] Tyler G. Hicks, Handbook of
civil engineering calculations, Mc
Graw-Hill companies, Inc., U.S.A.,
2000.
[3] Edward Buckley, Influence
line equations for continuous
beams and rigid frames, journal
of structural engineering, ASCE,
Vol. 123, No. 10, October, 1997.

determines the member forces

directly which can to be spotcheck computer results.
[4] Hosur, V. and Bhavikatti, S.
S., Influence lines for bending
moments in beams on elastic
foundations,
Computers
&
Structures, Elsevier Science Ltd.,
Vol. 58, No. 6, pp. 1225-1231,
1996.
[5] Robert K. Dowell, Closedform
moment
solution
for
continuous beams and bridge
structures, journal of engineering
structures, Elsevier Science Ltd.,
Vol. 31, pp. 1880-1887, 2009.
[6] SAP2000, advanced 14.1.0,
Computer Software for Static
and Dynamics Finite Element
Analysis of Structures, Computer
&
Structures
Inc.,
Berkely,
California, U.S.A., 2009.
F-ve

Nomenclatures
L
U
D
V
F+ve

Lower member
Upper member
Diagonal member
Vertical member
Maximum positive force
due to
unit uniform
distributed live load

Fnet
E
I
h
2n
a
l

Maximum negative force

due to unit uniform
distributed live load
Net force due to unit
uniform distributed load
Youngs modulus
Member order
Truss height
No. of panels
Panel length
Truss span = 2 n a