DEFLECTION OF BEAM

BEAM DEFLECTIONS
As a beam is loaded,
Different regions are subjected to V and M
The beam will deflect
x

Recall the curvature equation

The slope (q) & deflection (y) at any spanwise location

can be derived

e
e
Bending

Shear

e
C
T

DESIGN OF BEAMS
The cross section of a beam has to be designed in such a
way that it is strong enough to limit the bending moment and
shear force that are developed in the beam. This criterion is
known as the STRENGTH CRITERION of design .

Another criterion for beam design is that the maximum

deflection of the beam must not exceed a given permissible
limit and the beam must be stiff enough to resist the
deflection caused due to loading. This criterion is known as
STIFFNESS CRITERION of design

Definitions:(i) DEFLECTION :-The vertical distance in transverse direction

between positions of axis before and after loading at the
section of the beam, is defined as the deflection of beam at
that section.
(ii) ELASTIC CURVE OR DEFLECTION CURVE:-The neutral
axis in its deflected position after loading of the beam is known
as its elastic curve or deflection curve.
(iii) SLOPE:-The slope of the beam at any section is defined as
the angle (in radians) of inclination of the tangent drawn at
that section to the axis in its deflected position after
loading, measured w. r. t. the un-deformed axis.
(iv) FLEXURAL RIGIDITY(EI):-The product of modulus of elasticity
and Moment of Inertia is known as Flexural rigidity.

ASSUMPTIONS MADE IN THE DEFLECTION:(i) Axis of the beam is horizontal before loading.
(ii) Deflection due to S.F. is negligible.
(iii) (a) Simple Bending equation M/I=/y=E/R is
applicable and all the assumptions made in simple bending
theory are valid.
(b) Material of the beam is homogenous, isotropic and obey
Hooks law.
(c) The modulus of elasticity is same in compression as well as
in tension.
(d) Plane section remain plane before and after bending

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION FOR DEFLECTION AND

SLOPE OF BEAMS
Below is shown the arc of the neutral axis of a beam
subject to bending.

For small angle dy/dx = tan =

The curvature of a beam is identified as d /ds =
1/R
In the figure is small ,and x=~ s;

i.e ds /dx =1
6

Other Method
R = ds/d = ( ds /d) (dx/dx) =(ds /dx)/(d/dx)
= sec/(d /dx) -----(1)
Then dy /ds =sin
dx /ds= cos
dy/dx =tan
Differentiating equation (a) w.r.t. x,
we get
2
2
2
Sec .(d/dx)=d y/dx
Therefore,
2
2
2
d/dx =(d y/dx )/sec -(2)

From equation(1),
R= sec /(d /dx) = sec3 /(d2y/dx2)

1/R=(d2y/dx2)/sec3 =(d2y/dx2)/ (sec2)3/2

= (d2y/dx2)/ (1+tan2)3/2
=(d2y/dx2)/[1+(dy/dx)2]3/2
In any practical case of bending of beams, the slope (dy/dx) is
very small (because curve is almost flat); hence (dy/dx)2 can be
ignored
so,

1/R=d2y/dx2

From the pure bending equation, we know that.

M
I

Integrating between selected limits. The

deflection between limits is obtained by further
integration.

NOTE :
SIGN CONVENTIONS:
Linear horizontal distance x: positive when measured from left
to right
Vertical distance or deflection y is positive when measured
above the axis and is negative when measured below the
axis of beam.

NOTE : SUPPORT or BOUNDARY CONDITIONS:

(i) Simply supported beams:
A

Deflection at support A and B are zero and maximum at the

middle of
Span. slope is maximum at A and B and zero at middle of Span
(at point of symmetry); At point of maximum deflection slope is
zero
C

Deflection at support A and B are zero but more at free end and
also at the centre of span . Slope is maximum at supports B and
A

(ii) Cantilever Beam:

Deflection and slope both are zero at fixed support.

B
A
max

ymax

increases from
point A towards B.

Slope and deflections are maximum at free end

Methods for finding slope and deflection of

beams:
(i) Double

or Direct integration method

(ii) Macaulays method

(iii) Area moment method
(iv) Conjugate beam method
(v) Unit load method

DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHODS

We have from differential equation of flexure,
EI d2y/dx2=M

Integrating w. r. t.. x both sides, we get

EI (dy /dx) =M dx + C1
Integrating again w .r .t. x both sides ,we get
EI (y) = ( M dx) dx + C1(x) + C2
where C1 and C2 are constant of integration

Thus, integrating the differential equation

w .r .t. x, we get the

equation for slope (dy /dx) ,and integrating it twice w. r .t. x, we

get the equation for deflection ( y).

The two constants of integration can be determined

using the known boundary conditions of deflection
and slope at the supports
The method of double or direct integration is
convenient only in few cases of loadings. In
general case of loading, where several loads are
acting the B.M. expression for each of the different
regions of loading is different .Then the method of
double integration will become extremely lengthy
and laborious. Therefore ,it is not generally used.

Case--1(i): Determine the slope and deflection equation for

the beam loaded as shown in fig.
(ii) Find the maximum deflection and maximum slope.
(iii) What will be the deflection and slope at free end when
P=6kN, L=3m, E=210GPa, I=16x104cm4.
Solution:
1
P x

B.M. at section 1-1

M= - P( x)
EI d 2y/dx 2 = M = - P (x)
EI (dy /dx ) = -P (x2/2) + C1
EI y = -P (x3/6) + C1x + C2

yA

At fixed end, when x = L ,(dy /dx) =0

l
1

Therefore,
- (PL2/2) + C1= 0
C1= PL2/2
At x = L, y = 0,
-PL3/6+(PL2/2) L+C2=0
or,C2= PL3/6 - PL3/2
= PL3/6[1-3]= - PL3/3
Therefore ,C2= - PL3/3

Equation of slope; EI (dy/ dx) =-Px2/2 + PL2/2-----(1)

3

Equation of deflection ,EI (y)=-Px /6 + PL x/2 - PL /3-----(2)

Maximum deflection :
When x=0 (at free end) ,then from equation (2),
EI (y)=-0+0-PL3/3
ymax= -PL3/3EI

Maximum Slope:
Slope is maximum at free end (at x=0).hence from
equation(1),
EI (dy/ dx) = -0 + PL2/2
(dy /dx) max = PL2/2EI

(iii)

A=PL2/2EI
6 103 (3 103 ) 2
slope A=(dy/dx) at A 2 (210 103 ) (16 108 )
8.0357 105 radian

Deflection at free end (i.e; at A):= yA = PL3/3EI

6 103 (3 103 )3

3 (210 103 ) (16 108 )

= 0.161mm

Case (2) : When cantilever is subjected to an u .d.

L. of intensity w unit/m run over entire span
w unit /m X
B

A
x

Here A is the origin. Take a

section X-X at a distance x
from
A.

B.M at distance x from A= Mx = EI d2y/dx2

=-w.x.x/2=-wx2/2

Integrating once,
EI (dy/dx) =-wx3/6 + C1 ------------------------(1)
where C1 is constant of integration

Applying boundary conditions:at x =L, dy/dx=0 from equation(1)

0=-wL3/6 + C1
C1 = wL3/6
therefore,
EI dy/dx=-wx3/6+wL3/6---------(2)
Integrating once again,
4
3
EI y=-wx /24 + wL .x/6 +C2 ---------------- (3)
where C2 is 2nd constant of integration
Applying boundary condition;
at x=L, y=0

0=-wL4/24+wL4/6+C2
Therefore,
4

C2=wL /24-wL /6
C2=-wL4/8.
Therefore, equation (3) becomes,
EI(y)=-wx4/24 + wL3.x/6 wL4/8--------(4)
Maximum deflection

It occurs at free end where x= 0

From (4),EIy=-0+0-wL4/8

ymax=-wL4/8EI
similarly maximum slope occurs at free end where x=0
from (2),
EI (dy/dx) =-0+wL3/6

(dy/dx )max=wL3/6EI

Case 3:- When simply supported beam is subjected

to a single concentrated load at mid-span.
Mx = (P/2) x
EI d2y/dx2=(P/2)x
EI dy/dx=(P/2)x2/2 + C1
Due to symmetry slope at x = L/2 is zero
C1 = -PL2/16
EI dy/dx=(P/2)x2/2 -PL2/16
A
Integrating again we get
RA=P/2
EIY = (P/2)x3/6 (PL2/16) x + C2
At x=0 , Y = 0
C2 = 0

L/2

L/2
X

RB=P/2
P

B
C

Hence EIY = (Px3/12) (PL2/16) x

Deflection at mid span i.e. at x = L/2 is
Y = -PL3/48EI
= PL3/48EI (downward)
Slope at support, is obtained by putting

x = 0, in slope equation

1 WL
dy
q A
dx x0 EI 16

WL

16 EI
2

Case4:- Simply supported beam of span L carrying a

uniformly distributed load of intensity w per unit run over the
whole span.

X
W unit / run
A

RA=WL/2

RB=WL/2
x

wL
w x2
Mx
x
2
2
d 2 y wL
w x2
EI 2
x
d x
2
2
dy wL x 2
w x3
EI

C1
dx
4
6

Due to symmetry dy/dx = 0 at x = L/2

wL
C1
24

Integrating both side w.r.t. x, we get

wLx 3 wx 4 wl 3
EI Y

x C2
12
24 24

At x = 0, y = 0
C2=0

Hence

wLx 3 wx 4 wl 3
EI Y

x
12
24 24

Maximum deflection yc which occurs at centre C is

obtained by substituting x = L/2 in the above equation

Due to symmetry dy/dx = 0 at x = L/2

wL
C1
24

Integrating both side w.r.t. x, we get Maximum deflection yc

which occurs at centre C is
3
4
3
wLx wx wl
EI Y

x C2 obtained by substituting x =
L/2 in the above equation.
12
24 24

At x = 0, y = 0
C2=0

Hence
wLx 3 wx 4 wl 3
EI Y

x
12
24 24

5 wl 4
Yc
384 EI
5 wl 4
Yc
(downward )
384 EI
wL3
dy
Slope at end q A
24 EI
dx x 0

MACAULAYS METHOD
For a general case of loading on the beam, though the

expression for B.M. varies from region to region, the

constants of integration remain the same for all regions.
Macaulay recognized this fact and proposed a method
which is known as the Macaulays method to obtain the
slope and deflection equations. It is essentially modified

method of double integration of the B.M. expression but

following a set of rules given below:-

(1). Assuming origin of the beam at extreme left end, take a

section in the last region of the beam at a distance x from the
origin and write the expression for B.M. at that section
considering all the force on the left of section.
(2). Integrate the term of the form (x-a)n using the formula
(x-a)n dx=(x-a)n+1 /n+1
where a=distance of load from origin.
(3). While finding slope and deflection in the form
(x-a)n ,if (x-a) becomes negative on substituting the value of x,
neglect the term containing the factor (x a) n

(4). If a couple (moment) of magnitude c is acting at a distance

a from the origin of the beam, then write the BM due to couple
in the form c (x-a)0.
(5). If the beam carries a U.D.L, extend it up to the extreme right
end and superimpose an UDL equal and opposite to that which
has been added while extending the given UDL on the beam.

EXERCISE PROBLEMS :
Q.(1) Figure shows a simply supported beam of span 5m carrying
two point loads. Find (1)the deflection at the section of the point
loads. (ii) Slope at A,B,C and D, (iii) maximum deflection

of the beam.
Take E=200GPa, I=7332.9 cm4
Solution:RA =34 KN, RB =36 KN

1m 30KN

40KN

A
RA

Mx = RAx - 30(x-1) - 40(x-3.75)

5m
x

1.25m
B
RB

EI d2y/dx2= 34 x -30(x-1) -40(x-3.75)

Integrating once,
EI ( dy/dx) =c1 + 34 x2/2 -30(x-1)2/2 - 40(x-3.75)2/2 ---(1)
Integrating once again,

34 x
( x 1)
EIy C2 C1 x
30
6
6
3

( x 3.75)
40
6
---------- (2)

Support conditions:
at x=0,y=0
at x=5m,y=0

therefore,C2=0
therefore, C1=-75.06 -75.1

Thus the equation for slope and deflection will be

E I (dy / dx) =-75.1+17x2 - 15(x-1) 2 -20(x-3.75)2

E I (y)= -75.1 x +17x3/3 -5(x-1)3 -20(x-3.75)3/3
Total deflection at section of point loads
At C x=1m , deflection y= yC (say)
EI yC = -75.11 +17(1)3/3 =-69.393
Or, yC =-69.393/EI
=-69.393 /(2001067332.910-8)
=- 4.73 10-3 m = - 4.73mm

----------(3)

---------(4)

(dy/dx)D =[17 (3.75)2-75.06-15 (2.75)2] 1/EI

(when x=3.75m)
=50.525/EI=3.445 radians.
(dy/ dx) at B=1/EI[17 (5)2-75.06-15 (4)2-20
(1.25)2]
=78.65/EI=5.363 10-3rad =0.197 degree

Assuming the deflection to be maximum in the region

CD:
(at point of maximum deflection dy/dx = 0)

say at x=x1 where dy / dx=0

From equation (3),
EI(0)=34/2(x1)2-75.06-30(x1-1)2/2
=17 x12 -75.06 -15x12 +30x1 -15
=2x12+30x1-90.06=0
x1= 2.56m
The assumption that the maximum deflection is within
the region CD is correct.
EI ymax=34(2.56)3/6-75.06 2.56-30(2.56-1)3/6

Ymax=-116.13/EI=-7.918 10-3m
=-7.918mm

(Q-2)
(A) Obtain the equation for slope and elastic curve for the
beam loaded as shown in figure and find the deflection and
slope at mid-point of beam.
2
Take EI=15 103 kNm
(B) Find the slope at A,C and D
X
80KN

A
Solution:Reactions
RA=1/4[803+120]
=90KN( )
RB =80-90=-10kN=10( )

1m

2m

1m

c
x

120kN
m

Alternatively,

RB =1/4[801-120]
=-10KN =10 KN( )

Mx = 90 x 80 (x-1) 120 (x-3)0

MX= 90x - 80(x-1) -120(x-3)

EI (dy /dx )= C1 + 90x2/2 - 80(x-1)2/2 120 (x-3) -------(1)

EI(y)= C2+C1(x) + 90 x3/6 -80(x-1)3/6 -120(x-3)2/2 ------(2)
Support reactions
at x = 0 ,y = 0 ,
C2= 0

At x=4,y=0 ,C1=-135
Equation for slope (dy/dx):EI (dy /dx)=-135 +90 x2/2 -40(x-1)2 -120(x-3)
Equation for deflection (y):EIy = -135x + 90 x3/6 -80(x-1)3/6 -120(x-3)2/2
To find deflection at centre (i.e. x=2m, at mid span ):EIy=90(2)3/6 -135(2) -80/6(2-1)3/6 =-163.33
y=-163.33/(15103)=-10.8910-3 m =-10.89 mm

To find slope at centre (i.e. x=2m, at mid span ):EI (dy/dx) =90 (2)2/2-135-80(2-1)2/2 =+5

dy/dx =5/(15103)=3.3310-4 radians~

0.019

=19.110-3 degree ~ 0.02

(b)A(at x=0) =-135/EI=-135/(15103)
C ( at x= 1m ) =[45 (1)2-135 1)/15 103=-90/15
103radian

D (at x=3m )= [45 (3)2-135-40(2)2] =110/15 103radian

(Q.3) Find maximum slope and maximum deflection of the

beam loaded as shown in fig.
Take E=200KN/mm2, I=60 106mm4
X

15kN
A

25kNm
B

1m

2m
2

EI(d y/dx )=-15x -25(x-2)

EI(dy/dx)= C1 -15x2/2 -25(x-2) (1)

EI(y)= C2 + C1x -(15/2) x3/3 -25(x-2)2/2 (2)

Support conditions:
slope and deflection are zero at fixed support
at x=3m,dy/dx=0 from equation (1),
EI(0)=-15(3)2/2 + C1- 25(3-2)=0

C1=25+67.5=92.5
At C, y=0, x=3 from (2)
3

EI(0)=-15 (3) /6+92.5(3) +C2 -25(3-2) /2

C2=12.5-277.5+67.5=-197.5
Now equation (1)
EI(dy/dx)=-15x2/2+92.5 -25(x-2)

Now equation (1)

EI(dy/dx)=-15x2/2 +92.5 -25(x-2)
and

---------(1)

Maximum slope at A when x=0 from (1)

EI(dy/dx)A=92.5
(dy/dx)A=92.5/EI=7.70810-3 radian
=0.441degree
EI(y)=-15/2*x3/3+92.5x-197.5 -25(x-2)2/2 -----(2)
Maximum Deflection at free end when x=0
EI(y)A=-197.5, yA=-197.5/EI=-16.458mm.

Q. 3 Determine the equation for the elastic curve for

the beam loaded as shown in figure. Find the
maximum deflection.

Solution: RA=RB = 2x3/2 = 3KN

C
1m

M =3(x) -2(x-1)2/2 +2 (x-4)2/2

C
1m

2kN/m
D
3m
1m

2kN/m
B
D
1m
3m

M =3(x) -2(x-1) /2 +2 (x-4) /2

EI (dy/dx)=3/2(x)2 +C1 (x-1)3/3 +(x-4)3/3 -------(1)

EIy=3 x3/6 +C1x +C 2 (x-1)4/12 +(x-4)4/12 ------(2)

Support reactions:
at x=0,y=0,
at x=5m,y=0 ,

C2=0
C1=-8.25

Equation for slope:EI (dy/dx)=3x2/2-8.25 (x-1)3/3 +(x-4)3/3 ------(3)

Equation for the elastic curve :
3
4
4
EIy=x /2 -8.25x (x-1) /12 +(x-4) /12 ---------(4)
Due to symmetry, deflection is maximum at centre at
x=2.5m,
EI ymax=(2.5)3/2 -8.25x(2.5)-(2.5-1)4/12=-13.23
ymax = -13.23/EI

Practice problems:(Q-1)

A cantilever beam of span L carries a udl of

intensity
w/unit length for half of its span as shown in
figure.If E is the modulus of elasticity and I is moment of
inertia,determine the following in terms of w,L,E and I.
(i)A expression for slope(dy/dx)at free end
(ii)An expression for deflection( y ) at free end
(iii)The magnitude of upward vertical force to be applied at
free end in order to resume this end to the same horizontal
level as built in end.

w/m
A

B
L/2

L/2

[Ans (i)A=WL /48EI (ii) A =7wL /384EI( ) (iii)P=7wL/128]

Q- (2 ) Determine the values of deflections at points C,D

and E in the beam as shown in figure.Take E=2*105MPa ; I=
60 *108 mm4

20kN
A

C
1m

10kN/m
D

2m

1m

30kN
E
1m

Answers:
[C=0.0603mm(downward), D=0.0953mm(downward)
E=0.0606mm(downward)]

Q-(3) Find the position and magnitude of maximum deflection

for the beam loaded as shown in fig.
Take E=200GPa ,I=7500cm4 .

20 KN
D

A
4m

B
4m

4m

[Answers: ymax at 3.7 m from A=-118/EI=7.99mm

yc=-32/EI=-2.13mm]

3KN/m

DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHOD

1.

50

51

EXAMPLE - SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM

Consider a simply supported uniform section

beam with a single load F at the
centre. The beam will be deflect
symmetrically about the centre line with a
slope (dy/dx) at the centre line. It is
convenient to select the origin at the centre
line.

52

53

54

THE DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHOD

The constants of integration are determined by
evaluating the functions for slope or
displacement at a particular point on the beam
where the value of the function is known.
These values are called boundary conditions.

55

2. THE DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHOD

Consider the beam shown in Fig.
Here x1 and x2 coordinates are valid within the regions
AB & BC.

56

3-3 THE DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHOD

Once the functions for the slope and
deflections are obtained, they must give
the same values for slope & deflection at
point B.
This is so as for the beam to be physically
continuous.

57

EXAMPLE 3
The cantilevered beam shown in Fig. 8.11(a) is
subjected to a couple moment Mo at its end.
Determine the equation of the elastic curve
EI is constant.

58

EXAMPLE 3.3 - SOLUTION

The load tends to deflect the beam as
shown in Fig. 8.9(a).
By inspection, the internal moment can be
represented throughout the beam using a
single x coordinate.
From the free-body diagram, with M acting
in +ve direction as shown in Fig. 8.11(b), we
have:
M M

59

EXAMPLE 3.3 - SOLUTION

Applying equation 8.4 & integrating twice yields:

d 2v
EI 2 M o
dx
dv
EI
M o x C1
dx
M o x2
EI y
C1 x C2
2

Using boundary conditions, dy/dx = 0 at x = 0 & y =

0 at x = 0 then C1 = C2 =0
60

EXAMPLE 3.3 - SOLUTION

Substituting these values into earlier

equations, we get: with q dy / dx
Mox
q
;
EI

M o x2
y
2 EI

Max slope & displacement occur at A (x = L)

for which
2
MoL
qA
;
EI

MoL
yA
2 EI

61

EXAMPLE

The +ve result for qA indicates counterclockwise

rotation & the +ve result for yA indicates that it is
upwards.
This agrees with results sketched in Fig. 8.11(a).
In order to obtain some idea to the actual magnitude
of the slope
Consider the beam in Fig. 8.11(a) to:
Have a length of 3.6m
Support a couple moment of 20kNm
Be made of steel having Est = 200GPa
62

MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

To develop the theorems, reference is made to Fig. 8.13(a).

If we draw the moment diagram for the beam & then divide it
by the flexural rigidity, EI, the M/EI diagram shown in Fig.
8.13(b) results.
By equation

M
dq
EI

dx

63

3-4 MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

dq on either side of the element dx = the lighter shade

area under the M/EI diagram.
Integrating from point A on the elastic curve to point B,
Fig 8.13(c), we have

qB/ A

dx
A EI
B

This equation forms the basis for the first momentarea theorem.

64

MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS
Theorem 1: The change in slope between
any two points on the elastic curve equals the
area of the M/EI diagram between the two
points.
The second moment-area theorem is based
on the relative derivation of tangents to the
elastic curve.
Shown in Fig 8.12(c) is a greatly exaggerated
view of the vertical deviation dt of the
tangents on each side of the differential
element, dx.

65

MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

Fig 8.12(c)

66

MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS
Since slope of elastic curve & its deflection
are assumed to be very small, it is
satisfactory to approximate the length of
each tangent line by x & the arc ds by dt.
Using qs = r dt = xdq
Using equation 8.2, dq = (M/EI) dx
The vertical deviation of the tangent at A
with the tangent at B can be found by
integration.

t A/ B

M
x
dx
A
EI
B

eqn 8.6
67

MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

Centroid of an area
x dA xdA
t A/ B

M
x
dx
A EI
B

eqn 8.7

x distance from the verticalaxis through

A to the centroid of the area between A & B.

68

MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

Theorem 1
The

vertical deviation of the tangent at a point

(A) on the elastic curve with the tangent
extended from another point (B) equals the
moment of the area under the M/EI diagram
between the 2 points (A & B).

This

moment is computed about point A where the

derivation is to be determined.

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MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS
Provided the moment of a +ve M/EI area from A
to B is computed as in Fig. 8.14(b), it indicates
that the tangent at point A is above the tangent
to the curve extended from point B as shown in
Fig. 8.14(c).
-ve areas indicate that the tangent at A is below
the tangent extended from B.

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MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

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MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS
It is important to realize that the moment-area
theorems can only be used to determine the
angles and deviations between 2 tangents on
the beams elastic curve.
In general, they do not give a direct solution for
the slope or displacement at a point.

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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

q ,
Here the shear V compares with the slope
the moment M compares with the displacement
Y & the external load w compares with the M/EI
diagram.
To make use of this comparison we will now
consider a beam having the same length as the
real beam but referred to as the conjugate
beam as shown in Fig. 8.22.

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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

To show this similarity, we can write these

equation as shown
dV
w
dx
dq M

dx EI

d 2M
w
dx2
d 2v M

dx2 EI

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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

Or intergrating
V wdx

M wdx dx

M
M
q dx v dx dx
EI
EI

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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

The conjugate beam is loaded with the
M/EI diagram derived from the load w on
the real beam.
From the above comparisons, we can state
2 theorems related to the conjugate beam.
Theorem 1

The

slope at a point in the real beam is

numerically equal to the shear at the
corresponding point in the conjugate beam.
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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

Theorem 2
The

displacement of a point in the real beam is

numerically equal to the moment at the
corresponding point in the conjugate beam.

When drawing the conjugate beam, it is

important that the shear & moment developed
at the supports of the conjugate beam account
for the corresponding slope and displacement
of the real beam at its supports.
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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

For example, as shown in Table 8.2, a pin or roller support at

the end of the real beam provides zero displacement but the

beam has a non-zero slope.

Consequently from Theorem 1 & 2, the conjugate beam must

be supported by a pin or roller since this support has zero
moment but has a shear or end reaction.

When the real beam is fixed supported, both beam has a free
end since at this end there is zero shear & moment.

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3-5 CONJUGATE-BEAM METHOD

Corresponding real & conjugate beam

supports for other cases are listed in the
table

80