The Displacement Method

Abstract

The previous chapter dealt with the force method, one of two procedures for analyzing statically indeterminate structures. In this chapter, we describe the second procedure, referred to as the displacement method. This method works with equilibrium equations expressed in terms of variables that correspond to displacement measures that define the position of a structure, such as translations and rotations of certain points on the structure. We start by briefly introducing the method specialized for frame-type structures and then apply it to truss, beam, and frame structures. Our focus in this chapter is on deriving analytical solutions and using these solutions to explain structural behavior trends. We also include a discussion of the effect of geometrically nonlinear behavior on the stiffness. Later in Chap. 12, we describe how the method can be transformed to a computer-based analysis procedure.