SLOPE AND DEFLECTION of BEAMS BY CONJUGATE

BEAM METHOD
INTRODUCTION
The conjugate-beam method is based on the analogy between the relationships
among load, shear, and bending moment and the relationships among M=EI,
slope, and deflection. These two types of relationships were explained from our
previous topics. We clearly understand the relationships between M=EI, slope,
and deflection have the same form as that of the relationships between load,
shear, and bending moment. Therefore, the slope and deflection can be
determined from M/EI by the same operations as those performed to compute
shear and bending moment, respectively, from the load. Furthermore, if the M=EI
diagram for a beam is applied as the load on a fictitious analogous beam, then the
shear and bending moment at any point on the fictitious beam will be equal to
the slope and deflection, respectively, at the corresponding point on the original
real beam. The fictitious beam is referred to as the conjugate beam, and it is
defined as follows:

A conjugate beam corresponding to a real beam is a fictitious beam of the same

length as the real beam, but it is externally supported and internally connected
such that if the conjugate beam is loaded with the M=EI diagram of the real beam,
the shear and bending moment at any point on the conjugate beam are equal,
respectively, to the slope and deflection at the corresponding point on the real
beam.

Prepared BY: Engr Dariel L. Verano University Faculty – College of Engineering and Architecture
The conjugate-beam method is preferred by many engineers because of its
systematic sign convention and straightforward application, which does not
require sketching the elastic curve of the structure.

Relative Properties of real beam and its conjugate beam.

1. The real beam and conjugate beam have the same length.
2. Simple support located at the ends of the real beam remains as simple
support for conjugate beam.
3. Fixed support for real beam become overhanging end for conjugate beam,
overhanging end for real beam become fixed support for conjugate beam.
4. Interior supports for real beam become internal hinge connection for
conjugate beam.
5. Load on the conjugate beam is equal to the M/EI diagram of the real beam
6. Slope of the tangent line on the real beam is equal to the shear on the
corresponding point of the conjugate beam.
7. Deflection on the real beam is equal to the corresponding bending moment
on the conjugate beam.

Sign Convention
The positive ordinates of the M/EI diagram are applied to the conjugate
beam as upward loads (in the positive y direction) and vice versa,
then a positive shear in the conjugate beam denotes a positive (counterclockwise)
slope of the real beam with respect to the undeformed axis of
the real beam; also, a positive bending moment in the conjugate beam
denotes a positive (upward or in the positive y direction) deflection of
the real beam with respect to the undeformed axis of the real beam and
vice versa.

Prepared BY: Engr Dariel L. Verano University Faculty – College of Engineering and Architecture
Steps in Solving the Problem
1. Write the Working Equation
2. Draw the M/EI Diagram of the real beam.
3. Draw the conjugate beam from the properties stated before.
4. Apply the M/EI diagram (from step 2) as the load on the conjugate
beam. The positive ordinates of the M/EI diagram are applied as
upward loads on the conjugate beam and vice versa.
5. Calculate the reactions at the supports of the conjugate beam by applying
the equations of static equilibrium and conditions (if any).
6. Determine the shears at the points on the conjugate beam where
slopes are desired on the real beam. Determine the bending moments
at those points on the conjugate beam where deflections are
desired on the real beam. The shears and bending moments in conjugate
beams are considered to be positive or negative in accordance
with the beam sign convention

Prepared BY: Engr Dariel L. Verano University Faculty – College of Engineering and Architecture
 Ex. 1. Determine the slope and deflection at pont C of the beam shown
Use the conjugate method.

P = 24kN
Property 2
Property 2
A 3m C 5m A 3m C
B 5m B
8m 8m

15kN 9kN
Property 1

R= 180kN.m2/EI
5.5m 6.5m

M = 45kN.m/EI
M = 45kN.m
Property 5

A C A C
B B
8m
8m 2 146.25kN.m2/EI
123.75kN.m /EI

R= 67.5kN.m2/EI
M = 45kN.m/EI
P = 24kN 2m

A 3m C 5m C
B A MC
∆C
123.75kN.m2/EI VC
15kN 9kN
8m 3m

Real beam Conjugate Beam

θC = VC = 56.25 kN.m2/EI

∆C = MC = 303.75 kN.m3/EI
Real beam

Prepared BY: Engr Dariel L. Verano University Faculty – College of Engineering and Architecture
Ex 2. Determine the slope of the tangent line and deflection at point D
of the beam shown using the conjugate beam method. Assume EI is constant

4.0m 20.0kN/m

A C E B D
G
2.0m 4.0m 2.5m

Steps in solving the problem.

1. Write the working equation.

There is no need to sketch the elastic curve, we just apply the properties of real beam relative
to our conjugate beam. Since slope of the tangent line on the real beam is equal to the shear on
the corresponding point of the conjugate beam and deflection on the real beam is equal to the
corresponding bending moment on the conjugate beam. We can say that;

real beam conjugate beam

ӨD = VD
∆D = MD

2. Solve the Support Reactions

5.25m 0.75m

R = (20)(6.5) = 130kN
4.0m 20.0kN/m

A C E B D
G
2.0m 4.0m 2.5m
Ay By

Ay = (130)(0.75)/6 = 16.25kN
By = (130)(5.25)/6 = 113.75kN

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
3. Draw the M/EI Diagram and the corresonding conjugate beam

Point A as fixed reference line Point C as fixed reference line

A C B D A C B D
20.0kN/m 20.0kN/m

16.25kN 113.75kN 16.25kN 113.75kN

2.0m 4.0m 2.5m 2.0m 4.0m 2.5m
20.0kN/m

20.0kN/m
170.00kN 130.00kN
4.25m 3.25m
20.0kN/m 20.0kN/m

(170)(4.25) = 722.5kN.m (130)(3.25) = 422.5kN.m

8.5m 6.5m

2.0m 2.0m

(40)(1) = 40kN.m
(16.25)(2) = 32.5kN.m

20.0kN/m 16.25kN
40.00kN

(113.75)(6) = 682.5kN.m (113.75)(4) = 455kN.m

6.0m 4.0m
113.75kN 113.75kN

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
 Point B as fixed reference line Point D as fixed reference line

A C B D A C B D
20.0kN/m 20.0kN/m

16.25kN 113.75kN 16.25kN 113.75kN

2.0m 4.0m 2.5m 2.0m 4.0m 2.5m

50.00kN

20.0kN/m

130.00kN 3.25m

A3 20.0kN/m

(50)(1.25) = 62.5kN.m

2.5m

(130)(3.25) = 422.5kN.m
6.0m

(16.25)(6) = 97.5kN.m 6.5m

A1 8.5m
(16.25)(8.5) = 138.125kN.m

16.25kN 80.00kN
20.0kN/m

16.25kN
A2 (113.75)(2.5) = 284.375kN.m

(80)(2) = 160kN.m

4.0m 113.75kN

2.5m

M/EI Diagram Conjugate beam

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
 A1 97.50kN.m
Property 3
Property 2
A3 62.50kN.m
A2
160.00kN.m

Property 4

Conjugate beam loaded with the M /EI diagram

x̄1A

A C B D

97.50kN.m
A1 hinge
MD

A2 A3 62.50kN.m
VD
x̄3D
160.00kN.m

x̄2A

2.0m 4.0m 2.5m

6.0m

4. Solve for the properties of M/EI Diagram

A1 = 97.5(6) /2 = 292.50kN.m2/EI
A2 = 160(4) /3 = 213.30kN.m2/EI
A3 = 62.5(2.5) /3 = 52.10kN.m2/EI
x̄1A = (2/3)6 = 4.000m
x̄2A = (3/4)4+2 = 5.000m
x̄3D = (3/4)2.5 = 1.875m

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
 5. Solve for the unknown

292.50kN.m2/EI
4.000m hinge

A C B MD
D

Ay 52.10kN.m2/EI VD
213.30kN.m2/EI 1.875m
5.000m

6.0m 2.5m

292.50kN.m2/EI
4.000m

A C B

Ay By
213.30kN.m2/EI
5.000m By

MD
B D

52.10kN.m2/EI VD
1.875m
5. Solve for the unknown

↻ ΣM @A = 0
213.3(5)-292.5(4)+ By(6) = 0
By = 17.25kN.m2/EI 17.25kN.m2/EI

↻ ΣM @D = 0
By(2.5)-52.1(1.875)+ MD = 0
17.25(2.5)-52.1(1.875)+ MD = 0
MD = 54.56kN.m3/EI ∆D = 54.56kN.m3/EI

↑ ΣF y = 0
17.25 - 52.1 + VD= 0
VD = 34.85kN.m2/EI ӨD = 34.85kN.m2/EI

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
Ex. 3 Determine the slope of tangent line and deflection at
point B Use the conjugate beam method.
100.0kN
E= 220000 MPa
I= 4E+08 mm4 40.0kN/m

A B
2I D C I
2.6m 1.6m

4.2m 4.0m

Steps in solving the problem.

1. Write the working equation.

There is no need to sketch the elastic curve, we just apply the properties of real beam relative
to our conjugate beam. Since slope of the tangent line on the real beam is equal to the shear on
the corresponding point of the conjugate beam and deflection on the real beam is equal to the
corresponding bending moment on the conjugate beam. We can say that;

real beam conjugate beam

ӨB = VB
∆B = MB

2. Solve the Support Reactions

6.2m

R =(40)(4)= 160.0kN
100.0kN
MA 40.0kN/m

A B
2I D C
2.6m 1.6m

4.2m 4.0m
Ay

↑ ΣF y = 0
Ay - 160 - 100= 0
Ay = 260.00kN
↻ ΣM @A = 0
160(6.2) + 100(2.6)- MA = 0
MA = 1252.00kN.m

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
3. Draw the M/EI Diagram

Point C as fixed reference line

100.0kN

40.0kN/m
1252.00kN.m
D
A B
2I C I

2.6m 1.6m
260.00kN
4.2m 4.0m
(260)(4.2)= ##########

A1

260.00kN 4.2m

4.2m
1252.00kN.m

A2

1252.00kN.m

100.0kN

A3

(100)(1.6)= 160.00kN.m
1.6m 4.0m

R =(40)(4)= 160.0kN
2.0m
40.0kN/m

A4

(160)(2)= 320.00kN.m

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
 1092.00kN.m

546.00kN.m A1
A C B
A4
626.00kN.m A2 320.00kN.m

4.0m

1252.00kN.m
D C
A3
80.00kN.m

2.6m 1.6m
4.2m 160.00kN.m

C B
real beam A
2I I

4.2m 4.0m

Property 3 Property 3

A C B
conjugate beam

8.2m

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
 x̄1B
A1

546.00kN.m
B MB
A C

626.00kN.m 320.00kN.m
x̄4B VB
A4
D C
80.00kN.m

A2 A3 x̄3B

x̄2B
2.6m 1.6m

4.2m 4.0m

4. Solve the Properties of M/EI Diagram

A1 = 4.2(546) /2 = 1146.60kN.m2
A2 = 4.2(626) = 2629.20kN.m2
A3 = 1.6(80) /2 = 64.00kN.m2
A4 = 4(320) /3 = 426.70kN.m2
x̄1B = (1/3)4.2+4 = 5.400m
x̄2B = 4.2 /2 + 4 = 6.100m
x̄3B = (1/3)1.6+4 = 4.530m
x̄4B = (3/4)4 = 3.000m

5. Solve for the unknown

E= 220000 MPa
↑ ΣF y = 0 I= 4E+08 mm4
A1 - A2 - A3 - A4 + VB= 0
1146.6 - 2629.2 - 64 - 426.7 + VB= 0
VB = 1973.30kN.m2/EI ӨB = 1973.30kN.m2/EI

1973.30(1000^3)kN.m2/EI(N.mm2)
ӨB = = 0.02242rad
(220000)N/mm^2(400000000)mm^4

↻ ΣM @B = 0
A1(x̄1B)-A2(x̄2B)-A3(x̄3B)-A4(x̄4B)+ MB = 0
1146.6(5.4)-2629.2(6.1)-64(4.53)-426.7(3)+ MB = 0
MB = 11416.50kN.m3/EI ∆B = 11416.50kN.m3/EI

11416.50(1000^4)kN.m3/EI(N.mm3)
∆B = = 129.73295mm
(220000)N/mm^2(400000000)mm^4

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
Determine the maximum deflection. Use the Conjugate Beam Method

200.0kN 100.0kN

B F C 1. Working equation
A D
I 2I I real beam conjugate beam
5.0m 10.0m 5.0m ∆max = ∆F Mmax = MF
20.0m ∆F= MF

E= 200000 Mpa 2. Solve the support reactions

I= 4E+08 mm4
Ay = [(100)(5)+ (200)(15)]/ 20 =
Ay = 175.0kN
200.0kN 100.0kN Dy = [(200)(5)+ (100)(15)]/ 20 =
Dy = 125.0kN
B F C
A D
I 2I I 3. Draw the M/EI diagram and the corresponding conjugate beam
5.0m 10.0m 5.0m
Ay 20.0m Dy real beam

B F C
875.00kN.m A D
625.00kN.m
5.0m 10.0m 5.0m
20.0m
437.50kN.m 312.50kN.m

cojugate beam
875.00kN.m
625.00kN.m B F C
A D

437.50kN.m 312.50kN.m
20.0m

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
 4. Solve the Properties
20.0 A1 = 5(875) /2 = 2187.50kN.m2/EI
5.0m 10.0m 5.0m A2 = 125(10) /2 = 625.00kN.m2/EI
A3 = 312.5(10) = 3125.00kN.m2/EI
A4 = 625(5) /2 = 1562.50kN.m2/EI

a x̄1A = (2/3)5 = 3.333m

875.00kN.m x̄2A = (1/3)10+5 = 8.333m
125.00kN.m A2 A4 625.00kN.m x̄3A = 10/2 + 5 = 10.000m
437.50kN.m 312.50kN.m A1 A3 x̄4A = (1/3)5+10+5 = 16.667m
A D
B F C
Ay x̄1A a Dy 5. Solve the unknown
x̄2A
x̄3A ↻ ΣM @A = 0
x̄4A Dy(20)-A1(x̄1A)-A2(x̄2A)-A3(x̄3A)-A4(x̄4A) = 0
Dy(20)-2187.5(3.333)-625(8.333)-3125(10)-1562.5(16.667) = 0
Dy = 3489.56kN.m2/EI

Write the shear equation

x 5.0m A5 = 6.25(x)^2 a= 6.25
625.00kN.m A6 = 312.5x b= 312.5
Dy = A5 + A6 + A4 c= -1927.0625
a Dy = 6.25(x)^2 + 312.5x + 1562.5
3489.56 = 6.25(x)^2 + 312.5x + 1562.5
69.38kN.m 12.5(x) y A5
x= 5.550m
312.50kN.m A4 A5 = 5.55(69.375) /2 = 192.52kN.m2/EI
A6 A6 = 5.55(312.5) = 1734.38kN.m2/EI
D x̄5F = (1/3)5.55= 1.850m
MF x̄6F = 5.55/2 = 2.775m
F C x̄4F = (1/3)5 + 5.55 = 7.217m
x̄5F E= 200000 Mpa
x̄6F Dy =3489.5625 ↻ ΣM @F = 0 I= 4E+08 mm4
x̄4F Dy(10.55)-A4(x̄4F)-A5(x̄5F)-A6(x̄6F)-MF) = 0
a 10.55 MF = 20369.80kN.m3/EI ∆F= 20369.80kN.m3/EI
20369.80(1000^4)kN.m3/EI(N.mm3)
∆F= = 254.622mm
(200000)N/mm^2(400000000)mm^4

Prepared By: Engr. Dariel L. Verano - University Faculty / College of Engineering and Architecture
256 CHAPTER 6 Deflections of Beams: Geometric Methods

FIG. 6.13