ABSTRACT
For a designer, an analysis procedure that directly gives forces in a structure will be very useful. This is due to the fact that the proportions of the structure are usually based on forces rather on displacements. This chapter discusses procedures required to analyze both statically determinate and indeterminate structures using the flexibility method. For the analysis of a statically indeterminate structure using the flexibility method, it is necessary to identify the redundant forces so as to develop the primary structure. After arriving at the primary structure, it is subjected to loads and redundant forces. In the flexibility method, equations to find unknown forces are obtained by forcing the calculated displacements at the redundant locations to be consistent with the requirements of compatibility. In the flexibility method, to begin with, equations of equilibrium are written for the forces in the structure and the elements. These equations alone are sufficient to find the unknown forces in a statically determinate structure.
