Draw FBD and Find Reactions at Supports

The first step in any beam problem is to calculate the reaction forces at the supports. To do this we must consider that the beam
is in static equilibrium. This means that we balance or resolve the forces acting on the beam.

After finding all the forces acting on the beam we can draw a free body diagram (FBD) and then balance these forces for static
equilibrium.

Vertical Reactions

2000 N

1200 N

RA RB
x

 x (m)
0 0.4 0.8 1.6

Let the left support have a vertical reaction  RA  and the right support have a vertical reaction  RB  .

Sum of forces along the y-axis is equal to zero for static equilibrium:

+ ↑ ΣFy = 0

RA + RB − 2000 − 1200 = 0

RA + RB − 2000 − 1200 = 0

RA + RB = +3200N ---- (1)

 

Sum of moments about the left support is equal to zero for static equilibrium:

+ ↻ ΣM = 0

RB (1.6 − 0) + (−2000) (0.4) + (−1200) (0.8) = 0

RB (1.6 − 0) + (−2000) (+0.4) + (−1200) (+0.8) = 0

RB = +1100N ---- (2)

Substitute (2) into (1):

RA + RB = +3200

RA + 1100 = +3200

RA = +2100N

Find Shear Forces (V) and Draw SFD

The 'Method of Sections' or 'Method of Cuts' is used to determine the shear force value at locations along the beam.

You should aim to 'cut' the beam between loads, supports and along distributed loads. After taking a cut you simply consider
equilibirium in the y-axis (i.e. let the sum of the forces in the y-axis equal zero and solve for the unknown shear force V).

If you follow this procedure for every cut/section then you will Find the equation of shear force for every segment of the beam
and therefore you can create the shear force diagram (SFD).

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 Shear for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4

V1

(x)
2100 N

 x (m)
0    x 1.6

Take a cut for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 :

+ ↑ ΣFy = 0

+2100 − V1 (x) = 0

V1 (x) = +2100
 

∴ V1 (x) = +2100  for  0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4

Shear for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8

2000 N

V2

(x)
2100 N

 x (m)
0 0.4     1.6

Take a cut for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 :

+ ↑ ΣFy = 0

+2100 − 2000 − V2 (x) = 0

V2 (x) = +100
 

∴ V2 (x) = +100  for  0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8

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 Shear for 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6

2000 N

1200 N

V3

(x)
2100 N

 x (m)
0 0.4 0.8    x 1.6

Take a cut for 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6 :

+ ↑ ΣFy = 0

+2100 − 2000 − 1200 − V3 (x) = 0

V3 (x) = −1100
 

∴ V3 (x) = −1100  for  0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6

Find Bending Moments (M) and Draw BMD

The 'Method of Sections' or 'Method of Cuts' is used to determine the bending moment value at locations along the beam.

You should aim to 'cut' the beam between loads, supports and along distributed loads. After taking a cut you simply consider
equilibirium about the point of the cut (i.e. let the sum of the moment about the cut equal zero and solve for the unknown
bending moment M).

If you follow this procedure for every cut/section then you will find the equation of bending moment for every segment of the
beam and therefore you can create the bending moment diagram (BMD).

Moment for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4

M1

(x)
x

2100 N

 x (m)
0    x 1.6

Take a cut for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 :

+ ↻ ΣMx = 0

+ (2100) (x − 0) − M1 (x) = 0

M1 (x) = +2100x
 

∴ M1 (x) = +2100x  for  0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4

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 Moment for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8

2000 N

M2

(x)
x

2100 N

 x (m)
0 0.4    x 1.6

Take a cut for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 :

+ ↻ ΣMx = 0

+ (2100) (x − 0) + (−2000) (x − 0.4) − M2 (x) = 0

M2 (x) = +800 + 100x

 

∴ M2 (x) = +800 + 100x  for  0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8

Moment for 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6

2000 N

1200 N

M3

(x)
x

2100 N

 x (m)
0 0.4 0.8    x 1.6

Take a cut for 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6 :

+ ↻ ΣMx = 0

+ (2100) (x − 0) + (−2000) (x − 0.4) + (−1200) (x − 0.8) − M3 (x) = 0

M3 (x) = +1760 − 1100x

 

∴ M3 (x) = +1760 − 1100x  for  0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6

Solve Moment by Integration

Moment of a beam due to bending can be determined by using integration of the Shear equation:

M (x) = ∫ V (x) dx

The integration method is one of the most common and simple methods to calculate the moment. This is an alternative
method
to using the method of sections/cuts as shown in the previous section of the hand calculations.

We start at the left side of the beam and we use the known value of the moment to calculate the constant of integration
in the
first moment equation, M1 (x). If there is a Fixed Support on the left side of the beam then the moment value at
x = 0 is the
value of the moment reaction. Otherwise, the value of the moment is zero at x = 0.

For all other moment equations apart from the first moment equation, the Continuity Condition is used to determine
the values of
the constants of integration.

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 Moment for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4
For 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 :

Previously we found the shear equation was: 

V1 (x) = 2100

Integrating this shear equation once gives us the moment, M (x):

M1 (x) = ∫ (2100) dx

M1 (x) = 2100x + C
 

At the left side of the beam (x = 0), we know the moment value is 0 because there is NOT a Fixed Support there: 

M1 (0) = 0

2100(0) + C = 0

0 +C = 0

C = 0
 

Finally, substituting the constant value into the moment equation: 

M1 (x) = 2100x

Moment for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8

For 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 :

Previously we found the shear equation was: 

V2 (x) = 100

Integrating this shear equation once gives us the moment, M (x):

M2 (x) = ∫ (100) dx

M2 (x) = 100x + C
 

Now, we can apply the continuity condition when x=0.4 :

M1 (0.4) = M2 (0.4)

2100(0.4) = 100(0.4) + C

840 = 40 + C

C = 800
 

Finally, substituting the constant value into the moment equation: 

M2 (x) = 100x + 800

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 Moment for 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6
For 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6 :

Previously we found the shear equation was: 

V3 (x) = −1100

Integrating this shear equation once gives us the moment, M (x):

M3 (x) = ∫ (−1100) dx

M3 (x) = −1100x + C
 

Now, we can apply the continuity condition when x=0.8 :

M2 (0.8) = M3 (0.8)

100(0.8) + 800 = −1100(0.8) + C

880 = −880 + C

C = 1760
 

Finally, substituting the constant value into the moment equation: 

M3 (x) = −1100x + 1760

Find Slope and Deflection Equations

Deflection of a beam due to bending can be determined by using double integration of the equation:

2
d υ M (x)
=
2
dx EI

Here the internal moment M must be expressed as a function of the x coordinates that extend across the beam. The constants of
integration are obtained from the boundary conditions at the pin, roller or fixed supports:

a) For a fixed support, the boundary condition states that the beam cannot deflect or rotate. This means that both the deflection
and slope are zero at the location of the support:

θ(x) = 0

and

υ(x) = 0

b) For a pin support or roller support, the boundary condition states that the beam cannot deflect but it is free to rotate. This
means that only the deflection is zero at the location of the support:

υ(x) = 0

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 Slope and Deflection Equations for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4
For 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 :

2 2
d υ d υ
EI = M1 (x) → EI = 2100x
2 2
dx dx

Integrating this equation once gives us the slope, θ(x):

dυ dυ
EI = ∫ (2100x) dx  and  = θ(x)  is the Slope
dx dx
 
2
2100x
EI θ1 (x) = + C1
2
2
EI θ1 (x) = 1050x + C1

1
2
θ1 (x) = (1050x + C1 )
EI

Integrating this equation for a second time gives us the deflection, υ(x):

1
2
∫ θ1 (x) dx = ∫ (1050x + C1 ) dx
EI
 
3
1 1050x
υ1 (x) = ( + C1 x + C2 )
EI 3
 

1 3
υ1 (x) = (350x + C1 x + C2 )
EI

According the type of support, we can use the next boundary conditiones for substituting these results into equations:

Pin: θ ≠ 0, υ = 0

Roller: θ ≠ 0, υ = 0

Fixed: θ = 0, υ = 0

BOUNDARY CONDITION: Pin Support at x=0 :

Where deflection is zero,  υ1 (0) = 0

1
3
(350(0) + C1 (0) + C2 ) = 0
EI
3
350(0) + C1 (0) + C2 = 0

0 + C1 (0) + C2 = 0

0C1 + C2 = 0

C2 = 0
 

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 Slope and Deflection Equations for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8
For 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 :

2 2
d υ d υ
EI = M2 (x) → EI = 100x + 800
2 2
dx dx

Integrating this equation once gives us the slope, θ(x):

dυ dυ
EI = ∫ (100x + 800) dx  and  = θ(x)  is the Slope
dx dx
 
2
100x
EI θ2 (x) = + 800x + C3
2
2
EI θ2 (x) = 50x + 800x + C3

1
2
θ2 (x) = (50x + 800x + C3 )
EI

Integrating this equation for a second time gives us the deflection, υ(x):

1
2
∫ θ2 (x) dx = ∫ (50x + 800x + C3 ) dx
EI
 
3 2
1 50x 800x
υ2 (x) = ( + + C3 x + C4 )
EI 3 2
 

1
3 2
υ2 (x) = (16.6667x + 400x + C3 x + C4 )
EI

According the type of support, we can use the next boundary conditiones for substituting these results into equations:

Pin: θ ≠ 0, υ = 0

Roller: θ ≠ 0, υ = 0

Fixed: θ = 0, υ = 0

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 Slope and Deflection Equations for 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6
For 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6 :

2 2
d υ d υ
EI = M3 (x) → EI = −1100x + 1760
2 2
dx dx

Integrating this equation once gives us the slope, θ(x):

dυ dυ
EI = ∫ (−1100x + 1760) dx  and  = θ(x)  is the Slope
dx dx
 
2
−1100x
EI θ3 (x) = + 1760x + C5
2
2
EI θ3 (x) = −550x + 1760x + C5

1
2
θ3 (x) = (−550x + 1760x + C5 )
EI

Integrating this equation for a second time gives us the deflection, υ(x):

1
2
∫ θ3 (x) dx = ∫ (−550x + 1760x + C5 ) dx
EI
 
3 2
1 −550x 1760x
υ3 (x) = ( + + C5 x + C6 )
EI 3 2
 

1
3 2
υ3 (x) = (−183.3333x + 880x + C5 x + C6 )
EI

According the type of support, we can use the next boundary conditiones for substituting these results into equations:

Pin: θ ≠ 0, υ = 0

Roller: θ ≠ 0, υ = 0

Fixed: θ = 0, υ = 0

BOUNDARY CONDITION: Pin Support at x=1.6 :

Where deflection is zero,  υ3 (1.6) = 0

1
3 2
(−183.3333(1.6) + 880(1.6) + C5 (1.6) + C6 ) = 0
EI
3 2
−183.3333(1.6) + 880(1.6) + C5 (1.6) + C6 = 0

1501.8667 + C5 (1.6) + C6 = 0

1.6C5 + C6 = −1501.8667

1.6C5 + C6 = −1501.8667
 

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 Solve any remaining constants of integration
Continuity condition at x = 0.4 is:

θ1 (0.4) = θ2 (0.4)

1 1
2 2
(1050(0.4) + C1 ) = (50(0.4) + 800(0.4) + C3 )
EI EI
2 2
1050(0.4) + C1 = 50(0.4) + 800(0.4) + C3

168 + C1 = 328 + C3

C1 − C3 = 160
 

When there is No Support, we can say that:  υ1 (0.4) = υ2 (0.4)

1 3
1 3 2
(350(0.4) + C1 (0.4)) = (16.6667(0.4) + 400(0.4) + C3 (0.4) + C4 )
EI EI
3 3 2
350(0.4) + C1 (0.4) = 16.6667(0.4) + 400(0.4) + C3 (0.4) + C4

22.4 + C1 (0.4) = 65.0667 + C3 (0.4) + C4

0.4C1 − 0.4C3 − C4 = 42.6667

 

Continuity condition at x = 0.8 is:

θ2 (0.8) = θ3 (0.8)

1 2
1 2
(50(0.8) + 800(0.8) + C3 ) = (−550(0.8) + 1760(0.8) + C5 )
EI EI
2 2
50(0.8) + 800(0.8) + C3 = −550(0.8) + 1760(0.8) + C5

672 + C3 = 1056 + C5

C3 − C5 = 384
 

When there is No Support, we can say that:  υ2 (0.8) = υ3 (0.8)

1 3 2
1 3 2
(16.6667(0.8) + 400(0.8) + C3 (0.8) + C4 ) = (−183.3333(0.8) + 880(0.8) + C5 (0.8) + C6 )
EI EI
3 2 3 2
16.6667(0.8) + 400(0.8) + C3 (0.8) + C4 = −183.3333(0.8) + 880(0.8) + C5 (0.8) + C6

264.5333 + C3 (0.8) + C4 = 469.3333 + C5 (0.8) + C6

0.8C3 + C4 − 0.8C5 − C6 = 204.8

 

Group the relevant equations to solve the values of the remaining constants:

1.6C5 + C6 = −1501.8667

C1 − C3 = 160

0.4C1 − 0.4C3 − C4 = 42.6667

C3 − C5 = 384

0.8C3 + C4 − 0.8C5 − C6 = 204.8

Using the equations above, we can solve the constants of integration: 

C1 = −472

C2 = 0

C3 = −632

C4 = 21.3333

C5 = −1016

C6 = 123.7333

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 Therefore, we can complete the equations by substituting the constants: 

For 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 :

1 2
θ1 (x) = (1050x − 472)
EI
 

1 3
υ1 (x) = (350x − 472x)
EI

For 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 :

1
2
θ2 (x) = (50x + 800x − 632)
EI
 

1 3 2
υ2 (x) = (16.6667x + 400x − 632x + 21.3333)
EI

For 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6 :

1
2
θ3 (x) = (−550x + 1760x − 1016)
EI
 

1
3 2
υ3 (x) = (−183.3333x + 880x − 1016x + 123.7333)
EI

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 Maximum Deflection
For each segment of the beam, we will try to find the location of maximum deflection by finding where the slope is zero:

θ(x) = 0

For 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 :

1
2
θ1 (x) = (1050x − 472)
EI

1
2
0 = (1050x − 472)
EI
2
0 = 1050x − 472

This equation can't be solved, so there is not a maximum in this segment of the beam.

For 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 :

1
2
θ2 (x) = (50x + 800x − 632)
EI

1
2
0 = (50x + 800x − 632)
EI
2
0 = 50x + 800x − 632

x = 0.754 is a solution to this equation, so there is a potential maximum there. Substitute it into the deflection equation:

1
3 2
υ2 (x) = (16.6667x + 400x − 632x + 21.3333)
EI
 

1
3 2
υ2 (0.754) = (16.6667(0.754) + 400(0.754) − 632(0.754) + 21.3333)
EI
 

1
υ2 (0.754) = (−220.6439)
EI

For 0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.6 :

1
2
θ3 (x) = (−550x + 1760x − 1016)
EI

1 2
0 = (−550x + 1760x − 1016)
EI
2
0 = −550x + 1760x − 1016

This equation can't be solved, so there is not a maximum in this segment of the beam.

Let's check the deflection at the start of the beam: 

1
3
υ1 (x) = (350x − 472x)
EI
 

1
3
υ1 (0) = (350(0) − 472(0))
EI
 

1
υ1 (0) = (0)  , so this is not a maximum and we can ignore it.
EI
 

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Let's check the deflection at the end of the beam: 

1 3 2
υ3 (x) = (−183.3333x + 880x − 1016x + 123.7333)
EI
 

1 3 2
υ3 (1.6) = (−183.3333(1.6) + 880(1.6) − 1016(1.6) + 123.7333)
EI
 

1
υ3 (1.6) = (0)  , so this is not a maximum and we can ignore it.
EI
 

−220.6439
∴ The absolute maximum deflection in the above equations is:   at x = 0.754
EI
 

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