THREE MOMENT

EQUATIONS
(Module 4)
 63
Module IV
Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, the student will able to:

1. Apply Area-moment method in solving reactions, moment supports, and

midspan moment through three moment equations.
Introduction
In this module, we will be discussing an indeterminate structures which cannot be
solve by ordinary equations. In previous topics, we are just solving a simply supported
beams determining its shear, moment, and deflection. In this topic, we will be encroaching
beyond a simply supported beam which is a continuous beam. Continuous beam is a
beam having two or three spans with a three or many supports.

Continuous beam is indeterminate structure which cannot be solve by an ordinary

equilibrium equation. Hence, it needs to reach out another methods or application that
solve the homogeneity of the structure. With the knowledge of area-moment method, this
will help you in solving moments and other parameters.

Three Moment Equations

A portion of a beam that is loaded and supported in an arbitrary manner is shown
in Fig. 3.1. At any three points 1, 2, and 3, pass cutting sections and replace the effects
of the loads to the left or right of these sections by the proper values of vertical shear and
bending moment. Thus the beam segments between points 1 and 2 and between points
2 and 3 (hereafter referred to as span 1 and 2, respectively) may be isolated by means
of the free-body diagrams as shown in Fig. 4.1. The lengths of the spans (or segments
are L1 and L2 and the bending moments at points 1, 2, and 3 are M1, M2, and M3; the
vertical shears at the points are V1, and V-2 (just to the left of points 2), V2 (just to the right
of point 2) and V-3 just to the left of point 3.

(a) Loading Diagram. (b) Free-Body Diagram

of Beam Segments.

Figure 4.1 General Loading on any Beam.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 64
Module IV
The technique discussed in the previous topics enable us to resolve the free-body
diagrams of the beam segments into simply supported spans that carry the actual beam
loading, and spans loaded only by the bending moments and held in equivalent loading
is shown in Fig. 4.1a and Fig. 4.1b, respectively. When loadings are superimposed, they
produced the free-body diagram in Fig. 4.1b. Hence, the vertical shear at point 1 and 2,
and 3 are equal to the algebraic sum of the simple beam reaction and couple reaction at
these respective points.
In this manner, the moment diagram of each original beam segment is resolved
into moment diagram of the loads assumed to be carried on a simply supported span and
the trapezoidal moment diagram caused by the bending moments in the original beam at
the selected points 1, 2 and 3. These diagrams are shown in Fig. 4.2c and Fig. 4.2d,
respectively.

(a) Loads on simply

supported Spans

(b) Loading by end

moments and
balancing couple
reactions

(c) Moment diagrams of

loads on simply
supported spans

(d) Moment diagrams of

Loading by End
Moments

Figure 4.2 Analysis of Original Loading.

For clarity, the elastic curve is greatly exaggerated in order to show the geometric
relations. Note that 1, 2, and 3 lie on it.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 65
Module IV

Figure 4.3 Elastic Curve of any beam.

A tangent drawn to the elastic curve at point 2 determines the tangential deviations
t1/2 at point 1 and t3/2 at point 3. Another line drawn through point 2 parallel to the initial
position of the unloaded beam determines the heights of points 1 and 3 above point 2 to
be h1 and h2. There formed the shaded familiar triangles having the bases L 1 and L2 and
the altitudes (h1 – t1/2) and (t3/2 – h3).
From the proportions between similar triangles, it is evident that
ℎ1 − 𝑡1/2 𝑡3/2 − ℎ3
=
𝐿1 𝐿2
which reduces to
𝑡1/2 𝑡3/2 ℎ1 ℎ3
+ = +
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2
The values of the tangential deviations are found from
1
𝑡1/2 = (𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎)1−2 ∗ 𝑥1
𝐸𝐼
and
1
𝑡3/2 = (𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎)3−2 ∗ 𝑥3
𝐸𝐼
where (𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎)1−2 ∗ 𝑥1 is the moment of area about point 1 of the moment diagram between
1 and 2. These can be sub-divided into two areas and similar procedure in solving area-
moment method in deflection of beam.
We can therefore express the tangential deviation 𝑡1/2 at 1 from a tangent to the
elastic curve drawn at 2 as:
1 1 1 1 2
𝑡1/2 = [𝐴1 𝑎1 + ( 𝑀1 𝐿1 ( 𝐿1 )) + ( 𝑀2 𝐿1 ( 𝐿1 ))]
𝐸𝐼 2 3 2 3
and the tangential deviation 𝑡3/2 at 3 from the same tangent drawn at 2 as;

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 66
Module IV

1 1 2 1 1
𝑡3/2 = [𝐴2 𝑏2 + ( 𝑀2 𝐿2 ( 𝐿2 )) + ( 𝑀3 𝐿2 ( 𝐿2 ))]
𝐸𝐼 2 3 2 3
Substituting and equating two equation of 𝑡1/2 and 𝑡3/2 will gives:
𝟔𝑨𝟏 𝒂𝟏 𝟔𝑨𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒉𝟏 𝒉𝟑
𝑴𝟏 𝑳𝟏 + 𝟐𝑴𝟐 (𝑳𝟏 + 𝑳𝟐 ) + 𝑴𝟑 𝑳𝟐 + + = 𝟔𝑬𝑰 ( + )
𝑳𝟏 𝑳𝟐 𝑳𝟏 𝑳𝟐
These equation expresses a general relation among the moments at any three points in
a beam, and hence is known as the three-moment equation.
Rule of sign
Three-moment equation was derived under the assumption that the bending moments at
the selected points were positive and that points 1 and 3 were above point 2. Hence,
heights h1 and h3 must be considered positive when measured upward from point 2. If
the moment at any point is actually negative, the negative sign must be used when
substituting its value in three moment equation.

Factors for the Three-Moment Equation

The usefulness of the three-moment equation depends on the case with which the
expression 6Aa/L and 6Ab/L in it can be found. As it said earlier, these expressions refer
to the moment of area of the moment diagram resulting from carrying the applied loads
on a simple span of the same length as equivalent beam segment.

Case 3: Uniformly Varying Load

The loading over a span L in a continuous beam carries uniformly over the span. If this
loading is assumed to be supported on a simple span, the moment diagram is drawn by
parts from left to right, as in Fig. 4.4. The moment area of this moment diagram about the
right end is given by;
1 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 1 1 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 1
𝐴𝑏 = ( 𝐿) ( 𝐿) − ( 𝐿) ( 𝐿)
2 6 3 4 6 5
4
𝑤𝑜 𝐿 1 1 7
𝐴𝑏 = ( − )= 𝑤 𝐿4
6 6 20 360 𝑜
Multiplying this by 6/L, we obtain the following general value for this type of loading:
6𝐴𝑏 7
= 𝑤 𝐿3
𝐿 60 𝑜

(a) (b)
Figure 4.4 Uniformly Varying Load.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 67
Module IV
Table 4.1
𝟔𝑨𝒂 𝟔𝑨𝒃
Case No. 1 Type of Loading*
𝑳 𝑳

𝑷𝒂 𝟐 𝑷𝒃 𝟐
1 (𝑳 − 𝒂𝟐 ) (𝑳 − 𝒃𝟐 )
𝑳 𝑳

𝟏 𝟏
2 𝒘𝒐 𝑳 𝟑 𝒘𝒐 𝑳𝟑
𝟒 𝟒

𝟖 𝟕
3 𝒘𝒐 𝑳 𝟑 𝒘𝒐 𝑳𝟑
𝟔𝟎 𝟔𝟎

𝟕 𝟖
4 𝒘 𝑳𝟑 𝒘𝒐 𝑳𝟑
𝟔𝟎 𝒐 𝟔𝟎

𝒘𝒐 𝟐 𝒘𝒐 𝟐
[𝒃 (𝟐𝑳𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 ) [𝒅 (𝟐𝑳𝟐 − 𝒅𝟐 )
5 𝟒𝑳 𝟒𝑳
− 𝒂𝟐 (𝟐𝑳𝟐 − 𝒂𝟐 )] − 𝒄𝟐 (𝟐𝑳𝟐 − 𝒄𝟐 )]

𝑴 𝑴
6 − (𝟑𝒂𝟐 − 𝑳𝟐 ) (𝟑𝒃𝟐 − 𝑳𝟐 )
𝑳 𝑳

* We just consider the most common loading that appear in the problem.

Example 1.
𝟔𝑨𝒃
For a given continuous beam as shown in Fig. 4.5. Evaluate the for the span 2.
𝑳

Figure 4.5

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 68
Module IV
Solution.
Take the loading on span 2, as if it were simply supported on a span of 4m. Draw the
moment diagram by parts from right to left.

Figure 4.6

6𝐴2 𝑏2 6 900 𝑥 4 2 900 𝑥 3 4

2
= [( ) ( 𝑥 4) − ( ) (1 + 𝑥3)]
𝐿 4 2 3 4 5
6𝐴2 𝑏2
= 3,758 𝑁. 𝑚2
𝐿2
Example 2.
A continuous beam carries a uniform load of 480 N/m on the span AB and a concentrated
load of 720 N at the midspan of BC, as shown in Fig. 4.7.

Figure 4.7
6𝐴1 𝑎1
1. Compute the value of factor due to the uniform load acting on span AB.
𝐿2 1
6𝐴2 𝑏2
2. Compute the value of factor due to the uniform load acting on span BC.
𝐿2 2
3. Compute the moment at B.
Solution.
6𝐴1 𝑎1
1. for span AB.
𝐿2 1
Solve the reaction,
480(2.4)
𝑅=
2
𝑅1 = 𝑅′2 = 576 𝑁

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 69
Module IV
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6 1382.4 𝑥 2.4 2 1382.4 𝑥 2.4 1
= [( ) ( 𝑥2.4) − ( ) ( 𝑥2.4)]
𝐿1 2 2.4 2 3 4 5
6𝐴1 𝑎1
= 𝟏𝟔𝟓𝟖. 𝟖𝟖 𝑁. 𝑚2
𝐿1 2
6𝐴1 𝑎1
2. for span BC.
𝐿2 1
Solve for reaction,
∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0
3.2𝑅"𝐵 = 720(1.6)
𝑅"𝐵 = 360 𝑁
6𝐴2 𝑏2 6 1152 𝑥 3.2 1 1152 𝑥 3.2 1
2
= [( ) ( 𝑥 3.2) − ( ) ( 𝑥1.6)]
𝐿 3.2 2 3 2 3
6𝐴2 𝑏2
= 𝟐𝟕𝟔𝟒. 𝟖 𝑁. 𝑚2
𝐿2
3. Moment at B.
Neglecting the effect of rigidity, EI.
𝟔𝑨𝟏 𝒂𝟏 𝟔𝑨𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝑴𝟏 𝑳𝟏 + 𝟐𝑴𝟐 (𝑳𝟏 + 𝑳𝟐 ) + 𝑴𝟑 𝑳𝟐 + + =𝟎
𝑳𝟏 𝑳𝟐
0 + 2𝑀𝐵 (2.4 + 3.2) + 0 + 1658.8 + 2764.8 = 0

MB = - 394.97 N.m

Example 3.
Determine the moments over the supports in the continuous beam shown in Fig. 4.8.

Figure 4.8
Solution.
In this case, there will two equations that will create. First, it is the equation of span 1 and
span 2. While the second equation is the span 2 and span 3.
𝟔𝑨𝟏 𝒂𝟏 𝟔𝑨𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝑴𝟏 𝑳𝟏 + 𝟐𝑴𝟐 (𝑳𝟏 + 𝑳𝟐 ) + 𝑴𝟑 𝑳𝟐 + + =𝟎 𝑬𝒒′ 𝒏. 𝟏
𝑳𝟏 𝑳𝟐

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 70
Module IV
𝟔𝑨𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝟔𝑨𝟑 𝒃𝟑
𝑴𝟐 𝑳𝟐 + 𝟐𝑴𝟑 (𝑳𝟐 + 𝑳𝟑 ) + 𝑴𝟒 𝑳𝟑 + + =𝟎 𝑬𝒒′ 𝒏. 𝟐
𝑳𝟐 𝑳𝟑
Using the Table 4.1:
6𝐴1 𝑎1 𝑤𝑜 2 2 400
= [𝑏 (2𝐿 − 𝑏 2 )] = {(3)2 [2(4)2 − 32 ]} = 5,175
𝐿1 4𝐿 4𝐿
6𝐴2 𝑏2 8 8
= 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 = 800(3)3 = 2,880
𝐿2 60 60
6𝐴2 𝑎2 7 7
= 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 = 800(3)3 = 2,520
𝐿2 60 60
6𝐴3 𝑏3 𝑃𝑏 2 600(3) 2 800(2) 2
=∑ (𝐿 − 𝑏 2 ) = {[ (4 − 32 )] + [ (4 − 22 )]}
𝐿3 𝐿 4 4

6𝐴3 𝑏3
= 7350
𝐿3
From the values computed:
0 + 2𝑀2 (4 + 3) + 3𝑀3 + 5175 + 2880 = 0 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 1
3𝑀2 + 2𝑀3 (3 + 4) + 0 + 2520 + 7350 = 0 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 2
or
14𝑀2 + 3𝑀3 + 8055 = 0
3𝑀2 + 14𝑀3 + 9870 = 0
Solving the equation simultaneously;
M2 = - 445 N.m
M3 = - 610 N.m

Assignment:
Form the given figure, the continuous beams in the problem stated are supported on a
rigid foundation that are same level. Each problem, determine the bending moments of
the beams over the supports.
1. See Fig. 4.9

Figure 4.9

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 71
Module IV
2. See Fig. 4.10

Figure 4.10

3. See Fig. 4.11

Figure 4.11

4. See Fig. 4.12. Determine the length of the overhangs so that the moments over the
supports will be equal.

Figure 4.12

5. See Fig. 4.13.

Figure 4.13

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 72
Module IV
Determining Reactions of a Continuous Beam and Shear Diagram
From previous topics, it was discussed about shear and moment diagram. It is
important to know the shear diagram in order to compute the moment value of certain
specify point. Hence, you can layout and sketch the moment the diagram if you have this
values computed.
Reactions in continuous beams can be computed using two principles: first, by
means of bending moments and the last is by means its parts from which shear diagram
have layout.

Example 4.
Using the example given in number 3 as shown in Fig. 4.14. Determine the reactions of
the continuous beam.

Solution. Figure 4.14

Since, we have the values of M2 = – 445 N.m and M3 = – 445 N.m. Applying the definition
of bending moment, expressing M2 in terms of the moments about R2 of all loads to the
left of R2 (cut section in R2) and will obtain
𝑀2 = ∑ 𝑀𝐿
𝑀2 = −445 = 4𝑅1 − 400(3)(2.5)
𝑹𝟏 = 𝟔𝟑𝟗 𝑵
To determine R2, we apply the definition of M3 to moments about R3 of all loads to the left
of R3, as follows:
𝑀3 = ∑ 𝑀𝐿
800(3) 2
−610 = 7𝑅1 − 400(3)(5.5) + 3𝑅2 − ( ) ( ) (3)
2 3
Substitute the value of R1 = 639, so we can find R2
𝑹𝟐 = 𝟏𝟑𝟎𝟔 𝑵
The value of R4 is also obtain from the value of M3 by expressing M3 in terms of the
moments about R3 of all loads to the right of R3.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 73
Module IV
𝑀3 = ∑ 𝑀𝑅
−610 = 4𝑅4 − 700(2) + 3𝑅2 − 600(1)
𝑹𝟒 = 𝟑𝟒𝟖 𝑵

And, determining the value of R3, we can take summation vertical of all forces on the
entire beam. This gives
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
800(3)
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 = 400(3) + + 600 + 700
2
639 + 1306 + 𝑅3 + 348 = 1200 + 1200 + 600 + 700
𝑹𝟑 = 𝟏𝟒𝟎𝟕 𝑵

Example 5.
A continuous beam shown in Fig. 4.15 carries a concentrated load of 3kN at a distance
of 5m from point A and a uniform load of 4 kN/m along the span of BC. The beam is
supported by a hinged at A and rollers at B and C, respectively.

Figure 4.15
6𝐴1 𝑎1
1. Compute the factor due to the concentrated load acting on span AB.
𝐿2 1
2. Compute the moment at B.
3. Compute the reaction at B.

Solution.
6𝐴1 𝑎1
1. Value of factor due to concentrated load.
𝐿2 1
Cut the section of the span AB.
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0
8𝑅𝐵 = 3(5)
𝑅𝐵 = 1.875 𝑘𝑁
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6 15(8) 8 15(5) 2
= [ ( )− ( )]
𝐿1 8 2 3 2 3

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 74
Module IV
6𝐴1 𝑎1
= 𝟕𝟑. 𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝑵. 𝒎𝟐
𝐿1
2. Moment at B.
6𝐴2 𝑏2 𝑤𝐿3
=
2 4
6𝐴2 𝑏2 4(5)3
= = 125
2 4
𝟔𝑨𝟏 𝒂𝟏 𝟔𝑨𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝑴𝟏 𝑳𝟏 + 𝟐𝑴𝟐 (𝑳𝟏 + 𝑳𝟐 ) + 𝑴𝟑 𝑳𝟐 + + =𝟎
𝑳𝟏 𝑳𝟐
0 + 2𝑀𝐵 (8 + 5) + 0 + 73.125 + 125 = 0
𝑴𝑩 = −𝟕. 𝟔𝟐 𝒌𝑵. 𝒎
3. Reaction at B.
∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0, 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑔𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.
7.62 + 5𝑅𝐶 = 4(5)(2.5)
𝑅𝐶 = 8.476 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0
𝑅𝐵1 = 4(5) − 8.476
𝑅𝐵1 = 11.524 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0, 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑔𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.

8𝑅𝐴 + 7.62 = 3(3)
𝑅𝐴 = 0.173

∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0
𝑅𝐵2 = 3 − 0.173
𝑅𝐵2 = 2.827

∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 𝑅𝐵1 + 𝑅𝐵2
𝑅𝐵 = 11.524 + 2.827
𝑹𝑩 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟑𝟓𝟏 𝒌𝑵

See Fig. 4.16 for its load, shear, and moment diagram.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 75
Module IV

Figure 4.16

Assignment:
Form the given problems in pages 70-71. Determine the reactions of the beam and draw
the shear and moment diagrams.
6. Please refer to Figure 4.9.
7. Please refer to Figure 4.10.
8. Please refer to Figure 4.11.
9. Please refer to Figure 4.12.
10. Please refer to Figure 4.13.

Feedback

Hello there, my dear students! How are you coping with the lessons? Do you still
have some difficulty understanding the lessons? If yes, then go back to initial page of the
module and start reading again.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV
 76
Module IV

References

Arreola, M. A., Structural Analysis (Theory of Structures), National Book Store, SI

Metric Edition, Metro Manila, 1992.

Besavilla V. I., Structural Analysis (Theory of Structures), BERC Publishing, Cebu

City, 2007.

Singer, F. (1970). Engineering Mechanics, Harper and Row Publishing, Second Edition,
New York.

ASEP, National Structural Code of the Philippines, Volume I, ASEP 7th Edition,
Quezon City, 2015.

www.chegg.com

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asst. Prof. IV