THREE MOMENT

EQUATION
Introduction:

The three-moment equation was initiated in

1855 by the Frenchman, Bertot. Extension of his
original theorem were presented in 1857 by
Clapeyron and in 1862 by Bresse, both Frenchmen.
The theorem, which represents a relationship
between the moment at the supports in a continuous
beam, usually is developed for beams of constant
cross section between each pair of supports. The
resulting equation applies to the moments at any
three consecutive supports, as long as the beam is
continuous between supports (that is, there are no
internal hinges or other breaks in the continuity of
the beam).
 Development of the Theorem
Consider three points A, B, C on the beam loaded as
shown.
Any loading
A B C

L1 L2
Load on span 1 Load on span 2

MA A B MB Loads on simply MB B C MC
supported spans
L1 L2
V V V V
ā ā
Moment diagrams of
cg. loads on simply cg.
supported spans
Area = A1 Area = A2
 Moment diagrams of
MA loading by end MC
MB moments MB

L1 L2

Elastic curve of beam at point A, B, and C.

Elastic Curve
A Parallel to unloaded C
beam
tA/B
h1 h2
h1-tA/B B
tC/B
tC/B-h2
Tangent to elastic curve
L1 L2
From proportions between similar triangles:
ℎ1 − 𝑡𝐴 𝑡𝐶 − ℎ2 𝑡𝐴 𝑡𝐶 ℎ1 ℎ2
𝐵 𝐵 𝐵 𝐵
𝐿1
=
𝐿2 𝐿1
+
𝐿2
= +
𝐿1 𝐿2 Eq. 1

where:
1
𝑡𝐴 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴𝐵 𝑥𝐴
𝐵 𝐸1 𝐼1
1 1 1 1 2
𝑡𝐴 = 𝐴 𝑎 + 𝑀 𝐿 𝐿 + 𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 𝐿1
𝐵 𝐸1 𝐼1 1 1 2 𝐴 1 3 1 2 3
1
𝑡𝐴 = 6𝐴1 𝑎1 + 𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 2 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 2
𝐵 6𝐸1 𝐼1
and 1
𝑡𝐶 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐵𝐶 𝑥𝐶
𝐵 𝐸2 𝐼2
1 1 2 1 1
𝑡𝐶 = 𝐴 𝑏 + 𝑀 𝐿 𝐿 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 𝐿
𝐵 𝐸2 𝐼2 2 2 2 𝐵 2 3 2 2 3 2
1
𝑡𝐶 = 6𝐴2 𝑏2 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 2 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 2
𝐵 6𝐸2 𝐼2
Substituting values of tA/B and tC/B to Eq. 1
1 6𝐴1 𝑎1 1 6𝐴2 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ2
+ 𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 + + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 = +
6𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐿1 6𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

Simplifying the equation yields

𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ2
+ 2𝑀𝐵 + + + + =6 +
𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐸1 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐸2 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

If E is constant this equation becomes

𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ2
+ 2𝑀𝐵 + + + + = 6𝐸 + Eq. 2
𝐼1 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐼2 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2
If E and I are constant then,

6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + = 6𝐸𝐼 + Eq. 3
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2
 6𝐴𝑎 6𝐴𝑏
Table 1: Values of 𝐿
and 𝐿
of Common Loadings

Case Type of Loading on Span 6𝐴𝑎 6𝐴𝑏

𝐿 𝐿

1 𝑃𝑎 2 𝑃𝑏 2
𝐿 − 𝑎2 𝐿 − 𝑏2
𝐿 𝐿

2
𝑤𝑂 𝐿3 𝑊𝐿2 𝑤𝑂 𝐿3 𝑊𝐿2
= =
4 4 4 4
where : 𝑊 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿

8 8 7 3
7
3 3
𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 𝑊𝐿2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 𝑊𝐿2
60 30 60 30
where : 𝑊 = 12𝑤𝑜 𝐿
Case Type of Loading on Span

7 7 8 3
8
4 3
𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 𝑊𝐿2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 𝑊𝐿2
60 30 60 30
where : 𝑊 = 12𝑤𝑜 𝐿

5 𝑤𝑜 𝑏2 2𝐿2 − 𝑏2 𝑤𝑜 𝑑2 2𝐿2 − 𝑑2
4𝐿 −𝑎2 2𝐿2 − 𝑎2 4𝐿 −𝑐 2 2𝐿2 − 𝑐 2

𝑤𝑜 2 𝑤𝑜 𝑏 2
6 𝐿 − 𝑎2 2
2𝐿2 − 𝑏 2
4𝐿 4𝐿

𝑤𝑜 𝑎2 𝑤𝑜 2
7 2𝐿2 − 𝑎2 𝐿 − 𝑏2 2
4𝐿 4𝐿
Case Type of Loading on Span

5 3
5 5 5
8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 𝑊𝐿2 3
𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 𝑊𝐿2
32 16 32 16
where : 𝑊 = 12𝑤𝑜 𝐿

𝑀 𝑀
9 − 3𝑎2 − 𝐿2 + 3𝑏2 − 𝐿2
𝐿 𝐿
Procedure for Analysis

The following step-by-step procedure can be used for analyzing

continuous beams by the three-moment equation.

1. Select the unknown bending moments at all interior

supports of the beam as the redundants.

2. By treating each interior support successively as the

intermediate support, write a three-moment equation.
When writing these equations, it should be realized that
bending moments at the simple end supports are known.
For such a support with a cantilever overhang, the bending
moment equals that due to the external loads acting on the
cantilever portion about the end support. The total number
of three moment equations thus obtained must be equal to
the number of redundant support bending moments, which
must be the only unknowns in these equations.
 6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
3. Determine the value of and using table 1. Solve
𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐼2 𝐿2
the system of three-moment equations for the unknown
support bending moments.

4. Compute the span end shears. For each span of the beam,

(a) draw a free-body diagram showing the external loads

and end moments and

(b) apply the equations of equilibrium to calculate the shear

forces at the ends of the span.

5. Determine support reactions by considering the equilibrium

of the support joints of the beam.

6. If so desired, draw shear and bending moment diagrams of

the beam by using the beam sign convention.
 Example 1
Determine the reactions at the supports for the beam shown.
The moment of inertia of span AB is one half that of span BC.

Solution:
Here we must use Eq. 2 for the solution since E is constant.
The data are as follows:
- since A and C are end supports, then 𝑀𝐴 = 0 and 𝑀𝐶 = 0
- we consider segment AB as span 1, so 𝐿1 = 5 𝑚 and 𝐼1 = 0.5𝐼
- the 2nd segment is BC or as span 2, so 𝐿2 = 4 𝑚 and 𝐼2 = 𝐼
- the only unknown is 𝑀𝐵
- We write the 3 moment equation for the 3 supports ABC.
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ2
+ 2𝑀𝐵 + + + + = 6𝐸 +
𝐼1 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐼2 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

- Since there are no settlements on supports A and C, then we

let ℎ1 = 0 and ℎ2 = 0.
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
Evaluate and using the Table 1.
𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐼2 𝐿2
6𝐴1 𝑎1
- Consider segment AB (span 1) for the value of and on Table 1
𝐼1 𝐿1
we use Case 2. Here 𝑤 = 3𝑘𝑁
𝑚
, 𝐿1 = 5 𝑚, and 𝐼1 = 0.5𝐼.

3
6 A1 a 1 wL1 3( 5 3 ) 187.5
   kN  m 2
I 1 L1 ( 0.5 I )4 ( 0.5 I )4 I
𝑉𝐴𝐵 𝑉𝐵𝐴
 6𝐴2 𝑏2
- Consider segment BC (span 2) for the value of 𝐼2 𝐿2
and on Table 1
we use Case 1. Here 𝑃 = 15 𝑘𝑁, 𝑎 = 3𝑚, 𝑏 = 1𝑚, 𝐼2 = 𝐼, and 𝐿2 = 4𝑚.

6𝐴2 𝑏2 𝑃𝑏
= 𝐿2 2 − 𝑏 2
𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐼2 𝐿2
6𝐴2 𝑏2 (15)(1) 2
= 4 − 12
𝑉𝐵𝐶 𝐿2 = 4𝑚 𝑉𝐶𝐵 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐼(4)
6𝐴2 𝑏2 56.25
= 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐼
Substitute values to Eq.2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2 ℎ1 ℎ2
+ 2𝑀𝐵 + + + + = 6𝐸 +
𝐼1 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐼2 𝐼1 𝐿1 𝐼2 𝐿2 𝐿1 𝐿2

5 4 187.5 56.25
0 + 2𝑀𝐵 + +0+ + =0
0.5𝐼 𝐼 𝐼 𝐼
Cancelling out the common term, I, and considering that ℎ1
and ℎ2 are zero since the supports remain at the same level.
Then solving for 𝑀𝐵, we have
𝑀𝐵 = −8.705 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
The negative sign indicates an opposite direction to that of the
positive sign convention. Drawing the free-body diagrams of
each segment with the computed moment at point B and
apply the equilibrium equations to solve for the reactions.

Segment AB
𝐹𝐻 = 0, 𝐴𝐻 = 0
𝐴𝐻
𝑀𝐵 = 0, 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝑉 = 5.759 𝑘𝑁
𝑀𝐵
𝑉𝐵𝐴 = 8.705
𝑉𝐴𝐵
𝐹𝑉 = 0, 𝑉𝐵𝐴 = 9.241 𝑘𝑁
 Segment BC
𝑀𝐵 = 0, 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 𝐶𝑉 = 9.074 𝑘𝑁

𝑀𝐵 = 8.705 𝐹𝑉 = 0, 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 5.926 𝑘𝑁

𝑉𝐵𝐶 𝑉𝐶𝐵

A free-body diagram of the differential segment of the beam

that passes over the roller at B is as shown.

𝑀𝐵 = 8.705 𝑀𝐵 = 8.705

𝐹𝑉 = 0, 𝐵𝑉 = 15.167 𝑘𝑁
VBC = 5.926
VBA= 9.241
BV
Example 2
Determine the support reactions of the beam shown. EI is
constant.

Here we must use Eq. 3 for the solution since EI is

constant. Apply the three-moment equations over the three
consecutive supports at A, B, and C. Since the supports
remain at the same level ℎ1 and ℎ2 are zero, and the
equation reduces to
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
We begin evaluating 𝑀𝐴 by considering the left segment of
point A.
200 N
MA 𝑀𝐴 + 200(1.5) = 0
1.5m
𝑀𝐴 = −300 𝑁 − 𝑚

Whereas at the support C, the moment 𝑀𝐶 = 0 since no loads

act to the right of point C (external support).
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
Evaluate and using the Table 1
𝐿1 𝐿2

6𝐴1 𝑎1
For span 1, evaluate ,
𝐿1

6 A1 a 1 8 8
 wL1  (800)33
3

L1 60 60

𝐿1 = 3 𝑚
 2880 N  m 2
For span 2
6𝐴2 𝑏2
the factor is found by adding the results listed in
𝐿2
Table 1 for cases 1 and 6

6𝐴2 𝑏2 𝑤𝑜 𝑏 2 𝑃𝑏2
= 2
2𝐿 − 𝑏 +2 𝐿2 2 − 𝑏2 2
𝐿2 4𝐿 𝐿2
6𝐴2 𝑏2 400(32 ) 2 2
500(1) 2
= 2(4 ) − 3 + 4 − 12
𝐿2 4(4) 4
6𝐴2 𝑏2
= 7050 𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿2
Substituting these results with 𝐿1 = 3𝑚 and 𝐿2 = 4𝑚 in Eq. 3
determines 𝑀𝐵, which is now the only unknown. We obtain
−300 3 + 2𝑀𝐵 3 + 4 + 0 + 2880 + 7050 = 0

From which we obtain

𝑀𝐵 = −645 𝑁 − 𝑚
Drawing the free-body diagrams of each segment with the
computed moment at point B and apply the equilibrium
equations to solve for the reactions.

𝑀𝐴 = 300 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ;

𝑉𝐴 = 200 𝑁
𝑉𝐴
 Segment AB

𝑀𝐴 = 300 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ;
𝑀𝐵 = 645
𝑉𝐵𝐴 = 915 𝑁

3m 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐴𝐵 𝑉𝐵𝐴
𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 285 𝑁

Segment BC

𝑀𝐵 = 645
𝑀𝐶 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 736.25 𝑁
𝑉𝐵𝐶 𝑉𝐶𝐵 = 𝐶𝑉

𝑀𝐵 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐶𝐵 = 𝐶𝑉 = 963.75 𝑁
A free-body diagram of the differential segment of the
beam that passes over the hinge at A is as shown.

VA= 200 VAB = 285

MB =300 MB =300
𝐹𝑉 = 0;
𝐴𝑣 = 485 𝑁
AV

A free-body diagram of the differential segment of the

beam that passes over the roller at B is as shown.

VBA=915 VBC =736.25

MB =645 MB = 645 𝐹𝑉 = 0;
𝐵𝑉 = 1651.25 𝑁
BV
Example 3
Determine the internal moments in the beam at the supports. EI is
constant.

In this case, there are two unknown moments, 𝑀𝐴 and 𝑀𝐵.

Here 𝑀𝐶 = 0 since it is an external support. Two equations
are therefore required. A fixed end may be handled by
replacing it by an additional span of essentially zero length,
as shown. The required equations can then be obtained by
applying Eq. 3 two separate times, considering 𝐴’𝐴𝐵 and
𝐴𝐵𝐶, as indicated.
 First we consider the first three supports at 𝐴’𝐴𝐵, in which
we obtain the equation
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
𝑀𝐴′ 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
where:
6𝐴1 𝑎1
𝑀𝐴′ = 0 𝐿1 = 0 𝐿2 = 6 𝑚 =0
𝐿 1
6𝐴2 𝑏2
Evaluate using second span (Case 2 of Table 1). Here
𝐿2
𝑤𝑜 = 8 𝑘𝑁/𝑚, and 𝐿2 = 6 𝑚
6𝐴2 𝑏2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 3 8(63 )
= = = 432 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿2 4 4
Substituting the data from the equation, we have
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
𝑀𝐴′ 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
0 + 2𝑀𝐴 0 + 6 + 𝑀𝐵 6 + 0 + 432 = 0

12𝑀𝐴 + 6𝑀𝐵 + 432 = 0 Eq. a

Next we consider the three consecutive supports 𝐴𝐵𝐶, in which

we obtain the equation
6𝐴2 𝑎2 6𝐴3 𝑏3
𝑀𝐴 𝐿2 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + 𝐿3 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿3 + + =0
𝐿2 𝐿3
where: 𝐿2 = 6 𝑚, 𝐿3 = 10 𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝐶 = 0

6𝐴2 𝑎2
Evaluate
𝐿2

6𝐴2 𝑎2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 3 8(63 )
= = = 432 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿2 4 4
 6𝐴3 𝑏3
For , 𝑃 = 40, 𝐿3 = 5 𝑚, and 𝑏 = 5 𝑚
𝐿3
6𝐴3 𝑏3 𝑃𝑏 2 2
40(5)
= 𝐿3 − 𝑏 = 102 − 52 = 1500 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿3 𝐿3 10

Substituting the data, we have

𝑀𝐴 6 + 2𝑀𝐵 6 + 10 + 0 + 432 + 1500 = 0

6𝑀𝐴 + 32𝑀𝐵 + 1932 = 0 Eq. b

Solving equations a and b simultaneously yields

𝑀𝐴 = −6.414 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

𝑀𝐵 = −59.172 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
Example 4
Determine the internal moments in the beam at the
supports. EI is constant.

There are two unknowns, 𝑀𝐵 and 𝑀𝐶 ; hence two

applications of Eq. 3 must be made. 𝑀𝐴 = 0 and 𝑀𝐷 = 0
since these are exterior supports.
First we consider segments 𝐴𝐵𝐶, where our equation would
be
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
Where:
𝑀𝐴 = 0 𝐿1 = 9𝑚 𝐿2 = 8𝑚
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
Evaluate and by using Table 1
𝐿1 𝐿2
For span 1, the factor is found by adding the two results for
case1

6𝐴1 𝑎1 𝑃1 𝑎 2 2
𝑃2 𝑎 2
= 𝐿 −𝑎 + 𝐿 − 𝑎2
𝐿1 𝐿 𝐿
Substituting values
6𝐴1 𝑎1 100(2) 2 2
60(6) 2
= 9 −2 + 9 − 62
𝐿1 9 9
6𝐴1 𝑎1
= 3511.11 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿1

Since span 2 contains no load, so

6𝐴2 𝑏2
=0
𝐿2

Substituting the data yields

0 + 2𝑀𝐵 9 + 8 + 𝑀𝐶 8 + 3511.11 + 0 = 0

34𝑀𝐵 + 8𝑀𝐶 = −3511.11 Eq. a

 Next, we now consider segments 𝐵𝐶𝐷, where our equation
would be

6𝐴2 𝑎2 6𝐴3 𝑏3
𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + 2𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + 𝐿3 + 𝑀𝐷 𝐿3 + + =0
𝐿2 𝐿3

where:
𝑀𝐷 = 0 𝐿2 = 8𝑚 𝐿3 = 10𝑚

6𝐴2 𝑎2 6𝐴3 𝑏3
Evaluate and by using Table 1
𝐿2 𝐿3

- Since span 2 contains no load, then

6𝐴2 𝑎2
=0
𝐿2
For span 3, we use case 2

6𝐴3 𝑏3 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 3 20(103 )
= =
𝐿3 4 4
6𝐴3 𝑏3
= 5000 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿3

Substituting the data yield

𝑀𝐵(8) + 2𝑀𝐶(8 + 10) + 0 + 0 + 5000 = 0

8𝑀𝐵 + 36𝑀𝐶 = −5000 Eq. b

Solving equations a and b simultaneously yields

𝑀𝐵 = −74.483 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

𝑀𝐶 = −122.337 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
Example 5
Determine the internal moments and the reactions in the beam
at the supports. Draw the V and M diagram. EI is constant.

There are three unknowns, 𝑀𝐴 , 𝑀𝐵 and 𝑀𝐶 ; hence three

applications of Eq. 3 must be made. The fixed ends are
considered equivalent to the imaginary spans 𝐴𝐴’ and 𝐶𝐶’.
Writing the three-moment equations for spans 𝐴’𝐴𝐵, 𝐴𝐵𝐶, and
𝐵𝐶𝐶’, we have
For span A’AB
6𝐴1 𝑎1 6𝐴2 𝑏2
𝑀𝐴′ 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + + =0 Eq. a
𝐿1 𝐿2
For span ABC
6𝐴2 𝑎2 6𝐴3 𝑏3 Eq. b
𝑀𝐴 𝐿2 + 2𝑀𝐵 𝐿2 + 𝐿3 + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿3 + + =0
𝐿2 𝐿3
For span BCC’
6𝐴3 𝑎3 6𝐴4 𝑏4
𝑀𝐵 𝐿3 + 2𝑀𝐶 𝐿3 + 𝐿4 + 𝑀𝐶′ 𝐿4 + + =0 Eq. c
𝐿3 𝐿4

In applying these equations, we neglect any terms referring to

the imaginary spans. Using Table 1, we next compute the
following values :
In applying these equations, we neglect any terms referring to
the imaginary spans. Using Table 1, we next compute the
following values :

6𝐴2 𝑏2 𝑃𝑏 2 2
400(2) 2
= 𝐿2 − 𝑏 = 4 − 22 = 2400 𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿2 𝐿2 4

6𝐴2 𝑎2 𝑃𝑎 2 2
400(2) 2
= 𝐿2 − 𝑎 = 4 − 22 = 2400 𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿2 𝐿2 4

6𝐴3 𝑎3 6𝐴3 𝑏3 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 3 600(33 )

= = = = 4050 𝑁 − 𝑚2
𝐿3 𝐿3 4 4
substituting these values to equations a, b, and c gives

from (a): 8𝑀𝐴 + 4𝑀𝐵 + 2400 = 0 Eq. d

from (b): 4𝑀𝐴 + 14 𝑀𝐵 + 3𝑀𝐶 + 2400 + 4050 = 0

4𝑀𝐴 + 14𝑀𝐵 + 3𝑀𝐶 + 6450 = 0 Eq. e

from (c): 3𝑀𝐵 + 6𝑀𝐶 + 4050 = 0 Eq. f

Solving Eqs. (d), (e), and (f) simultaneously gives

𝑀𝐴 = −146.43 𝑁 − 𝑚

𝑀𝐵 = −307.14 𝑁 − 𝑚

𝑀𝐶 = −521.43 𝑁 − 𝑚
Determine the support reactions by considering each segment
of the continuous beam.

𝑀𝐴 = 0 ;
𝑀𝐴 = 146.43 𝑀𝐵 = 307.14 𝑉𝐵𝐴 = 240.18 𝑁

𝑀𝐵 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐴𝐵 𝑉𝐵𝐴 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 159.82 𝑁

𝑀𝐵 = 307.14 𝑀𝐶 = 521.43 𝑀𝐶 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 828.57 𝑁

𝑉𝐵𝐶 𝑉𝐶𝐵 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐶𝐵 = 971.43 𝑁
So, the reactions are

𝑅𝐴 = 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 159.82 𝑁

𝑅𝐵 = 𝑉𝐵𝐴 + 𝑉𝐵𝐶
𝑅𝐵 = 240.18 + 828.57 = 1068.75 𝑁

𝑅𝐶 = 𝑉𝐶𝐵 = 971.43 𝑁

𝑀𝐴 = 146.43 𝑁 − 𝑚 𝑀𝐶 = 521.43 𝑁 − 𝑚

𝑅𝐴 = 159.82 𝑁 𝑅𝐵 = 1068.75 𝑁 𝑅𝐶 = 971.43 𝑁

146.43 521.43

1068.75 971.43

828.57

159.82
V
−240.18
264.97
173.21 −971.43

M
−146.43
−307.14
−521.43
Exercises
Determine the support reactions of the beams loaded as shown
and sketch the shear and moment diagram. Assume EI is
constant.
1.

2.