8.

Fixed and Continuous Beam

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

What is a beam?
A (usually) horizontal structural member that is subjected to a load that tends to bend it.

Types of Beams

Simply supported beam

Cantilever beam

Simply Supported Beams

Cantilever Beam

Continuous Beam

Single Overhang Beam

Double Overhang Beam

Single Overhang Beam with internal hinge

Fixed Beam

Continuous beam

Continuous beams
Beams placed on more than 2 supports are called continuous beams. Continuous beams are used when the span of the beam is very large, deflection under each rigid support will be equal zero.

Analysis of Continuous Beams

(Using 3-moment equation)

Stability of structure
If the equilibrium and geometry of structure is maintained under the action of forces than the structure is said to be stable.
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External stability of the structure is provided by the reaction at the supports. Internal stability is provided by proper design and geometry of the member of the structure.

Statically determinate and indeterminate structures

Beams for which reaction forces and internal forces can be found out from static equilibrium equations alone are called statically determinate beam.

Example:
P

RA

RB

X

0, Yi 0 and

M 0
i

is sufficient to calculate R A & RB .

Beams for which reaction forces and internal forces cannot be found out from static equilibrium equations alone are called statically indeterminate beam. This type of beam requires deformation equation in addition to static equilibrium equations to solve for unknown forces.

Example:

RA

RB

Rc

RD

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Advantages of fixed ends or fixed supports

Slope at the ends is zero. Fixed beams are stiffer, stronger and more stable than SSB. In case of fixed beams, fixed end moments will reduce the BM in each section. The maximum deflection is reduced.

Bending moment diagram for fixed beam

Example:

BMD for Continuous beams

BMD for continuous beams can be obtained by superimposing the fixed end moments diagram over the free bending moment diagram.
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Three - moment Equation for continuous beams OR Clapeyrons Three Moment Equation

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