4 - 190 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

1. SIMPLE BEAM—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD

Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . = wl
l
x wl wl
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
R R ⎛l ⎞
l l Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = w ⎜ − x⎟
2 2 ⎝2 ⎠
V wl 2
M max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
Shear 8
V
wx
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − x)
2
5wl 4
Mmax Δ max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
384 EI
wx
Moment Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l2 − 2lx 2 + x3 )
24EI

2. SIMPLE BEAM—LOAD INCREASING UNIFORMLY TO ONE END

16W
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . = = 1.0264W
⎯⎯3
9√
l W
x R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
W 3
2W
R1 R2 R 2 = V2 max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
3
.5774 l W Wx 2
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = − 2
V1
3 l
Shear V2 l 2Wl
M max (at x = = .5774 l) . . . . . . . = = .1283 Wl
√⎯3
⎯ ⎯⎯3
9√
Wx
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l2 − x2 )
M max 3l2

Moment ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
√
Δ max (at x = l 1 − ⎯⎯158
√ = .5193 l) . . = 0.1304
Wl 3
EI
Wx
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3x4 − 10l2 x2 + 7l4 )
180 EIl2

3. SIMPLE BEAM—LOAD INCREASING UNIFORMLY TO CENTER

4W
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . =
l 3
x
W W
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
R R l W
l l Vx (when x < ) . . . . . . . . . . = (l2 − 4x2)
2 2 2 2l2
V Wl
M max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
Shear V 6
l ⎛1 2x 2 ⎞
Mx (when x < ) . . . . . . . . . . = Wx ⎜ − ⎟
2 ⎝2 3l2 ⎠
M max Wl 3
Δ max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
60EI
Moment
l Wx
Δx (when x < ) . . . . . . . . . . = (5l2 − 4x2 )2
2 480 EIl2

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 191

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

4. SIMPLE BEAM—UNIFORMLY LOAD PARTIALLY DISTRIBUTED

l wb
a b c R 1 = V1 (max. when a < c) . . . . . . . = (2c + b)
2l
wb
wb
R 2 = V2 (max. when a > c) . . . . . . . = (2a + b)
R
1
R2 2l
x
Vx (when x > a and < (a + b)) . . . = R 1 − w(x − a)
V1 Shear
⎛ R1 ⎞ ⎛ R1 ⎞
V2 M max ⎜at x = a + w ⎟ . . . . . . . . = R 1 ⎜a + 2w ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
R1
a+ w Mx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . = R 1x
w
Mx (when x > a and < (a + b)) . . . = R 1x − (x − a)2
M max 2
Mx (when x > (a + b)) . . . . . . . = R 2(l − x)
Moment

5. SIMPLE BEAM—UNIFORM LOAD PARTIALLY DISTRIBUTED AT ONE END

wa
R 1 = V1 max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .= (2l − a)
l
2l
a wa 2
wa R 2 = V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .=
2l
R R2 Vx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . = R 1 − wx
1 x
⎛ R ⎞ R 21
V1 M max ⎜at x = 1 ⎟ . . . . . . . . . .=
⎝ w⎠ 2w
V2
Shear wx 2
R1 Mx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . = R 1x −
2
w
Mx (when x > a) . . . . . . . . . = R 2 (l − x)
M max wx
Δx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . = (a 2 (2l − a)2 − 2ax 2 (2l − a) + lx 3 )
24EIl
Moment
wa 2 (l − x)
Δx (when x > a) . . . . . . . . . = (4xl − 2x2 − a 2 )
24EIl

6. SIMPLE BEAM—UNIFORM LOAD PARTIALLY DISTRIBUTED AT EACH END

w 1a(2l − a) + w 2 c2
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .=
2l
w 2c(2l − c) + w 1 a2
R 2 = V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .=
l 2l
a b c
w1 a Vx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . = R 1 − w 1x
w2 c
Vx (when x > a and < (a + b)) = R 1 − w 1a
R1 R2
x Vx (when x > (a + b)) . . . . . . . = R 2 − w 2 (l − x)
V1 ⎛ R1 ⎞ R1 2
M max ⎜at x = w when R 1 < w 1a ⎟ =
2w 1
Shear
V2 ⎝ 1 ⎠
R1 ⎛ R1 ⎞ R 22
w1 M max ⎜at x = l − w when R 2 < w 2 c⎟ = 2w
⎝ 2 ⎠ 2

M max w 1x2
Mx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . = R 1x −
2
Moment
w1a
Mx (when x > a and < (a + b)) . . . = R 1x − (2x − a)
2
w 2(l − x)2
Mx (when x > (a + b)) . . . . . . . = R 2(l − x) −
2

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4 - 192 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

7. SIMPLE BEAM—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER

Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . . . = 2P
l
P
x P R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
R l l R Pl
M max (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . . =
2 2 4
V
⎛ 1⎞ Px
Shear V Mx ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
⎝ 2⎠ 2

Pl 3
Δ max (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . . =
M max
48EI
⎛ 1⎞ Px
Moment Δx ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l2 − 4x2 )
⎝ 2⎠ 48EI

8. SIMPLE BEAM—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT

8Pab
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . . . =
l2
Pb
R 1 = V1 (max when a < b ) . . . . . . . . . . . =
l l
P
x Pa
R 2 = V2 (max when a > b ) . . . . . . . . . . . =
l
R R2
1
a b Pab
M max (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . . =
l
V1
V2 Pbx
Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
Shear l
⎛ ⎞ Pab (a + 2b)√
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
M max Δ max ⎜at x =
⎝ √⎯⎯⎯
⎯ 3
⎯ when a > b⎟⎠
a(a + 2b)
. . . =
3a(a + 2b)
27EIl

Moment Pa 2b 2
Δa (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . . =
3EIl
Pbx 2
Δx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − b 2 − x2 )
6EIl

9. SIMPLE BEAM—TWO EQUAL CONCENTRATED LOADS SYMMETRICALLY PLACED

8Pa
l Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . . . =
l
x P P
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =P
R
a a
R M max (between loads) . . . . . . . . . . . . = Pa

V Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = Px
Shear V Pa
Δ max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l2 − 4a2 )
24EI
Px
M max
Δx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3la − 3a 2 − x2 )
6EI
Pa
Moment Δx (when x > a and < (l − a)) . . . . . . . = (3lx − 3x2 − a 2)
6EI

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 193

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

10. SIMPLE BEAM—TWO EQUAL CONCENTRATED LOADS UNSYMMETRICALLY

PLACED
l P
R 1 = V1 (max. when a < b ) . . . . . . . . . = (l − a + b)
x P P l
P
R 2 = V2 (max. when a > b ) . . . . . . . . . = (l − b + a)
R
1
R2 l
a b
P
V1 Vx (when x > a and < (l − b)) . . . . . = (b − a)
l
Shear V2
M1 (max. when a > b ) . . . . . . . . . = R 1 a
M2 (max. when a < b ) . . . . . . . . . = R 2 b
M2
M1 Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 x

Moment Mx (when x > a and < (l − b)) . . . . . = R 1 x − P(x − a)

11. SIMPLE BEAM—TWO UNEQUAL CONCENTRATED LOADS UNSYMMETRICALLY

PLACED
l P1 (l − a) + P2 b
P1 P2 R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
x l
P1 a + P2 (l − b)
R R2 R 2 = V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
1 a b l
V1 Vx (when x > a and < (l − b)) . . . . . = R 1 − P1
Shear V2
M1 (max. when R 1 < P1) . . . . . . . . = R 1 a
M2 (max. when R 2 < P2) . . . . . . . . = R 2 b
M1 M2 Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 x
Mx (when x > a and < (l − b)) . . . . . = R 1 x − P(x − a)
Moment

12. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, SUPPORTED AT OTHER—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED

LOAD
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . . . = wl
3wl
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
l 8
wl 5wl
R 2 = V2 max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
8
R R2
1 Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 − wx
x
wl 2
V1 M max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
8
Shear V2
⎛ 3⎞ 9
3 Mx ⎜at x = l⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wl 2
8
l ⎝ 8⎠ 128
l
wx 2
M1 4 Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = R1x −
2
Moment
M max ⎛ l ⎞ wl 4
Δ max ⎜at x = (1 + √
⎯⎯33
⎯ ) = .4215 l⎟ . . . =
⎝ 16 ⎠ 185 EI
wx 3
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (l − 3lx + 2x3 )
48EI

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4 - 194 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

13. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, SUPPORTED AT OTHER—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT

CENTER
3P
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . =
2
5P
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
15
11P
l R 2 = V2 max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
16
x P
3Pl
M max (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . =
16
R l l R
1 2 5Pl
2 2 M1 (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . =
32
V1
⎛ l⎞ 5Px
Shear V2 Mx ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . =
⎝ 2⎠ 16
⎛ l⎞ ⎛ l 11x ⎞
Mx ⎜when x > ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . = P ⎜ − ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2 16 ⎠
⎛ ⎞
⎯ 15 = .4472 l⎟⎠ . . . . . . . = Pl = .009317 PlEI
3 3
⎜at x = l√
M1
Δ max
Moment M max
⎝ 48EI√⎯⎯5
3 7PL 3
11 l Δx (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . =
768 EI
⎛ l⎞ Px
Δx ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l2 − 5x2 )
⎝ 2⎠ 96EI
⎛ l⎞ P
Δx ⎜when x > ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . . = (x − l)2(11x − 2l)
⎝ 2⎠ 96EI

14. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, SUPPORTED AT OTHER—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT

ANY POINT
Pb 2
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (a + 2l)
2l3
Pa
R 2 = V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l2 − a2 )
l 2l3
P M (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 a
x
Pab
M2 (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . = (a + l)
R
1
R2 2l2
a b
Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 x
V1
Mx (when x > a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 x − P(x − a)
Shear V2
⎛ (l2 + a 2) ⎞ Pa(l2 + a2 )3
Δ max ⎜when a < .414 l at x = l ⎟ =
⎝ (3l − a ) ⎠
2 2
3EI(3l2 − a2 )2

⎛ a ⎞ Pab 2 a
M1
Moment
Δ max ⎜when a > .414 l at x = l
⎝ ⎯√⎯⎯
.......... ⎟
2l + a ⎠
=
6EI ⎯⎯2l⎯+ a
√
M2
Pa Pa 2 b3
R2 Δa (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . = (3l + a)
12EIl3
Pb x 2
Δ (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3al 2 − 2lx 2 − ax 2)
12EIl3
Pa
Δx (when x > a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − x)2 (3l2 x − a 3 x − 2a 2l)
12EIl2

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 195

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

15. BEAM FIXED AT BOTH ENDS—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOADS

2wl
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . =
3
l wl
x
wl
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
⎛l ⎞
R R Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = w ⎜ − x⎟
l l ⎝2 ⎠
2 2 wl 2
M max (at ends) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
V 12
Shear V wl 2
M1 (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
24
.2113 l w
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (6lx − l2 − 6x2 )
12
M1
wl 4
Moment Δ max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
M max M max 384 EI
wx 2
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − x)2
24EI

16. BEAM FIXED AT BOTH ENDS—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER

l Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . = P
x P P
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
R R Pl
l l M max (at center and ends) . . . . . . . . =
2 2 8
⎛ l⎞ P
V Mx ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . = (4x − l)
Shear V ⎝ 2⎠ 8
l Pl 3
Δ max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
4 M max 192 EI
⎛ l⎞ Px 2
M max
Moment
M max Δx ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l − 4x)
⎝ 2⎠ 48EI

17. BEAM FIXED AT BOTH ENDS—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT

Pb 2
R 1 = V1 (max. when a < b ) . . . . . . . . = (3a + b)
l3
Pa 2
R 2 = V2 (max. when a > b ) . . . . . . . . = (a + 3b)
l
l3
Pab 2
x P M1 (max. when a < b ) . . . . . . . . =
l2
Pa 2 b
R1 R2 M2 (max. when a > b ) . . . . . . . . =
a b l2
2Pa 2b 2
V1 Ma (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . =
l3
V2
Shear Pab 2
Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . = R 1 x −
l2
Ma
⎛ 2al ⎞ 2Pa 3b 2
M1 Moment Δ max ⎜when a > b at x = ⎟ . . . . =
M2
⎝ 3a + b ⎠ 3EI(3a + b)2
Pa 3 b3
Δa (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . =
3EIl3
Pb 2 x2
Δx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . = (3al − 3ax − bx)
6EIl2

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4 - 196 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

18. CANTILEVER BEAM—LOAD INCREASING UNIFORMLY TO FIXED END

8
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . = W
3
l
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =W
W
x2
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =W
R l2
x
Wl
M max (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
3
V
Shear Wx 3
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
3l2

M max Wl 3
Moment Δ max (at free end) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
15EI
W
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (x5 − 5l4 x + 4l5 )
60EIl2

19. CANTILEVER BEAM—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD

Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . = 4wl
l
wl R = V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wl
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wx
R
x wl 2
M max (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
V wx 2
Shear Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2

wl 4
M max Δ max (at free end) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
Moment 8EI
w
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (x 4 − 4l3 x + 3l4 )
24EI

20. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, FREE TO DEFLECT VERTICALLY BUT NOT ROTATE
AT OTHER—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD
8
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . = wl
l 3
wl R = V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wl
M
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wx
R
x
wl 2
M max (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
3
V w 2
Shear Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − 3x2 )
6
.4227 l
M1 wl 4
Δ max (at deflected end) . . . . . . . . . . =
24EI
Moment M max
w(l2 − x2 )2
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
24EI

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 197

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

21. CANTILEVER BEAM—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT

8Pb
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . =
l

R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =P
l
P M max (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . . = Pb
x

R Mx (when x > a) . . . . . . . . . . . . = P(x − a)

a b
Pb 2
V Δ max (at free end) . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l − b)
6EI
Shear
Pb 3
Δa (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . =
3EI

Mmax Pb 2
Moment Δx (when x < a) . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3l − 3x − b)
6EI

P(l − x)2
Δx (when x > a) . . . . . . . . . . . . = (3b − l + x)
6EI

22. CANTILEVER BEAM—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT FREE END

l
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . = 8P
P
R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =P
R
x M max (at fixed end) . . . . . . . . . . . . = Pl

Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = Px
V

Shear Pl 3
Δ max (at free end) . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
3EI

M max P
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (2l3 − 3l2x + x3 )
Moment 6EI

23. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, FREE TO DEFLECT VERTICALLY BUT NOT ROTATE
AT OTHER—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT DEFLECTED END
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . = 4P
l
P R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =P
M
R Pl
x M max (at both ends) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2

⎛l ⎞
V Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = P ⎜ − x⎟
⎝2 ⎠
Shear
l pl 3

2 Δ max (at deflected end) . . . . . . . . . . =

M max 12EI
Moment M max P(l − x)2
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l + 2x)
12EI

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4 - 198 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

24. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD

w 2
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − a2 )
2l
w
R 2 = V2 + V3 . . . . . . . . . . . = (l + a)2
2l
V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wa
l a
x1 w 2
x w(l +a) V3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l + a2 )
2l
Vx (between supports) . . . . . = R 1 − wx
R1 l a2 R2
2 (
1 – 2)
l Vx 1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . = w(a − x 1)
V1 V2 ⎛ l ⎡ a 2 ⎤⎞ w
V3
M 1 ⎜at x = ⎢1 − 2 ⎥⎟ . . . . . = 2 (l + a) (l − a)
2 2

Shear ⎝ 2
⎣ l ⎦⎠ 8l
wa 2
M2 (at R 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
M1 2
Moment wx 2
M2 M x (between supports) . . . . . = (l − a 2 − xl)
a2 2l
l (1 – 2 )
l
w
M x1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . = (a − x1 )2
2
wx
Δx (between supports) . . . . . = (l4 − 2l2 x2 + lx 3 − 2a 2l2 + 2a 2x 2)
24EIl
wx 1
Δ x 1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . = (4a2 l − l3 + 6a 2 x1 − 4ax 21 + x31 )
24EI

25. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD ON

OVERHANG
wa 2
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2l
wa
R2 V1 + V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . = (2l + a)
2l
V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = wa
l a
x1 Vx 1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . = w(a − x 1)
x wa wa 2
M max (at R 2) . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
R1 R2 wa 2 x
M x (between supports) . . . . . =
2l
V2
w
V1 M x1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . = (a − x 1)2
2
Shear
⎛ l ⎞ wa 2 l2 wa 2 l2
Δ max ⎜between supports at x = ⎟ = = 0.03208
⎝ √⎯3 ⎠
⎯ ⎯⎯3 EI
18√ EI
M max
Moment wa 3
Δ max (for overhang at x1 = a ) . . . = (4l + 3a)
24EI
wa 2x 2
Δx (between supports) . . . . . = (l − x 2)
12EIl
wx 1
Δ x 1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . = (4a2 l + 6a 2x 1 − 4ax 21 + x31)
24EI

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 199

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

26. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT END OF OVERHANG

Pa
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
l
l a P
R 2 = V1 + V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l + a)
x
x1 l
P V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =P
M max (at R 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = Pa
Pax
R1 R2 Mx (between supports) . . . . . . . . . . =
l
M x1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . . . . . . . = P(a − x 1)
V2
⎛ l ⎞ Pal 2 Pal 2
V1 Δ max ⎜between supports at x = ⎟ . . . . . = = .06415
⎝ √⎯3 ⎠
⎯ ⎯⎯3 EI
9√ EI
Shear
Pa 2
Δ max (for overhang at x1 = a) . . . . . . . . = (l + a)
3EI
M max Pax 2
Moment Δx (between supports) . . . . . . . . . . = (l − x2)
6EIl
Px 1
Δ x1 (for overhang) . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (2al + 3ax 1 − x21 )
6EI

27. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD

BETWEEN SUPPORTS
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . . . = wl
wl
l a R=V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
2
x x1
wl ⎛l ⎞
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = w ⎜ − x⎟
⎝2 ⎠
wl 2
R
l l
R M max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
8
2 2
wx
V
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − x)
2
Shear V 5wl 4
Δ max (at center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
384 EI
M max wx 2
Δx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − 2lx 2 + x3)
24EI
Moment wl x1
3
Δ x1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
24EI

28. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT

BETWEEN SUPPORTS
8Pab
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . . . . . . =
l2
Pb
R 1 = V1 (max. when a < b ) . . . . . . . . . . . =
l
l Pa
x1 R 2 = V2 (max. when a > b ) . . . . . . . . . . . =
x P l
Pab
M max (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
l
R1 R2 Pbx
Mx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =
a b l
⎛ ⎞ Pab (a + 2b)√ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
V1
V2
Δ max ⎜at x =
⎝ √⎯⎯⎯
⎯ 3
⎯ when a > b⎟⎠
a(a + 2b)
. . . =
27EIl
3a(a + 2b)
Shear
Pa 2b 2
Δa (at point of load) . . . . . . . . . . . . =
M max
3EIl
Pbx 2
Δx (when x < a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − b 2 − x2 )
Moment 6EIl
Pa(l − x)
Δx (when x > a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (2lx − x 2 − a2 )
6EIl
Pabx1
Δ x1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l + a)
6EIl

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION

4 - 200 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

29. CONTINUOUS BEAM—TWO EQUAL SPANS—UNIFORM LOAD ON ONE SPAN

49
Total Equiv. Uniform Load = wl
64
7
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . = wl
x 16
wl
5
R 2 = V2 + V3 . . . . . . . . . = wl
8
R1 R2 R3 1
l l R 3 = V3 . . . . . . . . . . . =− wl
16
V1 9
V3 V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . = wl
Shear 16
7l V2
16 ⎛ 7 ⎞ 49
M max ⎜at x = l⎟ . . . . . = wl 2
M max ⎝ 16 ⎠ 512
1
M1 (at support R 2) . . . . = wl 2
M1 16
Moment
wx
Mx (when x < l) . . . . . = (7l − 8x)
16
Δ max (at 0.472 l from R 1 ) . . = .0092 wl 4 / EI

30. CONTINUOUS BEAM—TWO EQUAL SPANS—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER

OF ONE SPAN
13
Total Equiv. Uniform Load = P
8
l P l
13
2 2 R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . = P
32
11
R2 R3
R 2 = V2 + V3 . . . . . . . . . = P
R1 16
l l
3
R 3 = V3 . . . . . . . . . . . =− P
V1 32
V3
Shear 19
V2 V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . = P
32
13
M max M max (at point of load) . . . = Pl
64
3
M1 M1 (at support R 2) . . . . = Pl
Moment 32
Δ max (at 0.480 l from R 1 ) . . = .015 Pl 3 / EI

31. CONTINUOUS BEAM—TWO EQUAL SPANS—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT

P Pb
a b R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . = (4l2 − a(l + a))
4l3
Pa
R 2 = V2 + V3 . . . . . . . . . = (2l2 + b(l + a))
R1 R2 R3 2l3
l l
Pab
R 3 = V3 . . . . . . . . . . . =− (l + a)
V1
V3
4l3
Shear Pa
V2 V2 . . . . . . . . . . . . = (4l2 + b(l + a))
4l3
Pab
M max M max (at point of load) . . . = (4l2 − a(l + a))
4l3
M1 Pab
Moment M1 (at support R 2) . . . . = (l + a)
4l2

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 201

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

32. BEAM—UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD AND VARIABLE END MOMENTS

wl M 1 − M 2
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . = +
2 l

wl M 1 − M 2
R 2 = V2 . . . . . . . . . . . = −
l
2 l
x
M1 wl M
2
⎛l ⎞ M1 − M2
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . . . = w ⎜ − x⎟ +
R1 M >M R2 ⎝2 ⎠ l
1 2

V
1 ⎛ l M 1 − M 2 ⎞⎟ wl 2 M 1 + M 2 (M 1 − M 2)
2
M 3 ⎜at x = + . . = − +
Shear V2 ⎝ 2 wl ⎠ 8 2 2wl 2

M3
wx ⎛M − M ⎞
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . = (l − x) + ⎜ 1 2
⎟ x − M1
M2 2 ⎝ l ⎠
M1
b b
Moment

⎯√⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯⎟
2
l2 ⎛M + M ⎞ ⎛M − M ⎞
1 2 1 2
b (to locate inflection points) = −⎜ ⎟+⎜
4 ⎝ w ⎠ ⎝ wl ⎠

wx ⎡ 3 ⎛ 4M 1 4M 2 ⎞ 2 12M 1 8M 1l 4M 2l ⎤
Δx = ⎢ x − ⎜ 2l + wl − wl ⎟ x + w x + l − w − w ⎥
2
24EI ⎣ ⎝ ⎠ ⎦

33. BEAM—CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER AND VARIABLE END MOMENTS

P M1 − M2
R 1 = V1 . . . . . . . . . . . = +
2 l

l
M1 M2 P M1 − M2
x P R 2 = V2 . . . . . . . . . . . = −
2 l
R M1 >M R2
1 2 l
l
2 2 Pl M 1 + M 2
M 3 (at center) . . . . . . . . = −
V
4 2
1

Shear V2
⎛ l⎞ ⎛P M1 − M2 ⎞
M x ⎜when x < ⎟ . . . . . . =⎜ + ⎟ x − M1
M3 ⎝ 2⎠ ⎝2 l ⎠

Moment M2 ⎛ l⎞ P (M 1 − M 2)x
M1 M x ⎜when x > ⎟ . . . . . . = (l − x) + − M1
⎝ 2⎠ 2 l

⎛ l⎞ Px ⎛ 2 8(l − x) ⎞
Δ x ⎜when x < ⎟ = ⎜ 3l − 4x2 − [M 1 (2l − x) + M 2 (l + x)]⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠ 48EI ⎝ Pl ⎠

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION

4 - 202 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

34. CONTINUOUS BEAM—THREE EQUAL SPANS—ONE END SPAN UNLOADED

wl wl

A l B l C l D

RA = 0.383 w l RB = 1.20 w l RC = 0.450 w l RD = –0.033 w l

0.583 w l 0.033 w l
0.383 w l 0.033 w l
0.617 w l 0.417 w l
Shear

–0.1167 w l 2
+0.0735 w l 2 +0.0534 w l 2 –0.0333 wl 2

Moment
0.383 l 0.583 l

Δmax (0.430 l from A) = 0.0059 wl 4/ El

35. CONTINUOUS BEAM—THREE EQUAL SPANS—END SPANS LOADED

wl wl

A l B l C l D

RA = 0.450 w l RB = 0.550 wl RC = 0.550 w l RD = 0.450 w l

0.550 wl
0.450 wl 0.450 w l
0.550 w l
Shear
–0.050 w l 2

+0.1013 w l 2 +0.1013 w l 2

Moment
0.450 l 0.450 l

Δmax (0.479 l from A or D) = 0.0099 wl 4/ El

36. CONTINUOUS BEAM—THREE EQUAL SPANS—ALL SPANS LOADED

wl wl wl

A l B l C l D

RA = 0.400 w l RB = 1.10 w l R C = 1.10 w l RD = 0.400 w l

0.500 w l 0.600 w l
0.400 w l 0.400 w l
0.600 w l 0.500 w l
Shear

–0.100 w l 2 –0.100 w l 2

+0.080 w l 2 +0.025w l 2 +0.080 w l 2

Moment
0.400 l 0.500 l 0.500 l 0.400 l

l4
Δmax (0.446 l from A or D) = 0.0069 w / El

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 203

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

37. CONTINUOUS BEAM—FOUR EQUAL SPANS—THIRD SPAN UNLOADED

wl wl wl

A l B l C l D l E

RA = 0.380 w l RB = 1.223 w l RC = 0.357 w l R D = 0.598 w l RE = 0.442 w l

0.603 w l 0.558 w l
0.380 w l 0.442 w l
0.620 w l 0.397 w l 0.040 w l
Shear

–0.1205 w l 2 –0.0179 w l 2 –0.058 w l 2

+0.072 w l 2 +0.0611 w l 2 +0.0977 w l 2

Moment
0.603 l
0.380 l 0.442 l
Δ max (0.475 l from E) = 0.0094 wl 4/ El

38. CONTINUOUS BEAM—FOUR EQUAL SPANS—LOAD FIRST AND THIRD SPANS

wl wl

A l B l C l D l E

RA = 0.446 w l RB = 0.572 w l RC = 0.464 w l R D = 0.572 w l RE = –0.054 w l

0.018 w l 0.482 w l 0.054 w l
0.446 w l 0.054 w l
0.554 w l 0.518 w l
Shear

–0.0536 w l 2 –0.0357 w l 2 –0.0536 w l 2

+0.0996 w l 2 +0.0805 w l 2

Moment
0.518 l
0.446 l
Δ max (0.477 l from A) = 0.0097 wl 4/ El

39. CONTINUOUS BEAM—FOUR EQUAL SPANS—ALL SPANS LOADED

wl wl wl wl

A l B l C l D l E

RA = 0.393 w l RB = 1.143 w l RC = 0.928 w l RD = 1.143 w l RE = 0.393 w l

0.536 w l 0.464 w l 0.607 w l

0.393 w l 0.393 w l
0.607 w l 0.464 w l 0.536 w l
Shear

–0.1071 w l 2 –0.0714 w l 2 –0.1071 w l 2

+0.0772 wl 2 +0.0364 w l 2 +0.0364 w l 2 +0.0772 w l 2

Moment
0.536 l 0.536 l
0.393 l 0.393 l
Δ max (0.440 l from A and D) = 0.0065 w l 4/ El

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION

4 - 204 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

For Various Static Loading Conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 4-187

40. SIMPLE BEAM—ONE CONCENTRATED MOVING LOAD

x R 1 max = V1 max (at x = 0) . . . . . . . . . . . =P

P
R1 R2
⎛ 1⎞ Pl
M max ⎜at point of load, when x = ⎟ . . . . . =
l
⎝ 2⎠ 4

41. SIMPLE BEAM—TWO EQUAL CONCENTRATED MOVING LOADS

⎛ a⎞
R 1 max = V1 max (at x = 0) . . . . . . . . . . . = P ⎜2 − ⎟
⎝ l⎠

when a <, (2 − ⎯√⎯2 ) l . . . . . = .586 l

2
1⎛ a⎞ P ⎛ a⎞
x a under load 1 at x ⎜l − ⎟. . = ⎜l − ⎟
P P 2⎝ 2⎠ 2l ⎝ 2⎠
R1 R2
1 2 M max
when a > (2 − ⎯√⎯2 )l . . . . . = .586 l
l
Pl
with one load at center of span =
4

(Case 40)

42. SIMPLE BEAM—TWO UNEQUAL CONCENTRATED MOVING LOADS

l−a
R 1 max = V1 max (at x = 0) . . . . . . . . . . . = P1 + P2
l

1⎛ P 2a ⎞ x2
P1 > P2 under P1 , at x = l− = (P1 + P2 )
2 ⎜ P1 + P2⎟ l
x a ⎝ ⎠
P1 P2
R1 R2 M max M max may occur with larger
load at center of span and other
P1 l
l load off span (Case 40) . . . =
4

GENERAL RULES FOR SIMPLE BEAMS CARRYING MOVING CONCENTRATED LOADS

The maximum shear due to moving concentrated loads occurs at

one support when one of the loads is at that support. With several
l
moving loads, the location that will produce maximum shear must be
a
determined by trial.
P1 C.G. P2
R1 R2
The maximum bending moment produced by moving concentrated
loads occurs under one of the loads when that load is as far from one
x b support as the center of gravity of all the moving loads on the beam is
l from the other support.
2
In the accompanying diagram, the maximum bending moment
M
occurs under load P1 when x = b . It should also be noted that this
Moment condition occurs when the centerline of the span is midway between
the center of gravity of loads and the nearest concentrated load.

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BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS 4 - 205

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

Design properties of cantilevered beams
Equal loads, equally spaced

No. Spans System

a
2 M1
M1 M1
A B A

3 b
M3 M3
b

M2 M3 M2
C D D C
c c
M1 M1
M1 M4 M1
A E E A

d e b
4 M1 M3 M3
M1 M5 M3 M2
A F G D C

5 b
M3 M3
f f
M3 M3
b

M2 M3 M3 M3 M2
C D H H D C
d e e d
M1 M3 M3 M1
M1 M5 M3 M5 M1
A F G G F A

≥6 M1
d e
M3 M3
f f
M3 M3
b

M3 M3
(even) M1 M5 M3 M2
A F G H H D C

≥7 b
M3 M3
f f
M3 M3
f f
M3 M3
b

M2 M3 M2
(odd) M3 M3 M3 M3
C D H H H H D C
d e f f e d
M1 M3 M3 M3 M3 M1
M1 M5 M3 M3 M3 M5 M1
A F G H H G F A

n ∞ 2 3 4 5
P P P P P P P P
Typical Span P 2 P 2 2 P P 2 2 P P P 2 2 P P P P 2

Loading

M1 0.086PL 0.167PL 0.250PL 0.333PL 0.429PL

Moments

M2 0.096PL 0.188PL 0.278PL 0.375PL 0.480PL

M3 0.063PL 0.125PL 0.167PL 0.250PL 0.300PL
M4 0.039PL 0.083PL 0.083PL 0.167PL 0.171PL
M5 0.051PL 0.104PL 0.139PL 0.208PL 0.249PL
A 0.414P 0.833P 1.250P 1.667P 2.071P
B 1.172P 2.333P 3.500P 4.667P 5.857P
Reactions

C 0.438P 0.875P 1.333P 1.750P 2.200P

D 1.063P 2.125P 3.167P 4.250P 5.300P
E 1.086P 2.167P 3.250P 4.333P 5.429P
F 1.109P 2.208P 3.333P 4.417P 5.557P
G 0.977P 1.958P 2.917P 3.917P 4.871P
H 1.000P 2.000P 3.000P 4.000P 5.000P
a 0.172L 0.250L 0.200L 0.182L 0.176L
Dimensions
Cantilever

b 0.125L 0.200L 0.143L 0.143L 0.130L

c 0.220L 0.333L 0.250L 0.222L 0.229L
d 0.204L 0.308L 0.231L 0.211L 0.203L
e 0.157L 0.273L 0.182L 0.176L 0.160L
f 0.147L 0.250L 0.167L 0.167L 0.150L

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4 - 206 BEAM AND GIRDER DESIGN

BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

CONTINUOUS BEAMS
MOMENT AND SHEAR COEFFICIENTS
EQUAL SPANS, EQUALLY LOADED

MOMENT UNIFORM LOAD SHEAR

in terms of wl2 in terms of wl

+.07 +.07
–.125

0 3 5 5 3 0
+.08 +.025 +.08
–.10 –.10 8 8 8

0 4 6 5 5 6 4 0
+.077 +.036 +.036 +.077
10 10 10 10
–.107 –.071 –.107

0 11 17 15 13 13 15 17 11 0
+.078 +.078
–.105 –.073 –.073 –.105 28 28 28 28 28

0 15 23 20 18 19 19 18 20 23 15 0
+.078 +.078
–.106 –.077 –.086 –.077 –.106 38 38 38 38 38 38

0 41 63 55 43 51 53 53 51 49 55 63 41 0
+.078 +.078
–.106 –.077 –.085 –.085 –.077 –.106 104 104 104 104 104 104 104

0 36 86 75 67 70 72 71 71 72 70 67 75 86 36 0
142 142 142 142 142 142 142 142

MOMENT CONCENTRATED LOADS SHEAR

in terms of Pl at center in terms of P
+.156 +.156 P P
+.157
.31 .69 .69 .31

+.178 +.10 +.175 P P P

–.15 –.15
.35 .65 .50 .50 .65 .35

+.171 +.11 +.13 +.11 +.171 P P P P P

–.138 –.119 –.119 –.158
.34 .66 .54 .46 .50 .50 .46 .54 .66 .34

MOMENT CONCENTRATED LOADS SHEAR

in terms of Pl at 1⁄3 points in terms of P
+.222 +.111 +.111 +.222 P P P P
–.333
.67 1.33 1.33 .67

+.244 +.156 +.066 +.066 +.156 +.244 P P P P P P

–.267 –.267
.73 1.27 1.0 1.0 1.27 .73

+.24 +.146 +.076 +.099 +.122 +.122 +.099 +.076 +.146 +.24 P P P P P P P P P P
–.281 –.211 –.211 –.281
.72 1.28 1.07 .93 1.0 1.0 .93 1.07 1.28 .72

MOMENT CONCENTRATED LOADS SHEAR

in terms of Pl at 1⁄4 points in terms of P
+.267 +.267
+.258 +.022 +.022 +.258 P P P P P P
-.465
1.03 1.97 1.97 1.03
+.314 +.128 +.314
+.282 +.097 +.003 +.003 +.097 +.282 P P P P P P P P P
-.372 -.372
1.13 1.87 1.50 1.50 1.87 1.13
+.303 +.155 +.204 +.155 +.303
+.277 +.079 +.006 +.054 +.079 +.079 +.054 +.006 +.079 +.277 P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
-.394 -.296 -.296 -.394
1.11 1.89 1.60 1.40 1.50 1.50 1.40 1.60 1.89 1.11

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION