CE 331, Spring 2009 Maximum Moment in a Simple Span 1/2

Due a Set of Moving Loads

A simple procedure exists for calculating the maximum moment in a simply supported span
due to a set of moving loads:
1) Calculate the centroid of the loads, x
2) Position the loads so that midspan of the beam is halfway between the centroid and
the nearest load to the centroid
3) Calculate the moment beneath the load nearest to the centroid

Example (Problem 8.39 in Text). Calculate the maximum moment in a 40-foot simply
supported beam due to the following axle loads:

24k  24k
k 
6

12’  16’
X

1) Centroid of loads
The centroid can be found from the following formula: x ΣPi = Σ xi Pi
Σ [(0' )(24 k ) + (16' )(24 k ) + (28' )(6 k )]
x= = 10.22'
(24 k + 24 k + 6 k )
Set up a reference axis aligned with the rear wheel and positive to the left (as shown
above).

2) Position the loads so that the midspan is halfway between the centroid and the load
closest to the centroid.
midspan

24k 24k
6k 

10.22’
a a

2a + 10.22' = 16' , a = 2.89'

midspan
 
5.11’ 12’ 16’ 6.89’

24k 24k
6k 

10.22’
2.89’ 2.89’
CE 331, Spring 2009 Maximum Moment in a Simple Span 2/2
Due a Set of Moving Loads

3) Calculate the moment in the beam beneath the load closest to the centroid.

( R Right )(40' ) = (6 k )(5.11' ) + (24 k )(17.11' ) + (24 k )(33.11' ), R Right = 30.90 k

max M = (30.90 k )(20'+2.89' ) − (24 k )(16' ), max M = 323 k − ft