CE 224-MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

MODULE 7: RESTRAINED BEAMS

INTRODUCTION

Simply supported and cantilevered beams are the simplest type of beams that can be analyzed
easily by equilibrium equations. However, in reality, most of beams were restrained and, thus,
makes the analyzation more difficult than that of simply supported or cantilevered beams.
Techniques in solving for restrained beams will be introduced in this module.

OBJECTIVES

• Determine if a beam is restrained.

• Learn how to analyze restrained beams by use of deflection.
• Design a restrained beam.

DISCUSSION PROPER

Restrained Beams

In addition to the equations of static equilibrium, relations from the geometry of elastic
curve are essential to the study of indeterminate beams. Such relations can be obtained
from the study of deflection and rotation of beam. This module will focus on two types
of indeterminate beams; the propped beams and the fully restrained beams.

A propped beam is fixed at one end and propped either at the other end or at any other
point along its span. If the simple support is removed, propped beam will become
cantilever beam. Fully restrained beam is fixed at both ends as shown in the figure
above.
Example 1:
The beam shown is supported at the left by a spring that deflects 1 inch for each 300 lb.
For the beam E = 1.5 × 106 psi and I = 144 in4. Compute the deflection of the spring.

Solution:

Assume there is no spring support at the left end

𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 200(124 )(123 )
𝛿= = 8(1.5×106)(144)
8𝐸𝐼
𝛿 = 4.1472 𝑖𝑛

Considering the spring reaction

𝛿 − 𝛿𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝛿𝑅
𝑅 𝑅𝐿3
4.1472 − 𝑘 = 3𝐸𝐼
𝑅 𝑅(123 )(123 )
4.1472 − 300 = 3(1.5×106)(144)
4.1472 = 0.0079413𝑅
𝑅 = 522.23 𝑙𝑏

𝑅 522.23
𝛿𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑘 = 300
𝜹𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟒 𝒊𝒏 answer

Example 2:
A cantilever beam BD rests on a simple beam AC as shown below. Both beams are of the
same material and are 3 in wide by 8 in deep. If they jointly carry a load P = 1400 lb,
compute the maximum flexural stress developed in the beams.
Solution:
For cantilever beam BD
𝑃𝐿3
𝛿= 3𝐸𝐼
1400(83 ) 𝑅𝐵 (83 )
𝛿𝐵 = −
3𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼
716800 512𝑅𝐵
𝛿𝐵 = −
3𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼
For the simple beam AC
𝑃𝑎𝑏
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 6𝐿 (𝐿2 – 𝑎2 – 𝑏 2 )
For beam AC; P = RB, a = 8 ft, b = 4 ft, and L = 12 ft
𝑅𝐵 (8)(4)
𝛿𝐵 = 6(12)𝐸𝐼 (122 – 82 – 42 )
4𝑅𝐵
𝛿𝐵 = (64)
9𝐸𝐼
256𝑅𝐵
𝛿𝐵 = 9𝐸𝐼
Solving for the contact force, RB
𝛿𝐵 = 𝛿𝐵
716800 512𝑅 256𝑅
− 3𝐸𝐼 𝐵 = 9𝐸𝐼 𝐵
3𝐸𝐼
7168003 1972𝑅𝐵
=
𝐸𝐼 9𝐸𝐼
𝑅𝐵 = 1200 𝑙𝑏
Determining the maximum moment
The maximum moment on cantilever beam will occur at D
𝑀𝐷 = 1200(8)– 1400(8)
𝑀𝐷 =– 1600 𝑙𝑏 ⋅ 𝑓𝑡
The maximum moment on simple beam will occur at point B
𝑃𝑎𝑏 1200(8)(4)
𝑀𝐵 = 𝐿 = 12
𝑀𝐵 = 3200 𝑙𝑏 ⋅ 𝑓𝑡
Maximum moment is at point B
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3200 𝑙𝑏 ⋅ 𝑓𝑡
Solving for maximum flexural stress
The bending stress of rectangular beam is given by
6𝑀
𝑓𝑏 = 𝑏𝑑2
Thus,
6(3200)(12)
(𝑓𝑏)𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3(82)
(𝒇𝒃)𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒑𝒔𝒊 answer

Deflection and Rotation of Propped Beam

Unless otherwise specified, the boundary conditions of propped beams are as follows.
• Deflection at both ends is zero.
• Rotation at fixed support is zero.
Deflection and Rotation of Fully Restrained Beam
Unless otherwise specified, the boundary conditions of propped beams are as follows.
• Deflection at both ends is zero.
• Rotation at both ends is zero.
Application of Double Integration in Restrained Beams

Moment at any exploratory section

𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = 𝑀

Slope of the beam at any point

𝐸𝐼𝑦′ = ∫ 𝑀 + 𝐶1

Deflection of beam at any point

𝐸𝐼𝑦 = ∫ ∫ 𝑀 + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2
Example:
Find the reactions at the roller support of the propped beam shown.

Solution:

𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = 𝑀
1
𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = 𝑅𝐴 𝑥– 2 𝑤𝑜 ⟨𝑥– 𝑎⟩2
1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦′ = 2 𝑅𝐴 𝑥 2 – 6 𝑤𝑜 ⟨𝑥– 𝑎⟩3 + 𝐶1
1 1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 6 𝑅𝐴 𝑥 3 – 24 𝑤𝑜 ⟨𝑥– 𝑎⟩4 + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2

Apply boundary conditions to solve for integration constants C1 and C2:

At x=0, y=0, hence C2=0
At x=L, y=0, hence
1 1
0 = 6 𝑅𝐴 𝐿3 – 24 𝑤𝑜 (𝐿– 𝑎)4 + 𝐶1 𝐿 + 0
1 1
𝐶1 𝐿 = 24 𝑤𝑜 (𝐿– 𝑎)4 − 6 𝑅𝐴 𝐿3
𝑤 𝑅𝐴 𝐿2
𝑜
𝐶1 = 24𝐿 (𝐿– 𝑎)4 −
6
At x=L, y′=0, hence
1 1 𝑤 𝑅𝐴 𝐿2
0 = 2 𝑅𝐴 𝐿2 – 6 𝑤𝑜 (𝐿– 𝑎)3 + 24𝐿
𝑜
(𝐿– 𝑎)4 −
6
𝑅𝐴 𝐿2 𝑤𝑜 𝑤𝑜 𝑅𝐴 𝐿2
– (𝐿– 𝑎)3 + (𝐿– 𝑎)4 − =0
2 6 24𝐿 6
𝑅𝐴 𝐿2 𝑤𝑜 𝑤𝑜
= (𝐿– 𝑎)3 − (𝐿– 𝑎)4
3 6 24𝐿
𝑤 𝑤𝑜
𝑅𝐴 = 2𝐿𝑜2 (𝐿– 𝑎)3 − 8𝐿3 (𝐿– 𝑎)4
𝑤𝑜 𝑏 3 𝑤𝑜 𝑏 4
𝑅𝐴 = −
2𝐿2 8𝐿3
𝑤𝑜 𝑏 3
𝑅𝐴 = (4𝐿 − 𝑏)
8𝐿3
18(2)3
𝑅𝐴 = (4(3) − 2)
8(3)3

𝑹𝑨 = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟕 𝒌𝑵 answer

Application of Area-Moment Method to Restrained Beams

Rotation of beam from A to B

1
𝜃𝐴𝐵 = (𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )
𝐸𝐼

Deviation of B from a tangent line through A

1
𝑡𝐵/𝐴 = 𝐸𝐼 (𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 )𝑥̄ 𝐵

Example:
Find the reaction R and the moment at the wall for the propped beam shown when wo=5
kN/m and L=4 m.
Solution:

𝐸𝐼𝑡𝐴/𝐵 = 0
1 1 1 7 1 2 1 1 3
( 𝐿) (8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) (8 𝐿) + 2 (𝐿)(𝑅𝐿) (3 𝐿) − 3 (𝐿) (2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) (4 𝐿) = 0
3 2
7 1 1
𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 + 3 𝑅𝐿3 − 8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 = 0
384
7 1 1
𝑤𝑜 𝐿 + 3 𝑅 − 8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿 = 0
384
1 1 7
𝑅 = 8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿 − 384 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
3
1 41
𝑅 = 384 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
3
41
𝑅 = 128 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
41
𝑅= (5)(4)
128
𝑹 = 𝟔. 𝟒𝟏 𝒌𝑵 answer

1 1
𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑅𝐿 + 8 𝑤𝑜𝐿2 − 2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2
1 1
𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 = (6.41)(4) + 8 (5)(42 ) − 2 (5)(42 )
𝑴𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍 = −𝟒. 𝟑𝟔 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎 answer
Example:
Fully restrained beam with uniformly distributed load through the entire span. Compute
for the moment on the wall if wo=18 kN/m, L=6m, E =20 GPa and I=225x106 mm4.

Solution:

𝐸𝐼 𝜃𝐴𝐵 = 0
1 1 1 1
( 𝐿) (4 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) − 2 𝐿(𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 ) −
2 2
1 1 1
( 𝐿) (8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) = 0
3 2
1 1 1
𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 − 𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐿 − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 = 0
16 2 48
1 1
𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐿 = 24 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3
2
1
𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 12 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2
𝑴𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍 = 𝟓𝟒 𝒌𝑵 − 𝒎 (CCW) answer

Note that the actual bending moment is a

negative moment (bending the beam
downward) as shown in the figure. The
answer above is positive which indicates that
our assumption of counter clockwise arrow is
correct.

𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑡𝐴/𝐵
𝐸𝐼𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 𝑡𝐴/𝐵
𝐸𝐼 𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = (𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 ) ⋅
1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1
𝐸𝐼 𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2 (2 𝐿) (4 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) [3 (2 𝐿)] − 2 𝐿(𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 ) [2 (2𝐿)] − 3 (2 𝐿) (8 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) [4 (2 𝐿)]
1 1 1 1 1 3
𝐸𝐼 𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 16 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 (3 𝐿) − 2 𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐿 (4 𝐿) − 48 𝑤𝑜 𝐿3 (8 𝐿)
1 1 1
𝐸𝐼 𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 − 𝑀𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐿2 − 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4
48 8 128
1 1 1 1
𝐸𝐼 𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 48 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 − 8 (12 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 ) 𝐿 − 128 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 2

1
𝐸𝐼 𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 384 𝑤𝑜 𝐿4
𝑜 𝑤 𝐿4
𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 384𝐸𝐼
18(6000)4
𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 384(20000)(225𝑥106 )
𝜹𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟓 𝒎𝒎 answer
Fixed-End Moment of Fully Restrained Beam
Summary for the value of end moments and deflection of perfectly restrained beam
carrying various loadings. Note that for values of EIy, y is positive downward.

Case 1: Concentrated load anywhere on the span of fully restrained beam

End moments
𝑷𝒂𝒃2
𝑴𝑨 = − 𝑳2
𝑷𝒂2 𝒃
𝑴𝑩 = − 𝑳2

Value of EIy
𝑷𝒃2
Midspan 𝑬𝑰𝒚 = (3𝑳 − 4𝒃)
48

Note: only for b > a

Case 2: Concentrated load on the midspan of fully
restrained beam
End moments
𝑷𝑳
𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑩 = − 8

Value of EIy
𝑷𝑳3
Maximum 𝑬𝑰𝒚 = 192
Case 3: Uniformly distributed load over the entire span of fully restrained
beam
End moments
𝒘𝒐 𝑳2 𝑾𝑳
𝑴𝑨 = 𝑴𝑩 = − =−
12 12

Value of EIy
𝒘𝒐 𝑳4 𝑾𝑳3
Maximum E𝑰𝒚 = =
384 384
Case 4: Uniformly distributed load over half the span of fully restrained
beam
End moments
5𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 5𝑊𝐿
𝑀𝐴 = − =−
192 96
11𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 11𝑊𝐿
𝑀𝐵 = − =−
192 96

Value of EIy
𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 𝑊𝐿3
𝑀𝑖𝑑𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝐸𝐼𝑦 = =
384 384
Case 5: Triangular load over the entire span of fully restrained beam
End moments
𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 𝑊𝐿
𝑀𝐴 = − =−
30 15
𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 𝑊𝐿
𝑀𝐵 = − =−
20 10

Value of EIy
𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 𝑊𝐿3
𝑀𝑖𝑑𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝐸𝐼𝑦 = =
768 384

Case 6: Isosceles triangle loadings over the entire span of fully restrained
beam
End moments
5𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 5𝑊𝐿
𝑀𝐴 = 𝑀𝐵 = − =−
96 48

Value of EIy
7𝑤𝑜 𝐿4 7𝑊𝐿3
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝐸𝐼𝑦 = =
3840 1920

Case 7: Moment load anywhere on the span of fully

restrained beam
End moments
𝑀𝑏 3𝑎
𝑀𝐴 = ( − 1)
𝐿 𝐿
𝑀 3𝑏
𝑀𝐵 = − 𝑎𝐿 ( 𝐿 − 1)

Case 8: Fully restrained beam with one support settling

End moments
6𝐸𝐼𝛥
𝑀𝐴 = − 𝐿2
6𝐸𝐼𝛥
𝑀𝐵 = 𝐿2

SAQ (SELF ASSESMENT EXAMINATION)

1. Find the reactions at the roller support of the propped beam shown by area moment
method
2. Find the reaction R and the moment at the wall for the propped beam shown when
wo=5 kN/m and L=4 m by double integration.

SUMMARY

A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied perpendicular to the
beam's axis. Its mode of deflection is primarily downward. Most of beams in reality were
restrained.

REFERENCES

1.Venancio Besavilla, Structural Analysis 1st ed. VIB Publisher

2. A. Pytel and F. Singer, Strength of Materials 4th ed. Harper Collins Publishers
3. https://mathalino.com/reviewer/strength-materials-mechanics-materials

ISUE__ __ Syl ___

Revision: 02
Effectivity: August 1, 2020