STATICALLY INDETERMINATE BEAMS

A beam is statically indeterminate if the number of support reactions exceeds the

number of independent equilibrium equations. In general, two equilibrium equations are
available for a beam supporting lateral loads (ΣFy = 0 and ΣMA = 0, A being an arbitrary
point). Hence, a statically determinate beam has two support reactions, which is the
minimum number needed to keep the beam in equilibrium. Additional reactions, being
nonessential for equilibrium, are known as redundant reactions. The number of redundant
reactions is called the degree of indeterminacy of the beam.

Double Integration Method

𝑬𝑰𝝂 = ∬ 𝑴𝒅𝒙𝒅𝒙 + 𝑪𝟏 𝒙 + 𝑪𝟐

Example 38. Find all the support reactions for the beam shown in the figure.

Example 39. Before the 2000-lb load is applied to the propped cantilever beam, there is
a gap δ0 = 0.4 in. between the beam and the roller support at B. Find all the support
reactions after the load is applied. Use E = 29 x 106psi and I =36 in4.

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*All figures are copied from The book “Strength of Materials by Pytel, A and Kiusalaas, J (2nd edition)
Moment- Area Method

The moment-area method is well suited for deriving the compatibility equations for
statically indeterminate beams. If the total number of support reactions is n, the degree
of static indeterminacy of the beam is n - 2. A total of n equations are available for
computing the support reactions: two equilibrium equations and n - 2 compatibility
equations to be obtained from the moment-area theorems.

Example 40. The load acting on the beam ABC has a triangular distribution. Find the
reactions at all three supports.

Example 41. The properties of the cantilever beam AB are E = 200 MPa and I = 60 x 106
mm4. The stiffness of the spring supporting end A is k = 660 kN/m. If the spring is initially
unreformed, determine the force in the spring when the 75-kN load is applied to the beam.

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*All figures are copied from The book “Strength of Materials by Pytel, A and Kiusalaas, J (2nd edition)
Method of Superposition
We have used the method of superposition to solve problems involving statically
indeterminate bars and shafts. The application of this method to statically indeterminate
beams requires the following steps:
1. Determine the degree of static indeterminacy and choose the redundant
reactions. This choice is not unique—any support reaction can be deemed to
be redundant provided the remaining reactions can support the loading.
2. Release the constraints associated with the redundant reactions so that the
beam becomes statically determinate. Consider the redundant reactions as
applied loads
3. Using superposition, compute the deflections or rotations associated with the
released constraints.
4. Write the compatibility equations by equating the deflections or rotations found
in the previous step to those imposed by the supports on the original beam
5. Solve the compatibility equations for the redundant reactions.

Example 42. When the steel cantilever beams AB and CD are mounted, there is a 4-mm
gap between their free ends A and C. Determine the contact force between A and C when
the 2-N load is applied. Use E = 200 GPa for steel.

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*All figures are copied from The book “Strength of Materials by Pytel, A and Kiusalaas, J (2nd edition)
Example 43. The end of the cantilever beam BD rests on the simply supported beam
ABC. The two beams have identical cross sections and are made of the same material.
Find the maximum bending moment in each beam when the 1400-lb load is applied.

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*All figures are copied from The book “Strength of Materials by Pytel, A and Kiusalaas, J (2nd edition)