CHAPTER II: ANALYSIS OF STATICALLY DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

LECTURE 4 Part 1: Analysis of Statically Determinate Beams

4.1.1 Classification of Determinate Beams
4.1.2 Analysis of Statically Determinate Beams
4.1.3 Shear and Moment Equations of Statically Determinate Beams

LEARNING OUTCOME (LO):

LO 7: Analyze and solve the external reactions and internal stress resultants of statically
determinate beams applying shear and moment equations.

DISCUSSION/PRESENTATION OF THE LESSON:

4.1.1 Classification of Determinate Beams

Beams are classified based to their supports either determinate or indeterminate beams.
In this lecture, only determinate beams and its methods of analysis will be discussed.

Statically determinate beams may be classified as:

1. Simple Beam or Simply Supported Beam. A beam that is supported at its two ends
with a hinge and a roller.

Figure 22 (a): Simple Beam

2. Cantilever Beam. A fixed or built-in at one end and free at the other end of the beam.

Figure 22 (b): Cantilever Beam

3. Simple Beam with over-hang. A beam may be simply supported at two points and
have its end portion (or portions) extend beyond the support.

Figure 22 (c): Simple Beam with over-hang in one end

Figure 22 (d): Simple Beam with over-hang in both ends

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Structural Theory 29
 4. Compound Beam. Composition of beams that are connected by internal connections
(either hinge or roller), considering its 𝐷𝐼 = 0, and care must be used in providing
the connections so that instability is not produced.

Figure 22 (e): Compound Beam

4.1.2 Analysis of Statically Determinate Beams

To illustrate the general procedure in analyzing a beam, consider the loaded beam in
figure 23, with the cut section a-a.

Figure 23

Figure 24: Free-body Diagrams of the beam

With the aid of the figures, the following items are the steps to consider in the analysis
of determinate beams:
1. Find the reactions (or components of the reactions) at the supports. Based on the
figure 23, let say the reactions are 𝑅𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝐵 , take note that no horizontal component
at point A, since no horizontal loads and/or inclined loads to resist by the beam.
𝑅𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝐵 can readily accomplished by applying equilibrium equations ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 and
∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0, and then check ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜.

Note: Use the conventional signs for forces; (1) all upward, and to the right forces
assume positive, (2) all downward, and to the left forces assume negative. For
moment, assume positive, the direction of the unknown reaction.

2. Investigate the shear force and bending moment at each transverse cross section of
the beam. The shear force at any transverse cross section of the beam, say section
a-a, at a distance x from the left end, is the algebraic sum of the external forces
(including those of reaction) applied to the portion of the beam on either side of
section a-a. The bending moment at section a-a of the beam, is the algebraic sum

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Structural Theory 30
 of the moments taken about an axis through 𝑂 (the centroid of section a-a) and
normal to the plane of loading of all the external forces applied to the portion of the
beam on either side of section a-a. By considering either the left or right portion as
the free body diagram, as shown figure 24, the shear resisting force, 𝑉𝑥 at the section
a-a, is equal to and opposite to the shear force for that section just defined; and the
resisting moment, 𝑀𝑥 , at the section is equal and opposite to the bending moment
for the section just defined. The values of 𝑉𝑥 and 𝑀𝑥 can be found from the two
equations of equilibrium ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0 and ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0, for the portion considered. The
graphic representation of the value of the functions 𝑉𝑥 and 𝑀𝑥 is called shear and
moment curve, respectively.

Sign conventions for beam shear and moment are as follows:

1. Shear is considered positive at a section when it tends to rotate the portion of
the beam in clockwise direction about an axis through a point inside the free
body and normal to the plane of loading; otherwise, it is negative, refer to
figure 25.
2. Bending moment is considered positive at a section when it tends to bend the
member concave upward; otherwise, it is negative, refer to figure 25.

Figure 25: Sign Conventions for Beam Shear and Moment

Notes:
 It is convenient to place the origin or the reference point at the left support of the
beam.
 Analysis of beam can be perform using shear and moment equations, and area
method (using the shear and moment curve, or the relationships between load,
shear, and moment diagrams).

4.1.3 Shear and Moment Equations of Statically Determinate Beams

Example 1. A beam shown below is under a concentrated load 𝑃. Determine the shear and
moment equations at (a) any section to the left of 𝑃, and (b) any section to the right of 𝑃.

Solution: Using equation

(a) Shear and moment at any section to the left of 𝑃, where in x is between 0 and a
(0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎)
 First, determine the reactions at points A, and B.

+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0, 𝑅𝐴 (𝑙) − 𝑃(𝑏) = 0

𝑃𝑏
Solving for 𝑅𝐴 : 𝑅𝐴 =
𝐿

+ ↺ ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0, 𝑅𝐵 (𝑙) − 𝑃(𝑎) = 0

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Structural Theory 31
 𝑃𝑎
Solving for 𝑅𝐵 : 𝑅𝐵 =
𝐿
 Taking the left side of the section a-a, solve the shear and moment to the left of
𝑃.
+ ↑ ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜 𝑅𝐴 − 𝑉𝑥 = 0
Solving for 𝑉𝑥 :
𝑃𝑏
𝑉𝑥 = 𝑅𝐴 =
𝐿

𝑃𝑏
𝑉𝑥 = answer
𝐿

𝑃𝑏
𝑉𝑥 = is the shear equation within 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 or the left of 𝑃
𝐿

+ ↺ ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0 𝑀𝑥 − 𝑅𝐴 (𝑥) = 0
Solving for 𝑀𝑥 :

𝑃𝑏
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑅𝐴 (𝑥) = (𝑥)
𝐿

𝑃𝑏 𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = answer
𝐿

𝑃𝑏 𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = is the moment equation within 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 or the left of 𝑃
𝐿

 Another solution, taking the right side of the section a-a.

Note: When taking the right side portion of a section, using the sign convention,
all downward forces is assumed to be positive.

+ ↓ ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜 𝑃 − 𝑅𝐵 − 𝑉𝑥 = 0

Solving for 𝑉𝑥 :
𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑥 = 𝑃 − 𝑅𝐵 but 𝑅𝐵 = and 𝑎 = 𝐿 − 𝑏
𝐿
𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑥 = 𝑃 −
𝐿

𝑃(𝐿−𝑏)
𝑉𝑥 = 𝑃 −
𝐿

𝑃𝐿−𝑃(𝐿−𝑏) 𝑃𝐿−𝑃𝐿+𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑏
simplifying 𝑉𝑥 = = =
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

𝑃𝑏
𝑉𝑥 = answer
𝐿

+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0: 𝑀𝑥 + 𝑃(𝐿 − 𝑥 − 𝑏) − 𝑅𝐵 (𝐿 − 𝑥) = 0

Solving for 𝑀𝑥 :

𝑃𝑎
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑅𝐵 (𝐿 − 𝑥) − 𝑃(𝐿 − 𝑥 − 𝑏) but 𝑅𝐵 = and 𝑎 = 𝐿 − 𝑏
𝐿

𝑃𝑎
𝑀𝑥 = (𝐿 − 𝑥) − 𝑃(𝐿 − 𝑥 − 𝑏)
𝐿

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Structural Theory 32
 𝑃𝑎𝐿 𝑃𝑎𝑥
Apply distributive property: 𝑀𝑥 = − − 𝑃𝐿 + 𝑃𝑥 + 𝑃𝑏
𝐿 𝐿

Substitute 𝑎 = 𝐿 − 𝑥 and factor out 𝑃

𝑏𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑃 (𝐿 − 𝑏 − 𝑥 + − 𝐿 + 𝑥 + 𝑏) simplify
𝐿
𝑃(𝑏𝑥)
𝑀𝑥 =
𝐿

𝑃𝑏𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = answer
𝐿

Notes:
 Observe that for both solutions presented, we arrived with the same answers for 𝑉𝑥 and 𝑀𝑥
(shear and moment equations) for any sections at the left of concentrated load 𝑃. (this what
lecture 3 all about- internal forces of structures)

 So, any part of the cut section can utilize for the analysis but for convenience in presenting
the solution choose the simpler portion of the cut section. Just like the example 1, the left
part is simpler than the right part, in the sense that a concentrated load 𝑃 is acting at the
right portion of the cut section which makes the beam complicated producing long equations
and solution.

(b) Shear and moment at any section to the right of 𝑃, where in x is between a and L
(𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝐿)

 Based on the figure above, the right portion of the section c-c is simpler than the left
part, so take the right part of the section and indicate all the internal forces, as
shown in the figure below.

+ ↓ ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜 𝑉𝑥 = −𝑅𝐵
Substitute 𝑅𝐵 :
𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑥 = −𝑅𝐵 = −
𝐿

𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑥 = − answer
𝐿

𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑥 = − is the shear equation within 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 or the right of 𝑃
𝐿

+ ↺ ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0 𝑀𝑥 = 𝑅𝐵 (𝐿 − 𝑥)
Substitute 𝑅𝐵 and simplify:

𝑃𝑎 𝑃𝑎𝐿 𝑃𝑎𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = (𝐿 − 𝑥) = −
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

𝑃𝑎𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑃𝑎 − answer
𝐿

𝑃𝑎 𝑥
𝑀𝑥 = 𝑃𝑎 − is the moment equation within 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 or the right of 𝑃
𝐿

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Structural Theory 33
Example 2. A 6.0 m- simply supported beam carries uniformly distributed load of intensity 4
KN/m along the span of the beam. Determine the shear and moment at the mid-span.

Solution:
 First, determine the reactions at points A, and B.

𝐿
+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0, 𝑅𝐴 (𝐿) − (𝑤 𝑥 𝐿) ( ) = 0
2

𝑤𝐿2 𝑤𝐿 4.0 𝑥 6.0

Solving for 𝑅𝐴 : 𝑅𝐴 = = = = 12 𝐾𝑁
2𝐿 2 2

𝐿
+ ↺ ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0, 𝑅𝐵 (𝐿) − (𝑤 𝑥 𝐿) ( ) = 0
2

𝑤𝐿
Solving for 𝑅𝐵 : 𝑅𝐵 = = 𝑅𝐴 = 12 𝐾𝑁
2

Note:
 Based on the given beam and the given loadings, it signifies that only one segment throughout its
span., meaning, the shear and moment equations of the beam is applicable within the span of the
beam, 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 𝐿 .

 Taking the left portion of the cut section

𝑤𝐿
+ ↑ ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜 𝑉𝑥 = 𝑅𝐴 − 𝑤𝑥 = − 𝑤𝑥
2

𝑉𝑥 = 12 − 𝑤𝑥 shear equation in any point of the beam

𝐿
Solving for shear at mid-span, 𝑥 = = 3.0 𝑚
2

𝑉3 = 12 − (4)(3.0)

𝑉3 = 0 answer

𝑥
+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0 𝑀𝑥 = (𝑅𝐴 )(𝑥) − (𝑤𝑥) ( )
2

𝑤𝑥 2
𝑀𝑥 = 12𝑥 − moment equation in any point of the beam
2
𝐿
Solving for moment at mid-span, 𝑥 = = 3.0 𝑚
2

4 (3)2
𝑀𝑥 = 12(3) −
2

𝑀3 = 18 𝐾𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 answer

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Structural Theory 34
(the problem is already solved, but consider the following)

𝑥
+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0 𝑀𝑥 = (𝑅𝐴 )(𝑥) − (𝑤𝑥) ( )
2

𝑤𝐿 𝑤𝑥 2
𝑀𝑥 = ( )𝑥 − moment equation in any point of the beam
2 2

𝐿
Solving for moment at mid-span, 𝑥 = = 3.0 𝑚
2

𝐿 2
𝑤𝐿 𝐿 𝑤 ( )
𝑀𝐿/2 = ( )( ) − 2
2 2 2
𝑤𝐿2 𝑤𝐿2
𝑀𝐿/2 = −
4 8

𝒘𝑳𝟐
𝑴𝑳/𝟐 = moment equation at mid-span for a simply supported
𝟖
beam with uniform loading throughout its span

Using the derived formula above, solve the moment at mid-span for the beam at example item
no. 2,
𝑤𝐿2 4 (6)2
𝑀3 = =
8 8

𝑀3 = 18 𝐾𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 answer

Using the shear and moment equations of the beam in example item no. 2, the table and figures
below show the shear and moment at the following points in the beam.

Points in the
beam, 𝑥, in Shear, in KN Moment, in KN.m
meters
𝑤𝐿 𝑤𝐿 𝑤𝑥 2
𝑥 𝑉𝑥 = − 𝑤𝑥 𝑀𝑥 = (𝑥) −
2 2 2
0 12 0
1 8 10
2 4 16
3 0 18
4 -4 16
5 -8 10
6 -12 0

Figure 26 (a): Shear

curve/diagram

2nd degree curve

Figure 26 (b)Moment
curve/diagram

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Structural Theory 35
Based on table and figure 26, we deduced the following:

I. True for all classifications of determinate beams.

1. The location of maximum moment is at zero shear.
2. The degree of the shear curve in a segment is based on the degree of shear
equation for a particular segment.
3. The degree of the moment curve in a segment is based on the degree of moment
equation for a particular segment.

II. True for determinate beams without overhang.

1. The shear at support (reference point/left support) is equal to the reaction of the
support.
2. The shear at support (right support/or the other support) is equal to the reaction
of the support but opposite in sign.
3. Moments at supports are zero.

REFERENCES:
A. BOOKS
 Hibbler, R.C., Structural Analysis, 9th Ed., Prentice Hall
 Rajan. S.D., Introduction to Structural Analysis and Design, John Wiley &
Sons, 2001
 Hsieh, Yuan-Yu, Elementary Theory of Structures 2nd Ed. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
2982

SELF-CHECK ACTIVITY NO. 4-1: Shear and Moment Equations of Statically Determinate Beam

Direction: Do as required.

Situation I. A simply supported with over-hang beam carries uniformly distributed load of 4.0
KN/m throughout its length, a concentrated load of 32 KN at point B, and 12 KN at point D.
1. Determine the reactions at supports.
2. Determine the shear and moment equations in segment AB and BC of the beam.
3. Based on the shear and moment equations of the beam, determine the shear and
moment 6 m from point A.
4. Based on the shear and moment equations of the beam, determine the shear and
moment 3 m from point A.

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Structural Theory 36
ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS TO SELF-CHECK ACTIVITY NO. 4-1

1. Reaction at Supports

Solve for 𝑅𝐶

+ ↺ ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0; 𝑅𝐶 (8) − (4 𝑥 10 𝑥 5) − (32 𝑥 4) − (12 𝑥 10) = 0

200 + 128 + 120

𝑅𝐶 = = 56 𝐾𝑁
8

𝑅𝐶 = 56 𝐾𝑁 answer

Solve for 𝑅𝐴

+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0; 𝑅𝐴 (8) − (4 𝑥 10 𝑥 3) − (32 𝑥 4) + (12 𝑥 2) = 0

120 + 128 − 24
𝑅𝐴 = = 28 𝐾𝑁
8

𝑅𝐴 = 28 𝐾𝑁 answer

2. The shear and moment equations in segment AB and BC of the beam

For segment AB, 0 < 𝑥 < 4 𝑚 , take the left portion of the cut section

+ ↑ ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜 𝑉𝑥 = 28 − 4𝑥 (𝐾𝑁) answer

4𝑥 2
+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝑂 = 0 𝑀𝑥 = 28𝑥 −
2

𝑀𝑥 = 28𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 (𝐾𝑁 ∙ 𝑚) answer

For segment BC, 4 𝑚 < 𝑥 < 8 𝑚 , take the left portion of the cut section

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Structural Theory 37
 + ↑ ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 𝑜 𝑉𝑥 = 28 − 4𝑥 − 32 (𝐾𝑁)

𝑉𝑥 = −4 − 4𝑥 (𝐾𝑁) answer

4𝑥 2
+ ↻ ∑ 𝑀𝑂 = 0 𝑀𝑥 = 28𝑥 − − (32)(𝑥 − 4)
2

𝑀𝑥 = 28𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 − 32𝑥 + 128

𝑀𝑥 = −4𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 + 128 (𝐾𝑁 ∙ 𝑚) answer

3. Shear and moment 6 m from point A

 Note that 6 meters from point A is within segment BC, use shear and moment
equations at 4 𝑚 < 𝑥 < 8 𝑚

𝑉𝑥 = −4 − 4𝑥

𝑉6𝑚 = −4 − 4 (6)

𝑉6𝑚 = −28 𝐾𝑁 answer

𝑀𝑥 = −4𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 + 128

𝑀6𝑚 = −4(6) − 2(6)2 + 128

𝑀6𝑚 = 32 𝐾𝑁. 𝑚 answer

4. Shear and moment 3 m from point A

 Note that 3 meters from point A is within segment AB, use shear and moment
equations at 0 < 𝑥 < 4 𝑚

𝑉𝑥 = 28 − 4𝑥

𝑉3𝑚 = 28 − 4 (3)

𝑉3𝑚 = 16 𝐾𝑁 answer

𝑀𝑥 = 28𝑥 − 2𝑥 2

𝑀6𝑚 = 28(3) − 2(3)2

𝑀3𝑚 = 66 𝐾𝑁. 𝑚 answer

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Structural Theory 38