Sample Problem 1.

Shear and Moment in Beams

The simply supported beam in the figure carries the two concentrated
loads. (a) Derive the expressions for the shear force and bending
moment for each segment of the beam. (b) Draw the shear force and
bending moment diagram.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Av and Dv from FBD of beam ABCD:
ሾΣ𝑀𝐷 = 0 +ሿ
−𝐴𝑣 (7 m) + (14 kN)(5 m) + (28 kN)(2 m) = 0 ; 𝐴𝑣 = 18 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐴𝑣 + 𝐷𝑣 − 14 kN + 28 kN = 0
18 kN + 𝐷𝑣 − 14 kN + 28 kN = 0 ; 𝐷𝑣 = 24 kN ↑
Shear and Moment Equations for the beam segments:
for segment AB, left of section 1 (0 < 𝑥 < 2 m) :
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 18 kN − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 18 kN
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 +ሿ −(18)(𝑥) + 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0 ; 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 18𝑥 kN ∙ m

for segment BC, left of section 2 (2m < 𝑥 < 5m) :

ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 18 kN − 14 kN − 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 4 kN
ሾΣ𝑀2 = 0 +ሿ −(18)(𝑥) + (14)(𝑥 − 2)+𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0
−18𝑥 + 14𝑥 − 28 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0 ; 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 4𝑥 + 28 kN ∙ m
for segment CD, left of section 3 (5m < 𝑥 < 7m) :
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ
18 kN − 14 kN − 28 kN − 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = −24 kN
ሾΣ𝑀2 = 0 +ሿ
−(18)(𝑥) + (14)(𝑥 − 2)+(28)(𝑥 − 5) + 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0
−18𝑥 + 14𝑥 − 28 + 28𝑥 − 140 + 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −24𝑥 + 168 kN ∙ m
Plotting the shear and moment equations generates the shear
force and bending moment diagram shown.
18 kN 0<𝑥 <2m
𝑉 (𝑥 ) kN = { 4 kN 2m<𝑥 <5m
−24 kN 5m<𝑥 <7m
18𝑥 0<𝑥 <2m
𝑀(𝑥 ) kN ∙ m = { 4𝑥 + 28 2m<𝑥 <5m
−24𝑥 + 168 5m<𝑥 <7m
 Sample Problem 2. Shear and Moment in Beams
The overhanging beam ABC carries a concentrated load
and a uniformly distributed load. (a) Derive the shear
force and bending moment equations and draw the shear
force and bending moment of diagram.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Bv and Cv from FBD of beam ABC:
𝑅1 = (120 lbΤft)(10 ft) = 1200 lb ↓
ሾΣ𝑀𝐶 = 0 +ሿ
𝐵𝑣 (10 ft) − (200 lb)(14 ft) − (1200 lb)(5 ft) = 0
𝐵𝑣 = 880 lb ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐵𝑣 + 𝐶𝑣 − 200 lb − 1200 lb = 0
𝐶𝑣 = 200 lb + 1200 lb − 880 lb = 520 lb ↑
Shear and Moment Equations for the beam segments:
for segment AB, left of section 1 (0 < 𝑥 < 4 ft) :
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ −200 lb − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = −200 lb
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 + ሿ 𝑀𝐴𝐵 + (200 lb)(𝑥) = 0 ; 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 200𝑥 lb ∙ ft

for segment BC, left of section 2 (4 ft < 𝑥 < 14 ft) :

𝑅2 = (120 lbΤft)(𝑥 − 4) = 120(𝑥 − 4) lb ↓
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ −200 lb + 880 lb − 120(𝑥 − 4) − 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 0
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = −200 lb + 880 lb − 120(𝑥 − 4) = −120𝑥 + 1160 lb
ሾΣ𝑀2 = 0 +ሿ 𝑀𝐵𝐶 + 200(𝑥) − 𝐵𝑣 (𝑥 − 4) + 𝑅1 (𝑥 − 4)Τ2 = 0
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −200(𝑥 ) + 880(𝑥 − 4) − ሾ120(𝑥 − 4) (𝑥 − 4)Τ2ሿ
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −200𝑥 + 880𝑥 − 3520 − 60𝑥 2 + 480𝑥 − 960
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −60𝑥 2 + 1160𝑥 − 4480
alternate for segment BC, right of section 2 (0 < 𝑥1 < 10 ft) :
𝑅3 = (120 lbΤft)(𝑥1 ) = 120𝑥1 lb ↓
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝑉𝐵𝐶 + 520 lb − 120𝑥1 = 0 ;
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 120𝑥1 − 520 lb

ሾΣ𝑀𝐶 = 0 +ሿ 𝑀𝐵𝐶 + 𝑅3 (𝑥1Τ2) − 520 lb(𝑥1 ) = 0

𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −120𝑥1 (𝑥1 Τ2) + 520𝑥1 = −60𝑥12 + 520𝑥1

Solving for the location x and magnitude of the maximum

(positive) moment Mmax in the beam (at segment BC),
differentiating the moment equation of segment BC and
equating it to zero:
𝑑𝑀𝐵𝐶
= −120𝑥 + 1160 = 0 ; 𝑥 = 9.667 ft from A
𝑑𝑥
when 𝑥 = 9.667 ft
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −60(9.667)2 + 1160(9.667) − 4480
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = +1126.667 lb ∙ ft
 Sample Problem 3. Shear and Moment in Beams
The overhanging beam ABC carries a concentrated load and a
uniformly varying distributed load. (a) Derive the shear force and
bending moment equations and draw the shear force and bending
moment of diagram.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Bv and MB from FBD of beam AB:
𝑅1 = 12(360 lbΤft)(12 ft) = 2160 lb ↓
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 1000 lb − 𝑅1 + 𝐵𝑣 = 0 ; 𝐵𝑣 = 2160 lb − 1000 lb
𝐵𝑣 = 1160 lb ↑
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 +ሿ −(1000 lb)(12 ft) + 𝑅1 (4 ft) + 𝑀𝐵 = 0
𝑀𝐵 = (1000 lb)(12 ft) − (2160 lb)(4 ft) = 3360 lb ∙ ft ↺

Shear and moment equations

for segment AB, left of section 1 (0 < 𝑥 < 12 ft) :
load intensity, y at distance x, by ratio and proportion:
𝑦 360 lbΤft
= ; 𝑦 = 30 𝑥 (lb/ft)
𝑥 12 ft
then 𝑅2 = 12(𝑦)(𝑥 ) = 12(30 𝑥 )(𝑥) = 15𝑥 2 (lb)
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 1000 lb − 𝑅2 − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 1000 − 𝑅2
𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 1000 − 15𝑥 2 = −15𝑥 2 + 1000 (lb)
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 + ሿ −(1000 lb)(𝑥) + 𝑅2 (𝑥Τ3) + 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 1000(𝑥) − 𝑅2 (𝑥Τ3) = 1000𝑥 − (15𝑥 2 )(𝑥Τ3)
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = −5𝑥 3 + 1000𝑥 (lb ∙ ft)

Solving for the location x and magnitude of the maximum

(positive) moment Mmax in the beam by differentiating the
moment equation of segment AB and equating it to zero:
𝑑𝑀𝐴𝐵
= −15𝑥 2 + 1000 = 0 ; 𝑥 = 8.16497 ft from A
𝑑𝑥
when 𝑥 = 8.16497 ft
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −5(8.16497)3 + 1000(8.16497)
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = +5443.311 lb ∙ ft

It should be noted at this point that the derivative of the moment

equation in a beam (segment) gives the shear equation of the
beam (segment), and equating it to zero to determine the location,
of the relative extremum value (maximum or minimum) of the
bending moment in the beam. That is:
𝑑𝑀
=𝑉=0
𝑑𝑥
This gives us the idea that a relative maximum or minimum
moment (extreme value) will occur at the point in the beam where
V = 0.
 Sample Problem 4. Shear and Moment in Beams
The beam ABCD in the figure is loaded as shown. (a) Derive the shear force
and the bending moment equations, and (b) draw the shear force and bending
moment diagram. Neglect the weight of the beam.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Av and Dv from FBD of beam ABCD:
𝑅1 = 20 kNΤm (4 m) = 80 kN
𝑅2 = 12(60 kNΤm)(3 m) = 90 kN
ሾΣ𝑀𝐷 = 0 ↻ + ሿ 𝐴𝑣 (5 m) − 𝑅1 (3 m) − 𝑅2 (2 m) = 0
𝐴𝑣 (5 m) − 80 kN(3 m) − 90 kN(2 m) = 0 ; 𝐴𝑣 = 84 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐴𝑣 − 𝑅1 − 𝑅2 + 𝐷𝑣 = 0 ;
84 kN − 80 kN − 90 kN + 𝐷𝑣 = 0 ; 𝐷𝑣 = 86 kN ↑
Shear and moment equations
for segment AB, left of section 1 (0 < 𝑥 < 1 m) :
𝑅3 = (20 kNΤm)(𝑥) = 20𝑥 (kN)
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐴𝑣 − 𝑅3 − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 0 ; 84 kN − 20𝑥 − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 0
𝑉𝐴𝐵 = −20𝑥 + 84 (kN)
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 ↺ + ሿ −𝐴𝑣 (𝑥 ) + 𝑅3 (𝑥 Τ2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0
−84(𝑥 ) + 20𝑥(𝑥Τ2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0 ; 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = −10𝑥 2 + 84𝑥 (kN ∙ m)

for segment BC, left of section 2 (1 m < 𝑥 < 4 m) :

load intensity, y at distance x, by ratio and proportion:
𝑦 60 kNΤm
= ; 𝑦 = 20 (𝑥 − 1) (kN)
(𝑥 − 1) 3m
then 𝑅4 = (20 kNΤm)(𝑥) = 20𝑥 (kN)
𝑅5 = 12(𝑦)(𝑥 − 1) = 12ሾ20 (𝑥 − 1)ሿ(𝑥 − 1) = 10(𝑥 − 1)2

𝑅5 = 10𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 10 (kN)

ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐴𝑣 − 𝑅4 − 𝑅5 − 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 0
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 84 kN − 20𝑥 − (10𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 10)
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = −10𝑥 2 + 74 (kN)
ሾΣ𝑀2 = 0 ↺ + ሿ −𝐴𝑣 (𝑥 ) + 𝑅4 (𝑥Τ2) + 𝑅5 ((𝑥 − 1)Τ3) + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 0
1
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 84(𝑥 ) − 20𝑥(𝑥Τ2) − 3 (10𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 10)(𝑥 − 1)
10 10
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = − 𝑥 3 + 74𝑥 + (kN ∙ m)
3 3

for segment CD, right of section 3 (0 < 𝑥1 < 1 m) :

ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝑉𝐶𝐷 + 𝐷𝑣 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = −86 kN
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 ↺ + ሿ 𝐷𝑣 (𝑥1 ) − 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0 ; 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 86𝑥1 (kN ∙ m)

Solving for the location x and MBC where VBC = 0:

𝑉𝐵𝐶 = −10𝑥 2 + 74 = 0 ; 𝑥 = √7.4 m = 2.72029 m from A
10 3 10
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = − (√7.4) + 74(√7.4) + = 137.534 kN ∙ m
3 3
 Sample Problem 5. Shear and Moment in Beams
The structure shown consists of a W250 × 167 rolled-steel beam AB and
two short members welded together to the beam. Draw the shear and
bending moment diagrams for the beam and the given loading.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Bv and MB from FBD of beam ABCDE:
𝑅1 = 45 kNΤm (2.4 m) = 108 kN
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐵𝑣 − 𝑅1 − 45 kN = 0 ; 𝐵𝑣 − 108 kN − 45 kN = 0
𝐵𝑣 = 153 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 +ሿ 𝑅1 (3.6 m) + (45 kN)(0.9 m) − 𝑀𝐵 = 0
(108 kN)(3.6 m) + (45 kN)(0.9 m) − 𝑀𝐵 = 0
𝑀𝐵 = 429.3 kN ∙ m
Solving for the reactions Dv and MD from FBD of member DE:
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐷𝑣 − 45 kN = 0 ; 𝐷𝑣 = 45 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 +ሿ (45 kN)(0.6 m) − 𝑀𝐷 = 0 ; 𝑀𝐷 = 27 kN ∙ m
Shear and moment equations for beam ACDB
for segment AC, left of section 1 (0 < 𝑥 < 2.4 m) :
𝑅2 = (45 kNΤm)(𝑥) = 45𝑥 (kN)
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ −𝑅2 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 0 ; −45𝑥 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 0
𝑉𝐴𝐶 = −45𝑥 (kN)
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 ↺ + ሿ 𝑅3 (𝑥Τ2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0 ; 45𝑥(𝑥Τ2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0
45 2
𝑀𝐴𝐶 = − 𝑥 (kN ∙ m)
2

for segment CD, left of section 2 (2.4 m < 𝑥 < 3.3 m) :

ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ −𝑅1 − 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 0 ; 108 kN − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 0
𝑉𝐶𝐷 = − 108 kN
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 ↺ + ሿ 𝑅1 (𝑥 − 1.2) + 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0 ; 108(𝑥 − 1.2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −108𝑥 + 129.6 (kN ∙ m)
for segment BD, right of section 3 (0 < 𝑥1 < 1.5 m) :
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝑉𝐵𝐷 + 𝐵𝑣 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐵𝐷 + 153 kN = 0
𝑉𝐵𝐷 = −153 kN
ሾΣ𝑀3 = 0 ↺ + ሿ −𝑀𝐵 + 𝐵𝑣 (𝑥1 ) − 𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 0 ;
−429.3 kN ∙ m + 153 kN(𝑥1 ) − 𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 0
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 153𝑥1 − 429.3 (kN ∙ m)
 Sample Problem 6. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment diagrams for the beam and the given
loading.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Av, Cv and EB ABCDE:
from FDB of segment AB: 𝑅1 = 80 kNΤm (2.4 m) = 192 kN
it can be shown that: 𝐴𝑣 = 96 kN ↑ 𝐵𝑣 = 96 kN ↓
from FDB of segment BE: 𝑅2 = 80 kNΤm (0.6 m) = 48 kN
ሾΣ𝑀𝐶 = 0 + ሿ
𝐸𝑣 (3 m) − (160 kN)(1.5 m) + 𝑅2 (0.3 m) + 𝐵𝑣 (0.6 m) = 0
𝐸𝑣 (3 m) − (160 kN)(1.5 m) + (48 kN)(0.3 m) + (48 kN)(0.6 m) = 0
𝐸𝑣 = 56 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐶𝑣 + 𝐸𝑣 − 𝐵𝑣 − 𝑅2 − 160 kN = 0
𝐶𝑣 + 56 kN − 96 kN − 48 kN − 160 kN = 0 ; 𝐶𝑣 = 248 kN ↑ ;

Shear and moment equations for beam ABCDE:

for segment AC, left of section 1 (0 < 𝑥 < 3 m) :
𝑅3 = (80 kNΤm)(𝑥) = 80𝑥 (kN)
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐴𝑣 − 𝑅3 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 0 ; 96 kN − 80𝑥 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 0
𝑉𝐴𝐶 = −80𝑥 + 96 (kN)
ሾΣ𝑀1 = 0 ↺ + ሿ
−𝐴𝑣 (𝑥 ) + 𝑅3 (𝑥Τ2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0 ; −96𝑥 + 80𝑥(𝑥 Τ2) + 𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0
𝑀𝐴𝐶 = −40𝑥 2 + 96𝑥 (kN ∙ m)

for segment CD, right of section 2 (1.5 m < 𝑥1 < 3 m) :

ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝑉𝐶𝐷 + 𝐸𝑣 − 96 kN = 0 ;
𝑉𝐶𝐷 + 56 kN − 160 kN = 0 ; 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 104 kN
ሾΣ𝑀2 = 0 ↺ + ሿ 𝐸𝑣 (𝑥1 ) − (160 kN)(𝑥1 − 1.5) − 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0
56𝑥1 − 160𝑥1 + 240 − 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0 ;
𝑀𝐴𝐶 = −104𝑥1 + 240 (kN ∙ m)
for segment CE, right of section 3 (0 < 𝑥1 < 1.5 m) :
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝑉𝐷𝐸 + 𝐸𝑣 = 0 ; 𝑉𝐷𝐸 + 56 kN = 0
𝑉𝐷𝐸 = −56 kN
ሾΣ𝑀3 = 0 ↺ + ሿ 𝐸𝑣 (𝑥1 ) − 𝑀𝐷𝐸 = 0 ; 56𝑥1 − 𝑀𝐷𝐸 = 0
𝑀𝐷𝐸 = −56𝑥1 (kN ∙ m)
 Sample Problem 7. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment of diagram using the area
method.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Av and Dv from FBD of beam ABCDE:
ሾΣ𝑀𝐴 = 0 + ሿ
𝐷𝑣 (24 ft) − (20 k)(6 ft) − (12 k)(14 ft) − (12 k)(28 ft) = 0
𝐷𝑣 = 26 kips ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐴𝑣 + 𝐷𝑣 − 20 k − 12 k − 12 k = 0
𝐴𝑣 + 26 k − 20 k − 12 k − 12 k = 0 ; 𝐴𝑣 = 18 kips ↑ ;
for shear diagram: (with concentrated forces)
𝑉𝐴− = 0
𝑉𝐴+ = 𝑉𝐴− + 𝐴𝑣 = 0 + 18 k = +18 kips
𝑉𝐵− = 𝑉𝐴+ + (area of load)𝐵𝐴 = 18 k + 0 = +18 kips
𝑉𝐵+ = 𝑉𝐵− − 20 k = 18 k − 20 k = −2 kips
𝑉𝐶− = 𝑉𝐵+ + (area of load)𝐶𝐵 = −2 k + 0 = −2 kips
𝑉𝐶+ = 𝑉𝐶− − 12 k = −2 k − 12 k = −14 kips
𝑉𝐷− = 𝑉𝐶+ + (area of load)𝐷
𝐶 = −14 k + 0 = −14 kips

𝑉𝐷+ = 𝑉𝐷− + 𝐷𝑣 = −14 k + 26 k = +12 kips

𝑉𝐸− = 𝑉𝐷+ + (area of load)𝐸𝐷 = 12 k + (−1.5 kΤft)(8 ft) = 0
for moment diagram: (no concentrated couples)
𝑀𝐴 = 0
𝑀𝐵 = 𝑀𝐴 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐵𝐴 = 0 + 18 k(6 ft) = +108 k ∙ ft
𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝐵 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐶𝐵 = 108 k ∙ ft + (−2 k)(8 ft)
= +92 k ∙ ft
𝑀𝐷 = 𝑀𝐶 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐷
𝐶 = 92 k ∙ ft + (−14 k)(10 ft)

= −48 k ∙ ft
1
𝑀𝐸 = 𝑀𝐷 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐸𝐷 = −48 k ∙ ft + 2(12 k)(8 ft) = 0
 Sample Problem 8. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment of diagram using the area
method.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Bv and Dv from FBD of beam ABCDE:
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 + ሿ
𝐷𝑣 (5 ft) + (800 lb)(1 ft) − (400 lb)(1 ft) − (1200 lb)(4 ft) = 0
𝐷𝑣 = 880 lb ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐵𝑣 + 𝐷𝑣 − 800 lb − 400 lb − 1200 lb = 0
𝐵𝑣 + 880 lb − 800 lb − 400 lb − 1200 lb = 0 ; 𝐵𝑣 = 1520 lb ↑
for shear diagram: (with concentrated forces)
𝑉𝐴 = 0
𝑉𝐵− = 𝑉𝐴 + (area of load)𝐵𝐴 = 0 + (−400 lbΤft)(2 ft) + 0
= −800 lb
𝑉𝐵+ = 𝑉𝐵− + 𝐵𝑣 = −800 lb − 1520 lb = 720 lb
𝑉𝐶− = 𝑉𝐵+ + (area of load)𝐶𝐵 = 720 lb + 0 = 720 lb
𝑉𝐶+ = 𝑉𝐶− − 400 lb = 720 lb − 400 lb = 320 lb
𝑉𝐷− = 𝑉𝐶+ + (area of load)𝐷
𝐶 = 720 lb + (−200 lbΤft)(4 ft)

= −480 lb
𝑉𝐷+ = 𝑉𝐷− + 𝐷𝑣 = −480 lb + 880 lb = 400 lb
𝑉𝐸− = 𝑉𝐷+ + (area of load)𝐸𝐷 = 400 lb + (−200 lbΤft)(4 ft)
=0

for moment diagram: (no concentrated couples)

solving for x which is the location of point F, in segment
CD, where the shear is zero by ratio and proportion:
𝑥 320 lb
= ; 𝑥 = 1.6 ft from 𝐶
4 ft 320 lb + 480 lb
𝑀𝐴 = 0
1
𝑀𝐵 = 𝑀𝐴 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐵𝐴 = 0 + 2(−800 lb)(2 ft)
= −800 lb ∙ ft
𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝐵 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐶𝐵 = −800 lb ∙ ft + (720 lb)(1 ft)
= −80 lb ∙ ft
1
𝑀𝐹 = 𝑀𝐶 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐹𝐶 = −80 lb ∙ ft + 2(320 lb)(1.6 ft)

= 176 lb ∙ ft
1
𝑀𝐷 = 𝑀𝐹 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐷𝐹 = 176 lb ∙ ft + 2(−480 lb)(2.4 ft)

= −400 lb ∙ ft
1
𝑀𝐸 = 𝑀𝐷 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐸𝐷 = −400 lb ∙ ft + 2(400 lb ∙ ft)(2 ft)

=0
 Sample Problem 9. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment of diagram using the area
method.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Bv and MB from FBD of beam AB:
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐵𝑣 + −8 k − 15 k = 0 ; 𝐵𝑣 = 23 kips ↑
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 +ሿ
(8 k)(10 ft) + (15 k)(4 ft) − 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ; 𝑀𝐵 = 140 k ∙ ft

for shear diagram:

𝑉𝐴 = 0
𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝐴 + (area of load)𝐶𝐴 = 0 + (−2 kΤft)(4 ft) = −8 kips
𝑉𝐷− = 𝑉𝐶 + (area of load)𝐷
𝐶 = −8 kips + 0 = −8 kips
𝑉𝐷+ = 𝑉𝐷− − 15 kips = −8 kips − 15 kips = −23 kips
𝑉𝐵− = 𝑉𝐷+ + (area of load)𝐵𝐷 = −23 kips + 0 = −23 kips
𝑉𝐵+ = 𝑉𝐵− + 𝐵𝑣 = −23 kips + 23 kips = 0

for moment diagram: (with concentrated couple)

𝑀𝐴 = 0
𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝐴 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐶𝐴 = 0 + 12(−8 k)(4 ft) = −16k ∙ ft
𝑀𝐷 = 𝑀𝐶 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐷
𝐶 = −16k ∙ ft + (−8 k)(4 ft)

= −48 k ∙ ft
𝑀𝐵− = 𝑀𝐷 + (area of 𝑉 − dia. )𝐵𝐷 = −48 k ∙ ft + (−23 k)(4 ft)
= −140 k ∙ ft
𝑀𝐵+ = 𝑀𝐵− + 𝑀𝐵 = −140 k ∙ ft + 140 k ∙ ft = 0
 Sample Problem 10. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment of diagram using the
area method.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Bv and Ev from FBD of beam ABCDE:
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 + ሿ
𝐸𝑣 (6 m) − (120 kN ∙ m) − (60 kN)(2 m) = 0 ; 𝐸𝑣 = 40 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ 𝐵𝑣 + 𝐸𝑣 − 80 kN − 60 kN = 0
𝐵𝑣 + 100 kN − 80 kN − 60 kN = 0 ; 𝐵𝑣 = 100 kN ↑
for shear diagram:
𝑉𝐴 = 0
𝑉𝐵− = 0 − (20 kNΤm)(2 m) = −40 kN
𝑉𝐵+ = −40 kN + 100 kN = 60 kN
𝑉𝐶− = 60 kN − (20 kNΤm)(2 m) = 20 kN
𝑉𝐶+ = 20 kN − 60 kN = −40 kN
𝑉𝐸− = −40 kN + 0 = −40 kN
𝑉𝐸+ = −40 kN + 40 kN = 0

for moment diagram:

𝑀𝐴 = 0
1
𝑀𝐵 = 0 + 2(−40 kN)(2 m) = −40 kN ∙ m
1
𝑀𝐶 = −40 kN ∙ m + 2(60 kN + 20 kN)(2 m) = 40 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐷− = 40 kN ∙ m − (40 kN)(2 m) = −40 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐷+ = −40 kN ∙ m + 120 kN ∙ m = 80 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐸 = 80 kN ∙ m − (40 kN)(2 m) = 0
 Sample Problem 12. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment of diagram using the area
method.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Av and Cv from FBD of beam ABC: By
virtue of symmetry, Av = Cv
1
𝐴𝑣 = 𝐶𝑣 = 2 (160 kN) = 80 kN ↑

for shear diagram:

𝑉𝐴− = 0
𝑉𝐴+ = 0 + 80 kN = 80 kN
1
𝑉𝐵 = 80 kN − 2(80 kNΤm)(2 m) = 0
1
𝑉𝐶− = 0 − 2(80 kNΤm)(2 m) = −80 kN

𝑉𝐶+ = −80 kN + 80 kN = 0

General formula for the area of spandrel of n-degree:

1
𝐴𝑠𝑝 = 𝑏ℎ
𝑛+1
Area of parabolic spandrel where n = 2°
1 1
𝐴𝑠𝑝 = 𝑏ℎ = 𝑏ℎ
2+1 3
Area of parabolic region (as in the figure)
1 2
𝐴𝑝𝑎𝑟 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑐 − 𝐴𝑠𝑝 = 𝑏ℎ − 𝑏ℎ = 𝑏ℎ
3 3
for moment diagram:
𝑀𝐴 = 0
2
𝑀𝐵 = 0 + 3(80 kN)(2 m) = 106.667 kN ∙ m
2
𝑀𝐶 = 106.667 kN ∙ m − 3(80 kN)(2 m) = 0
 Sample Problem 13. Shear and Moment in Beams
Draw the shear and bending moment of diagram using the area method.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions Av and Dv from FBD of beam ABCD:
𝑅1 = 20 kNΤm (4 m) = 80 kN
𝑅2 = 12(60 kNΤm)(3 m) = 90 kN
ሾΣ𝑀𝐷 = 0 ↻ + ሿ 𝐴𝑣 (5 m) − 𝑅1 (3 m) − 𝑅2 (2 m) = 0
𝐴𝑣 (5 m) − 80 kN(3 m) − 90 kN(2 m) = 0 ; 𝐴𝑣 = 84 kN ↑
ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑+ሿ 𝐴𝑣 − 𝑅1 − 𝑅2 + 𝐷𝑣 = 0 ;
84 kN − 80 kN − 90 kN + 𝐷𝑣 = 0 ; 𝐷𝑣 = 86 kN ↑
for shear diagram:
𝑉𝐴− = 0
𝑉𝐴+ = 0 + 84 kN = 84 kN
𝑉𝐵 = 84 kN − (20 kNΤm)(1 m) = 64 kN
1
𝑉𝐶 = 80 kN − 2(80 + 20) kNΤm (2 m) = −86 kN
𝑉𝐸− = −86 kN + 0 = −86 kN
𝑉𝐸+ = −86 kN + 86 kN = 0

Area of the shear diagram between points B and F:

Solving for a, with reference to Fig.1 (Option 1)
𝑑𝑦
knowing that 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 2 , = 2𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 −10
when 𝑥 = 𝑥𝐵 , = −20 ; −20 = 2𝑘𝑥𝐵 ; 𝑘 = eqn. 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥𝐵
𝑑𝑦 −40
when 𝑥 = 𝑥𝐶 , = −80 ; −80 = 2𝑘𝑥𝐶 ; 𝑘 = eqn. 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑥𝐶
−10 −40
equating eqn. 1 and eqn. 2: = ; 𝑥𝐶 = 4𝑥𝐵 eqn. 3
𝑥𝐵 𝑥𝐶
since 𝑥𝐶 − 𝑥𝐵 = 3 , then 4𝑥𝐵 − 𝑥𝐵 = 3 ; 𝑥𝐵 = 1 m and 𝑥𝐶 = 4 m

by squared property of parabola:

𝑥𝐵2 𝑥𝐶2 (1 m)2 (4 m)2
= ; = ; 𝑦𝐶 = 16𝑦𝐵 eqn. 4
𝑦𝐵 𝑦𝐶 𝑦𝐵 𝑦𝐶
since 𝑦𝐶 − 𝑦𝐵 = 86 kN + 64 kN = 150 kN,
then 16𝑦𝐵 − 𝑦𝐵 = 150 kN ; 𝑦𝐵 = 10 kN and 𝑦𝐶 = 160 kN
since 𝑦𝐹 = 𝑦𝐵 + 64 kN ; 𝑦𝐹 = 10 kN + 64 kN = 74 kN
by squared property of parabola:
𝑥𝐵2 𝑥𝐹2 (1 m)2 𝑥𝐹2
= ; = ; 𝑥𝐹 = 2.72029 m
𝑦𝐵 𝑦𝐹 10 kN 74 kN
then 𝑎 = 𝑥𝐹 − 𝑥𝐵 = 2.72029 m − 1 m ; 𝑎 = 1.72029 m
Fig. 1: Shear diagram/curve in segment BC
from Fig.2, solving for h1 and h2:
by ratio and proportion:
ℎ1 20 kN ℎ1 20 kN
= ; = ; ℎ1 = 34.40588 kN
𝑎 1m 1.72029 m 1m
since ℎ2 = 64 kN − ℎ1 , then ℎ2 = 64 kN − 34.40588 kN = 29.59412 kN
Therefore, area of the shear diagram between points B and F is
Area of 𝑉𝐵𝐹 = ∆𝑀𝐵𝐹 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑐 − 𝐴𝑡𝑟𝑖 − 𝐴𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛
1 1
Area of 𝑉𝐵𝐹 = ∆𝑀𝐵𝐹 = 𝑎(64 kN) − 2𝑎ℎ1 − 3𝑎ℎ2
1
Area of 𝑉𝐵𝐹 = ∆𝑀𝐵𝐹 = (1.72029 m)(64 kN) − 2(1.72029 m)(34.40588 kN) Fig. 2: Shear diagram/curve between points B and F

1
− 3(1.72029 m)(29.59412 kN)
Area of 𝑉𝐵𝐹 = ∆𝑀𝐵𝐹 = 63.53436 kN ∙ m
Area of the shear diagram between points F and C
(negative area): with reference to Fig. 3
Area of 𝑉𝐹𝐶 = ∆𝑀𝐹𝐶 = −(𝐴𝐺𝐼𝐽 − 𝐴𝐺𝐻𝐹 − 𝐴𝐶𝐹𝐻𝐼 )
1 1
Area of 𝑉𝐹𝐶 = ∆𝑀𝐹𝐶 = − ቂ3(4 m)(160 kN) − 3(2.72029 m)(74 kN)
− (4 m − 2.72029 m)(74 kN)ሿ
Area of 𝑉𝐹𝐶 = ∆𝑀𝐹𝐶 = −51.53431 kN ∙ m

for moment diagram: Fig. 3: Shear diagram/curve in segment BC

𝑀𝐴 = 0
1
𝑀𝐵 = 0 + 2(84 kN + 64 kN)(1 m) = 74 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐹 = 𝑀𝐵 + Area of 𝑉𝐵𝐹 = 74 kN ∙ m + 63.534 kN ∙ m = 137.534 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝐹 + Area of 𝑉𝐹𝐶 = 137.534 kN ∙ m − 51.534 kN ∙ m = 86 kN ∙ m
𝑀𝐷 = 86 kN ∙ m − (86 kN ∙ m)(1 m) = 0
 Sample Problem 14. Shear and Moment in Beams
A concrete footing carries a uniform load of 400 kN/m
and rest on the soil as shown. The soil exerts a uniformly
distributed reaction of intensity wo (this is only possible
when the resultant of the load pass through the center of
the footing). Determine the soil reaction wo and draw the
shear and bending moment diagram for the footing.

Solution:
Solving for the reactions wo:

ሾΣ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ሿ
𝑅2 − 𝑅1 = 0 ; (4 m) 𝑤𝑜 − 640 kN = 0 ; 𝑤𝑜 = 160 kN/m
;
for shear diagram:
𝑉𝐴 = 0
𝑉𝐵 = 0 + (160 kNΤm)(1.2 m) = 192 kN
𝑉𝐶 = 192 kN + (240 kNΤm)(1.6 m) = −192 kN
𝑉𝐷 = −192 kN + (160 kNΤm)(1.2 m) = 0
for moment diagram:
𝑀𝐴 = 0
1
𝑀𝐵 = 0 + 2(192 kN)(1.2 m) = 115.2 kN ∙ m
1
𝑀𝐸 = 115.2 kN ∙ m + 2(192 kN)(0.8 m) = 192 kN ∙ m
1
𝑀𝐶 = 192 kN ∙ m − 2(192 kN)(0.8 m) = 115.2 kN ∙ m
1
𝑀𝐷 = 115.2 kN ∙ m − 2(192 kN)(1.2 m) = 0
 Sample Problem 15. Shear and Moment in Beams – Moving Loads
A truck and trailer combination having the axle loads 15 kN, 25 kN and 50 kN crosses a 12-m simply
supported beam and are separated respectively by distances 2 m and 6 m. Compute the maximum
moment and the maximum shear developed in the span.

Solution:
Shown in Fig.1 is the 12-m simply supported beam AB and the
three (3) wheel loads are labelled accordingly. It will be
assumed that the wheel 1 is the front wheel of the truck and
will pass through the beam from right to left (that is from B to
A). It should be noted that the relative distances of the wheels
are constant as it passes through the beam. Figure 1
a. Determining the maximum moment that will occur in the
beam wheel the truck due to the passage of the truck:
Let R = resultant of the three (3) wheel loads
Figure 2
e1, e2, e3 = distance of the respective wheel loads
from R
from Fig.2:
𝑅 = Σ𝐹𝑣 = 25 kN + 25 kN + 50 kN = 100 kN ↓
ሾ𝑀1𝑅 = Σ𝑀1𝐹 ሿ 100 kN(𝑒1 ) = (25 kN)(2 m) − (50 kN)(8 m)
𝑒1 = 4.5 m then, 𝑒2 = 2.5 m, 𝑒3 = 3.5 m

When the maximum moment is at wheel 1 (the wheels

are positioned such that the centerline of the beam is
midway between wheel 1 and R as in Fig.3):
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + ሿ 𝐴𝑣 (12 m) − 𝑅 (3.75 m) = 0
𝐴𝑣 (12 m) − 100 kN(3.75 m) = 0 ; 𝐴𝑣 = 31.25 kN ↑
Moment @ wheel 1 (left section):
𝑀1 = 𝐴𝑣 (3.75 m) = 31.25 kN(3.75 m) = 117.1875 kN ∙ m Figure 3

When the maximum moment is at wheel 2 (the wheels

are positioned such that the centerline of the beam is
midway between wheel 2 and R as in Fig.4):
ሾΣ𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + ሿ 𝐴𝑣 (12 m) − 𝑅 (4.75 m) = 0
𝐴𝑣 (12 m) − 100 kN(4.75 m) = 0 ; 𝐴𝑣 = 39.58333 kN ↑
Moment @ wheel 2 (left section):
𝑀2 = 𝐴𝑣 (4.75 m) − 25 kN(2 m)
= 39.58333 kN(4.75 m) − 31.25 kN(2 m) = 138.0208 kN ∙ m
Figure 4
When the maximum moment is at wheel 3 (the wheels
are positioned such that the centerline of the beam is
midway between wheel 3 and R as in Fig.5): By
investigation, wheel 1 falls off the beam – only wheel 2
and wheel 3 remains.

Figure 5
When wheel 2 and wheel 3 remains on the beam.
Let R1 = resultant of wheel loads 1 and 2
e4, e5, = distance of the respective wheel loads Figure 6

from R1
from Fig.6:
𝑅1 = Σ𝐹𝑣 = 25 kN + 50 kN = 75 kN ↓
ሾ𝑀2𝑅 = Σ𝑀2𝐹 ሿ 75 kN(𝑒4 ) = (50 kN)(6 m) ; 𝑒4 = 4 m then, 𝑒5 = 2 m

When the maximum moment is at wheel 3 (the wheels

are positioned such that the centerline of the beam is
midway between wheel 3 and R1 as in Fig.7):
ሾΣ𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↺ + ሿ 𝐵𝑣 (12 m) − 𝑅1 (5 m) = 0
𝐵𝑣 (12 m) − 75 kN(5 m) = 0 ; 𝐵𝑣 = 31.25 kN ↑
Moment @ wheel 3 (right section): Figure 7

𝑀3 = 𝐵𝑣 (5 m) = 31.25 kN(5 m) = 156.25 kN ∙ m

Comparing the moments M1, M2 and M3 under the wheel loads, the maximum
moment in the beam due to the passage of the truck is:
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑀3 = 156.25 kN ∙ m , when wheel 3 is 7 m from A and 5 m from B

b. Maximum shear (absolute maximum shear)

In a simple beam, the maximum shear is located at the supports which is equivalent to, either, the support
reactions. To create maximum reaction at the support, the load (concentrated load), practically, must be placed
right above the support. Theoretically, this position is not exactly above the support, rather it is located very near
the support such the distance between the support reaction and the load approaches zero. In the case of series
of wheel loads, several trials are made by placing each load above the support and the reactions are then
computed. All support reactions computed in all trials are compared and the maximum reaction is equated to
the absolute maximum shear. Different positions of the wheels for maximum shear determination are shown in
Figure 8. The determination of the absolute maximum shear for this problem is left as an exercise.