Statically

Indeterminate
Beams

Three Moment Equation

Definition of a Beam
A beam is a bar subject to forces or couples that lie in a plane containing the
longitudinal section of the bar. According to determinacy, a beam may be
determinate or indeterminate.
Statically
Determinate
Beams
Statically determinate beams are
those beams in which the
reactions of the supports may be
determined by the use of the
equations of static equilibrium.
 If the number of reactions exerted upon a beam
exceeds the number of equations in static
Statically equilibrium, the beam is said to be statically
indeterminate. In order to solve the reactions of the
Indeterminate Beams beam, the static equations must be supplemented
by equations based upon the elastic deformations
of the beam.
Types of Loading
Loads applied to the beam may consist of a concentrated load (load applied
at a point), uniform load, uniformly varying load, or an applied couple or
moment. These loads are shown in the following figures.
Three Moment Equation
The three-moment equation gives us the relation between the moments
between any three points in a beam and their relative vertical distances or
deviations. This method is widely used in finding the reactions in a
continuous beam.
Example
Example
Example
Seatwork:
EXAMPLE
Using the
three
moment
equation

*Types
of
Loading
Evaluate by
combining like
terms.
You should get 2
unknows and 2
equations
Get the values of the
unknown through
elimination and
substation.

Draw the
spans
individually
Determine the reactions of
each span
For this span, counter the
direction of the moment with
the reactions. Divide
concentrated moment by length,
8/4 = 2
For this span, multiply For this span, use the moment
distributed load by length. 2(4) = equilibrium equation to get
8 then since you have two reactions 4 and 2.
countering reactions, you will
divide them and get 4 for each
reaction.
For this span, divide M2 by
length to get 0.4225.
Reactions should counter
moment direction.
For this midspan, get the
summation of the two
moments (-1.69 and 3.23) to
get 1.54. divide it by length
again to get 0.385.
For this span, divide M3 by
length to get 1.0777.
Reactions should counter
moment direction.
Get the summation of all the reactions acting on each point (the encircled areas on the
illustration). Remember sign conventions apply.

First circle = 2.42

Second circle = 6.04
Third circle = 9.46
Fourth circle = 0.923