DE GRACIA, TISHA ANNE M.

20-02022 November 8, 2023

CE-3114

THREE-MOMENT EQUATION

Q1. We have already discussed how to use 3ME for a continuous beam with 2 spans (3
supports). How will you be able to get the value of Moment (MA, MB, MC, MD..) on supports for
a continuous beam with 3 or more spans?

Based from what we have discussed during our last online class, when using the
Three-Moment Equation there should be a continuous beam with atleast 2 spans with 3
supports. However, the equation is not limited only to beams with 2 spans. It can also be used
with 3 spans (4 supports).

1. First, that you need to consider is to identify the support.

- If the beam has a fixed end support, it is required to make an imaginary length
(zero length) with a simply supported end connecting it from the support with the
fixed end.
- If the beam has a roller or pinned support, you can already proceed with the next
step
2. Divide the continuous beam into segments with only 2 spans having 3 support reactions.
For example, the continuous beam has 4 given supports (A,B,C,D). You can divide the
given beam into 2 which are the (A,B,C) and (B,C,D).
(In cases when there is an added imaginary span and support, include that in the
division of the continuous beam)
3. Use the Three-Moment Equation on both divided segments. With that, we can come up
with 2 equations. These equations will be used to derive (MA, MB, MC, MD..), by using
the elimination method.
4. When the moment of each supports are already identified, you will then divide the beam
again per member. Each member should be labeled with the missing support reactions,
values of the moment, loads, and length. Through this, using the three equilibrium
equations, we can compute the reactions on each support.

Q2. Is 3ME usable for determinate beam? Is 3ME usable for indeterminate beam with only 1
span? If yes, how?

The Three-Moment Equation cannot be used for determinate beams. As we all know,
determinate beams are those with only 3 equilibrium forces usually with only 2 supports if simply
supported and only one support if it is a fixed-end beam (cantilever beam).

Based from my research, “The three moment equation expresses the relation between
bending moments at three successive supports of a continuous beam, subject to a loading on a
two adjacent span with or without settlement of the supports.” Meaning, the three-moment
equation is only applied to those continuous beams which are complex or indeterminate.

In cases where there is a given indeterminate beam with only 1 span. It will depend on
the situation. For example, a given beam having a one fixed end, one span and a roller support
on another end, it can be accepted. Since in this case, we are going to add an imaginary length
extending from the fixed end in order to make it 2 spans with 3 supports. With that, we can
already used the three-moment equation to compute what is required by the problem.
Q3. The 3ME has “h” variable in equation which means “difference in height” what is your
reference point as zero height or “datum” when using this variable?

On instances that the beam has a given settlements, the reference point as zero height
is the middle support on a 2 span (3 supports). The settlements of the first and last support will
be subtracted from the settlement of the middle support.

Q4. The 3ME’s variables require values that we can get from the given continuous beam when
we divide it into spans. We know that span is the length of beam from support to support. If the
beam has an overhang, what values should we substitute for 3ME? How can we get the
reaction at supports if we don’t include the overhang in the equation?

If the beam has an overhang, include it in the 3ME. In order to incorporate the overhang,
you should first compute for the moment on the support where the overhang is connected. The
moment computed from that will be substituted to the moment of the support in the
three-moment equation.