Fixed and Continuous Be

Fixed and continuous bearns are beams in which the reactions at the supports cannot be determined by the
alone. Inthese beams, the number of reactions at the supports exceeds the number of independent equationssof conditions of
are said to be statically indeterminate.) equilibrim.
4.1 FIXED BEAMS
Afixed beam is a beam whose end supports are such that the end slopes remain zero (or A
ia
unaltered). Such a beam is also called a built-in or encastre beam. (a)
Fig. 4.1(a) shows asimply supported beam AB carrying an external load system.
Obviously as the beam bends slopes i, andi, will occur at the ends Aand B. If these
slopes should be prevented, it is necessary to apply end couples of certain definite
magnitudes in the appropriate order. When the ends of the beam are built-in, such end
moments are automatically developed. Such end moments are called Fixed End moments. (6)
If an end support is not able to provide sufficient restraining or reacting moment,
some slope willbe produced at that support. But ifthere is absolute fixity at asupport,
the slope at the support will remain zero.)
Ng. 4.1
4.2 B.M. DIAGRAM FORA FIXED BEAM
Fig. 4.2 (iiia) shows a fixed beam AB carrying an external load system. Let V, and V, be the vertical reactions at the suppor
Let M, and M, be the fixed end moments. The beam may be analysed in the following stages.
() Let us first consider the beam as simply supported.
Let y, and v, be the reactions at Aand B for this condition. Fig. 4.2 (ib) shows the bending moment diagram for tis °
any section the bending moment M, is a sagging moment.
W, M

A
B

(ia) Freely supported

condition (ib) Free B.M. Diagram

M,

Ma (ia) Effect of end couples

M, (iüb) Fixed B.M. Diagram

M,

(ia)Fixed beam
(ib) Resultant B.M.Diagram

(i) Now let us consider the effect of end couples M, Ng.

and 4.2
M, alone. Let Vbe the reaction at eachenddueto
Suppose M, >M, See Fig. 4.2 (li a).
Then V= Mp- Ma .If
M,> M, the reaction Vis
upwards at Band
 dc at-a'
where, * =distance of the
F = distance ofthe
centroid of the free B.M. diagram from A
and
centroid the fixed B.M. diagram from A.
of
Further, at

and, at
* =0,y =0and

* =1,y=0 and
dy0 =0

=0

Substituting in the above relation, we have, O= -@7

or
The distance of the centroid of the free B.M. diagram from A
= the distance ofthe centroid of the fixed
By using the conditions aa'
B.M. diagram from A.
and ..()
unknowns M,and M, can be determined. ...(i)
Let us now consider some standard cases.
Case (). Fixed beam carrying apoint load at midspan
Fig. 4.3 shows a fixed beam AB of span l carryingapoint load Wat midspan.
Due to symmetry the end moments M, and M, are equal. Fig. 4.3 shows the free and fixed
B.M. diagrams.
Equating the areas ofthe free and fixed B.M. diagrams, we have,
1, WI W WI
a'=a; M,/=1.
2 4 M,= 8
.:. M, =
8
W W W
B.M. at Midspan = M, -M, 4 8 8
220

W THEORY C#
WI M II2
U2
4

A B
A
Free B.M. Diagram B

M, V,= WI2
M, = M,
A B
A
Fixed B.M. Diagram
M, Effect of end
WI
8 moments al one M,=M,
W
WI 2
8
A B
B
Final B.M. Diagram
2 2

S.F. Diagram
FNg. 4.3
Due to symmetry the reactions V, and V, are
W
2
Now the S.F. and B.M.diagrams for the beam can be
easily drawn.
Obviously two points of contraflexure occur at from the
 Problem6. Afxed beam of6 metres span supports two point loads of 300 kN each at 2 metres from each end Fx
moments at the ends and draw the B.M. and S.Ediagrams. Find also the central deflection. Take l= 9 x10° mm' and E=)1
Solution. Fig.4.8 shows the fixed beam AB carrying the two point loads.
Due to symmetry the fxing moments M, and M, are equal. Fig. 4.8 shows the free and fixed B.M. diagrams.
Equating the areas of these diagrams, we have,

M,x6-(600)(2
2 +6) M, =400 KNm
B.M. at the centre =600-400 = 200 kNm
 225
CONTINUOUS BEAMS
EDAND
300 kN 300 kN
200 kNm 200 kNm
2m D 2m m
2m B 400 kNmn
400kNm
A

600 kNm 600 kNm

D B
-2 m
A2 m -2 m

+ IB.M. Diagram

30) kN 300kN
B
C D
B
Free B.M. Diagram M =M
M A C

300 kN 300 kN

D B S.F. Diagram
C
Fixed B.M. Diagram
Rg. 4.8
 =7.23 m.
FORA GIVEN DISTAN:
A.3 FIXED BEAM CARRYINGA UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD
FROM ONE END.
Fig. 4.10shows a fixed beam AB of span / carrying a uniformly distributed load
runit run for a distance a from the end A.
Consider any sectionXdistant x from the end A.
Load acting for an elemental distance dr =w d.
 229
CONTINUOUS BEAMS
YED AND
moments will be as follows:
theelemental| load (w d:) the fixed end
Dueto (wd)x*((-)
and dM, =
- (wde)

atA
Total fixing moment Wper unit run
-6-8ia
12
+3a') KO00000000000ONOO)
X Mb
MA
nisea

123
(62-8la+3a)
|M, = dx

rwx*(-x)d
B=M, P3 4
Similarlytotalfixing moment at
dMb
dM
Ng. 4.10
(44-3a).
M, 1272
S6me Particular Cases 1
=
distributed load covers half thespan. For this case, putting a
Case 1. When the
6. -wi and
M,121? 4
W
M, = 12/2 8
putting a = ,
the distributed load covers the whole span. For this case,
Case 2. When
w2 (62,
M, = 12/2 -8/
+3/2)4- 12 and

12/2(4-31)412 dist1
built-in at each end so as to have a clear span ofom. lt carries a uniformiy
fixing :
is
Problem 8. Abeam of uniform sectiontogether with a point lcad f 120 kN at 4.50 mfrom the left end Find the
load of 25kN/m on the left half ofthe span,
and the reactions at the ends and draw the BM diagram for the bean:.
25 KN/m
M 00ODNDDODUDC 1.5 nE
Mi
3m
41.25

1.36 m
C D 0:

B.M. DIAGRAM

85.3125 kNm

124.687S kNm
Rg. 4.11

Solution.
Fixing mnoment at A,
2 120x4.5x1.5 =85.3125 kNm
230

Reactions THECRY
25x3?
BM at A =V,x6-124.6875 =-85.3125
2
V,= l15.3125 kN
=(25 x3) + 120-115.3125 = 79.6875 kN
3?
BM at C =79.6875 x 3-25 x -85.3125 =41.25 kNm
2
BM at D = 115.3125 x 1.5-124.6875 = 48.28125 INm
Point of contraflerurein AC. et at a section in AC distant x from Athe BM bezero.
79.6875x-25 -85.3125 =0
2
x-6.375x +6.825 =0 X=136 m
Point ofcontraflexure in DB Let at a section in DB distant x from Bthe BM be zero.
115.3125x-124.6875 =0 X=1.08 m
 4sFKED BEAM CARRYING A SYMMETRICAL TRIANGULAR LOAD
Fig, 4.13 (a) shows afixed
C.
beam AB of span Icarrying asymmetrical triangular load, the intensity of the load varying from
ech end to w at the centre

(9) 4

(b) A

Ma
(c)
B

32
0.223/ 0.2231

(d)

Ng. 4.13

-.(Note this froe B.M. diagram

Fig. 4.13 () shows the free B.M. diagram for the beamn, themaximum free B.M. tthecentre being 12
follows acubic law).
232

2wx
THEC
any sectiondistant from A, the intensity of the loading =

Free B.M.at the section

w 12wx x
4 23
w
4 31
Area of thefree B.M. diagram
wl w 12
=2
4
=424 - 3/ 3 4 169%
Let M, and M, be the fixing moments at the ends A and B.
Obviously, M, =M
Fig. 4.13(c) shows the fixed B.M. diagram for the beam.
Equating the areas of the fixed and free B.M. diagrams,
M =w/³
96

M, wi' and M, =w²

96
5
96
Fig. 4.13(d) shows the B.M. diagram for the
beam.
B.M. at the centre w
w=
12 96
Points of contraflexure 32
At any section in AC distant x
from A, the actual B.M. is given by,
M, = x wx
4 3/
-w
For a point of 96
contraflexure,5 equating M, to zero
wl
4 w/? =0
31 96

24lx -32-sI =0
Let x=kl
24KI -32k³ -si2 =0
24k-32k =5
Solving by trial and 8k(3-4k) =s
A
point of error, we get k=0.223
Fig, 4.13 (d)contshows
raflethexureB.M.occurs at adistance of0.,223
i.e., x=0.223
1from
diagram forthe each end.
 end
Bycombining the tree pointload of 7OkNot od
dowward
usual.
m is fixed at each endandcarries a at each support and (in) The heni
10 reactions
oblem12. Abeam ofspan
loadof 30 kN at midspan. Find() the
point
leff e andan upward andS.F diagrams.
support. Draw alsoB.M. 70x3x72 30x10 :-102,90+37.50 =-65.40kNm
Solution. Fixing moment at AM, = 102
70kN

3m C 2m D

5m
5m
30 KN
Tig. 4.22
positive)
(Hogging moments are negative and sagging moments are
70×3 x730×10 =-44.10+37.50 =-6.60 kNm
Fixing moment at B M, =:
10 8
 cONTINUOUS BEAMS
FUED AND 237
70 kN

D
65.40 3m 2m 5m 6.60
kNm kNm

30jkN
65.40
47.76
36.00

6.60
C D B
Fixed B.M. Diagram
102

30.00

D;
Free B.M, Diagram
54.24

65.40
6.00
6.60
KNm
D
A
B.M. Diagram -

Ng, 4.23

Analysis as afreely supported beam

supported at the ends, and taking moments about
A,
Considering the beam as simply
V, x 10+30 x5 =70 x3
T
V, =70-30-6= 34 kN
Free B.M. at A =0
Free B.M. at C =+34 >x3=+102 kNm
Free B.M. at D =+6x5=+30 kNm 70kN
D
A

2m Sm
3m
102 30 KN V,=6 kN
V,=34 kN

i30

B
C D

Free B.M. Diagram

Ng. 4.24

Fig. 4.24 shows the free B.M. diagram. obtained.

B.M. diagram the final B.M. diagram is
Dy superimposing the free and the fixed
 4/FIXED BEAM WITH ENDS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS (EFFECT OF SINKING OF
Considera fixed beam AB ofspan / whose ends Aand Bare fixedat different levels. Let S be the difference of level
the end Abe at a higher level than the end B. Let M, and M, bethe fixing moments at the ends.
(hogging) and M, is positive (sagging). But nümerically
uun) M, and M, are equal.
SUPPORTS)
l
.Obviously for thibes tcasween the
M,

M,

M,

M, Ng. 4.26
Let Vbe the reaction at each support.
Consider any section distant x from the end A.
Since the rate of loading is zero.
we have, with the usual notations EJ"=0
Integrating, we get,
Shear force = =C where C, is a constant
At *=0, S.F. =+V C=V
Integrating again, we get,
B.M. at any section - EI= Vs+C;
dy'
At x=0, B.M. =-M, C=-Ma
EI.d'yl =Vt-Ma
E
 dy-=0 quatton)
de C3 =0
Butat
V
Integratingagain,
Butat r=0, y=0
Ely
CA=0,
6
MCa 2
At x=l y=- 8
(deflection equatlon)

-El8
V M
6 2 ...()

Butwe also know

that at B. x =land =0
0=-MJ
2

V=
2Ma
...(i)
2M, I3
Substituting in equation (), we have, -EI8 = 6 2

M 6EIS
6 M,=
Ma
() SI2

M
2

(),
M
P

c
(#). 82

'c

FNg. 4.27
Hence the law for the
bending moment at any section distant xfromA is given by
6EI8
For the B.M. at B.
put x =
M= EI=-M,
Mx
6EIS 12EIS 6EIS 6EIS
My 2Ma.j 2
Hence when the endssofa fixed beam are at different levels, the fixing moment at each end =6EI8 numerically. At the higher end
is
moment is a hogging moment and at the lower end this moment is asagging moment.
 Aroblem 15. Afixedbeam af span5 metres carries a concentrated load of 200 kN at 3metres from the left end fthe righ end
sns by l0 mm,fìnd ihe firing nmoments at the supports. For the beam section take I= 3x10' mm' and E- 200 kN/mn'. Find also the
reactions at the supports.
Solution. Dueto loading the fixing moment at each support will be ahogging moment. But due to sinking of supports the moment
t each end will be 6EIS
thenature of moment being hogging at the higher end and sagging at the lower end.
22

Wab 6EIS
Fixing moment at A
2
200×3×2? 6x200x3x10 x10
$² x(1000)
RNm FHg. 4.30

--(96+ 14.4) kNm =-110.4 kNm(hogging)

Wa'b + 6EI8
Fixing moment at B
2 12
200x3 x2
+ 14.40 kNm=- 144+ 14.4 kNm=-129.6 kNm

200 kN 200 kN
3m 2m 3m 2m

M,= 110.4 kNm

V,=76.16 kN
Ng. 4.31(a) Ng. 4.31(b)
Reaction at A = V,=(Reaction due to load with simply supported end conditions)+
(Reaction due t

200x2 (129.6-110.4)76=76.16
1 kN
.5 5
due to endmo
end conditions + Reaction
ted end
V,= Reaction due to simply supported
200x3. (129.6-110.4) =123.84 kN
5 5
 CONTINUOUS BEAMS
FXEDAND
FIXED BEAMS

momentsforssome standard cases

:
Dkedend are positive, Anticlockwise moments are negative
Convention: Clockwise moments
sn
FIXEDEND MOMENT
Loading
Mab Mba

WI W
W
12 /2

Wab? Wa'b
b

+.
B 12
12

-(6-8la +3a?) 12/2-(4/3a)

12/2
-al-a).

w2
w/?
20
30

20/2
(S/.-4a)
(1012-1Sla+6a?)
30/2

e-a

-w/2 +w/2
96
96
1/2 1/2

M M
M +
4
I2 1/2
4

M
Ma(3b-)
MO(3a-)
A
more comprehensive list is, given at the end of the book). the xed bear
41 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FIXED BEAMS
Theoreticaly viewing the fixed beam has the following advantages:
aThe fixed beam is subjected to alesser maximum bending moment than the simply supported beam carrying the same loading.
(i For the same loading maximum deflection for a fixed beam is less than that of the simply supported beam.
Practically the fixed beam has certain disadvantages.
0 It is practically difficult to maintain the two ends of the beam at exactly the same level. Any subsidence of one of the
supports, however small it may be, will set up considerable stresses. This is therefore a serious disadvantage. During erection
of thebeam, the supports therefore must be aligned with greatest accuracy.
(i) Temperature variations also produce large stresses in a fixed beam.
Wper unit run
wil12 wilh2

wh4

wYh2

213

Double cantilever with hingess at O, and O,

Ng. 4.47
U4) When the beam is subjected tolive loads (such as wheel loads passing over bridges), frequent variations ofbending
and corresponding vibrations would soon affect the degree of fixity at the ends. moment
points of 0OVe objections against fixed beams can be obvjated by adopting the double cantilever construction. In this method, at the
grder, fcontraflexure for the fixed beam, hinged jointsare introduced. Nowthe beam will therefore consist of acentral simplysupported
Supported on the ends of cantilevers.
athe The bending moment diagram andthe elastic curve for this beam will bethe same as for the fixed beam. Afterintroducing the hinges
points of of the fixed beam temnerature changes and sinking of end sunnorts vill not affect the bendin nts
 254

4.16/CLAPEYRON'S THEOREM OF THREE MOMENTS*

Jf A6 and BC are any two consecutive spans of a continuous beam subjected to an external loadino
THEOR 0FN
the support
at the supports 4, B and Care given by the relation.
6a,6a,2 (a) moments M
Mh +2M,,+1,)+ Md= B

where, a area of thefree B.M. diagram for

the span AB
a, area of the free B.M. diagram for
the span BC
centroidal distance of the free B.M. (b)
diagram on AB from A
, = centroidal distance of the free B.M.
diagramn on BC from C
I, = span length AB Ma
span length CD (c)
Let area of fixed B.M. diagram for
span AB
=area of thefixedB.M. diagram
for the span BC (d)
Fig. 4.49 (a) shows the given beam.
Fig. 4.49 (6)and (c) shows the free and fixed bending moment diagrams for Ng. 4.49
the spans AB and BC.
Consider the span AB.
Let at any section in AB distant x from 4 the free and fixed bending moments be M, and M, respectively.
Hence the net bending moment at the section is given by.

dy? = M,-M,
Multiplying by x, we get, Elx d'y M,x-M
d2

Integrating from x tol, we get,

El: Jo
But it may be seen, that
() At X =0, y=0.
(i) At x=l, y=0and
d
-ia- (slope at Bfor AB)

(ii) = Moment of the free B.M. diagram on AB about A

(v) = Moment ofthe fixed B.M. diagram on AB about A

Hence,
But a area of the fixed B.M. diagram on AB

'andthe
cue

the louds.
*Clapeyron shouki be given the credtfor his theorem ofequality ofthe external work done by
strain energy sotred, which he offered in1852. In 1857, he presented his theorem ofthree moments.
 cONTINUOUS BEAMS 255
AND
FXED
=Distance of the centroid ofthe fixed B.M. diagramA

M, + Mb 3

M, 2+Ma i: M,M,+2M,
+Mb
=(M, +2M,) 6

6El iba
6a-(M, +2M,4 ...()
shown that.
taking Cas origin, it can be
Ciwilary considering the span BC and
6a,72 -(Me +2M,, ...i)
6El ibc
B.
0se slope for the span CB at directions.
where, ofx trom A for the span AB, and from Cfor the span CB are in opposite
t i. =-ip, as the direction
ba tibe =0
(ii), we get
Adding equations (1) and
tic) =0= 6aa6a,*2[M, +2M, U, +l,)+Mal Wper unit run
6Eli +6El i =6EI A000000000000001000000100B

=
: MA +2M,(, +l,) +Md
relation.
This relation is called Clapeyron's
Particular Case
distributed load w, per unit run. The free aj=12
Suppose on the span AB there is a uniformly B
altitude of Ng, 4.50
BM. diagram is a parabola having an 8

= hx " and
. Area ofthefree B.M. diagram =a =basexaltitude 12

4 4 12 2 4
distributed loads of w, per unit run and w per unit run,
Hence when the spans AB and BC carry uniformly

Mh +2M, (4 +h,)+ M 4
continuous beams.
l be found convenient to use the above relation in case of distributed loads on The
consists of spans AB and BC each & m long and is simply supported at A, B and C.
3.A beam ABC of length 16 m support momenis.
length. Find the reactions at the supports and the
Bunjormiy distributed load of 40kN/m on the whole
Solution. We know, M=0 and M,=0
HPyng the theorem of three moments for the spans AB and BC.
40x8 40x8³
(0x8) +2M, (8+8) +(0x8) = 4
32M, = 10240 M,=320kNm(hogging moment)
B.M. at the centre of cach 40×8 320 -160kNm (sagging moment)
span 8 2
ReactationsB
B.M, x8-40 x8 x4=-320
:
-: 8V, -960
V,=120 kN By symmetry V = 120 kN
V,-(40 x 16)-(2 x 120) =400kN