SECTION 9.

4 Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve 559

Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve

The beams described in the problems for Section 9.4 have constant
flexural rigidity EI. Also, the origin of coordinates is at the left-hand y
end of each beam. M0
A B
Problem 9.4-1 Derive the equation of the deflection curve for a x
cantilever beam AB when a couple M0 acts counterclockwise at the
free end (see figure). Also, determine the deflection
B and slope
B at the free end. Use the third-order differential equation of the L
deflection curve (the shear-force equation).

Solution 9.4-1 Cantilever beam (couple M0)

SHEAR-FORCE EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 b). B.C.3 v(0)
0
C3
0
EIv
V
0 M0 x2
v

EIv
C1 2 EI
M0 x
B.C.1 M
M0 EIv
M
M0
C1 v

EI
EIv
C1x  C2
M0 x  C2 M0 L2

B
v(L)
(upward)
B.C.2 v (0)
0
C2
0 2 EI
M0 x2 M0 L
EIv
 C3 uB
v(L)
(counterclockwise)
2 EI
(These results agree with Case 6, Table G-1.)

x
Problem 9.4-2 A simple beam AB is subjected to a distributed load q = q0 sin
L
of intensity q
q0 sin x/L, where q0 is the maximum intensity of y
the load (see figure).
Derive the equation of the deflection curve, and then determine B
the deflection
max at the midpoint of the beam. Use the fourth-order A x
differential equation of the deflection curve (the load equation).

Solution 9.4-2 Simple beam (sine load)

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c). B.C. 3 v(0)
0
C4
0
x B.C.4 v(L)
0
C3
0
EIv
q
q0 sin
L q0 L4 x
v
 4 sin
L x  EI L
EIv
q0 cos  C1
 L L q0L4

max
v
4
L 2 x 2  EI
EIv
q0 sin  C1x  C2
 L (These results agree with Case 13, Table G-2.)
B.C. 1 EIv
M EIv(0)
0
C2
0
B.C.2 EIv(L)
0
C1
0
L 3 x
EIv
q0 cos  C3
 L
L 4 x
EIv
q0 sin  C3x  C4
 L

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560 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Problem 9.4-3 The simple beam AB shown in the figure y

has moments 2M0 and M0 acting at the ends.
2M0
Derive the equation of the deflection curve, and then
B M0
determine the maximum deflection
max. Use the third-order A x
differential equation of the deflection curve (the shear-force
equation).

Solution 9.4-3 Simple beam with two couples

3M0 M0 L
Reaction at support A: RA
(downward) B.C. 3 v(L)
0 C2

L 2
3M0
Shear force in beam: V
RA
 M0 x 2 M0 x
L v
 (L  2 Lx  x2 )
 (L  x) 2
2 LEI 2 LEI
SHEAR-FORCE EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 b) M0
v
 (L  x)(L  3x)
3M0 2LEI
EIv
V

L
MAXIMUM DEFLECTION
3M0 x
EIv
  C1 Set v
0 and solve for x:
L
L
B.C. 1 EIv
M EIv(0)
2M0
C1
2M0 x1
L and x2

3
3M0 x2 L
EIv
  2M0 x  C2 Maximum deflection occurs at x2
.
2L 3
M0 x3 L 2M0 L2
EIv
  M0 x2  C2 x  C3
max
v
(downward)
2L 3 27 EI
B.C. 2 v(0)
0
C3
0

y
Problem 9.4-4 A simple beam with a uniform load is pin supported q
at one end and spring supported at the other. The spring has stiffness
k
48EI/L3. A B
x
Derive the equation of the deflection curve by starting with 48EI

k = L3
the third-order differential equation (the shear-force equation).
Also, determine the angle of rotation A at support A.

Solution 9.4-4 Beam with a spring support

REACTIONS
y
q

A B DEFLECTIONS AT END B
x
k 48EI RB qL qL4
k

B



L3 k 2k 96EI
qL
RA =
2 qL
L RB =
2

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 SECTION 9.4 Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve 561

SHEAR-FORCE EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 b) B.C. 2 v(0)
0
C3
0

q qL4
V
RA  qx
(L  2x) B.C. 3 v(L)

B

2 96 EI
q
EIv
V
(L  2x) 5qL3
2 C2

q 96
EIv
(Lx  x2 )  C1 qx
2 v
 (5L3  8Lx2  4x3 )
96EI
B.C. 1 EIv
M EIv(0)
0
C1
0
q
q Lx 2 3 v
 (5 L3  24 Lx2  16x3 )
x 96 EI
EIv
  C2
2 2 3 5qL3
uA
v(0)
(clockwise)
q Lx3 x4 96EI
EIv
  C2x  C3
2 6 12

Problem 9.4-5 The distributed load acting on a cantilever beam AB y

has an intensity q given by the expression q0 cos x /2L, where q0 is x
the maximum intensity of the load (see figure). q0 q = q0 cos
2L
Derive the equation of the deflection curve, and then determine
the deflection
B at the free end. Use the fourth-order differential
equation of the deflection curve (the load equation).
x
A B

Solution 9.4-5 Cantilever beam (cosine load)

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c) B.C. 3 v(0)
0
C3
0
x
EIv
q
q0 cos 2L 4 x q0 Lx3 q0 L2x2
2L EIv
q0 cos    C4
 2L 3 
2L x
EIv
q0 sin  C1
 2L 16q0L4
B.C. 4 v(0)
0 C4

4
2q0 L
B.C. 1 EIv
V EIv(L)
0 C1
q0 L x
 v
 48L3 cos  48L3  33 Lx2  3x3
4
3 EI 2L
2L 2 x 2q0 Lx
EIv
q0 cos   C2
 2L  2q0 L4 3

B
v(L)
(  24)
34EI
2q0 L2 (These results agree with Case 10, Table G-1.)
B.C. 2 EIv
M EIv(L)
0 C2


2L 3 x q0 Lx2 2q0 L2x
EIv
q0 sin    C3
 2L  

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562 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

y
Problem 9.4-6 A cantilever beam AB is subjected to a parabolically varying
load of intensity q
q0(L2  x 2)/L2, where q0 is the maximum intensity of L2 x2
q = q0
the load (see figure). q0 L2
Derive the equation of the deflection curve, and then determine the
deflection
B and angle of rotation B at the free end. Use the fourth-order
differential equation of the deflection curve (the load equation). x
A B

Solution 9.4-6 Cantilever beam (parabolic load)

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c) B.C.3 v(0)
0
C3
0
q0 q0 L2x4 x6 q0 Lx3 q0 L2x2
EIv
q
 2 (L2  x2 ) EIv
 2     C4
L L 24 360 9 8
q0 2 x3
EIv
 L x   C1 4 v(0)
0
C4
0
B.C.
L2 3
q0 x2
2q0L v
 (45L4  40L3x  15L2x2  x4 )
B.C. 1 EIv
V EIv(L)
0 C1
360 L2EI
3
q0 L2x2 x4 2q0L 19q0 L4
EIv
 2   x  C2
B
v(L)

L 2 12 3 360 EI
q0 x
q0L2 v
 (15L4  20L3x  10L2x2  x4 )
B.C. 2 EIv
M EIv(L)
0 C2
 60L2EI
4
q0L3
q0 L2x3 x5 q0Lx2 q0L2x uB
v(L)

EIv
 2     C3 15EI
L 6 60 3 4

4q0 x
Problem 9.4-7 A beam on simple supports is subjected to a q= (L  x)
L2
parabolically distributed load of intensity q
4q0 x(L  x)/L2, y
where q0 is the maximum intensity of the load (see figure).
Derive the equation of the deflection curve, and then
B
determine the maximum deflection
max. Use the fourth- A x
order differential equation of the deflection curve (the load
equation).
L

Solution 9.4-7 Single beam (parabolic load)

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c) L q0L3
B.C. 3 (Symmetry) v
0 C3

2 30
4q0 x 4q0
EIv
q
 2 (L  x)
 2 (Lx  x )
2
q0 5L3x3 x6
L L EIv
 2 L x 
5
 L x5   C4
30L 3 3
2q0
EIv
 (3Lx2  2x3 )  C1
3L2 4 v(0)
0
C4
0
B.C.
q0 q0 x
EIv
 2 (2Lx3  x4 )  C1x  C2 v
 (3L5  5L3x2  3Lx4  x5 )
3L 90L2EI
L 61q0L4
B.C. 1 EIv
M EIv(0)
0
C2
0]
max
v

2 5760 EI
q0 L
B.C. 2 EIv(L)
0 C1

3
q0
EIv
 (5L3x2  5L x4  2x5 )  C3
30L2

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 SECTION 9.4 Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve 563

Problem 9.4-8 Derive the equation of the deflection curve for a q0

simple beam AB carrying a triangularly distributed load of maximum y
intensity q0 (see figure). Also, determine the maximum deflection
max
of the beam. Use the fourth-order differential equation of the deflection
curve (the load equation). A B
x

Solution 9.4-8 Simple beam (triangular load)

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c) 7q0 L3
B.C. 4 v(L)
0 C3

q0 x q0 x2 360
EIv
q
 EIv
  C1 q0 x
L 2L v
 (7L4  10L2x2  3x4 )
360 LEI
q0 x3 q0
EIv
  C1x  C2 v
 (7L4  30L2x2  15x4 )
6L 360 LEI
B.C. 1 EIv
M EIv(0)
0
C2
0 MAXIMUM DEFLECTION
q0L Set v
0 and solve for x:
B.C. 2 EIv(L)
0 C1

6 8
x21
L2 1  x1
0.51933L
q0 x4 q0 L x2 A 15
EIv
   C3
24L 12 q0 L4 5 2 8 1
2

max
v (x1 )
 
q0 x5 q0 Lx3 225EI 3 3 A 15
EIv
   C3x  C4
120L 36 q0 L4

0.006522
EI
B.C. 3 v(0)
0
C4
0 (These results agree with Case 11, Table G-2.)

Problem 9.4-9 Derive the equations of the deflection curve for an y q

overhanging beam ABC subjected to a uniform load of intensity q
A B C
acting on the overhang (see figure). Also, obtain formulas for the x
deflection
C and angle of rotation C at the end of the overhang.
Use the fourth-order differential equation of the deflection curve
L
(the load equation). L
2

Solution 9.4-9 Beam with an overhang

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c) 3L 9qL2
B.C. 3 EIv
M EIv
0 C4

2 8
EIv
q
0 (0  x  L)
EIv
C1 (0  x  L) B.C. 4 EI(v) Left
EI(v) Right at x
L
EIv
C1 x  C2 (0  x  L) qL 2
3qL 9qL 2 2
qL
C1L
   C1

B.C. 1 EIv
M EIv(0)
0
C2
0 2 2 8 8
3L qLx2
EIv
q L  x  EIv
  C5 (0  x  L)
2 16
3L qx3 3qLx2 9qL2x
EIv
qx  C3 L  x  EIv
    C6
2 6 4 8
3L 3qL 3L
B.C. 2 EIv
V EIv
0 C3
L x
2 2 2
2
qx 3qLx 3L
EIv
   C4 L  x 
2 2 2

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564 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

B.C. 5 (v) Left
(v) Right at x
L 3L 7qL4

B.C. 8 v(L)
0 for L  x  C8

2 48
23qL3
C6
C5  (a) qLx 2
48 v
 (L  x2 ) (0  x  L)
48 EI
qLx3
EIv
  C5 x  C7 (0  x  L) q(L  x)
48 v
 (7L3  17L2x  10Lx2  2x3 )
48 EI
B.C. 6 v(0)
0
C7
0 3L
L x
qL3 2
B.C. 7 v(L)
0 for 0  x  L C5

48 3L 11qL4

C
v

qL3 2 384 EI
From Eq.(a): C6

2 3L qL3
4 3 2 2 3 uC
v

qx 3qLx 9qL x qL x 2 16 EI
EIv
     C8
24 12 16 2
3L
L x
2

q0
Problem 9.4-10 Derive the equations of the deflection curve for a y
simple beam AB supporting a triangularly distributed load of maximum
C B
intensity q0 acting on the right-hand half of the beam (see figure). Also, A x
determine the angles of rotation A and B at the ends and the deflection

C at the midpoint. Use the fourth-order differential equation of the
deflection curve (the load equation). L L

2 2

Solution 9.4-10 Simple beam (triangular load)

LOAD EQUATION (EQ. 9-12 c) q0 Lx3 x4 x2
EIv
  C5  C6 x  C7
L L 6 12 2
Left-hand half (part AC): 0  x  q0 Lx4
x5
x3
x2
2 EIv
  C5  C6  C7x  C8
1 L 24 60 6 2
Right-hand half (part CB): xL
2
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
PART AC q
0 L
B.C. 1 EIv
V EI(v) AC
EI(v) BC at x

EIv
q
0 EIv
C1 2
q0 L
x2 C1  C5
(1)
EIv
C1 x  C2 EIv
C1  C2 x  C3 4
2
x3 x2 B.C. 2 EIv
M EIv(0)
0
EIv
C1  C2  C3 x  C4
6 2 C2
0 (2)
q0
PART CB q
(2x  L) q0 L2
L B.C. 3 EIv(L)
0 C5 L  C6
 (3)
q0 6
EIv
q
(L  2x) L
L B.C. 4 (EIv) AC
(EIv) CB for x

q0 2
EIv
(Lx  x2 )  C5
L q0 L2
C1L  C5 L  2C6
(4)
q0 Lx2 x3 6
EIv
  C5 x  C6
L 2 3

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 SECTION 9.5 Method of Superposition 565

L L
B.C. 5 (v) AC
(v) CB for x
DEFLECTION CURVE FOR PART AC 0  x 
2 2
q0 L3 q0Lx
C1L2  8C3  C5 L2  4C6 L  8C7
(5) v
 (37L2  40x2 )
8 5760EI
q0 L
B.C. 6 v(0)
0 C4
0 (6) v
 (37 L2  120x2 )
5760EI
B.C. 7 v(L)
0 37q0 L3
4 uA
v(0)

3q0 L 5760 EI
C5 L3  3C6 L2  6C7 L  6C8
 (7)
20 L 3q0 L4
L
C
v

B.C. 8 (v)AC
(v)CB for x
2 1280 EI
2 L
C1L3  24C3 L  C5L3  6C6L2  24C7 L  48C8 DEFLECTION CURVE FOR PART CB  x  L
2
q0L4 q0

(8) v
 [L2x (37 L2  40x2 )  3(2x  L) 5 ]
10 5760 LEI

SOLVE EQS. (1) THROUGH (B): q0

q0 L 37q0 L3 v
 [L2 (37L2  120x2 )  30(2x  L) 4 ]
5760 LEI
C1
C2
0 C3

24 5760 53q0 L3
5q0 L q0 L 2 uB
v(L)

5760EI
C4
0 C5
 C6

24 24
67q0L3 q0L4
C7
 CB

5760 1920
Substitute constants into equations for v and v.

Method of Superposition

The problems for Section 9.5 are to be solved by the method of

superposition. All beams have constant flexural rigidity EI. P P P
A B
Problem 9.5-1 A cantilever beam AB carries three equally spaced
concentrated loads, as shown in the figure. Obtain formulas for the
angle of rotation B and deflection
B at the free end of the beam. L

L

L

3 3 3

Solution 9.5-1 Cantilever beam with 3 loads

Table G-1, Cases 4 and 5 L 2 2L 2
P P
3 L 3 2L PL3

B
3L   3L  
L 2 2L 2 6 EI 3 6 EI 3 3 EI
P
P
3 3 PL2 7PL2 5PL 3
uB
 


2EI 2 EI 2 EI 9 EI 9 EI

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566 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Problem 9.5-2 A simple beam AB supports five equally spaced loads

P (see figure). P P P P P
(a) Determine the deflection
1 at the midpoint of the beam.
(b) If the same total load (5P) is distributed as a uniform load A B
on the beam, what is the deflection
2 at the midpoint?
(c) Calculate the ratio of
1 to
2.
L L L L L L

6 6 6 6 6 6

Solution 9.5-2 Simple beam with 5 loads

(a) Table G-2, Cases 4 and 6 (b) Table G-2, Case 1 qL
5P
L 5qL4 25 PL3
P
2


6 L 2 384 EI 384 EI

1
B 3L2  4 R 
24 EI 6
1 11 384 88
L (c)


1.173
P
2 144 25 75
3 L 2 PL3
B 3L2  4 R 
24 EI 3 48 EI
11PL3


144 EI

Problem 9.5-3 The cantilever beam AB shown in the figure has an extension L
BCD attached to its free end. A force P acts at the end of the extension. A B
(a) Find the ratio a/L so that the vertical deflection of point B will be zero.
(b) Find the ratio a/L so that the angle of rotation at point B will be zero. D
C
a
P

Solution 9.5-3 Cantilever beam with extension

Table G-1, Cases 4 and 6
P
PL3 PaL2 a 2
A B (a)
B

0

Pa 3EI 2EI L 3
L PL2 PaL a 1
(b) uB

0

2EI EI L 2

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 SECTION 9.5 Method of Superposition 567

Problem 9.5-4 Beam ACB hangs from two springs, as shown

in the figure. The springs have stiffnesses k1 and k2 and the beam L = 1.8 m
has flexural rigidity EI.
What is the downward displacement of point C, which
is at the midpoint of the beam, when the load P is applied?
Data for the structure are as follows: P  8.0 kN, k1 = 250 kN/m k2 = 160 kN/m
L
1.8 m, EI
216 kNm2, k1
250 kN/m, and
k2
160 kN/m. A B
C
P = 8.0 kN

Solution 9.5-4 Beam hanging from springs

P
8.0 kN L
1.8 m Substitute numerical values:
EI
216 kN
m2 k1
250 kN/m (8.0 kN)(1.8 m) 3
k2
160 kN/m
C

48 (216 kN
m2 )

Stretch of springs: 8.0 kN 1 1

 
P
2 P
2 4 250 kN
m 160 kN
m

A

B

k1 k2
4.5 mm  20.5 mm

25 mm
Table G-2, Case 4
PL3 1 P
2 P
2

C
 
48 EI 2 k1 k2
PL3 P 1 1

 
48EI 4 k1 k2

Problem 9.5-5 What must be the equation y
f (x) of the axis y P

of the slightly curved beam AB (see figure) before the load is applied
in order that the load P, moving along the bar, always stays at the A B
x
same level?

Solution 9.5-5 Slightly curved beam

Let x
distance to load P Initial upward displacement of the beam must equal
.


downward deflection at load P Px2 (L  x) 2
y

Table G-2, Case 5: 3LEI

P(L  x) x 2 Px2 (L  x) 2


[L  (L  x) 2  x2 ]

6LEI 3LEI

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568 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Problem 9.5-6 Determine the angle of rotation B and deflection
B at q

the free end of a cantilever beam AB having a uniform load of intensity q
acting over the middle third of its length (see figure). A B

L L L

3 3 3

Solution 9.5-6 Cantilever beam (partial uniform load)

q
intensity of uniform load SUPERPOSITION: Original load
Load No. 1 minus
Original load on the beam: Load No. 2
q Table G-1, Case 2
A B q 2L 3 q L 3 7qL3
uB


6EI 3 6EI 3 162EI
q 2L 3 2L q 1 3 L
L

L

L

B
4L   4L 
3 3 3 24EI 3 3 24EI 3 3
23qL4
Load No. 1:

648EI

2L L

3 3

Load No. 2:

L 2L

3 3

35 k-in. 2.5 k
Problem 9.5-7 The cantilever beam ACB shown in the figure
has flexural rigidity EI
2.1  106 k-in.2 Calculate the downward
deflections
C and
B at points C and B, respectively, due to the A C B
simultaneous action of the moment of 35 k-in. applied at point C
and the concentrated load of 2.5 k applied at the free end B. 48 in. 48 in.

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 SECTION 9.5 Method of Superposition 569

Solution 9.5-7 Cantilever beam (two loads)

Mo P M0 (L
2) L PL3

B
 2L  
2EI 2 3EI
A C B 3M0L2 PL3

  (
downward deflection)
L/2 L/2 8EI 3EI

SUBSTITUTE NUMERICAL VALUES:

EI
2.1  106 k-in.2
M0
35 k-in.
C
0.01920 in.  0.10971 in.
P
2.5 k
0.0905 in.
L
96 in.
B
0.05760 in.  0.35109 in.
Table G-1, Cases 4.6, and 7
0.293 in.

M0 (L
2) 2 P(L
2) 2 L

C
  3L 
2EI 6EI 2
M0 L2 5PL3

  (
downward deflection)
8EI 48EI

Problem 9.5-8 A beam ABCD consisting of a simple span BD and an L L 2L

2 3 3
overhang AB is loaded by a force P acting at the end of the bracket CEF
(see figure). A B D
C
(a) Determine the deflection
A at the end of the overhang.
(b) Under what conditions is this deflection upward? Under what
conditions is it downward? F E

P
a

Solution 9.5-8 Beam with bracket and overhang

(a) DEFLECTION AT THE END OF THE OVERHANG
P
Mo L PL2

A
uB
(10L  9a)
2 324 EI
B D (
upward deflection)
C
L 2L

3 3 a 10
(b) Deflection is upward when 6 and
L 9
a 10
Consider part BD of the beam. downward when 7
M0
Pa L 9

Table G-2, Cases 5 and 9

P (L
3)(2L
3)(5L
3)
uB

6LEI
Pa L2 L2
 B 6  3  2L2 R
6LEI 3 9
PL

(10L  9a) (
clockwise angle)
162EI

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570 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

P
Problem 9.5-9 A horizontal load P acts at end C of the bracket ABC C
shown in the figure.
(a) Determine the deflection
C of point C. H
B
(b) Determine the maximum upward deflection
max of member AB. A
Note: Assume that the flexural rigidity EI is constant throughout the
frame. Also, disregard the effects of axial deformations and consider only
the effects of bending due to the load P.
L

Solution 9.5-9 Bracket ABC

BEAM AB (a) ARM BC Table G-1, Case 4
PH 3 PH 3 PH 2L
M0
PH
C
 u8H

3EI 3EI 3EI

max PH 2
A B Mo = PH
(L  H)
3EI

(b) MAXIMUM DEFLECTION OF BEAM AB

M0 L2 PHL2
L Table G-2, Case 7:
max


913EI 913EI

M0 L PHL
Table G-2, Case 7: uB


3EI 3EI

A B C
Problem 9.5-10 A beam ABC having flexural rigidity EI
75 kNm2
is loaded by a force P
800 N at end C and tied down at end A by a
wire having axial rigidity EA
900 kN (see figure). 0.5 m P = 800 N
What is the deflection at point C when the load P is applied? 0.5 m 0.75 m
D

Solution 9.5-10 Beam tied down by a wire

P CONSIDER AB AS A SIMPLE BEAM
A B C M0
PL2

L1 L2 M0 L1 PL1L2
H Table G-2, Case 7: uB


3EI 3EI
D CONSIDER THE STRETCHING OF WIRE AD

EI
75 kN
m2 H PL2 H PL2H

A
(Force in AD)


P
800 N EA L1 EA EAL1
EA
900 kN
DEFLECTION
C OF POINT C
H
0.5 m L1
0.5 m
L2
0.75 m L2

C

C  uB (L2 ) 
A
CONSIDER BC AS A CANTILEVER BEAM L1

PL32 PL32 PL1L22 PL22H

Table G-1, Case 4:
C

 
3EI 3EI 3EI EAL21
SUBSTITUTE NUMERICAL VALUES:

C
1.50 mm  1.00 mm  1.00 mm
3.50 mm

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