Beams on Elastic Foundations

• Examples of Elastic Foundation

• Soils
• Rubber bushings
• Floating structures
• Transmission of load between bones and tissues
• Surface roughness can also simulate this condition

Linear Elastic Foundation: Displacement is a linear function of load

Displacement is nonlocal:
- Depends upon the geometry of the foundation
- Depends upon the material property of the foundation

Displacement tends to be more localized if the elastic modulus

of the foundation material increases with depth (soil)

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• A limiting case-Winkler foundation
Displacement depends only on the local force (unit length)
𝑤(𝑧)
Displacement → 𝑢 𝑧 =
𝑘
→ Foundation stiffness
The situation is like a bed of unconnected springs
𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

w(z)z

p(z)z

Uniform beam, flexural rigidity EI, supported on Winkler foundation

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The equilibrium of forces:

𝑉 𝑧 + 𝛿𝑧 − 𝑉 𝑧 − 𝑤 𝑧 𝛿𝑧 − 𝑝 𝑧 𝛿𝑧 = 0

where V= shear force

𝑉 𝑧 + 𝛿𝑧 − 𝑉(𝑧) p(z)z
=𝑤 𝑧 +𝑝 𝑧
𝛿𝑧
𝑑𝑉
when 𝛿𝑧 → 0 = 𝑤 𝑧 + 𝑝 𝑧 = 𝑤 𝑧 + 𝑘𝑢(𝑧)
𝑑𝑧

Moment equilibrium:
𝑑𝑀
=V
𝑑𝑧

𝑑2 𝑢 𝑑3 𝑢
𝑀 = −𝐸𝐼 2 𝑉 = −𝐸𝐼 3
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧
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𝑑4 𝑢
𝐸𝐼 4 + 𝑘𝑢 𝑧 = −𝑤 𝑧 (1)
𝑑𝑧

It is the governing equation for elastic beam on Winkler foundation

Solution of the governing equation (1):

Since the applied load w is known, equation (1) is inhomogeneous ODE

for unknown displacement u(z)

General Solution of equation (1)

= Particular Solution + Homogeneous Solution
↑ ↑
Particular Solution is The solution of
a function that the corresponding
satisfies equation (1) homogeneous equation
𝑑4𝑢
𝐸𝐼 + 𝑘𝑢 𝑧 =0 (2)
𝑑𝑧 4

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For equation (1):

𝑑4 𝑢
𝐸𝐼 4 + 𝑘𝑢 𝑧 = −𝑤 𝑧 (1)
𝑑𝑧

The equation (1) is 4th order ODE, contains 4 arbitrary constants, which
permits satisfying 2 boundary conditions at each end of the beam.

The homogeneous solution :

Applies to the beam that has no distributed load, then w(z)=0.
From Eq. (2)

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑏𝑧 (3)

where A and b are constants. Substitute (3) in (2)

𝐸𝐼𝑏 4 𝐴𝑒 𝑏𝑧 + 𝑘𝐴𝑒 𝑏𝑧 = 0 (4)

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(3) can be a solution of (2) only if
4
𝑘
𝑏 =−
𝐸𝐼
The equation has no real roots, only has 4 complex roots, which are

𝑏 = (±1 ± 𝑖)𝛽

4 𝑘
where 𝛽=
4𝐸𝐼

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So the general solution of (2)

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐴1 𝑒 (1+𝑖)𝛽𝑧 + 𝐴2 𝑒 (1−𝑖)𝛽𝑧 +𝐴3 𝑒 (−1+𝑖)𝛽𝑧 + 𝐴4 𝑒 (−1−𝑖)𝛽𝑧 (5)

where 𝐴1 , 𝐴2 , 𝐴3 , 𝐴4 are independent complex constants. However the

displacement must be a real function.
𝐴2 = 𝐴1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴4 = 𝐴3

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐵1 𝑒 𝛽𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵2 𝑒 𝛽𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽𝑧
+𝐵3 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽𝑧 (6)

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝛽𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ℎ 𝛽𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽𝑧

+𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝛽𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐶4 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ(𝛽𝑧) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽𝑧

𝑒 𝛽𝑧 +𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 𝑒 𝛽𝑧 −𝑒 −𝛽𝑧
where 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ 𝛽𝑧 = , 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ 𝛽𝑧 =
2 2

𝐶1 − 𝐶4 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 𝐶1 + 𝐶4 𝐶3 − 𝐶2
𝐵1 = , 𝐵2 = , 𝐵3 = , 𝐵4 =
2 2 2 2
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The Semi-Infinite beam

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐵1 𝑒 𝛽𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵2 𝑒 𝛽𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽𝑧
+𝐵3 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽𝑧 (6)
The displacement must be bounded as 𝑧 → ∞ and only exponentially
decaying terms should be retained.

⇒ 𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐵3 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 sin(𝛽𝑧)

Terms with 𝑒 𝛽𝑧 are taken as zero (𝐵1 , 𝐵2 → 0)

𝐵1 & 𝐵2 → 0, as 𝐿 →  for any boundary condition at z=L 9

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Differentiate successively
𝑑𝑢
Slope 𝜃 = = −𝐵3 𝛽𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧 + sin 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝛽𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧 − sin 𝛽𝑧
𝑑𝑧
𝑑2𝑢
𝑀 = −𝐸𝐼 2 = −2𝐵3 𝐸𝐼𝛽 2 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 sin 𝛽𝑧 + 2𝐵4 𝐸𝐼𝛽 2 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧
𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝑀
𝑉= = −2𝐵3 𝐸𝐼𝛽 3 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 [cos β𝑧 − sin 𝛽𝑧 − 2𝐵4 𝐸𝐼𝛽 3 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 [cos 𝛽𝑧 + sin(𝛽𝑧)
𝑑𝑧

It’s convenient to define

𝑓1 = 𝑒 −𝑥 cos 𝑥 , 𝑓2 = 𝑒 −𝑥 sin 𝑥
𝑓3 = 𝑒 −𝑥 (cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥), 𝑓4 = 𝑒 −𝑥 (cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥)

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝐵3 𝑓1 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝑓2 𝛽𝑧
𝜃 𝑧 = −𝐵3 𝛽𝑓3 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝛽𝑓4 𝛽𝑧
𝐵3 𝐾 𝐵4 𝐾
⇒ 𝑀 𝑧 = − 2
𝑓2 𝛽𝑧 + 2
𝑓4 𝛽𝑧
2𝛽 2𝛽
𝐵3 𝐾 𝐵4 𝐾
𝑉 𝑧 =− 𝑓 𝛽𝑧 − 𝑓 𝛽𝑧 − 𝛿
2𝛽 4 2𝛽 3
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1 1
Since 𝑓1 = (𝑓3 + 𝑓4 ), 𝑓2 = (𝑓3 − 𝑓4 ), 𝑓3 = 𝑓1 + 𝑓2 , 𝑓4 = 𝑓1 − 𝑓2 ,
2 2

𝐵4 𝑘 2𝛽𝐹0 2𝛽2 𝑀0
𝑀0 = 𝑀 0 = 2 𝐵3 = − −
Boundary 2𝛽 𝑘 𝑘
⇒
condition 𝐵3 𝑘 𝐵4 𝑘 2𝛽2 𝑀0
𝐹0 = V 0 = − − 𝐵4 =
2𝛽 2𝛽 𝑘

From (8)

2𝛽𝐹0 2𝛽2 𝑀0
𝑢 𝑧 =− 𝑓1 𝛽𝑧 − 𝑓4 𝛽𝑧
𝐾 𝐾
2𝛽2 𝐹0 4𝛽3 𝑀0
⇒ 𝜃 𝑧 =− 𝑓3 𝛽𝑧 + 𝑓1 𝛽𝑧 (9)
𝐾 𝐾
𝐹0
𝑀 𝑧 = 𝑓2 𝛽𝑧 + 𝑀0 𝑓4 𝛽𝑧
𝛽
V 𝑧 = 𝐹0 𝑓4 𝛽𝑧 − 2𝑀0 𝛽𝑓3 𝛽𝑧

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Table is given for relation between 𝛽𝑧 and 𝑓1 𝛽𝑧 , 𝑓2 𝛽𝑧 ….
𝛽𝑧 is dimensionless radius for the sin 𝛽𝑧 and cos 𝛽𝑧

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Example 1

Semi infinite beam of second moment of area 𝐼𝑋 = 0.5 × 10−6 𝑚4 ,

Foundation 𝑘 = 10 𝑀𝑃𝑎, 𝐹0 = 10 𝑘𝑁 on one end.

Q1: Find the slope and the deflection on one end.

Q2: Find location and magnitude of the maximum bending moment.

(𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = 210𝐺𝑃𝑎)

Solution:

4 𝑘 4 106 × 10 −1
𝛽= = = 2.209 𝑚
4𝐸𝐼 4 × 210 × 109 × 0.5 × 10−6

Substitute 𝐹0 = 10 𝑘𝑁 and 𝑀0 = 0 in equation (9)

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2𝛽𝐹0 2𝛽2 𝑀0
𝑢 0 =− 𝑓1 𝛽𝑧 − 𝑓4 𝛽𝑧
𝑘 𝑘
2𝛽𝐹0
=− ×1
𝑘
2 × 2.209 × 10 × 103
=−
10 × 106
= −4.4 × 10−3 𝑚

Displacement is 4.4mm downwards

2𝛽2 𝐹0 4𝛽3 𝑀0
𝜃 𝑧 =− 𝑓3 𝛽𝑧 + 𝑓1 𝛽𝑧
𝑘 𝑘
2𝛽2 𝐹0
=− ×1
𝑘
2 × 2.2092 × 10 × 103
=−
10 × 106
= 9.8 × 10−3 𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 0.56°

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To find the maximum bending moment:

𝜋 𝜋
4𝛽 𝛽

𝑑𝑀 2𝛽𝐹0 𝐾
=V=− − 𝑓4 𝛽𝑧 = 𝐹0 𝑒 −𝛽𝑧 [cos 𝛽𝑧 − sin 𝛽𝑧 ]
𝑑𝑧 𝑘 2𝛽
𝑑𝑀
= 0 = [cos 𝛽𝑧 − sin 𝛽𝑧 ]
𝑑𝑧

For maximum of bending moment

𝜋 5𝜋 9𝜋
β𝑧 = , , …
4 4 4
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M will be greatest at the first root

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑧= = = 0.356 𝑚 (𝑎𝑡 𝛽𝑧 = )
4𝛽 4 × 2.209 4
At this point
𝜋
−4
𝐹0 𝑒 𝐹0
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 0.322 = 1457𝑁𝑚
2𝛽 𝛽
M

𝜋 𝜋
4𝛽 𝛽 16
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Localized nature of the solution:
The rapid decay of disturbance observed is typical of end loading problems
for beams on elastic foundations.𝑓1 … 𝑓4 have decayed to negligible values
at x=4

So for any end loading, the deformation is primary limited to

0 < 𝑧 < 4𝑙0
1 4 4𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼 1
𝑙0 = = =( )4
𝛽 𝑘 𝑘

The loads are 4𝑙0 from the ends in

central loading.
They will not affect the endings if
𝑙 ≫ 𝑙0 𝛽𝑙 ≫ 1 end effects will
decay and will be local.

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Concentrated load on an Infinite beam
Infinite beam
→ origin 0 is located at the point of load
application.

This problem is symmetric about z=0

→ slope 𝜃 = 0 at 𝑧 = 0.

Infinitesimal element immediately

under the load
→ The shear force immediately to the
right of the element 𝐹0 /2.

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The region 𝑧 > 0 has boundary conditions:
𝜃 0 =0 𝜃 𝑧 = −𝐵3 𝛽𝑓3 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐵4 𝛽𝑓4 𝛽𝑧 = −𝐵3 + 𝐵4 =0
𝐹0 𝐵3 𝑘 𝐵4 𝑘 𝐹0
V 0 = V 𝑧 =− − =
2 2𝛽 2𝛽 2

𝐵3 = 𝐵4
⇒ 𝐹0 𝛽
𝐵3 = 𝐵4 = −
2𝑘

𝐹0 𝛽 𝐹0 𝛽
𝑢 𝑧 =− cos 𝛽𝑧 + sin 𝛽𝑧 = − 𝑓 (𝛽𝑧)
2𝑘 2𝐾 3
∴ 𝐹0 𝛽 𝐹0
𝑀 𝑧 =− cos 𝛽𝑧 − sin 𝛽𝑧 = − 𝑓4 (𝛽𝑧)
2𝑘 4𝛽

𝐹0 𝛽
𝑢 𝑧 =− 𝑓 (𝛽 𝑧 )
Symmetry requires that the same 2𝑘 3
⇒ 𝐹0
solution be used when 𝑧 = −𝑧 𝑀 𝑧 =− 𝑓4 (𝛽 𝑧 )
4𝛽
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Maximum displacement and bending moment occurs when 𝑧 = 0

𝐹0 𝛽
𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑢0 = −
2𝑘
𝐹0
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑀0 = −
4𝛽
General loading of an Infinite Beam

If forces 𝐹1 , 𝐹2 , 𝐹3 act at points 𝑧 = 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎3

The resulting displacement will be

𝐹1 𝛽
𝑢 𝑧 =− 𝑓 𝛽 𝑧 − 𝑎1 −
2𝑘 3
𝐹2 𝛽 𝐹3 𝛽
𝑓3 𝛽 𝑧 − 𝑎2 − 𝑓3 𝛽 𝑧 − 𝑎3
2𝑘 2𝑘

Similar calculation can be done for M.

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In case of a distributed load 𝑤 𝑍 in 𝑎 < 𝑧 < 𝑏

Consider it a set of concentrated forces 𝑤(𝑧 ′ )𝛿𝑧 ′

𝑏
𝛽
𝑢 𝑧 =− 𝑤(𝑧 ′ )𝑓3 𝛽 𝑧 − 𝑧 ′ 𝑑𝑧 ′
2𝑘 𝑎

(𝑧 ′ is for the purpose of integration)

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The particular solution:

𝑑4𝑢
Equation: 𝐸𝐼 4 + 𝑘𝑢 = −𝑤 (𝐴)
𝑑𝑧

If 𝑤(z) is an elementary function, it is usually possible to

determine particular solution to the equation by assuming 𝑢(𝑧) of
similar function.

Special cases:
1. Polynomial
2. Trigonometric
3. Exponential function

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Polynomial
If 𝑤(𝑧) is a polynomial of degree n in z, particular solution can be
obtained by assuming 𝑢(𝑧) to be another polynomial of same degree,
substitute them in (A) with equate coefficient.

For polynomials of degree 3 or less,

𝑑4𝑢 𝑤(𝑧)
=0 ⇒𝑢 𝑧 =−
𝑑𝑢4 𝐾

Trigonometric function
If applied load is of the form 𝑤 𝑧 = 𝑤0 cos 𝑎𝑧 𝑜𝑟 𝑤0 sin 𝑎𝑧

The particular solution can be obtained by assuming

𝑢 𝑧 = 𝑢0 cos 𝑎𝑧 𝑜𝑟 𝑢0 sin 𝑎𝑧

and equating the coefficients

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Example 2: Diesel Locomotive Wheels on Rail

A railroad uses steel rails (𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎) with a depth of 184 𝑚𝑚. The
distance from the top of the rail to its centroid is 99.1 𝑚𝑚, and the
moment of inertia of the rail is 36.9 × 106 𝑚𝑚4 . The rail is supported by
ties, ballast, and a road bed that together are assumed to act as an elastic
foundation with spring constant 𝑘 = 14.0 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 .

Q1:Determine the maximum deflection, maximum bending moment,

and maximum flexural stress in the rail for a single wheel load of 170 kN.

Q2:A particular diesel locomotive has three wheels per bogie equally
spaced at 1.70 m. Determine the maximum deflection, maximum
bending moment, and maximum flexural stress in the rail if the load on
each wheel is 170 kN.

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4 𝐾 4 14 −1
𝛽= = = 0.000830𝑚𝑚
4𝐸𝐼 4 × 200 × 109 × 36.9 × 10−6

(1) The maximum deflection and maximum bending moment occur

under the load where 𝐴𝛽𝑧 = 𝐶𝛽𝑧 = 1.0
𝐹𝛽 170 × 103 (0.000830)
𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 5.039 𝑚𝑚
2𝑘 2(14)
𝐹 170 × 103
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 51.21 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
4𝛽 4(0.000830)
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑐 51.21 × 106 (99.1)
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 137.5 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐼𝑥 36.9 × 106

(2) The deflection and bending moment at any section of the beam are
obtained by superposition of the effects of each of the three wheel
loads.

The distance from the origin to the next wheel is 𝑧1 = 1.7 × 103 𝑚𝑚.
Hence, 𝛽𝑧1 = 0.000830(1.7 × 103 ) = 1.411
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The distance from the origin to the second wheel is 𝑧2 = 2(1.7 × 103 ) 𝑚𝑚.
Hence 𝛽𝑧2 = 2(0.000830)(1.7 × 103 ) = 2.822. From Table, we find

𝐴𝛽𝑧1 = 0.2797, 𝐶𝛽𝑧1 = −0.2018

𝐴𝛽𝑧2 = −0.0377, 𝐶𝛽𝑧1 = −0.0752

The deflection and bending moment at the origin (under one of the end
wheels) are

𝐹𝛽
𝑦𝑒𝑛𝑑 = 𝐴 + 𝐴𝛽𝑧1 + 𝐴𝛽𝑧2 = 5.039 1 + 0.2797 − 0.0377
2𝑘 𝛽𝑧0
= 6.258𝑚𝑚

𝐹
𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑑 = 𝐶𝛽𝑧0 + 𝐶𝛽𝑧1 + 𝐶𝛽𝑧2 = 51.20 × 106 (1 − 0.2018 − 0.0752)
4𝛽
= 37.02𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚

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Now, let the origin be located under the center wheel. The distance between
the center wheel and either of the end wheels is 𝑧1 = 1.7 × 103 𝑚𝑚. Therefore

𝐹𝛽
𝑦𝑒𝑛𝑑 = 𝐴𝛽𝑧0 + 2𝐴𝛽𝑧1 = 5.039 1 + 2 0.2797 = 7.858 𝑚𝑚
2𝑘

𝐹
𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑑 = 𝐶𝛽𝑧0 + 2𝐶𝛽𝑧1 = 51.20 × 106 1 − 2 0.2018 = 30.54 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
4𝛽

Thus we find

𝑦𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 7.858𝑚𝑚, 𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑑 = 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 37.02 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚

and
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑐 37.02 × 106 (99.1)
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 99.4 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐼𝑥 36.9 × 106

27
Beams on Elastic Foundations
Uniform Load:

If a uniform load 𝑢 𝑧 = 𝑤0 is applied throughout the length of the bar, it

simply moves down.

Corresponding to the particular solution

𝑤0
𝑢 𝑧 =−
𝑘

In this case, there will be no shear force or bending moment in the beam

so particular solution= complete solution.

In other cases, both solution are to be added together.

28
Beams on Elastic Foundations
Triangular Load:

Treat the load ∆𝑃 = 𝑤∆𝑧 as a concentrated load.

The deflection ∆𝑦𝐻 at a point H caused by the load ∆𝑃 is given
𝑤∆𝑧𝛽
∆𝑦𝐻 = 𝐴𝛽𝑧
2𝑘
Where
𝑤0
𝑤 = ′ 𝑎 − 𝑧 , over the length a
𝐿
𝑤0
𝑤 = ′ 𝑎 + 𝑧 , over the length b
𝐿
29
Beams on Elastic Foundations
The total deflection at H is obtained by superposition:

𝑎 𝑏
𝑤0 𝛽
𝑦𝐻 = lim ∆𝑦𝐻 = 𝑎 − 𝑧 𝐴𝛽𝑧 𝑑𝑧 + 𝑎 + 𝑧 𝐴𝛽𝑧 𝑑𝑧
∆𝑧→0 2𝑘𝐿′ 0 0
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏
𝑤0 𝛽
= 𝑎𝐴𝛽𝑧 𝑑𝑧 + 𝑎𝐴𝛽𝑧 𝑑𝑧 − 𝑧𝐴𝛽𝑧 𝑑𝑧 + 𝑧𝐴𝛽𝑧 𝑑𝑧
2𝑘𝐿′ 0 0 0 0

Integration yields

𝑤0 1 ′
𝑦𝐻 = ′
𝐶𝛽𝑎 − 𝐶𝛽𝑏 − 2𝛽𝐿 𝐷𝛽𝑏 + 4𝛽𝑎
4𝛽𝑘 𝐿
In similar manner
𝑤0 1
𝜃𝐻 = − ′
𝐷𝛽𝑎 − 𝐷𝛽𝑏 − 𝛽𝐿′ 𝐴𝛽𝑏 + 2𝛽𝑎
2𝑘 𝐿
𝑤0 1
𝑀𝐻 = − 3 ′ 𝐴𝛽𝑎 − 𝐴𝛽𝑏 − 𝛽𝐿′ 𝐵𝛽𝑏
8𝛽 𝐿
𝑤0 1
𝑉𝐻 = − 2 ′ 𝐵𝛽𝑎 − 𝐵𝛽𝑏 + 𝛽𝐿′ 𝐶𝛽𝑏 − 2𝛽𝑎
4𝛽 𝐿
30
Beams on Elastic Foundations
Example

Flexural rigidity of the bar=𝐸𝐼, foundation modulus=k, simply supported

at the end z=0. Uniformly distributed load 𝑤0 / unit length.

Find the maximum bending moment.

31
Beams on Elastic Foundations

First let us find the total displacement and then apply force F on the one
side to lift the corner to the original position.
𝑤0
𝑢 𝑧 =−
𝑘
𝑤
𝐹0 must be just sufficient to produce 𝑢0 = − 0
𝑘
No moment is applied because this is simply supported

Particulars solution does

2𝛽𝐹
𝑢 0 =− 0 not produce bending
𝑘
Displacement due to 𝐹0 : 𝑤0 𝑘 𝑤 ⟹ displacement. So the
𝐹0 = = 0
2𝑘𝛽 2𝛽 bending moment is due to
the end force 𝐹0 32
Beams on Elastic Foundations

From previous example

𝐹0 𝑒 −𝑥/𝑦 𝐹0 𝑤0
= 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.322 = 0.161 2
2𝛽 𝛽 𝛽

𝜋 𝜋𝑙0
It occurs at 𝑧 = =
4𝛽 4

𝑤0 50 × 103
𝐹0 = V 0 = = 𝑁 = 7.0 𝑘𝑁
4𝛽 4 × 1.786
33
Beams on Elastic Foundations
𝑑2𝑢
No bending moment is generated in the beam at 𝑧 = 0. ⟹ =0
𝑑𝑧 2

𝐹0 0.322 × 7
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.322 = = 1.25 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝛽 1.786

It occurs at the top and bottom of the section at 𝑧 = 0.44 𝑚 in

unloaded sections

𝑀y𝑚𝑎𝑥 1.25 × 106 × (110 − 33.7)

σ𝑡𝑜𝑝 = = = 81.5 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐼 1.17 × 106

1.25 × 106 × 33.7

σ𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 =− = −36 𝑀𝑃𝑎
1.17 × 106

34
Beams on Elastic Foundations

Finite beams: All components should be retained.

Flexural rigidity=EI, length L, modulus of foundation k

Find the reaction at supports.

Generally origin is moved to midpoint and symmetry is applied

Solution = particular solution+ homogeneous solution

35
Beams on Elastic Foundations
𝑤
𝑢 𝑧 = − 0 + 𝐶1 cosh 𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐶2 sinh 𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧 +
𝑘
𝐶3 cosh 𝛽𝑧 sin 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐶4 sinh 𝛽𝑧 sin 𝛽𝑧

Solution must satisfy 𝑢 𝑧 = 𝑢(−𝑧) because the condition is symmetric

∴ 𝐶3 = 𝐶4 = 0

𝑤0
𝑢 𝑧 =− + 𝐶1 cosh 𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧 + 𝐶2 sinh 𝛽𝑧 cos 𝛽𝑧
𝑘

𝑑2𝑢 𝐶1 𝑘 𝐶2 𝑘
And M 𝑧 = −𝐸𝐼 2 = sinh 𝛽𝑧 sin 𝛽𝑧 − cosh(𝛽𝑧) cos 𝛽𝑧
𝑑𝑧 2𝛽 2 2𝛽2

𝐿 𝐿
Boundary conditions: 𝑢 − =𝑢 =0
2 2
𝐿 𝐿
𝑀 − =𝑀 =0
2 2

36
Beams on Elastic Foundations
𝑊0
Hence: 𝐶1 cosh 𝛽𝑧/2 cos 𝛽𝑧/2 + 𝐶2 sinh 𝛽𝑧/2 cos 𝛽𝑧/2 =
𝐾
𝐶1 𝐾 𝐶2 𝐾
sinh 𝛽𝑧/2 sin 𝛽𝑧/2 − cosh(𝛽𝑧/2) cos 𝛽𝑧/2 = 0
2𝛽 2 2𝛽2

Solving then:
2𝑤0 cosh 𝛽𝑧/2 cos 𝛽𝑧/2
𝐶1 =
𝑘 cosh 𝛽𝐿 + cos(𝛽𝐿)
2𝑤0 sinh 𝛽𝑧/2 sin 𝛽𝑧/2
𝐶2 =
𝑘 cosh 𝛽𝐿 + cos(𝛽𝐿)

where
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 1
𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ2 ( ) 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 = (cosh 𝑥 + cos 𝑥)
2 2 2 2 2

Bending moment at midpoint (at z=0)

𝛽𝐿 𝛽𝐿
𝐶2 𝑘 𝑤 0 sinh( )sin( )
𝑀 0 =− 2=− 2 2 2
2𝛽 𝛽 [cosh 𝛽𝐿 + cos(𝛽𝐿)]

37
Beams on Elastic Foundations
For the support reaction

𝑑𝑀 𝐶1 𝑘
V 𝑧 = =− cosh βz sin βz + sinh βz cos βz
𝑑𝑧 2𝛽
𝐶2 𝑘
− sinh βz cos βz − cosh βz sin(βz)
2𝛽

Substituting limit 𝛽𝐿 ≪ 1

sinh 𝛽𝐿 , sin(𝛽𝐿) → 𝛽𝐿 𝛽𝐿 𝛽𝐿 𝛽𝐿
⟹ sinh , sin( ) →
cosh 𝛽𝐿 , cos(𝛽𝐿) → 1 2 2 2

𝛽𝐿 2
𝑤0 𝑤0 𝐿2
2 These equations are similar to
𝑀 0 ⟶− 2
=−
2𝛽 8 those for beam without elastic
𝐿 𝑤0 2𝛽𝐿 𝑤0 𝐿 foundation.
V ⟶− =
2 2𝛽 2 2
38
Beams on Elastic Foundations
Example
An aluminum alloy I-beam (depth = 100 mm, 𝐼𝑥 = 2.45 × 106 𝑚𝑚4 , and
𝐸 = 72.0 𝐺𝑃𝑎) has a length 𝐿 = 6.8 𝑚 and is supported by seven identical
springs (𝐾 = 110 𝑁/𝑚𝑚) spaced at distance 𝑙 = 1.10 𝑚 center to center
along the beam. A load 𝑃 = 12.0 𝑘𝑁 is applied at the center of the beam
over one of the springs.
Determine the load carried by each spring, the deflection of the beam
under the load, the maximum bending moment, and the maximum
bending stress in the beam.
Solution
𝐾 110
𝑘= = 3
= 0.100 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚−2
𝑙 1.1 × 10
1/4
𝑘 4 0.100 −1
𝛽= = = 0.000614 𝑚𝑚
4𝐸𝐼 4(72 × 103 )(2.45 × 106 )
3
𝜋 𝜋
𝑙 = 1.1 × 10 < = = 1279 𝑚𝑚
4𝛽 4(0.000614)
′′ 3
3𝜋 3𝜋
𝐿 = 7 1.1 × 10 = 7700 𝑚𝑚 > = = 7675 𝑚𝑚
2𝛽 2(0.000614)
39
Beams on Elastic Foundations

Hence, the limiting conditions on 𝑙 and 𝐿′′ are satisfied. The maximum
deflection and maximum bending moment occur under the load where
𝐴𝛽𝑧 = 𝐶𝛽𝑧 = 1.00

𝐹 12 × 103 (0.000614)
y𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 36.84𝑚𝑚
2𝑘 2(0.10)

𝐹 12 × 103
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 4.886 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚
4𝛽 4(0.000614)

𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝐶
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 99.7𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐼𝑥

The deflection y𝑚𝑎𝑥 occurs at the origin (at the center of the beam under
the load).

40
Beams on Elastic Foundations
Example

A steel I-beam (𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎) has a depth of 102 mm, width of 68 mm,
moment of inertia of 𝐼𝑥 = 2.53 × 106 𝑚𝑚4 , and length of 4 m. It is
attached to a rubber foundation for which 𝑘0 = 0.350 𝑁/𝑚𝑚3 . A
concentrated load 𝑃 = 30.0 𝑘𝑁 is applied at a location 500 mm from one
end of the beam. Determine the maximum deflection, the maximum
flexural stress in the beam, and the location of each.

Solution

The spring coefficient k is equal to the product of the beam width and the
elastic spring constant k, for the foundation

𝑘 = 68 0.350 = 23.8 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2

1/4
𝑘 4 23.8 −1
𝛽= = = 0.001852 𝑚𝑚
4𝐸𝐼 4(200 × 103 )(2.53 × 106 )

41
Beams on Elastic Foundations
3𝜋 3𝜋
Since 𝐿 = 4000 𝑚𝑚 > = = 2540 𝑚𝑚, the beam can be
2𝛽 2(0.001852)
considered to be a long beam.

Since β𝑎 = 0.001852(500) = 0.9260, Table gives

𝐶𝛽𝑎 = −0.0782 and 𝐷𝛽𝑎 = −0.2383
Hence

𝐹𝛽
y= 𝐴 + 2𝐷𝛽𝑧 𝐷𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 + 𝐶𝛽𝑧 𝐶𝛽 𝑎+𝑧
2𝑘 𝛽𝑧
= 1.1672 𝐴𝛽𝑧 + 0.4766𝐷𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 − 0.0782𝐶𝛽 𝑎+𝑧
𝐹
𝑀𝑥 = 𝐶 − 2𝐷𝛽𝑧 𝐵𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 + 𝐶𝛽𝑧 𝐴𝛽 𝑎+𝑧
4𝛽 𝛽𝑧
= 4050000[𝐶𝛽𝑧 − 0.4766𝐵𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 + 0.0782𝐴𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 ]

By trial and error, it is found that the maximum deflection 𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 occurs at
424 mm from the end of the beam, where 𝑧 = −76 𝑚𝑚 [𝛽𝑧 = 0.1408 and
𝛽(𝑎 + 𝑧) = 𝜋/4 = 0.7854]. From Table, 𝐴𝛽𝑧 = 0.9816, 𝐷𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 = 0.3224,
and 𝐶𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 = 0.
42
Beams on Elastic Foundations
Thus

𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 1.1672[0.9816 + 0.4766 0.3224 − 0.0782(0)]

= 1.3251𝑚𝑚

By trial and error, it is found that the maximum bending moment 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 occurs
at 500 mm from the end of the beam [𝛽𝑧 = 0 and 𝛽(𝑎 + 𝑧) = 𝜋/4 = 0.9260].
From Table, 𝐴𝛽𝑧 = 0.5548,𝐵𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 = 0.3165, and𝐶𝛽 𝑎+𝑧 = 1.0000.

𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 4050000[1.0000 − 0.4766 0.3165 + 0.0782(0.5548)]

= 3615000𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚

And therefore

𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝐶 3615000(51)
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 72.9𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐼𝑥 2530000

43