#5 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE

BODIES

FLEX Course Material

Demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of
types of beam and beam
loading
Demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of
shear and moment
equation and diagram SHEAR AND
MOMENT IN
Sir Marvin Bartido

Construct shear and

moment diagram using
graphical/area method.
Locate maximum shear
force and maximum BEAMS
bending moment in the
shear and moment
diagram
Compute the flexural
stresses in beams
Be able to design beam
that is economical using Marvin M. Bartido, RCE
knowledge on flexural
stress

2ND TERM AY 2020-2021

 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Shear and Moment of Beams

Members that are slender and support loadings that are applied
perpendicular to their longitudinal axis are called beams. In general, beams
are long, straight bars having a constant cross-sectional area. Beams are
considered among the most important of all structural elements. They are
used to support the floor of a building, the deck of a bridge, or the wing of
an aircraft. Also, the axle of an automobile, the boom of a crane, even many
of the bones of the body act as beams.
Sir Marvin Bartido

The internal forces give rise to two kinds of stresses on a transverse

section of a beam: (1) bending/flexural stress that is caused by the bending
moment and (2) shear stress due to the shear force. This chapter is
concerned with the variations of the shear force and the bending moment
under various combinations of loads and types of supports. Knowing the
distribution of the shear force and the bending moment in a beam is
essential for the computation of stresses and deformations.

2
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Types of Beams and Beam Loadings

Types of Beams
Beams are classified according to their supports.
Simply supported beam – has a pin support at one end and a roller at the
other end. The pin support prevents displacement of the end of the beam
but not its rotation.
Cantilever beam – built into a rigid support at one end, with the other end
being free. The built-in support prevents displacements as well as rotations
of the end of the beam.
Sir Marvin Bartido

Overhanging beam – supported by a pin and a roller support, with one or

both ends of the beam extending beyond the supports.
These three types of beams are statically determinate because the
support reactions can be found from the equilibrium equations.

Beams in Fig. 4.2 are other types of beams. These beams are over-
supported in the sense that each beam has at least one or more reaction
than is necessary for support. Such beams are statically indeterminate; the
presence of these redundant supports requires the use of additional
equations obtained by considering the deformation of the beam. The
analysis of statically indeterminate beams will be discussed in the succeeding
courses.

3
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Types of Loadings
Concentrated load – is an approximation of a force that acts over a
very small area.
Distributed load – is applied over a finite area. If the load acts on a
very narrow area the load may be approximated by a line load. The
intensity 𝑤 of this loading is expressed as force per unit length
(𝑙𝑏ൗ𝑓𝑡, 𝑁Τ𝑚, etc.) The load distribution may be uniform ot it may vary
with distance along the beam. The weight of the beam is an
example of distributed loading, but its magnitude is usually small
compared to the load applied to the beam.
Sir Marvin Bartido

Applied Couple (Moment) – formed from two forces that are

parallel, equal in magnitude, non-collinear and opposite in
direction.

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 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Shear Moment Equations and Shear Moment

Diagrams
The determination of the internal force system acting at a given section of a
beam is straightforward: We draw a free-body diagram that exposes these forces and
then compute the forces using the equilibrium equations. However, the goal of beam
analysis is more involved – we want to determine the shear force 𝑽 and the bending
moment 𝑴 at every cross section of the beam. To accomplish this task, we must derive
the expressions for 𝑉 and 𝑀 in terms of distance 𝑥 measured along the beam. By
plotting these expressions to scale, we obtain the shear force and bending moment
diagrams for the beam. The shear force and bending moment diagrams are convenient
visual references to the internal forces in a beam; in particular, they identify the
maximum values of 𝑉 and 𝑀.
Sir Marvin Bartido

Sign Conventions
Before presenting a method for determining the shear and moment as
functions of x and later plotting these functions (shear and moment diagrams), it is first
necessary to establish a sign convention so as to define “positive” and “negative” values
for V and M. Although the choice of a sign convention is arbitrary, here we will use the
one often used in engineering practice and shown in Fig. 6–3. The positive directions
are as follows:
• the distributed load acts upward on the beam;
• the internal shear force causes a clockwise rotation of the beam segment on which it
acts; and
• the internal moment tends to bend the beam element concave upward
Loadings that are opposite to these are considered negative.

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 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

The shear and moment diagrams for a beam can be constructed using the
following procedure.

Support Reactions
• Compute the support reactions from the FBD of the entire beam.

Shear and Moment Functions/Equations

• Divide the beam into segments so that the loading within each segment is
continuous. Thus, the end-points of the segments are discontinuities of
loading, including concentrated loads/forces and couples.
In general, the internal shear and moment functions of x
Sir Marvin Bartido

will be discontinuous, or their slope will be

discontinuous, at points where a distributed load changes
or where concentrated forces or couple moments are
applied. Because of this, the shear and moment functions
must be determined for each region of the beam
between any two discontinuities of loading. For example,
coordinates 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 and 𝑥3 will have to be used to describe
the variation of V and M throughout the length of the
beam in Fig. 6–2. These coordinates will be valid only
within the regions from A to B for 𝑥1 , from B to C for 𝑥2 ,
and from C to D for 𝑥3 .

• Section the beam at each distance x, and draw the free-body diagram of
one of the segments. Be sure V and M are shown acting in their positive
sense, in accordance with the sign convention given in Fig. 6–3.
• The shear is obtained by summing forces perpendicular to the beam’s axis.
• To eliminate V, the moment is obtained directly by summing moments
about the sectioned end of the segment.

Shear and Moment Diagrams

Solution 1: Using Shear and Moment Equations
• Plot the shear diagram (V versus x) and the moment diagram (M versus x).
If numerical values of the functions describing V and M are positive, the
values are plotted above the x axis, whereas negative values are plotted
below the axis.
• Generally it is convenient to show the shear and moment diagrams below
the free-body diagram of the beam
Solution 2: Graphical Method

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 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Sir Marvin Bartido

Concentrated Load

Rectangle

Triangle

Parabolic

Cubic

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown in
Fig. (a). Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

Find:
Shear and Moment Equations
Shear and moment equations
There will only be one segment.
Shear and moment diagram A free-body diagram of the left segment of
Sir Marvin Bartido

the beam is shown in Fig. (b). The

distributed loading on this segment, is
represented by its resultant force only after
Solution: the segment is isolated as a free-body
diagram. This force acts through the
centroid of the area comprising the
Support reactions distributed loading, a distance of 𝑥Τ2 from
the right end. Applying the two equations of
equilibrium yields

𝑅𝐿 𝑅𝑅

σ 𝑀𝑅 = 0 ↻ +
𝐿
𝑅𝐿 𝐿 − 𝑤𝐿 =0
2
𝟎≤𝒙≤𝑳
𝑤𝐿2
𝑅𝐿 𝐿 = 2 σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑤𝐿
𝑤𝐿 − 𝑤𝑥 − 𝑉 = 0
2
𝑅𝐿 = 𝑉=
𝑤𝐿
− 𝑤𝑥
2 2
𝐿
𝑉=𝑤 −𝑥
2
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐿 − 𝑤𝐿 + 𝑅𝑅 = 0 𝑤𝐿
𝑥 − 𝑤𝑥
𝑥
−𝑀 =0
2 2
𝑤𝐿 𝑤𝑥
− 𝑤𝐿 + 𝑅𝑅 = 0 𝑀= 2
𝐿−𝑥
2
𝑤𝐿
𝑅𝑅 = 2

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Shear and Moment Diagram 𝟎≤𝒙≤𝑳

The shear and moment diagrams 𝑤𝑥
are obtained by plotting 𝑀= 𝐿−𝑥
2
equations for shear and
moment.
For 𝑥 = 0
𝟎≤𝒙≤𝑳
𝐿 𝑀=0
𝑉=𝑤 −𝑥
2

For 𝑥 = 𝐿Τ2
For 𝑥 = 0
𝑤 𝐿Τ2 𝐿
𝐿 𝑀= 𝐿−2
𝑉=𝑤 −0 2
2
𝑤𝐿 𝑤𝐿 𝐿
𝑉= 𝑀=
2 4 2
𝑤𝐿2
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑀= 8
For 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝐿
𝑉=𝑤 −𝐿
2 For 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝑤𝐿
𝑉=− 𝑤𝐿
2 𝑀= 𝐿−𝐿
2
𝑀=0

For zero shear

𝐿
𝑉=𝑤 −𝑥
2
𝐿
0=𝑤 −𝑥
2
𝐿
𝑥=2

Note: The maximum moment

occurs at the point of zero shear.

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown in
Fig. (a). Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

Find:
Shear and moment equations 1
𝑤𝑥
Shear and moment diagram 2

Solution:
Sir Marvin Bartido

Support reactions

𝑀𝐿
𝟎≤𝒙≤𝑳
𝑅𝐿
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + 𝑤0 𝐿 1
𝑤 𝐿
− 𝑤𝑥 − 𝑉 = 0
2 2
𝑅𝐿 − 20 = 0 𝑤0 𝐿 1 𝑤0 𝑥
𝑤0 𝐿 − 𝑥− 𝑉=0
𝑅𝐿 = 2 2 𝐿
2 𝑤 𝐿 𝑤 𝑥2
𝑉 = 0 − 0
2 2𝐿
σ 𝑀𝐿 = 0 ↻ + 𝑤0 𝑥2
𝑤0 𝐿 2 𝑉 = 𝐿−
𝐿 − 𝑀𝐿 = 0 2 𝐿
2 3
𝑤0 𝐿2
𝑀𝐿 = σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
3
𝑤0 𝐿2 𝑤 𝐿
Shear and Moment Equations − + 0 (𝑥) −
1 𝑤30 𝑥 2 1
A free-body diagram of a beam (𝑥) 𝑥 − 𝑀 = 0
2 𝐿 3
segment of length x is shown in Fig. 𝑤0 𝐿2 𝑤 𝐿𝑥 1 𝑤0 𝑥 3
(c). Note that the intensity of the 𝑀= − + 0 −
triangular load at the section is found 3 2 6 𝐿
by proportion: 𝑤𝑜 𝑥3
𝑤 𝑤 𝑀= −2𝐿2 + 3𝐿𝑥 −
= 𝐿0 6 𝐿
𝑥
𝑤0 𝑥
𝑤= 𝐿

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Shear and Moment Diagram 𝟎≤𝒙≤𝑳

The shear and moment diagrams 𝑤𝑜 2 𝑥3
𝑀= −2𝐿 + 3𝐿𝑥 −
are obtained by plotting 6 𝐿
equations for shear and
moment. For 𝑥 = 0
𝟎≤𝒙≤𝑳 𝑤𝑜 2 (0)3
𝑀= −2𝐿 + 3𝐿(0) − 𝐿
𝑤0 𝑥2 6
𝑉= 𝐿− −𝑤𝑜 𝐿2
2 𝐿 𝑀= 3

For 𝑥 = 0
𝑤0 (0)2
For 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝑉= 𝐿− 𝑤𝑜 (𝐿)3
2 𝐿 𝑀= −2𝐿2 + 3𝐿(𝐿) −
𝑤0 𝐿 6 𝐿
𝑉=
Sir Marvin Bartido

2 𝑤𝑜
𝑀= 0
6
𝑀=0
For 𝑥 = 𝐿
𝑤0 𝐿2
𝑉= 𝐿−
2 𝐿
𝑉=0

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

3. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown in
Fig. (a). Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

Find: Shear and Moment Functions

A free-body diagram of the left segment is
Shear and moment equations shown in Fig. 6–6c. As above, the
trapezoidal loading is replaced by
Shear and moment diagram rectangular and triangular distributions.
Note that the intensity of the triangular
load at the section is found by proportion.
Sir Marvin Bartido

The resultant force and the location of each

Solution: distributed loading are also shown.

Support reactions 1
𝑤𝑥
2
1
(4)(18) 𝑤
2 18 2
=36 =36

2
18 = 12 𝑓𝑡
3

𝑅1 𝑅2
σ 𝑀𝑅1 = 0 ↻ + By proportion:
4 𝑤
=
36 9 + 36 12 − 𝑅2 (18) = 0 18 𝑥
4𝑥
𝑤=
𝑅2 = 42 𝑘𝑖𝑝 18

𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟖
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
1 4𝑥
𝑅1 − 36 − 36 + 𝑅2 = 0 30 − 2𝑥 − 2 18
𝑥−𝑉 =0
𝑥2
𝑅1 − 36 − 36 + 42 = 0 𝑉 = 30 − 2𝑥 − 9
𝑅1 = 30 𝑘𝑖𝑝
σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
𝑥 1 4𝑥 𝑥
30 𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 −𝑀 =0
2 2 18 3
𝑥3
𝑀 = 30𝑥 − 𝑥2 −
27

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Shear and Moment Diagrams 𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟖

The shear and moment diagrams 𝑥3
are obtained by plotting equations 𝑀 = 30𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 27
for shear and moment.
𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟖
𝑥2
For 𝑥 = 0
𝑉 = 30 − 2𝑥 − (0)3
9
𝑀 = 30(0) − (0)2 − 27
For 𝑥 = 0 𝑀=0
(0)2
𝑉 = 30 − 2(0) −
9
𝑉 = 30 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 For 𝑥 = 9.7350
𝑀 = 30(9.7350) −
2 (9.7350)3
For 𝑥 = 18 (9.7350) − 27
(18)2
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑉 = 30 − 2(18) − 𝑀 = 163.11 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑓𝑡

9
𝑉 = −42 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
For 𝑥 = 18
(18)3
𝑀 = 30(18) − (18)2 − 27
𝑀=0

For zero shear:

𝑥2
0 = 30 − 2𝑥 −
9
𝑥 = 9.7350; 𝑥 = −27.735
𝑥 = 9.7350

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

4. Establish the shear and moment equations for each segment of the
beam shown. Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

Shear and moment equations

Find:
Shear and moment equations
Sir Marvin Bartido

Shear and moment diagram

Solution:
Support reactions
𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 < 𝑳Τ𝟐
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑃Τ − 𝑉 = 0
2
𝑉 = 𝑃Τ2

σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
𝑃Τ 𝑥 − 𝑀 = 0
2
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + 𝑃𝑥
𝑀=
2
𝑅𝐴 𝐿 − 𝑃 𝐿Τ2 = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑃Τ2

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 𝑃 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑃Τ − 𝑃 + 𝑅 = 0
2 𝐵
𝑅𝐵 = 𝑃Τ2

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝑳Τ <𝒙≤𝑳
𝟐
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑃Τ − 𝑃 − 𝑉 = 0
2
𝑉 = − 𝑃Τ2

σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
𝑃Τ 𝑥 − 𝑃 𝑥 − 𝐿Τ − 𝑀 = 0
2 2
𝑃𝑥 𝑃𝐿
𝑀= − 𝑃𝑥 +
2 2
𝑃𝑥 𝑃𝐿
𝑀=− +
2 2
𝑃
𝑀= −𝑥 + 𝐿
2
Sir Marvin Bartido

Shear and Moment Diagrams 𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 < 𝑳Τ𝟐

The shear and moment diagrams 𝑷𝒙
𝑴= 𝟐
are obtained by plotting equations
for shear and moment.
For 𝑥 = 0
𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 < 𝑳Τ𝟐 𝑃(0)
𝑀= 2
𝑽 = 𝑷Τ𝟐
𝑀=0

For 𝑥 = 0 For 𝑥 = 𝐿Τ2

𝑉 = 𝑃Τ2 ↑ (constant) 𝑃(𝐿Τ2)
𝑀= 2
𝑃𝐿
𝑀=
For 𝑥 = 𝐿Τ2 4

𝑉 = 𝑃Τ2 (constant) 𝑳Τ<𝒙≤𝑳

𝟐
𝑷
𝑴 = 𝟐 −𝒙 + 𝑳
𝑳Τ <𝒙≤𝑳
𝟐
𝑽 = − 𝑷Τ𝟐 For 𝑥 = 𝐿Τ2
𝑃 𝐿
𝑀 = 2 −2 + 𝐿
For 𝑥 = 𝐿Τ2 𝑃𝐿
𝑀=
𝑉 = − 𝑃Τ2 (constant) 4

For 𝑥 = 𝐿
For 𝑥 = 𝐿 𝑃
𝑀 = 2 −𝐿 + 𝐿
𝑉 = − 𝑃Τ2 (constant) 𝑀=0

15
 Sir Marvin Bartido

16
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

5. Establish the shear and moment equations for each segment of the
beam shown. Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

Find: Shear and moment equations

Shear and moment equations
Sir Marvin Bartido

Shear and moment diagram

Solution:
Support reactions

𝟎≤𝒙<𝟑
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
−6.6667 − 𝑉 = 0
𝑉 = −6.6667 𝑁

σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + −6.6667 𝑥 − 𝑀 = 0
𝑀 = −6.6667𝑥
−𝑅𝐴 6 + 40 = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 6.6667 𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
−𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 6.6667 𝑁

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝟎≤𝒙<𝟑
𝟑<𝒙≤𝟔 𝑴 = −𝟔. 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟕𝒙

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + For 𝑥 = 0
−6.6667 − 𝑉 = 0 𝑀 = −6.6667(0)
𝑀=0
𝑉 = −6.6667 𝑁
For 𝑥 = 3
σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ + 𝑀 = −6.6667(3)
𝑀 = −20 𝑁 − 𝑚
−6.6667 𝑥 + 40 − 𝑀 = 0
𝑀 = −6.66667𝑥 + 40 𝟑<𝒙≤𝟔
𝑴 = −𝟔. 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟕𝒙 + 𝟒𝟎

Shear and Moment Diagrams For 𝑥 = 3

𝑀 = −6.66667(3) + 40
The shear and moment diagrams
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑀 = 20 𝑁 − 𝑚
are obtained by plotting
equations for shear and For 𝑥 = 6
moment. 𝑀 = −6.66667(6) + 40
𝟎≤𝒙<𝟑 𝑀=0

𝑽 = −𝟔. 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟕 𝑵 (constant for

0 ≤ 𝑥 < 3)

𝟑<𝒙≤𝟔
𝑽 = −𝟔. 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟕 𝑵 (constant for
3 < 𝑥 ≤ 6)

18
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

6. Establish the shear and moment equations for each segment of the
beam shown. Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

Find: Shear and moment equations

Shear and moment equations
Sir Marvin Bartido

Shear and moment diagram

Solution:
Support reactions

𝟎≤𝒙<𝟒
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
30.1 − 8(𝑥) − 𝑉 = 0
𝑉 = 30.1 − 8𝑥

σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + 𝑥
30.1 𝑥 − 8(𝑥) −𝑀 =0
𝑅𝐴 10 − 8 4 2 + 3 + 3 − 2
𝑀 = 30.1𝑥 − 4𝑥 2
15(3) = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 30.1 𝑘𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 8(4)−15 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
30.1 − 8(4)−15 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 16.9 𝑘𝑁

19
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝟒<𝒙<𝟕 𝟎≤𝒙<𝟒
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + 𝑉 = 30.1 − 8𝑥
30.1 − 8 4 − 𝑉 = 0
For 𝑥 = 0
𝑉 = −1.9 𝑘𝑁 𝑉 = 30.1 − 8(0)
𝑉 = 30.1 𝑘𝑁
σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
30.1(𝑥) − 8 4 (𝑥 − 2) − 𝑀 = 0 For 𝑥 = 4
𝑀 = 30.1𝑥 − 32𝑥 + 64 𝑉 = 30.1 − 8(4)
𝑀 = −1.9𝑥 + 64 𝑉 = −1.9 𝑘𝑁

For zero shear:

0 = 30.1 − 8𝑥
𝑥 = 3.7625
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝟒<𝒙<𝟕
𝑉 = −1.9 𝑘𝑁 (constant for 4 <
𝑥 < 7)

𝟕 < 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟎 𝟕 < 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟎
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + 𝑉 = −16.9 𝑘𝑁 (constant for 7 <
𝑥 ≤ 10)
30.1 − 8 4 − 15 − 𝑉 = 0
𝑉 = −16.9 𝑘𝑁

σ𝑀 = 0 ↻ +
30.1 𝑥 − 8 4 𝑥 − 2 −
15 𝑥 − 7 − 𝑀 = 0
𝑀 = 30.1𝑥 − 32𝑥 + 64 −
15𝑥 + 105
𝑀 = −16.9𝑥 + 169

Shear and Moment Diagrams

The shear and moment diagrams
are obtained by plotting
equations for shear and
moment.

20
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝟎≤𝒙<𝟒
𝑀 = 30.1𝑥 − 4𝑥 2

For 𝑥 = 0
𝑀 = 30.1(0) − 4(0)2
𝑀=0

For 𝑥 = 3.7625
𝑀 = 30.1(3.7625) − 4(3.7625)2
𝑀 = 56.626 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

For 𝑥 = 4
𝑀 = 30.1(4) − 4(4)2
𝑀 = 56.4 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝟒<𝒙<𝟕
𝑀 = −1.9𝑥 + 64

For 𝑥 = 4
𝑀 = −1.9(4) + 64
𝑀 = 56.4 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

For 𝑥 = 7
𝑀 = −1.9(7) + 64
𝑀 = 50.7 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

𝟕 < 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟎
𝑀 = −16.9𝑥 + 169

For 𝑥 = 7
𝑀 = −16.9(7) + 169
𝑀 = 50.7 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

For 𝑥 = 10
𝑀 = −16.9(10) + 169
𝑀=0

21
 ASSESSMENT TASK

Assessment Task No. 5.1

Write the problem and the given illustrations. Show your complete
solution and box your final answer.

1. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown.
Draw also the shear and moment diagram.
Sir Marvin Bartido

2. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown.
Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

3. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown.
Draw also the shear and moment diagram.

22
 ASSESSMENT TASK

4. Establish the shear and moment equations for the beam shown.
Draw also the shear and moment diagram.
Sir Marvin Bartido

23
 REFERENCES

Mechanics of Materials by R.C. Hibbeler (Eighth Edition)

Mechanics of Materials by Andrew Pytel (Second Edition)
Sir Marvin Bartido

24
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Solution 2: Graphical Method for

Constructing Shear and Moment Diagram
In cases where a beam is subjected to several different loadings, determining V
and M as functions of x and then plotting these equations can become quite tedious. In
this section a simpler method for constructing the shear and moment diagrams is
discussed—a method based on two differential relations, one that exists between
distributed load and shear, and the other between shear and moment.
𝑑𝑉
= 𝑤(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
Slope of shear diagram at each point = distributed load intensity at each point
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑑𝑀
=𝑉
𝑑𝑥
Slope of moment diagram at each point = shear at each point

From Sample Problem No. 6 in discussion 5.1:

𝟎≤𝒙<𝟒
𝑉 = 30.1 − 8𝑥
𝑑𝑉
= −8 = 𝑤(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

𝑀 = 30.1𝑥 − 4𝑥 2
𝑑𝑀
= 30.1 − 8𝑥 = 𝑉
𝑑𝑥
The shear and moment equation at
each segment are: 𝑑𝑉
= 𝑤(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝟎≤𝒙<𝟒 ‫𝑥𝑑 𝑥 𝑤 ׬ = 𝑉𝑑 ׬‬
𝑉 = 30.1 − 8𝑥 𝑉 = ‫𝑥𝑑 𝑥 𝑤 ׬‬
𝑀 = 30.1𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 Shear (change in shear) = area
under distributed loading
𝟒<𝒙<𝟕
𝑉 = −1.9 𝑘𝑁 𝑑𝑀
=𝑉
𝑀 = −1.9𝑥 + 64 𝑑𝑥
‫𝑥𝑑 𝑉 ׬ = 𝑀𝑑 ׬‬
𝟕 < 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟎 𝑀 = ‫𝑥𝑑 𝑉 ׬‬
𝑉 = −16.9 𝑘𝑁 Moment (change in moment) =
𝑀 = −16.9𝑥 + 169 25 area under shear diagram
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Procedure for Graphical Method (Area Method) for Constructing Shear and Moment
Diagram
• Compute the support reactions from the FBD of the entire beam.
• Draw the load diagram of the beam (which is essentially a FBD) showing the values of
the loads, including the support reactions. Use the sign conventions to determine the
correct sign of each load.
• Working from left to right, construct the 𝑉- and 𝑀-diagrams for each segment of the
beam by solving the area under distributed loading for shear and the area under
shear diagram for moment.
• When you reach the right end of the beam, check to see whether the computed
values of 𝑉 and 𝑀 are consistent with the end conditions. If they are not, you have
made an error in the computations.
Sir Marvin Bartido

At first glance, using the area method may appear to be more cumbersome
than plotting the shear and moment equations. However, with practice you will find
that area method is not only much faster but also less susceptible to numerical errors
because of the self checking nature of the computations.

Sign Convention:
Loadings Positive Negative

Concentrated Load/Force
↑ ↓
Distributed Load Upward Downward

Couple/Moment
↻ ↺
Positive Negative

Shear Area above x-axis Area below x-axis

Moment Area above x-axis Area below x-axis

26
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Sir Marvin Bartido

Concentrated Load

Rectangle

Triangle

Parabolic

Cubic

27
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

1 ℎ 𝑦
𝑏ℎ =
2 𝑏 𝑥

1
𝑏ℎ
3 ℎ 𝑦
Sir Marvin Bartido

=
𝑏2 𝑥2

1
𝑏ℎ
𝑛+1

28
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

Find: For shear:

Shear and moment diagram At 𝑥 = 0

Maximum shear force 𝑉 = 𝑅𝐴
Maximum bending moment 𝑉 = 30.1 𝑘𝑁
Sir Marvin Bartido

At 𝑥 = 4
Solution: 𝑉 = 30.1 −
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
Support reactions 𝑉 = 30.1 − 8(4)
𝑉 = −1.9 𝑘𝑁

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑉 = −1.9 − 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑉 = −1.9 − 15
𝑉 = −16.9 𝑘𝑁

At 𝑥 = 10
𝑉 = −16.9 𝑘𝑁 (𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘)
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐴 10 − 32 2 + 3 + 3 −
15(3) = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 30.1 𝑘𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 32−15 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
30.1 − 32−15 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 16.9 𝑘𝑁

29
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

At 𝑥 = 10
𝑀 = 50.700 − 𝐴4
𝑀 = 50.700 − 16.9(3)
𝑀=0
Sir Marvin Bartido

Solving for x
By proportion:
30.1 1.9
= 4−𝑥
𝑥
𝑥 = 3.7625
4 − 𝑥 = 0.2375

For moment:

At 𝑥 = 0
𝑀=0

At 𝑥 = 3.7625
𝑀 = 𝐴1
1
𝑀 = 2 30.1 3.7625
𝑀 = 56.626 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
From the shear diagram, the
At 𝑥 = 4 maximum shear is:
𝑀 = 56.626 − 𝐴2
1 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 30.1 𝑘𝑁
𝑀 = 56.626 − 2 1.9 0.2375
𝑀 = 56.400 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
From the moment diagram, the
At 𝑥 = 7 maximum bending moment is:
𝑀 = 56.400 − 𝐴3
𝑀 = 56.400 − 1.9(3) 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 56.626 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑀 = 50.700 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

30
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

Find: For shear:

Sir Marvin Bartido

Shear and moment diagram

Maximum shear force At 𝑥 = 0
Maximum bending moment 𝑉 = 𝑅𝐴
𝑉 = 113.41 𝑘𝑁
Solution:
Support reactions At 𝑥 = 4
𝑉 = 113.41 − 15(4)
𝑉 = 53.41 𝑘𝑁

𝑉 = 53.41 − 20
𝑉 = 33.41 𝑘𝑁

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑉 = 33.41 − 15(3)
𝑉 = −11.59 𝑘𝑁
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐴 11 − 20 7 − 165(5.5) − 𝑉 = −11.59 − 50
50(4) = 0
𝑉 = −61.59 𝑘𝑁
𝑅𝐴 = 113.41 𝑘𝑁
At 𝑥 = 11
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + 𝑉 = −61.59 − 15(4)
𝑅𝐴 − 20−165 − 50 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0 𝑉 = −121.59 𝑘𝑁 (𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘)
113.41 − 20−165 − 50 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 121.59 𝑘𝑁

31
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

At 𝑥 = 6.2273
𝑀 = 333.64 + 𝐴3
1
𝑀 = 333.64 + 2 33.41 2.2273
𝑀 = 370.85 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑀 = 370.85 − 𝐴4
1
𝑀 = 370.85 − 2 (11.59)(0.77267)
𝑀 = 366.37 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

At 𝑥 = 11
𝑀 = 366.37 − 𝐴5 − 𝐴6
𝑀
1
= 366.37 − 61.59(4) −
(121.59 − 61.59)(4)
2
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑀=0

Solving for x
By proportion:
33.41 11.59
=
𝑥 3−𝑥
𝑥 = 2.2273
3 − 𝑥 = 0.77267

For moment:

At 𝑥 = 0
𝑀=0 From the shear diagram, the
maximum shear is:
At 𝑥 = 4
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −121.59 𝑘𝑁
𝑀 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴2
𝑀=
1
113.41 − 53.41 4 + 53.41(4) From the moment diagram, the
2 maximum bending moment is:
𝑀 = 333.64 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 370.85 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

32
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

3. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

For shear:
Find:
Shear and moment diagram At 𝑥 = 0
Sir Marvin Bartido

Maximum shear force 𝑉=0

Maximum bending moment
At 𝑥 = 2
Solution: 𝑉 = −100(2)
𝑉 = −200 𝑙𝑏
Support reactions
𝑉 = −200 + 𝑅𝐴
𝑉 = −200 + 300
𝑉 = 100 𝑙𝑏

At 𝑥 = 6
𝑉 = 100 − 100(4)
𝑉 = −300 𝑙𝑏

At 𝑥 = 8
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + 𝑉 = −300 𝑙𝑏 (𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘)
𝑅𝐴 6 − 600 3 + 1 + 1 +
1200 = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 300 𝑙𝑏

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 600+𝑅𝐵 = 0
300 − 600+𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 300 𝑙𝑏

33
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑀 = −600 − 𝐴4
𝑀 = −600 − 300(1)
𝑀 = −900 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡

𝑀 = −900 + 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑙𝑒

𝑀 = −900 + 1200
𝑀 = 300 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡

At 𝑥 = 8
𝑀 = 300 − 𝐴5
𝑀 = 300 − 300(1)
Solving for x 𝑀=0
By proportion:
100 300
Sir Marvin Bartido

=
𝑥 4−𝑥
𝑥=1
4−𝑥 =3

For moment:

At 𝑥 = 0
𝑀=0

At 𝑥 = 2
𝑀 = −𝐴1
1
𝑀 = − 2 200 2
𝑀 = −200 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡

At 𝑥 = 3
𝑀 = −200 + 𝐴2
1
𝑀 = −200 + 2 (100)(1)
From the shear diagram, the
𝑀 = −150 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡 maximum shear is:
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −300 𝑙𝑏
At 𝑥 = 6
𝑀 = −150 − 𝐴3 From the moment diagram, the
1
𝑀 = −150 − 2 (300)(3) maximum bending moment is:
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −900 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡
𝑀 = −600 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡

34
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

4. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

Find: For shear:

Shear and moment diagram At 𝑥 = 0

Sir Marvin Bartido

Maximum shear force 𝑉 = 𝑅𝐴

Maximum bending moment 𝑉 = 8.5714 𝑘𝑖𝑝

At 𝑥 = 3
Solution: 1
𝑉 = 8.5714 − 2 (10)(3)
Support reactions 𝑉 = −6.4286 𝑘𝑖𝑝

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑉 = −6.4286 𝑘𝑖𝑝

𝑉 = −6.4286 + 21.429
𝑉 = 15 𝑘𝑖𝑝

σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + At 𝑥 = 9
2 𝑉 = 15 𝑘𝑖𝑝 (𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘)
𝑅𝐴 7 − 15 3 +4 +
3
15(2) = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 8.5714 𝑘𝑖𝑝

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 15 + 𝑅𝐵 − 15 = 0
8.5714 − 15 + 𝑅𝐵 − 15 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 21.429 𝑘𝑖𝑝

35
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

At 𝑥 = 3
𝑀 = 4.1314 − 𝐴2
𝑀 = 4.1314 − ቂ6.4286 1.9640 −
1
(6.4286)(1.9640)ቃ
3
𝑀 = −4. 2859 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑓𝑡

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑀 = −4.2859 − 𝐴3
𝑀 = −4.2859 − 6.4286(4)
𝑀 = −30 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑓𝑡

At 𝑥 = 9
𝑀 = −30 + 𝐴4
Solving for x 𝑀 = −30 + 15(2)
By proportion: 𝑀=0
15 6.4286
=
Sir Marvin Bartido

32 𝑥2
𝑥 = 1.9640

For moment:

At 𝑥 = 0
𝑀=0

From the shear diagram, the maximum

shear is:
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 15 𝑘𝑖𝑝
At 𝑥 = 1.0360
𝑀 = 𝐴1
1 From the moment diagram, the maximum
𝑀 = ቂ3 15 3 − 1.0360 6.4286 − bending moment is:
1
(6.4286)(1.9640)ቃ 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −30 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑓𝑡
3
𝑀 = 4.1314 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑓𝑡

36
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

5. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

Find:
Shear and moment diagram For shear:
Maximum shear force
At 𝑥 = 0
Sir Marvin Bartido

Maximum bending moment 𝑉 = 𝑅𝐴

𝑉 = 33.933 𝑘𝑁
Solution:
At 𝑥 = 4
Support reactions 1
𝑉 = 33.933 − 6 4 − 2 (14 − 6)(4)
𝑉 = −6.067 𝑘𝑁

At 𝑥 = 7
𝑉 = −6.067 𝑘𝑁

𝑉 = −6.067 − 10
𝑉 = −16.067 𝑘𝑁

σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ + At 𝑥 = 10
𝑉 = −16.067 𝑘𝑁 (𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘)
𝑅𝐴 10 − 24 2 + 3 + 3 −
1
16 4 + 3 + 3 − 10(3) = 0
3
𝑅𝐴 = 33.933 𝑘𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 24 − 16 − 10 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
33.933 − 24 − 16 − 10 + 𝑅𝐵 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 16.067 𝑘𝑁

37
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

From the proportionality of parabolic

spandrel
42.933 9
= 32
(3+𝑥)2
𝑥 = 3.5523

Locating the vertex of the parabolic

spandrel
Sir Marvin Bartido

From proportionality of triangle

14 6
=
𝑥+4 𝑥
𝑥=3
Solving for 𝐴1
𝐴1 = 𝑎1 − 𝑎5 − 𝑎3
Where 𝑎3 = 𝑎2 − 𝑎4
𝐴
11
= 42.933(6.5523) −
(42.933)(6.5523) − ቂ42.933 3 −
3
1
(9)(3)ቃ
3
𝐴1 = 67.741
From the proportionality of
parabolic spandrel Solving for 𝐴2
𝑦+33.933+6.067 𝑦
2 = 2 𝐴2 = 𝑎7 − 𝑎5 − 𝑎6
7 3 1 1
𝑦=9 𝐴2 = 49 7 − 42.933 6.5523 −
3 3
42.933(0.4477)
𝐴2 = 1.3423

38
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

For moment:
From the shear diagram, the
maximum shear is:
At 𝑥 = 0
𝑀=0 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 33.933 𝑘𝑁

At 𝑥 = 3.5523 From the moment diagram, the

𝑀 = 𝐴1 maximum bending moment is:
𝑀 = 67.741 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 67.741 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
At 𝑥 = 4
𝑀 = 67.741 − 𝐴2
𝑀 = 67.741 − 1.3423
𝑀 = 66.399 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

At 𝑥 = 7
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑀 = 66.399 − 𝐴3
𝑀 = 66.399 − 6.067(3)
𝑀 = 48.198 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

At 𝑥 = 10
𝑀 = 48.198 − 𝐴4
𝑀 = 48.198 − 16.067(3)
𝑀=0

39
 ASSESSMENT TASK

Assessment Task No. 5.2

Write the problem and the given illustrations. Show your complete
solution and box your final answer.
For all problems: USE GRAPHICAL/AREA METHOD ONLY
1. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.
Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.
Sir Marvin Bartido

2. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

3. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

40
 ASSESSMENT TASK

4. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.
Sir Marvin Bartido

5. Draw the shear and moment diagram of the beam shown.

Determine also the maximum shear force and maximum bending
moment in the beam.

41
 REFERENCES

Mechanics of Materials by R.C. Hibbeler (Eighth Edition)

Mechanics of Materials by Andrew Pytel (Second Edition)
Sir Marvin Bartido

42
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Bending Stress in Beams

In the previous discussions, we considered stresses in bars caused by axial
loading and torsion. Here, we introduce the third fundamental loading: bending.
The stresses caused by the bending moment are known as bending stresses or
flexural stresses. The relationship between these stresses and the bending moment is
called the flexure formula.
In deriving the flexure formula, we make the following assumptions:
• The plane sections of the beam remail plane (do not warp) and perpendicular to the
deformed axis of the beam.
• The axis (neutral axis) of the beam bends but does not stretch.
Sir Marvin Bartido

• Changes in the cross-sectional dimensions of the beam are negligible.

• The material of the beam is homogeneous.

undeformed beam deformed beam

43
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Important points:
• The cross section of a straight beam remains plane when the beam deforms due to
bending. This causes tensile stress on one portion of the cross section and compressive
stress on the other portion. In between these portions, there exists the neutral axis
which is subjected to zero stress.
• Due to the deformation, the strain varies linearly from zero at the neutral axis to a
maximum at the outer fibers of the beam. Provided the material is homogeneous and
linear elastic, then the stress also varies in a linear fashion over the cross section.
• The neutral axis passes through the centroid of the cross-sectional area.

Flexural Formula:
𝑀𝑦
𝑓𝑏 =
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝐼
where 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
𝑓𝑏 = flexural stress
𝑀 = internal bending moment
𝑦 = the perpendicular distance from the neutral axis to the point of analysis
𝐼 = moment of inertia of the cross-sectional area about the neutral axis

Maximum Flexural Stress:

𝑀𝑐 𝐼 𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = where 𝑆 = 𝑐
𝐼
𝑀
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑓𝑏
𝑆
𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
where
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = maximum flexural stress
𝑀 = internal bending moment
𝑐 = the perpendicular distance from the neutral axis to a point farthest away from the
neutral axis.
𝐼 = moment of inertia of the cross-sectional area about the neutral axis
𝑆 = section modulus

44
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Moment of Inertia of Common Geometric Figures

𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏 3 𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏 3
12 12 3 3
Sir Marvin Bartido

𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏 3 𝑏ℎ3 ℎ𝑏 3
36 36 12 12

𝜋𝑟 4 𝜋𝑟 4
4 4

45
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Section Modulus of Common Cross Sections

Sir Marvin Bartido

46
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Typical Cross-Sections of Beams

Concrete
Sir Marvin Bartido

Steel

47
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Maximum Bending/Flexural Stress

▪ Symmetric Cross Section
If the neutral axis is an axis of symmetry of the cross section, the maximum tensile and
compressive bending stresses in the beam are equal in magnitude and occur at the section of the
largest bending moment. The following procedure is recommended for determining the maximum
bending stress in a prismatic (constant cross section) beam:
• Draw the bending moment diagram and identify the maximum bending moment 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 that has the
largest magnitude (disregard the sign).
• Compute the moment of inertia 𝐼 of the cross-sectional area about the neutral axis (centroidal axis).
𝑀𝑐
• Calculate the maximum bending stress from 𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = , where 𝑐 is the distance from the neutral
𝐼
axis to the top or bottom of the cross section.
Sir Marvin Bartido

▪ Unsymmetrical Cross Section

If the neutral axis is not an axis of symmetry of the cross section, the maximum tensile and
compressive bending stresses may occur at different sections. The recommended procedure for
computing these stresses in a prismatic beam follows:
• Draw the bending moment diagram and identify the largest positive and negative bending moments.
• Determine the location of the neutral axis and record the distances 𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑝 and 𝑐𝑏𝑜𝑡 from the neutral
axis to the top and bottom of the cross section.
• Compute the moment of inertia 𝐼 of the cross section about the neutral axis.
• Calculate the bending stresses at the top and bottom of the cross section where the largest positive
bending moment occurs from:
𝑀𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑀𝑐𝑏𝑜𝑡
𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 𝐼
𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 𝐼
Repeat the calculations for the cross section that carries the largest negative bending
moment.
• Inspect the four stresses computed and determine the largest tensile (positive) and compressive
(negative) bending stresses in the beam.

48
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. The simply supported beam in the figure has a rectangular cross

section 120 mm wide and 200 mm high. (a) Compute the maximum
bending stress in the beam. (b) Sketch the bending stress distribution
over the cross section on which the maximum bending stress occurs.
(c) compute the bending stress at a point on section B that is 25 mm
below the top of the beam.

Shear and Moment Diagrams

Find:
(a) Maximum bending stress
Sir Marvin Bartido

(b) Sketch of the bending stress

distribution where the maximum
bending occurs
(c) Bending stress at a point on
section B that is 25 mm below the
top of the beam.

Solution:
(a) Maximum bending stress
Symmetric cross section
Determine the maximum bending
moment first.
Support reactions
σ 𝑀𝐸 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐴 3 − 6(3) 1.5 − 15(1) = 0 Maximum Bending Moment
From the moment diagram:
𝑅𝐴 = 14 𝑘𝑁
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 16 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 16 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 6(3) − 15 + 𝑅𝐸 = 0 Moment of Inertia
For rectangles:
14 − 6(3) − 15 + 𝑅𝐸 = 0 𝑏ℎ3
𝐼=
𝑅𝐸 = 19 𝑘𝑁 12
120(200)3
𝐼= 12
𝐼= 80 106 𝑚𝑚4

49
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐼
16 106 𝑁−𝑚𝑚 (100 𝑚𝑚)
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 80 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 20 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑝

𝑐𝑏𝑜𝑡

𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 𝑐𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 100 𝑚𝑚

(b) Sketch of the bending stress

distribution where the maximum
bending occurs
Sir Marvin Bartido

Since the maximum bending moment

is positive, therefore the top will be From the moment diagram:
in compression and the bottom will
be in tension. The bending moment at section
B is
𝑀𝐵 = 9.28 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑀𝐵 = 9.28 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚

(c) Bending stress at a point on

section B that is 25 mm below the
top of the beam. 𝑀𝑦
𝑓𝑏 =
Section B is at 0.8 m from point A. 𝐼
9.28 106 𝑁−𝑚𝑚 (75 𝑚𝑚)
Determine the bending moment at 𝑓𝑏 = 80 106 𝑚𝑚4
section B.
𝑓𝑏 = 8.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎 (𝐶)

50
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. The simply supported beam in the figure has a t-shaped cross

section shown. Determine the values and locations of the maximum
tensile and compressive bending stresses.

Find: Shear and Moment Diagram

Values and locations of the
maximum tensile and compressive
bending stresses
Sir Marvin Bartido

Solution:
Unsymmetric cross section
Determine the largest positive and
negative bending moment first.
Support reactions
σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐴 10 − 400 10 5 +
1000(4) = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 1600 𝑙𝑏

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 − 400(10) +𝑅𝐵 −1000 = 0
1600 − 400(10) +𝑅𝐵 −1000 = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 3400 𝑙𝑏
From the moment diagram:
The largest positive moment is at x = 4ft
𝑀 = 3200 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡

The largest negative moment is at x = 10ft

𝑀 = 4000 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡

51
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Location of the neutral axis Bending stresses

(centroidal axis)
For the largest positive bending
moment at x=4ft:
𝑀 = 3200 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡
𝑀 = 38400 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑖𝑛

𝐴𝑦ത = Σ𝑎𝑦
𝐴𝑦ത = 𝑎1 𝑦1 + 𝑎2 𝑦2
0.8 8 + 6(0.8) 𝑦ത =
0.8 8 4 + 6(0.8)(8.4) 𝑀𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑝
𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 =
𝑦ത = 5.886 𝑖𝑛 𝐼
Sir Marvin Bartido

38400 𝑙𝑏−𝑖𝑛 (2.914 𝑖𝑛)

𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 87.491 𝑖𝑛4
𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 1278.96 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (𝐶)

𝑀𝑐𝑏𝑜𝑡
𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 𝐼
38400 𝑙𝑏−𝑖𝑛 (5.886 𝑖𝑛)
Moment of Inertia 𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 87.491 𝑖𝑛4
Solve the moment of inertia with 𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 2583.38 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (𝑇)
respect to the neutral axis
𝐼𝑁.𝐴. = Σ(𝐼ഥ𝑥 + 𝐴𝑑 2 ) For the largest negative bending
0.8(8)3 moment at x=10ft:
𝐼𝑁.𝐴. = ቂ +
12
𝑀 = 4000 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡
0.8(8)(5.886 − 4)2 ቃ +
6(0.8)3 𝑀 = 48000 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑖𝑛
+ 6(0.8)(2.914 − 0.4)2
12
𝐼𝑁.𝐴. = 87.491 𝑖𝑛4

52
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝑀𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑝
𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 𝐼
48000 𝑙𝑏−𝑖𝑛 (2.914 𝑖𝑛)
𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 87.491 𝑖𝑛4
𝑓𝑏𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 1598.70 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (𝑇)

𝑀𝑐𝑏𝑜𝑡
𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 𝐼
48000 𝑙𝑏−𝑖𝑛 (5.886 𝑖𝑛)
𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 87.491 𝑖𝑛4
𝑓𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑡 = 3229.22 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (𝐶)

Inspecting the four stresses

The largest tensile stress in the
Sir Marvin Bartido

beam is
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2583.38 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (𝑇)
Location: at x = 4ft

The largest compressive stress in

the beam is
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3229.22 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (𝐶)
Location: at x = 10ft

53
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Economic Sections
The portions of a beam located near the neutral surface are understressed compared with
those at the top or bottom. Therefore, beams with certain cross-sectional shapes (including rectangle
and a circle) utilize the material inefficiently because much of the cross section contributes little to
resisting the bending moment.
Sir Marvin Bartido

Consider, for example, a beam with the rectangular cross section shown in Fig. 5.5(a). The
section modulus of the beam is
𝑏ℎ2
𝑆= 6
2(6)2
𝑆= 6
𝑆 = 12 𝑖𝑛3
If the working stress is 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 18 𝑘𝑠𝑖, the maximum safe bending moment for the beam is
𝑀
𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝑆
𝑀
18 𝑘𝑠𝑖 = 12 𝑖𝑛3
𝑀 = 216 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑖𝑛

In Fig. 5.5(b), we have rearranged the area of the cross section but kept the same overall
depth. It can be shown that the section modulus increased to
𝐼
𝑆=𝑐
6(1)3
12
+6 1 3−0.5 2 (2)
𝑆= 3
𝑆 = 25.333 𝑖𝑛3
Thus the new maximum allowable moment is
𝑀
18 𝑘𝑠𝑖 =
25.333 𝑖𝑛 3
𝑀 = 456 𝑘𝑖𝑝 − 𝑖𝑛
which is more than twice the allowable moment for the rectangular section of the same area.
This increase in moment-carrying capacity is caused by more cross-sectional area being
located at a greater distance from the neutral axis. However the section in Fig. 5.5(b) is not practical
because its two parts, called the flanges, are disconnected and thus would not act as an integral unit. It
is necessary to use some of the area to attach the flanges to each other, as in Fig. 5.5(c). The vertical
connecting piece is known as the web of the beam. As you will learn later in the discussion, the web
functions as the main shear-carrying component of the beam.

54
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Standard Structural Shapes

Wide-Flange S-Shape Channel

(W-shape)
Sir Marvin Bartido

Angle Bar Rectangular Tube

55
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Sir Marvin Bartido

Note: You can refer to the Appendix of Mechanics of Materials by Pytel and
Kiusalaas for the tables of properties of W- and S-shapes.
The properties of some W-shapes are given in Table B-2 (SI Units) and
B-6 (U.S. Customary Units).
In SI units, a beam of such type is specified by stating its depth in
millimeters and its mass per unit length in kilogram per meter. For example:
W760 x 314
For this wide flange beam, 760 indicates that the nominal depth of
the beam is 760 mm and the mass per unit length is 314 kg/m. Table B-2
indicates that the actual depth of this beam is 785 mm.
In U.S. customary units, a structural section is specified by stating its
depth in inches followed by its weight in pounds per linear foot. For example:
W36 x 302
It is a wide-flange beam with a nominal depth of 36 in. that weighs
302 lb/ft. The actual depth is 37.3 in.
Referring to the tables, you will see that in addition to listing the
dimensions, tables of structural shapes give properties of the cross-sectional
area, such as moment of inertia (𝐼), section modulus (𝑆), and radius of
gyration for each principal axis of the area.
When a structural section is selected to be used as a beam, the
section modulus must be equal to or greater than the section modulus
determined by the flexural equation; that is,
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 ≥
𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤
This equation indicates that the section modulus of the selected beam
must be equal to or greater than the ratio of the bending moment to the
working/allowable stress.

56
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Procedure for Selecting Standard Shapes

A design engineer is often required to select the most
economical section – that is the lightest standard structural shape
(such as W-shape) that can carry a given loading in addition to the
weight of the beam. Following is an outline of the selection process:
• Neglecting the weight of the beam, draw the bending moment
diagram to find the largest bending moment 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 .
• Determine the minimum allowable section modulus from 𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
, where 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 is the working/allowable stress.
𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤
• Choose the lightest shape from the list of structural shapes (such as
Sir Marvin Bartido

in Table B-2 and B-6, refer to the Appendix of Mechanics of Materials

by Pytel and Kiusalaas for the tables of properties of W- and S-
shapes) for which 𝑆 ≥ 𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 and note its weight.
• Calculate the maximum stress 𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 in the selected beam caused by
the prescribed loading plus the weight of the beam. If 𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 ≤
𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 , the selection is finished. Otherwise, the second-lightest
shape with 𝑆 ≥ 𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 must be considered and the maximum bending
stress recalculated. The process must be repeated until a satisfactory
shape is found.

57
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. What is the lightest W-shape beam that will support the 45-kN load
shown in Fig. (a) without exceeding a bending stress of 120 MPa?
Determine the actual bending stress in the beam.

Find:
Lightest W-shape beam Largest bending moment
From the moment diagram:
Solution: 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 60 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
Sir Marvin Bartido

Support reactions 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 60 106 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚

σ 𝑀𝑅 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐿 6 − 45 2 = 0 Minimum allowable section
𝑅𝐿 = 15 𝑘𝑁 modulus
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ + 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤
60 106 𝑁−𝑚𝑚
𝑅𝐿 − 45 + 𝑅𝑅 = 0 𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
120 𝑁ൗ𝑚𝑚2
15 − 45 + 𝑅𝑅 = 0
𝑅𝑅 = 30 𝑘𝑁 𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 500(103 ) 𝑚𝑚3

Shear and Moment Diagrams Lightest shape from the list of

structural shapes with 𝑆 ≥ 𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑛

All the beams in the remaining size

groups are heavier than those
listed above.

Try the lightest which is W310 x

38.7

58
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

The selection of the beam is not 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 16.14 4 −

complete until a stress 0.380(4)(2)
calculation is made that includes 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 61.52 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
the weight of the beam, which
for the W310 x 38.7 is 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 61.52 (106 ) 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚
𝑤 = 38.7 𝑘𝑔Τ𝑚 × 9.81 𝑚Τ𝑠2
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑤 = 380 𝑁Τ𝑚 𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑆
𝑤 = 0.380 𝑘𝑁Τ𝑚 61.52 (106 ) 𝑁−𝑚𝑚
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 547 × 103 𝑚𝑚3
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 112.47 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Calculate the maximum stress
𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 in the selected beam
caused by the prescribed loading Check if 𝑓𝑏𝑚𝑎𝑥 ≤ 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤
Sir Marvin Bartido

plus the weight of the beam 112.47 𝑀𝑃𝑎 < 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎 (ok!)

Because this stress is less than

the allowable stress of 120 MPa,
the lightest W-shape that can
safely support the 45-kN load is
W310 x 38.7
Support reactions
σ 𝑀𝑅 = 0 ↻ +
𝑅𝐿 6 − 0.380(6)(3) −
45 2 = 0
𝑅𝐿 = 16.14 𝑘𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐿 − 0.380 6 − 45 + 𝑅𝑅 = 0
16.14 − 0.380 6 − 45 + 𝑅𝑅 =
0
𝑅𝑅 = 31.14 𝑘𝑁

59
 ASSESSMENT TASK

Assessment Task No. 5.3

Write the problem and the given illustrations. Show your complete
solution and box your final answer.

1. The cantilever beam in the figure is composed of two segments

with rectangular cross sections. The width of each section is 2 in., but
the depths are different, as shown in the figure. Determine the
maximum bending stress in the beam. (Hint: Determine the maximum
bending stress at each section.)
Sir Marvin Bartido

2. Find the maximum bending stress in the rectangular wooden beam.

3. Determine the minimum allowable height ℎ of the beam shown in

the figure if the bending stress is not to exceed 20 MPa.

60
 ASSESSMENT TASK

4. Determine the maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses

in the beam shown.
Sir Marvin Bartido

61
 REFERENCES

Mechanics of Materials by R.C. Hibbeler (Eighth Edition)

Mechanics of Materials by Andrew Pytel (Second Edition)
Sir Marvin Bartido

62