4.

1Introduction
Welcome to the fourth lesson on Statically indeterminate (SI) beams. In this lesson, the following
topics will be covered; definition of statically indeterminate beams, methods of analysis: double
integration method (including Macaulay’s method), moment area method, method of
superposition.
4.2learning outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
4.2.1 Analyze reactions, hence deflection, SF and BM of SI beams using double integration.
4.2.2 Repeat above using moment area method.
4.2.3 Repeat above using method of superposition.

STATICALLY INDETERMINATE BEAMS

For statically determinate beams, we have 2 or 3 unknown reactions.

𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 = 0; 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 = 0

EXAMPLES OF STATICALLY INDETERMINATE BEAMS:

(i) Propped cantilever carrying inclined load P

 There are 3 possible equations of static equilibrium.

 There are 4 reactions.

 Its therefore not possible to calculate all 4 reactions by statics alone

Number of reactions – number of equilibrium equations = degree of statical indeterminacy

1
 Therefore, this example is statically indeterminate to 1 st degree.

 Reactions in excess of the number required to support a structure in a statically

determinate manner ⇛ statical redundants (= 1 in this case)
E.g. If Rb is removed, ⇛ cantilever.
If Ma is removed, ⇛ SSB

 When redundant is removed ⇛ primary structure or released structure.

(ii) Propped cantilever carrying vertical load P

In the case above, load ‘P’ is vertical i.e. Ha disappears. However, the beam is still statically
indeterminate i.e. 2 equations of static equilibrium but 3 reactions.
(iii) Fixed end beam

⇛ 6 unknown reactions ⇛ 4 unknown reactions

⇛ 3 equations of static equilibrium ⇛ 2 equations of static equilibrium
⇛ Statically indeterminate to 3rd degree ⇛ Statically indeterminate to 2nd degree
Continuous beam

⇛ 4 reactions ⇛ 5 reactions
⇛ 3 equations of static equilibrium ⇛ 3 equations of static equilibrium
⇛ Statically indeterminate to 1st degree ⇛ Statically indeterminate to 2nd degree
If Rb is removed ⇛ SSB

2
If Rb, Rc are removed ⇛ cantilever
If Rc is removed ⇛ SSB with overhang BC

How do we determine support reactions for a statically indeterminate beam?

Principal methods of analysis
(1) Double integration (with Macaulay’s method)
(2) Moment area
(3) Superposition
(4) 3 moment equation

DOUBLE INTEGRATION
(i) Fixed end beam with distributed load

𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦, 𝑀 = 𝑀
𝜔𝐿
𝑅 =𝑅 =
2
𝜔𝐿 𝜔𝑥
𝑀 = 𝑥−𝑀 −
2 2
𝑑 𝑣 𝜔𝐿 𝜔𝑥
𝐸𝐼 = −𝑀 = − 𝑥+𝑀 +
𝑑𝑥 2 2

3
 𝑑𝑣 𝜔𝐿 𝜔𝑥
𝐸𝐼 =− 𝑥 +𝑀 𝑥+ +𝐴
𝑑𝑥 4 6
𝜔𝐿 𝑀 𝑥 𝜔𝑥
𝐸𝐼𝑣 = − 𝑥 + + + 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵
12 2 24
Boundary conditions
𝑑𝑣
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0, = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝐴 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0, 𝑣 = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝐵 = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣 𝜔𝐿 𝜔𝐿 𝜔𝐿
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 𝐿, = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. 0 = − +𝑀 𝐿+ 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑀 = (= 𝑀 )
𝑑𝑥 4 6 12
𝐿
𝜔𝐿 𝐿 𝜔𝐿 𝜔 𝜔𝐿 𝜔𝐿
𝐴𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛; 𝑀 = − − 4 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣 =
2 2 12 2 24 384𝐸𝐼

(ii) Fixed end beam with concentrated load P (not at center)

From the free body diagram;

𝑅 + 𝑅 = 𝑃 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . … … . (𝑖)
Taking moments about B:
−𝑅 𝐿 + 𝑃(𝐿 − 𝑎) + 𝑀 − 𝑀 = 0 ………………………………………………………….………………………(ii)
Use Macaulay’s method: Recap

𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑓(𝑥) = [𝑥 − 𝑎] : a is a constant

n is either ‘0’ or a +ve number

Use special brackets e.g. []

Properties of the function

4
(1) If x < a, then f(x) = 0 i.e. if f(x) is substituted and the quantity in square brackets is negative,
it is omitted in further analysis.
(2) 𝐼𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 𝑎, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓(𝑥) = [𝑥 − 𝑎] :
The function must be integrated in special way as follows:
[𝑥 − 𝑎]
[𝑥 − 𝑎] 𝑑𝑥 = + (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡)
𝑛+1
(3) For mathematical continuity, distributed loading which does not extend to the right hand
end must be extended to x = L, both above and below the beam (so as to cancel out).
(4) Applied couple (M0) must be expressed as a step function i.e. 𝑀 [𝑥 − 𝑎]
(5) ‘x’ is selected to cover all the loads on the beam, except any load on the right hand end of
the beam (or reaction).

𝑀 − 𝑅 [𝑥 − 0] + 𝑃[𝑥 − 𝑎] + 𝑀 [𝑥 − 0] 𝑖. 𝑒.
𝑀 = 𝑅 [𝑥 − 0] − 𝑃[𝑥 − 𝑎] − 𝑀 [𝑥 − 0] = 𝑅 𝑥 − 𝑃[𝑥 − 𝑎] − 𝑀
𝑑 𝑣
𝐸𝐼 = −𝑅 𝑥 + 𝑃[𝑥 − 𝑎] + 𝑀
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣 𝑅 𝑥 𝑃
𝐸𝐼 =− + [𝑥 − 𝑎] + 𝑀 𝑥 + 𝐴
𝑑𝑥 2 2
𝑅 𝑥 𝑃 𝑀 𝑥
𝐸𝐼𝑣 = − + [𝑥 − 𝑎] + + 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵
6 6 2
𝑑𝑣
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0, 𝑣 = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝐵 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0, = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝐴 = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 𝐿, 𝑣 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 0 𝑖. 𝑒.
𝑑𝑥
𝑅 𝐿 𝑃 𝑀 𝐿
− + [𝐿 − 𝑎] + = 0 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … … . . … … . . (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
6 6 2

𝑅 𝐿 𝑃
− + [𝐿 − 𝑎] + 𝑀 𝐿 = 0 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . … … … … . . (𝑖𝑣)
2 2
Solve (iii) and (iv) simultaneously:
𝑃 𝑃𝑎
𝑅 = (𝐿 − 𝑎) (𝐿 + 2𝑎) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 = (𝐿 − 𝑎)
𝐿 𝐿

5
Substitute into (ii):
𝑃𝑎
𝑀 = (𝐿 − 𝑎)
𝐿
𝑃𝑎
𝐷𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 (𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑎): 𝑣 = (𝐿 − 𝑎)
3𝐸𝐼𝐿
𝐿 𝑃 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
𝐼𝑓 𝑎 = ; 𝑅 = 𝑅 = ; 𝑀 = 𝑀 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣 =
2 2 8 192𝐸𝐼

(iii) Propped cantilever with load P at center (Macaulay’s method)

𝑅 + 𝑅 = 𝑃 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … … . … … (1)
 Moments about B:
𝐿
−𝑅 𝐿 + 𝑃 − 𝑀 = 0 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . … . … … … … … … . (2)
2
𝐿
𝑀 =𝑅 𝑥−𝑃 𝑥−
2
𝑑 𝑣 𝐿
𝐸𝐼 = −𝑅 𝑥 + 𝑃 𝑥 −
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑣 𝑅 𝑥 𝑃 𝐿
𝐸𝐼 =− + 𝑥− +𝐴
𝑑𝑥 2 2 2
𝑅 𝑥 𝑃 𝐿
𝐸𝐼𝑣 = − + 𝑥− + 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵
6 6 2
 When x = 0, v = 0 i.e. B = 0
𝑑𝑣
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 𝐿, 𝑣 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 =0
𝑑𝑥
𝑅 𝐿 𝑃 𝐿
− + 𝐿− + 𝐴𝐿 = 0 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . … … … … … … . . (3)
6 6 2

6
 𝑅 𝐿 𝑃 𝐿
− + 𝐿− + 𝐴 = 0 … … … … … … … . … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . . (4)
2 2 2
5 𝑃𝐿
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 (3)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (4)𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑙𝑦; 𝑅 = 𝑃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴 =
16 32
11 3
𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑅 𝑖𝑛 (1)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2); 𝑅 = 𝑃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 = 𝑃𝐿
16 16

MOMENT AREA METHOD

1st moment area theorem
The angle 𝜃 (= 𝜃 − 𝜃 ) between the tangents to the deflection curve at two points ‘A’ and
‘B’ is equal to the negative of the area of the diagram between those points.

Sign convention:𝜃 is +ve when 𝜃 is algebraically larger than 𝜃 i.e. B is further away along
the beam axis in the +ve x-direction.
2nd moment area theorem
The offset ∆ of a point ‘B’ from the tangent at ‘A’ is equal to the –ve of the 1st moment of
area of the diagram between A and B, taken wrt B.

Sign convention:∆ is +ve in the +ve y-direction.

7
Example 1: Propped cantilever

 Statically indeterminate to 1st degree.

 Select one reaction as redundant e.g. Rb.

 Remove Rb, released structure is a cantilever supported at A.

 Place P and Rb as loads on the cantilever.

 The resulting diagram (drawn in parts) is as shown.

Apply 2nd moment area theorem

 Slope at ‘A’ = 0

 Tangent to the curve at A passes through B.

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, ∆ = 0 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡:

 1st moment of area of the diagram between A and B, taken wrt B = 0 i.e.

1𝑅 𝐿 2 1 𝑃𝑎 𝑎 𝑃𝑎
(𝐿) 𝐿 − (𝑎) 𝐿− = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 = (3𝐿 − 𝑎)
2 𝐸𝐼 3 2 𝐸𝐼 3 2𝐿
 We can now get the other 2 reactions from static equilibrium i.e.
𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑎𝑏
𝑅 = (3𝐿 − 𝑏 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 = (𝐿 + 𝑏)
2𝐿 2𝐿
Alternatively, we could make 𝑴𝒂 redundant, leaving a SSB with a couple at A, then proceed
as above.

8
 If a = b = L/2:
𝑃𝐿 𝐿 11
𝑅 = 3𝐿 − = 𝑃
2𝐿 (2) 4 16

𝑃 𝐿 𝐿 5
𝑅 = 3𝐿 − = 𝑃
2 4𝐿 2 16
𝐿 𝐿 1 𝐿 3
𝑀 =𝑃 𝐿+ = 𝑃𝐿
2 2 2𝐿 2 16
i.e. the same answers as obtained earlier.

Example 2: Fixed end beam with couple M0.

 Statically indeterminate to 2nd degree

 Select two redundants e.g.

Ra and Ma ⇛ Left with a cantilever.
Rb and Mb ⇛ Left with a cantilever.
Ma and Mb ⇛ Left with a SSB.

 Assume Ra and Ma are redundant (i.e. assume support at A is redundant)

 Corresponding diagram (in parts) is shown.

 To determine the redundants/reactions, we need 2 conditions concerning deflection of the

beam.

9
(1) 𝜃 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃 = 0 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝜃 = 𝜃 −𝜃 = 0
Apply 1st moment area theorem (areas):
1 𝑅 𝐿 𝑀 𝐿 𝑀𝑏
(𝐿) − − = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 𝐿 − 2𝑀 𝐿 = 2𝑀 𝑏 … … … … … … . … … … … … . . . (𝑖)
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
(2) 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐴 = 0, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝐵 𝑖. 𝑒. ∆ = 0
Apply 2nd moment area theorem (1st moment of area):
1 𝑅 𝐿 𝐿 𝑀 𝐿 𝐿 𝑀𝑏 𝑏
(𝐿) − − = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 𝐿 − 3𝑀 𝐿 = 3𝑀 𝑏 … … … . . … . . (𝑖𝑖)
2 𝐸𝐼 3 𝐸𝐼 2 𝐸𝐼 2
𝑀 𝑏 6𝑀 𝑎𝑏
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 (𝑖) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (𝑖𝑖)𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑙𝑦; 𝑀 = (2𝑎 − 𝑏); 𝑅 =
𝐿 𝐿
From static equilibrium:
𝑀𝑎
𝑅 + 𝑅 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 = −𝑅 ; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 = (𝑎 − 2𝑏)
𝐿

Example 3: (ADDITIONAL)
Using the moment area method and drawing the bending moment diagram in parts, calculate
all the support reactions of the fixed beam carrying a single concentrated force as shown.

Solution:

 Consider reactions 𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 as redundants and represent them as loads on the released
structure.

 Then draw the bending moment diagram (in parts) as shown.

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 ⇕= 0 ⇛ 𝑅 + 𝑅 = 30 𝑘𝑁 … … … … … … … … … … . … … … . … … … … … … … (𝑖)

𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝐵 = 0 ⇛ 𝑀 + 10𝑅 − (30 × 6) = 𝑀 … … … … … . … … … … … . . (𝑖𝑖)

 The slope at each end is zero, i.e. the total change in slope along the span is zero.

Apply 1st moment area theorem (areas):

10
 1 1
10𝑀 + × 10 × 10𝑅 − × 6 × 180 = 0
2 2
𝑀 = 54 − 5𝑅 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
 Since both ends of the beam are at the same level, the deflection of one end relative to the
other end is zero.

Apply 2nd moment area theorem (1st moment of area):

1 1 1 1
(10𝑀 × 5) + × 10 × 10𝑅 × 𝑜𝑓 10 − × 6 × 180 × 𝑜𝑓 6 = 0
2 3 2 3
500
50𝑀 + 𝑅 = 1080 … … … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … (𝑖𝑣)
3
 Combining equations (iii) and (iv):
𝑅 = 19.44 𝑘𝑁 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 = −43.2 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑖); 𝑅 = 10.56 𝑘𝑁
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑖𝑖); 𝑀 = −28.8 𝑘𝑁𝑚

METHOD OF SUPERPOSITION (Flexibility method)

11
Method very useful when the problem can be broken into standard cases e.g. the propped
cantilever shown.

 Assume Rb as redundant and remove it (replace it as a load).

𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝛿 = 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑞

𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝛿 = 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑅

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝛿 = 𝛿 −𝛿 =0

 Using standard tables e.g. Appendix G of the book by Gere and Timoshenko;
𝑞𝐿 𝑅 𝐿 3𝑞𝐿
𝛿 = − = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 =
8𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼 8
5𝑞𝐿 𝑞𝐿
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑢𝑚; 𝑅 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 =
8 8

12
5.1 Introduction
Welcome to the fifth lesson on Statically Indeterminate (SI) beams. In this lesson, the 3-moment
equation will be covered.
5.2 learning outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
5.2.1 Analyze beam reactions, hence deflections, shear force and bending moments using the
3 moment equation.
CONTINUOUS BEAMS – CLAPEYRONS 3 MOMENT EQUATION

 This method is convenient for beams with many spans i.e. more than 2 redundants.

 We select BMs in the beam at intermediate supports as redundants, instead of reactions.

 Let (a) below be a portion of a continuous beam.

 Lengths are 𝐿 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿

 Corresponding 2nd moments of area: 𝐼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼

 Moments at supports are 𝑀 , 𝑀 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 (see (b))

 The released structure is shown as two simply supported beams as in (b).

𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑩; 𝜃 = −𝜃
 Corresponding BM diagrams are shown in (c).

 Suppose the areas are : 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴

 Distances to centroid are: 𝑥̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥̅

We now apply 2nd moment area theorem to determine 𝜽𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝜽𝒃 :
∑ 𝐴 𝑥̅ 𝐴 𝑥̅
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 ∆ = ; 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐴𝑌 =
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠, tan 𝜃 ≅ 𝜃
Therefore, the contribution to the angle 𝜃 from external loads on beam AB is given by:

13
14
 𝐴𝑌 𝐴 𝑥̅
(𝑖) 𝜃 ( ) = = 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑠
𝐿 𝐸𝐼 (𝐿 )
𝑀 𝐿
(𝑖𝑖) 𝜃 (𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑀 ) =
6𝐸𝐼
𝑀 𝐿
(𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝜃 (𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑀 ) =
3𝐸𝐼
(ii) and (iii) are standard cases which can be found from e.g. from Appendix G of Mechanics of
Materials by Gere and Timoshenko.
𝑀 𝐿 𝑀 𝐿 𝐴 𝑥̅
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝜃 = + +
6𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐿
 For portion BC, we obtain a similar expression i.e.
𝑀 𝐿 𝑀𝐿 𝐴 𝑥̅
𝜃 = + +
3𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐿
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝜃 = −𝜃 .
𝑀 𝐿 (𝟔) 𝑀 𝐿 (𝟔) 𝐴 𝑥̅ (𝟔) 𝑀 𝐿 (𝟔) 𝑀 𝐿 (𝟔) 𝐴 𝑥̅ (𝟔)
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒; + + =− − −
6𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐿 3𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝐿

𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒃 𝑳𝒃 −𝟔𝑨𝒂 𝒙𝒂 𝟔𝑨𝒃 𝒙𝒃
𝑴𝒂 + 𝟐𝑴𝒃 + + 𝑴𝒄 = − … … … … … … . . … … … … … … (𝒊)
𝑰𝒂 𝑰𝒂 𝑰𝒃 𝑰𝒃 𝑰𝒂 𝑳𝒂 𝑰𝒃 𝑳𝒃
This is the Clapeyron’s theorem of three moments or the three moment equation.

 If I is constant throughout the beam, then eqn reduces to:

𝟔𝑨𝒂 𝒙𝒂 𝟔𝑨𝒃 𝒙𝒃
𝑴𝒂 𝑳𝒂 + 𝟐𝑴𝒃 [𝑳𝒂 + 𝑳𝒃 ] + 𝑴𝒄 𝑳𝒃 = − − … … … … … … . . … … … … … … … (𝒊𝒊)
𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒃
 If one end is fixed, we replace the fixed support with an additional span of infinite I.
 This prevents rotation at (1) (see figure), the same condition imposed by a fixed support.
 The length is irrelevant (but > 0) as it always disappears from the 3 moment equation.

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Example 1
Calculate the support reactions in a continuous beam loaded and supported as shown using the
3 moment equation.

Solution:
We begin by drawing the two spans separately. Draw each span as a simply supported beam.
Span AD is shown below. The isolated BM diagrams for span AD are then drawn.

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 For load R1 whose BM diagram is linear, max BM moment is obtained as follows:
3
(7𝑅 ) = (50 × 5) + 10 × 3 × = 295 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2
 For the 50 kN load whose BM diagram is also linear:
𝑀 = 50 × 5 = 250 𝑘𝑁𝑚
 For the 10 kN/m load whose bending moment is parabolic:
3
𝑀 = 10 × 3 × = 45 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2
1 2 1 2
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝐴 𝑥̅ = × 7 × 295 × 𝑜𝑓 7 − × 5 × 250 × 2 + 𝑜𝑓 5
2 3 2 3

1 3
− × 3 × 45 × 4 + 𝑜𝑓 3 = 1203.75 𝑘𝑁𝑚
3 4

 Span DG is shown (Note that for ease of manipulation, the statically equivalent beam shown
is more convenient to work with).
 Isolated BM diagrams for span DG are then drawn.
 For the reaction R3;

8𝑅 = 10 × 8 × − 10 × 5 × − 30 =165 kNm

 For the 10 kN/m udl acting upwards, BM curve is parabolic and maximum value is given by:

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 5
𝑀 = 10 × 5 × = 125 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2
 For the 30 kNm couple, BM is constant.
 For the 10kN/m udl acting downwards, over the whole span:
8
𝑀 = 10 × 8 × = 320 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2
1 1 1 1
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝐴 𝑥̅ = − × 8 × 320 × 𝑜𝑓 8 + × 8 × 165 × 𝑜𝑓 8
3 4 2 3
1 1 1
+ × 5 × 125 × 𝑜𝑓 5 + 2 × 30 × 𝑜𝑓 2 = 373.75 𝑘𝑁𝑚
3 4 2
We now apply the 3 moment equation. Note that since both spans have the same I, the
equation reduces to:
6𝐴 𝑥̅ 6𝐴 𝑥̅
𝑀 𝐿 + 2𝑀 [𝐿 + 𝐿 ] + 𝑀 𝐿 = − −
𝐿 𝐿
𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚: 𝑀 = 𝑀 = 𝑴𝒈 = 0; 𝑀 = 𝑀 ; 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝐿 = 7 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 8 𝑚
6𝐴 𝑥̅ 6𝐴 𝑥̅
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒; 2𝑀 (𝐿 + 𝐿 ) = − −
𝐿 𝐿
6 × 1203.75 6 × 373.75
30𝑀 = − −
7 8
𝑀 = −43.74 𝑘𝑁𝑚
 Now draw the actual span AD:

Taking moments about D (to eliminate R5)

7𝑅 = (50 × 5) + (30 × 1.5) − 43.74
𝑅 = 35.9 𝑘𝑁
 Secondly, draw the actual span DG:

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Taking moments about D (to eliminate R6)
8𝑅 = (30 × 1.5) + 30 − 43.74

𝑅 = 3.9 𝑘𝑁

 Finally, from equilibrium of the whole beam:

 Moments about A:
7𝑅 + 3.9(15) = 50(2) + (10 × 6 × 7) + 30
𝑅 = 70.2 𝑘𝑁
 As a check:
Forces up = 35.9 + 70.2 + 3.9 = 110 kN
Forces down = 50 + 60 = 110 kN

Example 2:

Use the 3 moment equation to calculate the support reactions of the 3 span continuous beam
loaded by a couple and a udl as shown.

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Solution: Consider the spans PQ and QR. We draw each span as a simply supported beam
with the bending moments drawn in parts as shown.

 Referring to span PQ:

1 2
𝐴 𝑥̅ = × 6 × 100 × 𝑜𝑓 6 − [3 × 100(3 + 1.5)] = −150 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2 3
 Referring to span QR:
1 1 1 1
𝐴 𝑥̅ = × 9 × 180 × 𝑜𝑓 9 − × 6 × 180 𝑜𝑓 6 = 1890 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2 3 3 4
 From the 3 moment equation:
6𝐴 𝑥̅ 6𝐴 𝑥̅
𝑀 𝐿 + 2𝑀 [𝐿 + 𝐿 ] + 𝑀 𝐿 = − −
𝐿 𝐿
𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚; 𝑀 = 𝑀 = 0; 𝑀 = 𝑀 ; 𝑀 = 𝑀 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝐿 = 6 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 9 𝑚
150 × 6 1890 × 6
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒; 2𝑀 (6 + 9) + (𝑀 × 9) = −
6 9
30𝑀 + 9𝑀 = −1110
−1110 30
𝑀 = − 𝑀 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … … … … … … … … … (𝑖)
9 9

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 Repeat the procedure for spans QR and RS. Draw each span as a simply supported beam
with the BMs drawn in parts as shown.

Referring to span PQ
1 2 1 3
𝐴 𝑥̅ = × 9 × 180 × 𝑜𝑓 9 − × 6 × 180 3 + 𝑜𝑓 6 = 2160 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2 3 3 4

Referring to span RS
1 1 1 1
𝐴 𝑥̅ = × 6 × 180 × 𝑜𝑓 6 − × 6 × 180 × 𝑜𝑓 6 = 540 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2 3 3 4
 From the 3 moment equation with 𝑀 = 𝑀 ; 𝑀 = 𝑀 ; 𝑀 (= 𝑀 ) = 0 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒

𝐿 = 9 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 6 𝑚
2160 × 6 540 × 6
9𝑀 + 30𝑀 = − −
9 6
9𝑀 + 30𝑀 = −1980 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . … … … … … … … … … (𝑖𝑖)

 Solve (i) and (ii) simultaneously:

𝑀 = −18.9 𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀 = −60.3 𝑘𝑁𝑚

 Now consider the actual spans PQ and RS:

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 𝑀( ) = 0 ⇛ 6𝑅 = 100 − 18.9; 𝑅 = 13.5𝑘𝑁

1
𝑀( ) = 0 ⇛ 6𝑅 = × 6 × 10 − 60.3; 𝑅 = 20 𝑘𝑁
2

Consider the statically equivalent whole beam:

𝑀( ) = 0 ⇛ 9𝑅 = (9 × 120) + (6 × 13.5) − (15 × 20) − 100 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 = 84.6 𝑘𝑁

𝑀( ) = 0 ⇛ 9𝑅 + (13.5 × 15) = (20 × 6) + 100 𝑜𝑟 𝑅 = 1.9 𝑘𝑁

 Check that sum of forces upwards = sum of forces downwards.

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