Moment diagrams by Superposition

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Dr Yan Zhuge
University of Southern Queensland
Email: zhuge@usq.edu.au

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Superposition

Most loadings on the

beam will be a
combination of the
loadings shown in Fig
4.20
If we use the method of
superposition, each of
the loads can be treated
separately and the
moment diagram be
constructed in a series
of parts.
CIV2503 Structural Design I

Superposition
To understand the
method of
superposition to
construct moment
diagram, consider
the simply
supported beam in
Fig 4.21(a)

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Superposition
The reactions have been calculated
The moment diagram for this case is shown at the top
of Fig 4.21(b)
Rather considering all the loads on this beam
simultaneously when drawing the M diagram, we can
instead superimpose the results of the loads acting
separately on the three cantilevered beams shown in Fig
4.21(a)

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Superposition
For e.g., from each of the separate moment
diagram, M at end A = -500-750+1250 = 0
This is verified by the top moment in Fig 4.21(b)
In a similar manner, we can also simplify
construction of the resultant moment
diagram for a beam by using a superposition of
simply supported beams

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Superposition
For e.g., the loading on the beam shown
at the top of Fig 4.22(a) is equivalent to
the beam loadings shown below it
Separate M diagrams for each of the 3
beams can be used rather than drawing
the resultant moment diagram shown in
Fig 4.22(b)

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Example 1

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Example 2
Draw the M diagram for the beam shown,
using the method of superposition
Consider the beam to be cantilevered
from the support at B.

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Example 2

If the beam were to

be supported as a
cantilever, it would be
subjected to the
statically equivalent
loading shown in Fig
4.23(a)

CIV2503 Structural Design I

Example 2

The superimposed 3
cantilevered beams
are shown together
with their associated
M diagrams in Fig
4.23(b)
The sum of these
diagrams will yield
the resultant
moment diagram for
the beam

CIV2503 Structural Design I

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