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3.0 EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCE SYSTEM

3.1 Equilibrium
Equilibrium of a rigid body is a state of balance. If a rigid body is acted upon by a system of
forces and remains in the rest then the system is called static equilibrium.
A body is in equilibrium if the algebraic sum of all the forces acting on the body is zero and
also if the algebraic sum of moments of forces about any fixed point is zero.
ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0, ΣM=0

Equilibrant
Equilibrant is a single force which when added to a system of
forces brings the status of equilibrium. Hence this force is of the
same magnitude as the resultant but opposite in direction.

Free Body Diagram

Free Body Diagram is a diagram in which the body under
consideration is freed from all the contact surfaces and is represents only by the forces
(applied forces, reactions, self weight) acting on it.

Fig. 3.1 Free Body Diagram

Conditions of equilibrium of coplanar concurrent force system

1. Algebraic sum of all the horizontal components of the force system must be zero. i.e.,
ΣFx=0.

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2. Algebraic sum of all the vertical components of the force system must be zero. i.e.,
ΣFy=0.
Since all the forces of concurrent force system act through the same point, cannot cause any
rotation. Therefore ΣM=0 is automatically satisfied.

Conditions of equilibrium of coplanar non-concurrent force system

1. Algebraic sum of all the horizontal components of the force system must be zero. i.e.,
ΣFx=0.
2. Algebraic sum of all the vertical components of the force system must be zero. i.e.,
ΣFy=0.
3. Algebraic sum of moments of all the forces about any point system must be zero. i.e.,
ΣM=0.

Lamis Theorem
Statement: If a body is in equilibrium under action of three forces, each force is proportional
to the sine of the angle between the other two forces.

Fig. 3.2.Lamis Theorem

From the figure;

Proof: Applying sine rule to the triangle ABC

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Problems:

1. A sphere of weight 100 N is tied to a smooth wall by a string as shown in Fig. Find the
tension T in the string and reaction of the wall.

Solution: Free body

diagram of the sphere
is shown in Fig. along
with force diagram.
Solution is obtained by
applying Lami’s
theorem

𝑇 −𝑅
=
𝑠𝑖𝑛90 𝑠𝑖𝑛195
100
=
sin 75

100𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛90
𝑇= = 103.53𝑁
𝑠𝑖𝑛75

−100𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛195
𝑅= = 26.79𝑁
𝑠𝑖𝑛75

2. Two identical cylinders each weighing 2kN are supported by vertical and inclined plane
as shown in Fig. Assuming smooth surfaces determine the reactions at A, B and C

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The solution is obtained by considering first the free body diagram of cylinder 2. Lami’s
theorem is applied on this as there are three forces in equilibrium.

𝑅𝐴 𝑅𝐷 −2
= =
𝑠𝑖𝑛60 sin 30 sin 270

RA=1.73kN; RD=1kN

Lami’s theorem cannot be applied on the free body diagram of cylinder 1, as there are four
forces acting on this cylinder. Hence the solution is obtained using the method of components
and equilibrium condition.
∑Fx=0;
RC-RBcos60-RDcos30=0 (1)
∑Fy =0;
-2+RBsin60-RDsin30 =0 ……. .(2)
Substituting value of RD in (2),
RB=(2+1sin30)/sin60=2.88kN
Substituting RD and RB in(1)
RC= 2.88 cos60+ 1 cos30 =2.31 kN

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QUESTION BANK
1. Explain principle of transmissibility.
2. Explain principle of superposition.
3. Find the X and Y Components of force shown in Fig:

Fig:
4. State the conditions of static equilibrium. For coplanar non concurrent force system.
5. If the x component of a 10N force is 5N then find the angle made by the force with y
axis.
6. If two forces P& Q (P>Q) out on the same straight line but in opposite direction find
its resultant.
7. State condition of static equilibrium.
8. Define force. Mention the elements of a force.

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9. State Lami’s theorem

10. Define free body diagram.
11. The technique of finding the resultant of a system of forces iscalled ________
12. The resultant force of two concurrent forces becomes maximumand minimum if angle
between them is_____
13. Calculate the reactions at all the points of contact for the
fig.2. both spheres weigh 20 KN each.

Fig.2
14. State Conditions of equilibrium for coplanar non concurrent
force system

15. Two smooth circular cylinders each of weight 1000N and radius 150mm are connected at their
centres by a string AB of length 400mm and rest upon the horizontal floor. Another cylinder of
weight 2000N and radius 150mm is supported by two cylinders as shown in Fig:2. Determine the
tension in the string AB and reactions at the points of contact.
10M

Fig:2

16. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force for the system of coplanar forces
shown in Fig: .Locate the position of resultant with respect to ‘O’. 10M

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Fig:

3.2 BEAMS

3.2.1 Introduction

A beam is a structural member or element, which is in equilibrium under the action of a non-
concurrent force system. The force system is developed due to the loads or forces acting on
the beam and also due to the support reactions developed at the supports for the beam. For the
beam to be in equilibrium, the reactions developed at the supports the should be equal and
opposite to the loads. In a beam, one dimension (length) is considerably larger than the other
two dimensions (breath & depth). The smaller dimensions are usually neglected and as such a
beam is represented as a line for theoretical purposes or for analysis.
When the beams are subjected to different types of loads, supports will offer reactions to
attain equilibrium. such reactions are called as support reactions. support reactions for
statically determinate beams are calculated using basic conditions of equilibrium.

3.2.2 Types of Supports:

Supports are structures which prevent the beam or the body from moving and help to
maintain equilibrium. A beam can have different types of supports as follows. The support
reactions developed at each support are represented as follows.

Simple support: This is a support where a beam rests freely on a support. The beam is free
to move only horizontally and also can rotate about the support. In such a support one
reaction, which is perpendicular to the plane of support, is developed.

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Roller support: This is a support in which a beam rests on rollers, which are frictionless. At
such a support, the beam is free to move horizontally and as well rotate about the support.
Here one reaction which is perpendicular to the plane of rollers is developed.

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Hinged support
This support is also called as pinned support. The beam is not free to move in any direction
but can rotate about the support. In such a support a horizontal reaction and a vertical reaction
will develop.

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Fixed support: This is a support which prevents the beam from moving in any direction and
also prevents rotation of the beam. In such a support a horizontal reaction, vertical reaction
and a Fixed End Moment are developed to keep the beam in equilibrium.

3.3 Types of beams

Depending upon the supports over which a beam can rest (at its two ends), beams can be
classified as follows.

Simply supported beam.

A beam is said to be simply supported when both ends of the beam rest on simple supports.
Such a beam can carry or resist vertical loads only.

Over hanging beam :It is a beam which projects beyond the supports. A beam can have over
hanging portions on one side or on both sides

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Cantilever Beams: It is a beam, with one end fixed and other and free. Such a beam can
carry loads in any directions.

Propped cantilever: It is a beam which has a fixed support at one end and a simple support
at the other end.

Continuous beam: It is a beam which rests over a series of supports at more than two points.

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Note: The support reactions in case of simply supported beams, beam with one end hinged
and other on rollers, over hanging beams, and cantilever beams, can be determined by
conditions of equilibrium only (Σ Fx = 0, ΣFy = 0, ΣM = 0). As such, such beams are known
as Statically Determinate Beams. In beams such as Hinged Beams, Propped Cantilever and
Continuous Beams the support reactions cannot be determined using conditions of
equilibrium only. They need additional special conditions for analysis and as such, such
beams are known as Statically Indeterminate Beams

3.4 Types of loads:

The various types of loads that can act over a beam can e listed as follows.

Point load or Concentrated load: If a load acts over a very small length of the beam, it is
assumed to act at the midpoint of the loaded length and such a loading is termed as Point load
or Concentrated load.

Uniformly distributed load (UDL): If a beam is loaded in such a manner that each unit
length of the beam carries the same intensity of loading, then such a loading is called UDL. A
UDL cannot be considered in the same manner for applying conditions of equilibrium on the
beam. The UDL should be replaced by an equivalent point load or total load acting through
the midpoint of the loaded length. The magnitude of the point load or total load is equal to the
product of the intensity of loading and the loaded length (distance).

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Uniformly varying load (UVL): If a beam is loaded in such a manner, that the intensity of
loading varies linearly or uniformly over each unit distance of the beam, then such a load is
termed as UVL.
In applying conditions of equilibrium, a given UVL should be replaced by an equivalent
point load or total load acting through the centroid of the loading diagram (right angle
triangle). The magnitude of the equivalent point load or total load is equal to the area of the
loading diagram.

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External moment: A beam can also be subjected to external moments at certain points as
shown in figure. These moments should be considered while calculating the algebraic sum of
moments of forces about a point on the beam

Note :A beam can also be subject to a load as shown in figure belowwith combination of
UVL and VDL.

In such a case, the UVL can be split into a UDL with a uniform intensity of w1/unit length
another UVL with a maximum intensity of (w2-w1) /unit length.

3.5 STEPS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

1.Beam subjected to loading is a coplanar non-concurrent force system. Here three
conditions of equilibrium can be applied, namely : ∑Fx = 0, ∑F y = 0 and ∑M = 0
2. Draw the free body diagram of the given beam by showing all the forces and reactions
acting on the beam.
5.Apply the three conditions of equilibrium to calculate the unknown reactions at the
supports.

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3.6 PROBLEMS:

1. A simply supported beam of 6m span is loaded as shown in Figure below. Find the
reactions at A and B.

Writing FBD of the beam, converting the UDL of 3 kN/m over a span of 3 m into a point
load

∑MB = 0
( Clockwise moment +ve)
- RA x 6 + 2 x 1.5 + 9 x 3 + 5 x 4.5 = 0
=> RA = 52.5/ 6 = + 8.75 kN
∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
+RA + RB – 5 – 9 – 2 = 0
+8.75+RB-16 =0
=>RB =+7.25 kN

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2. Determine the reactions at A and E for the beam shown below

Converting the UDL of 20 kN/m over a span of 3 m into a point load, and applying the laws
of equilibrium we can write FBD as below.

∑Fx = 0
(→+ve )
=> RAX – 200 cos 45° = 0
=>RAX = + 141.421 kN
∑MB = 0
( Clockwise moment +ve)
–RE x 12 + 200 sin 45° x 9 + 60 x 4.5 + 100 x 3 + 100 = 0
=>RE = + 161.899 kN
∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
RE + RAY – 100 – 60 – 200 x sin 45° = 0
=> RE + RAY = 301.421
=> 161.899 + RAY= 301.421
=>RAY = +139.522 kN
RA= √( RAX2 + RAY2)
= √( 141.4222 + 139.5222)
=>RA =198.662 kN

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a = tan--( RAY/ RAX)

= tan--(139.522/ 141.422)
a = 44.61 ˚

4.Determine the distance x such that RA and RB are equal, for the beam shown

Applying the conditions of equilibrium to calculate the value of x, we will get,

∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
+RA + RB – 30 – 20 – 10 – 20 = 0
2RA – 80 = 0
Since RA= RB,
RA = RB = 40 kN
∑MA = 0
( Clockwise moment +ve)
+20 X 1 + 30 X 2 + 20 X 3 – 40 X 7 + 10(7 + x) = 0
=> x = 7 m.
4. For the beam with loading shown in below figure, determine the reactions at the supports
A and D.

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Inclination of plane of support to horizontal, tanQ = 1/ 2

=>Q = 26.56 ˚
Free body diagram of the beam can be written as below.

∑Fx = 0
(→+ve )
RAX + 100 x cos 45° – RD x sin 26.56° = 0
RAX – 0.477 RD = 70.71 --------------------------------------(1)
∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
RAY + RD x cos 26.56° – 100 x sin 45° – 150 = 0
RAY + 0.894 RD = 220.71 -----------------------------------(2)
∑MA = 0
( Clockwise moment +ve)
–5RD x cos 26.56° + 150 x 5.5 + 100sin 45° x 1 = 0
=>RD = +135.199 kN
Substituting in eqn (1);
RAX = –11.15 kN

Substituting in Eqn (2); we get,

RAY = 101.63 kN
RA= √( RAX2 + RAY2)
= √( 135.199 2 + (-11.15)2)
=>RA =135.66 kN
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a = tan--( 11.15/ 135.199)

a = 4.785 ˚

5. Find the reactions at supports A and B for the beam loaded as shown below.

Converting UDL to equivalent point load at center, FBD of the beam is as given below.

∑Fx = 0
(→+ve )
+ RAX – 3 = 0
=>RAX = + 3 kN
∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
+RAY + RB – 5 – 6 = 0
=> RAY + RB = 11 -----------------------------------------------------------(1)
Also, we have,
∑MA = 0
( Clockwise moment +ve)
-RB x 6 + 5 x 1 + 6 x 4.5 – 3 x 0.5 – 10 =0
=>RB = +5.417 kN
Substituting value of RB inEqn (1)
RAY + 5.417 = 11

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=>RAY = +7.583 kN.

RA= √( RAX2 + RAY2)
= √( 3 2 + 7.5832)
=>RA = 8.155 kN
a = tan--( 7.583/ 3)
a = 68.41 ˚

6. Find the reactions for the cantilever beam loaded as shown.

Converting UDL and UVL to respective point loads and writing FBD we get,
Point load due to UDL= 4 x 3 = 12 kN
Point load due to UVL= Area of the triangle= 0.5 X 2 x 2 = 2 kN.

∑Fx = 0
(→+ve )
+RAX- 80 cos 30° = 0
=>RAX = +69.282 kN

∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
+RAY – 80 sin 30° – 2 – 12 – 30 = 0
=>RAY = + 84 kN

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∑MA = 0
( Clockwise moment +ve)
+80 sin 30° x 3 + ((2 x 2/3)+ 5) + 12 x 8.5 + 30 x 12 + MA = 0
=> MA= -594.667 kN-m.

7. Find the reactions for the beam loaded as shown.

Converting trapezoidal load into UDL of 20kN/m and UVL of 0 intensity at left end and
40kN/m at right end, FBD of beam can be written as follows.

∑Fx = 0
(→+ve )
40 x cos 45° – RAX = 0
=>RAX = +28.284 kN
∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
=> RAY + RB – 40 sin 45° – 60 – 60 = 0
=> RAY + RB = 148.284---------------------(1)
Applying ∑MA = 0 ,
( Clockwise moment +ve)
–RB x 3 + 60 x 1.5 + 60 x 2 + 50 – 40 sin 45 x 1 = 0
=>RB = +77.238 kN
Substituting value of RB in (1)
RAY = +71.046 kN
RA= √( RAX2 + RAY2)
= √( 28.284 2 + 71.0462)
=>RA = 78.469 kN
a = tan--( 71.046/ 28.284)

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a = 68.292˚

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11. Determine the support reactions for the compound beam shown in Figure

Solution
The radius of the roller is negligible.
Consider the beam BE
ΣFy = 0
RB + RE = 9 kN
ΣMB = 0
5 x1 + 4 x 2 – RE x 3 = 0
3RE = 13
RE =4.33 kN
RB = 9 kN – 4.333 kN = 4.667 kN
Consider the beam AC
ΣFx = 0
RAX = 0
ΣFy = 0
RAY + RC = 15 + 4.667 = 19.667 kN
ΣMA = 0
15 x 1.5 + 4.667 x 3 – RC x4 = 0
4RC = 36.501
RC = 9.125 kN
RAY = 19.667 – 9.125 = 10.542 kN
RA = RAY = 10.542 kN (since RAX = 0)
For beam DF
ΣFx = 0
RFX = 0
ΣFy = 0
RD + RFY = 15 + 4.333 = 19.333 kN

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ΣMF = 0
–15x1.5 – 4.333x3 + RDx 4 = 0
RD = 8.875 kN
RF = RFY = 19.333 – 8.875 = 10.458 kN

12.Determine the reactions developed in the double overhanging beam shown in figure

Solution
ΣFx = 0
RBX – 60 cos 30° = 0
RBX = 51.962 kN
ΣFy = 0
RBY + RC – 25 – 120 – 60 – 80 – 60 sin 30° = 0
RBY + RC = 315
ΣMB = 0

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–RCx 6 + 60 sin 30°x 12 + 80x(1.333 + 6) + 60x 4 + 120x 3 – 25x

3=0
RC = 245.273 kN
RBY = 315 – 245.273 = 69.727 kN
RB =(51.952)2x (69.727)2
RB = 86.727 kN

13.Determine the support reactions for the beam shown in Figure

Solution

Using the conditions of equilibrium, we have

ΣFx = 0
–RDX = 0
ΣFy = 0
RBY + RDY – 60 – 50 – 50 = 0
RBY + RDY = 160
ΣMB = 0
RDY = 75.958 kN
RBY = 160 – 75.958 = 86.042 kN
RD = 75.958 kN

14.Find the support reaction at A and B in the beam as shown in fig

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Sol.: First draw the FBD of the beam as shown in

6KN is the point load of UDL
WMNQB = Weight of MNQB
= UDL × Distance(MB)
=1×2 = 2KN, act at a point 1m vertically from point B
WNPQ = Weight of Triangle NPQ
= 1/2 × MB × (BP – BQ)
= 1/2 × 2 × (3 – 1)
= 2KN and will act at MB/3 = 2/3m from point B
Since hinged at point A and Roller at point B. let at point A RHA and RVA and at point B
RVB is the support reaction, Also beam is in equilibrium under action of coplanar non
concurrent force system, therefore:
∑H = 0
RAH –WMNQB – WNPQ = 0
RAH – 2 – 2 = 0
RAH = 4KN .......ANS
∑V = 0
RAV + RBV – 5 – 6 = 0
RAV + RBV = 11KN ...(i)
Taking moment about point A:
MA = 5 × 1 – 10 + 6 × 4.5 – RBV × 6 – WNPQ × (2 – 4/3) – WMNQB × 1 = 0
5 × 1 – 10 + 6 × 4.5 – RBV × 6 – 2 × (2 – 4/3) – 2 × 1 = 0
RBV = 5.11KN .......ANS
Putting the value of RBV in equation (i)

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RAV = 7.99KN

15.Find out reactions at the grouted end of the cantilever beam shown in fig

Solution:
Draw F.B.D. of the beam as shown in figure First change UDL in to point load. Since Point A
is
fixed point i.e., there is three reaction are developed, RAH, RAV, MA. Let ∑H & ∑V is the
sum of horizontal and vertical component of the forces, The supported beam is in
equilibrium, hence
R = 0,
∑H = ?V =0
∑H = 0;
RAH = 0 .......ANS
∑V = 0;
RAV – 50 + 15 = 0, RAV = 35KN .......ANS
Now taking moment about point ‘A’
–MA + 50 × 2.5 + 100 – 15 × 14.5 = 0
MA = 7.5 KN–m .......ANS

16.Determine the support reactions for the beam supported and loaded as shown in Figure
[Ans.: RB = 32 kN, RA = 58.85 kN]

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17. Determine the support reactions for a beam loaded as shown in Figure
[Ans.: RA = 55.83 kN, RE = 79.17 kN]

18.A horizontal beam 6 m long is supported on a knife edge at its end B and the end A, rests
on a roller support placed on an inclined plane, having an inclination of 300 as shown in
Figure 6.51. Find the reactions at the supports A and B.
[Ans.: RA = 1667.44 N, RB = 1696.17 N]

19.Find the support reactions for a beam loaded and supported as shown in Figure
[Ans.: RAX = 5 kN, RAY = 1.17 kN, RB = 16.83 kN]

20.Calculate the support reactions for the cantilever beam shown in Figure

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