CE2020 Structural Analysis

Jan-May 2012
Tutorial 3:: Internal Forces in Beams
Assume P = last two digits of your Roll No. (units as applicable).

1. For the beam shown in Figure - 1, find the support reactions and draw the shear force and
bending moment diagrams. (Note that the load values given are the total load which acts
in a distributed manner as shown in figure 1.)

2. A plank of wood, 6m long, and 1.0m  0.3m in cross-section, floats on water. Assume
that the timber has a specific gravity of 0.75. Two persons, each weighing P kN, stand
initially well balanced, at the two extreme edges of the log. They now move towards one
another, both moving very slowly with the same speed and maintaining balance. Let x be
the distance, at any stage, between the two persons. Sketch the free-body of the beam
(assuming uniformly distributed water pressure from below) and draw (to scale) the shear
force diagram and bending moment diagram, corresponding to (a) x = 4.8m, (b) x = 1.2m.
Also, determine the critical value of x corresponding to which the bending stress
anywhere in the beam is minimum, and draw the bending moment diagram.

3. A pre-cast concrete beam of length L and total weight W (uniformly distributed) has to be
hoisted and erected in position using a crane. It is proposed to locate two hooks
symmetrically on top of the beam for this purpose. Let x denote the distance between the
hooks. Draw the typical shear force and bending moment diagrams (in terms of W, x and
L), considering the beam to be in a horizontal position, and assuming vertical supports at
the hook locations. Find the optimum value of x/L, corresponding to which the hogging
moment at the support is equal to the sagging moment at mid-span.

4. The continuous beam ACEG (with internal hinges at B, D and F) shown in Figure 2, is
subjected to a uniformly distributed load of P kN/m. Draw the bending moment and shear
force diagram for this beam.
50 kN L/2 L/2 L/2
40 kN 30 kN 25 kN
C E G
1m A
A B D F
B F C D E
2m
L L L
4m 4m 3m 1.5 m
Figure – 1 Figure – 2