SHEAR FORCE AND

BENDING MOMENT

Er Muyeen Mubarak
Youtube.com/Civiltutor
Shear Force and Bending moment:
When a beam is subjected to a set of
loads and reactions, as a result of which
the internal forces and moments tend to
setup within the beam This internal force
is the shear force and the internal
moments are the bending moments.
For illustration, consider a beam
with a given set of loading
supported at two points A & B
giving rise to reactions at the two
supports.
Let's cut the beam into two parts & let's
assume that the resultant of loads (F) and
reactions to the left of section xx is
vertically upwards.
 For equilibrium of the section, the
resultant of loads and reactions to the
right of section xx has to be equal to ''F"
but vertically downwards. This force is
known as shear force.

Hence SHEAR FORCE is defined as the

algebraic sum of all the vertical forces
either to the right or to the left of a section.
 Sign conventions for SHEAR FORCE :
(1).... The shear force will be positive if the
resultant of forces to the left of the section
is upwards, or to the right of the section is
downwards.
(2)....Similarly, if the resultant of forces to
the left of the section is downwards or to
right of the section is upwards, the shear
force will be negative.
Now let's assume, "M" be the resultant of
all the moments about a point just to the
left of section xx and let this resultant
moment be in clockwise direction.
For equilibrium, the resultant of all the
moments about a point just to the right of
section xx has to be equal to "M" but the
direction of this resultant moment will be
counterclockwise.
This resultant moment is known as Bending
moment.

Hence Bending Moment is defined as the

Algebraic sum of all the moments either
to the right or to the left of a section.
Sign conventions for Bending moment:
Positive
Bending
Moment

(1)......The bending moment at a section is

positive if it tends to bend the beam in a
manner such that it can retain water on it's
curvature(concavity at the top) as shown in
Figure. Positive bending moment is also
called sagging moment.
NEGATIVE
Bending
Moment

(2).....Similarly, the bending moment at a

section is negative if it tends to bend the
beam in a curvature having convexity at
the top as shown in Figure. The negative
bending moment is also called hogging
moment.
 Shear force and bending moment diagram:
A diagram which shows
the variation of shear
force along the length of
beam is known as shear
force diagram and a
diagram which shows
the variation of bending
moment along the
length of beam is known
as bending moment
diagram.
. Before drawing SFD & BMD we must know the
different types of beams and types of loads acting
on them.
Types of beams:
1. Simply supported beam:
Supported or resting freely at supports.

BEAM

Supports
2. Overhanging beam:
If the span of the beam is extended
beyond it's supports, such type of
beam is known as overhanging beam.

Simply supported Overhanging

portion portion

BEAM

Supports
3. Fixed Beam:
A beam whose both the ends of it's
span are fixed or built in walls is known
as fixed beam.
Fixed ends

BEAM
4. Cantilever Beam:
A beam whose span is fixed at one end
and free at the other end is known as a
cantilever beam.

Fixed end Free end

5. Continuous Beam:
A beam which has more than two
supports is known as a continuous
beam.
BEAM

Supports
Types of Loads:
1. Concentrated or point Load:
A load which is considered to act at a
point is known as a concentrated load.
Point load
2. Uniformly distributed load (UDL):
A load which is spread over a beam in a
way that the rate of loading is uniform
along the length (i.e, load per unit length
is uniform)
/m
3. Uniformly varying load (UVL) :
A load which is spread over a beam in a
way, that the rate of loading varies from
point to point along the beam Load is zero
at one end &
increases
uniformly to
the other end

Such load is known as

triangular load
SHEAR FORCE AND
BENDING MOMENT
DIAGRAM FOR
CANTILEVER BEAM
SFD & BMD for a cantilever with
a point Load at it's free end:

W
x
A X
X
B
L
Consider a cantilever beam of span "L"
fixed at end A and free at end B carrying
a point load at end B.
Consider a section X-X at a distance x from
free end B & consider the right portion of the
section.
The shear force at this section will be equal
to the resultant of forces acting on right/left
portion of the assumed section as per the
definition of shear force. But the resultant
force acting on right portion of X-X is "W"
acting in downward direction. Since W lies in
right portion of X-X, it will be considered
positive as per sign conventions of SFD.
Hence shear force at X-X is positive.

Let Fx = shear force at X-X.

 Fx = +W (1)
The shear force will be constant at all the
sections between A and B since there is
no other load present between A and B.
The SFD is shown below,
X

W + W

Base line
Let, Mx = Bending moment at X-X
The B.M at X-X will be given by,
Mx= - W×X (2)
The B.M will be negative as the moment due to the
load "W" will be clockwise for right portion of X-X (as
per the sign conventions of B.M) and also the beam
will bend in a manner that the convexity will be at the
top of the beam.
From eq(2), it is evident that the Bending moment at
any section between A & B is directly proportional to
the distance of section X-X from free end.
At x=0, i. e at B, B. M = 0
At x=L, i.e at A, B.M = - WL
Hence B.M follows straight line rule.
The BMD is shown below,
Base line

_
WL WL
Problem:
Draw SFD & BMD for the cantilever beam shown
below carrying point loads at different locations.

50N 100N 200N

A B C
D
2m 4m 4m
Solution:

Shear force diagram :

Shear force at D = 200N
S.F just to the right of C = 200N
(S.F will remain constant between D & C)
S.F just to the left of C = 200+100 = 300N
(Due to point load 100N at C)
S.F just to the right of B = 300N
(S.F will remain constant between C & B)
S.F just to the left of B = 300+50=350N
(Due to point Load 50N at B)
S.F at A = 350N
SFD

350N 350N 300N

200N
+
Base line
Bending Moment diagram :
B.M at D = 0
The B.M at any section between C & D at a
distance x from D is given by,
Mx = -200(x), which follows a straight line law
At C, x = 4
B.M at C = - 200X4 = - 800Nm
The B.M at any section between B & C at a
distance x from D is given by,
Mx = - 200(x)-100(x-4), which follows a
straight line law.
At B, x = 8
B.M at B = - (200X8) +(-100X4) = - 2000Nm
The B.M at any section between A & B at a
distance of x from D is given by,
Mx = 200(x)-100(x-4)-50(x-8), which follows a
straight line law.
At A, x = 10
B.M at A = - 200(10)-100(10-4)-50(10-8)
= - 2700Nm
MD = 0Nm
MC = - 800Nm
MB = - 2000Nm
MA = - 2700Nm
BMD

A B Base line C D
_ C'
800Nm Straight line
2700Nm
B'
2000Nm Straight line

Straight line
A' 2700Nm
SFD & BMD for a cantilever carrying
Uniformly distributed load (UDL):
W per unit length
X x

A X B
L

Consider a cantilever beam of span "L" fixed

at end A and free at end B carrying a UDL of
w per unit length over it's entire span.
Consider a section X-X at a distance x from
free end B & consider the right portion of the
section.
The shear force at this section will be equal
to the resultant of forces acting on right/left
portion of the assumed section as per the
definition of shear force. But the resultant
force acting on right portion of X-X is
W(length of right portion) = Wx acting in
downward direction. Since Wx lies in right
portion of X-X, it will be considered positive
as per sign conventions of SFD.
Hence shear force at X-X is positive.
Let Fx = shear force at X-X.
Fx = +WX (1)
The above eq shows that S.F forms a
straight line law.
At, x = 0
S.F = 0
At, x = L
S.F = WxL = WL
SFD is shown below,

X
WL
+ WX

Base line
Let, Mx = Bending moment at X-X
The B.M will be negative as the moment due
to the load "WX" will be clockwise for right
portion of X-X (as per the sign conventions of
B.M) and also the beam will bend in a manner
that the convexity will be at the top of the
beam.
UDL of a section is converted into a point
Load acting at the C.G of the section.

The B.M at X-X will be given by,

M x= - (Total load on right portion) x
(distance of C.G of right portion from X)
 2
Mx = - W×X(X/2) = - WX/2 (2)
From the above eq it is evident that the Bending
moment at a section is proportional to the
square of the distance of the section from free
end, which follows a parabolic law.

At B, x = 0
B.M at B = 0
At A, x = L 2
B.M at A = - (WL/2)

The BMD is shown below,

 BMD
A X B
2
WX/2
_
2
WL/2

Parabolic

A'
Problem:
Draw SFD & BMD for the cantilever beam shown
below carrying point load 2KN at a distance of
2m from free end and a UDL of 10KN/m run over
a length of 3m from the free end.

2KN
10KN/m
C
A B D

2m 3m 2m
Solution:
Shear force diagram :
S.F at D = 0
S.F just to the right of point C = 10x2 = 20KN
S.F just to the left of point C = (10x2)+2 = 22KN
S.F just to the right of the point B = 10(3+2)+2 = 52KN
S.F just to the left of point B = 10(5)+2 = 52KN
Since there is no load between A & B, the shear
force will remain constant between A & B
S.F at A = 52KN

Shear force diagram is shown below,

 A B

C
52KN
52KN
+ 22KN
C'
20KN

A' B' C" D

Bending Moment diagram :

B.M at D = 0
B.M at C = - 10(2)(2/2) = - 20KNm
B.M at B = - 10(5)(5/2)-2(3) = - 131KNm
B.M at A = - 10x5(5/2 + 2)-2x5 = - 235KNm

The B.M between D & C and C & B varies by a

parabolic law. But the B.M between A & B
varies by a straight line law.

The bending moment diagram is

shown below,
A B C D
_ C'
Parabolic
Parabolic
B'
CC' = 20
BB' = 131
Straight line AA' = 235
A'
SFD & BMD for a cantilever carrying
gradually varying load:

Wx/L
W C

A B
L
X
X
Consider a cantilever carrying a gradually varying
load 0 at free end to W per unit length at fixed
end.
Let's take a section X at a distance of x from free
end B.
Since the rate of loading for a span L is W per
unit length which means the rate of loading for
span x would be equal to W/L(x) or Wx/L per unit
length
SF at X = Total load on cantilever for a length x
from the free end B = Area of triangle BCX
Fx = 1/2(BX)(CX) = 1/2(x)(Wx/L)
= Wx²/2L (parabolic equation) ............... (i)

At B, x=0
FB = W(0)/2L = 0

At A, x=L
FA = W(L²)/2L = WL/2
SFD

WL/2 Wx²/2L

A B
C
BM at the section X = - (Total load on span x)
(Distance of load from X) = - (Area of triangle CBX)
(Distance of CG of triangle CBX from X)

Mx = - (Wx²/2L)(x/3) = -Wx³/6L (cubic law)

............... (ii)

At B, x=0
MB = - W(0)/6L = 0

At A, x=L
MA = - W(L³)/6L = - WL/6
BMD

C Wx³/6L
A B

WL/6
Numerical on cantilever Beam with UVL

Draw SFD & BMD for the cantilever

beam with the given loading
C

4KN/m

A B
6m
Solution:
L = 6m,
Load at fixed end, w = 4KN/m

Shear force diagram :

FB = 0
FA = Area of load diagram ABC
= 1/2(6)(4) = 12KN
(The SF between A & B varies according to the parabolic law)
SFD C

A B
6m

A'

12KN

A B
Bending Moment diagram :
MB = 0
M A = - (Area of ABC) x (Distance of CG of
triangle ABC from A)

= - 1/2(6)(4) x (6/3) = - 24KNm

The BM between A & B varies according to the cubic law)
BMD C

A B

A
B

24KNm

A'
 SHEAR FORCE AND
BENDING MOMENT
DIAGRAM FOR SIMPLY
SUPPORTED BEAM

By Muyeen Mubarak
Shear force and bending moment
diagram for simply supported beam
with a point Load at the centre of the
span:
W
x
X C
A B
L/2
RA = W/2 L RB= W/2

Consider a simply supported beam of span

L carrying a point load w at a distance of
L/2 from both the ends
 The reactions at both the supports will be
equal to W/2 as the load is acting at mid-span.
Consider a section X-X between A & C at a
distance of x from end A. The S.F at section X-X
will be equal to the resultant forces acting on left
portion of this section since we have considered
the left portion of the section. But the resultant
force acting on left portion of the section is W/2
acting upwards.

But the resultant force acting upwards in left

portion is considered positive as per sign
conventions.
Let Fx = S.F at X-X section
Fx = +W/2

Hence S.F between A & C is constant &

equal to +W/2
Now consider a section between C & B at a
distance of x from end A.

The resultant force acting on left portion of

this section will be equal to (W/2 - W) = - W/2

This force remains constant between C & B,

Hence S.F between C & B is equal to - W/2
• Hence shear force at C changes from
+W/2 to - W/2

SFD

Base line
W/2 + C
A B _ W/2
The bending moment at any section
between A & C at a distance of x from end A
is given by,

Mx = RA(x) = +W/2 (x) (1)

This B.M will be positive as the moment of
all the forces in left portion about this
section is clockwise, i.e convexity will be at
the top.
At A, x = 0
B.M at A = 0
At C, x=L/2
MC = W/2(L/2) = WL /4
 From eq (1) it is evident that the
Bending moment varies according to
straight line law between A & C.
B.M at any section between C & B at a
distance of x from end A is given by,
Mx = RA(x) - W(x- L/2)
= W/2(x)-W(x-L/2)
=Wx/2 - Wx - WL/2
= (Wx - 2Wx)/2 - WL/2
= (-Wx - WL)/2 = - W(L-x)/2 (2)
At B, x = L
M B= - W(L-L)/2 =0
 Eq(2) shows that B.M between C & B varies
by a straight line law.
BMD

C'

+
WL/4

A B
C
 Shear force and bending moment
diagram for simply supported beam
with an eccentric point load:

W
x C
X
A B
a b
RA = Wb/L L
RB = Wa/L
Consider a simply supported beam of span
L carrying a point load w at a distance of 'a'
from end A & 'b' from end B.
Using equilibrium equations for finding
the reactions R & R at the supports A &
B respectively.

Taking moments of all the forces about

point A we get,
ΣMA = 0
R Bx L - W x a = 0
RB = Wa/L
ΣVy = 0
RA + R B- W = 0
RA + Wa/L - W = 0
 RA = W - Wa/L = W(1 - a/L)
= W(L-a)/L = Wb/L ( .. . L-a = b)

Consider a section X-X between A & C at a

distance of x from end A. The S.F at section X-X
will be equal to the resultant forces acting on left
portion of this section since we have considered
the left portion of the section. But the resultant
force acting on left portion of the section is
+Wb/L acting upwards.

But the resultant force acting upwards in left

portion is considered positive as per sign
conventions.
Let Fx = S.F at X-X section
Fx = +Wb/L

Hence S.F between A & C is constant &

equal to +Wb/L
Now consider a section between C & B at a
distance of x from end A.

The resultant force acting on left portion of

this section will be equal to (Wb/L- W)
( ... L-a = b)
= W(b-L) /L = - W(L-b)/L = - Wa/L
This force remains constant between C & B,
 Hence S.F between C & B is equal to - Wa/L

SFD

Base line
Wb/L +
_ Wa/L
The bending moment at any section
between A & C at a distance of x from end A
is given by,

M x = RA(x) = +Wb/L(x)___________(1)
This B.M will be positive as the moment of
all the forces in left portion about this
section is clockwise, i.e convexity will be at
the top.
At A, x = 0
B.M at A = 0
At C, x=a
MC= Wb/L (a) = Wab/L
 From eq (1) it is evident that the
Bending moment varies according to
straight line law between A & C.
B.M at any section between C & B at a
distance of x from end A is given by,
Mx = RA(x) - W(x-a) = Wbx/L- Wx - Wa____(2)
At x =L,
M = WbL/L - WL - Wa
= W(b - L- a) = W(b-b) =0

 Eq(2) shows that B.M between C & B varies

by a straight line law.
BMD

C'

Wab/L
+
A C B
Problem:
Draw SFD & BMD for the simply supported
beam shown below with given loading.
Steps for drawing SFD AND BMD
1) Determine the support reactions by using
equilibrium equations
i) Moment equation
ii) Force equation
2) Calculate S.F/B.M at each point where the
loads act

3) Draw the values of SFD/ BMD to some

scale, which will give us the final SFD/BMD
diagram.
Solution:
Using equilibrium equations
for calculating the reactions,
Taking moments of all the
forces about point A we get,
ΣMA = 0
RD x 10 - 200 x 10 - 100 x 6 - 50 x 2 = 0
10R D = 2700
RD = 270 N
Now adding all the vertical forces we get,
ΣV = 0
R A+ R D - 200-100-50 = 0
R A+ 270 - 350 = 0
R A= 350-270 = 80 N
Shear force diagram:
S.F at A = RA = +80N
S.F just to the left of B = 80N
S.F just to the right of B = 80 - 50 = 30N
S.F just to the left of C = 30
S.F just to the right of C = 30 -100 = -70N
S.F just to the left of D = - 70
S.F just to the right of D = - 70 - 200 + 270=0
SFD

A' B'

+ B" C'
A
AA' = +80N B C _ D
BB' = +80N
BB" =+30N
CC' = +30N C" D'
CC" = - 70N
DD' = - 70N
Bending Moment diagram:

MA= 0

MB = 80 x 2 = +160 Nm

MC= 80 x 6 - 50 x 4 = +280 Nm

MD= 80 x 10 - 50 x 8 - 100 x 4 = 0
 BMD

C'
BB' = 160 Nm
CC' = 280 Nm B'
+
A
B C D
Shear force and bending moment
diagram for simply supported beam
carrying a uniformly distributed load :

w/unit length
x

A B
C
RA = WL/2 L R B= WL/2

Consider a simply supported beam carrying a

uniformly distributed load "w/unit length " over it's
entire span
The support reactions will be equal and
their magnitude will be equal to half the
total load acting on the entire span.
R = R = Total load/2 = wL/2
Shear force diagram:
Consider a section X-X at a distance of x
from left end A. The shear force at this
section will be given by,
F = +R - wx = +wL/2 - wx (varies by a straight line law)
At A, x = 0
F = +wL/2
At C, x = L/2
F = wL/2 - wL/2 = 0
At B, x = L
F = wL/2 - wL = - wL/2

SFD

A'
wL/2 + B Base line C
A _ wL/2
C'
Bending Moment diagram:
The bending moment at the section X-X
will be given by,
Mₓ = +RA (x) - w(x) (x/2) = wL/2 (x) - wx² /2
At A, x=0
M =0
At C, x=L/2
M = WL/2 (L/2) - WL² /8
= +WL² /8
At B, x=L
M = WL/2 (L) - W(L)² /2
= WL²/2-WL²/2 = 0
BMD is shown below,

+ WL2 /8
Draw SFD & BMD for the simply supported
beam shown below with given loading.

4KN/m

C
A B
4m

8m
Solution:
Using equilibrium equations
for calculating the reactions,
Taking moments of all the
forces about point A we get,
ΣMA = 0
R B x 8 - 4 x 4 x 4/2 = 0
8RB - 32 = 0
R B = 4 KN

Now adding all the vertical forces we get,

ΣVy = 0
RA + R B - (4 x 4) = 0
RA + 4 - 16 = 0 x

RA = 16 - 4 = 12KN

Shear force diagram:

Consider a section X-X at a distance of x
from left end A. The shear force at this
section will be given by,
Fx = R A - 4(x) = 12 - 4(x)....... (i)
At A, x = 0 (varies by a straight line law)

FA = 12 - 4(0) = +12KN
At C, x = 4m
Fc = 12 - 4(4) = 12 - 16 = - 4KN
As the SF at A is +12KN and at point C SF is - 4KN
Also the SF between A & C varies by a straight line
which means that the value of SF at some point
between A & C is zero.
Let the point be at a
distance of x m from A
Substituting the value of
Fx = 0 in eq(i) we get,
Fx = 12 - 4(x) = 0 or 12 = 4(x) or x = 3m

Hence SF is 0 at a distance of 3m from end A

The SF will remain constant between C & B and
equal to - 4KN since there is no load between C&B
SFD

A'
12

A
+ D C B
4 _ 4
B'
C'
Bending Moment diagram:
The bending moment
at any point between
A&C will be equal to,

Mₓ = +R (x) - 4(x)(x/2) = 12(x) - 4x²/2........(ii)

At A, x = 0 MA = 0
At D, x = 3
MD = 12(3) - 4(3²/2) = 36 - 36/2 = 18 KNm (max)
At C, x = 4,
Mc = 12(4) - 4(4²/2) = 48 - 32 = 16 KNm
MB = 12(8)-4(4)(4/2+4) = 96 - 96 = 0
BMD

Parabola
Straight line

+
A D C B
Draw SFD & BMD for the simply supported
beam shown below with given loading.

2KN/m
10KN
C
A 4m B

10m
Solution:
Using equilibrium equations
for calculating the reactions,
Taking moments of all the ΣMA = 0
forces about point A we get,
RB x 10 - 10 x 4 - 2(10)(10/2) = 0

10R B - 40 - 100 = 0
RB = 140/10 = 14 KN

Now adding all the vertical forces we get,

ΣVy = 0
RA + R B - 10 - (2x10) = 0
RA + 14 - 10 - 20 = 0
RA = 30 - 14 = 16KN

Shear force diagram:

FA = +RA = +16KN

SF jus to the left of C = 16 - 2(4) = +8KN

SF jus to the right of C = 16 - 2(4) - 10 = - 2KN
(SF changes it's sign from +ve to - ve at C)
SF at B = 16 - 10 - 2(10) = - 14KN
SFD

16

8
A C B
2

14
Bending Moment diagram:

BM at A = 0

BM at C = 16(4) - 2(4)(4/2) - 10(0)

= 64 - 16 = 48KNm

BM at B = 0
BMD

48KNm

A B
C