Review for

Theory of Structures
Chapter 1
Theory of Structures
■ Deals with the structural analysis or prediction of the performance of a given structure under prescribed loads and/or
other external effects such as movements and temperature changes.

■ A structure is statically determinate if all support reactions can be determined using the equations of equilibrium.

Simply Supported Beams Cantilever Beams Overhanging Beams

■ A structure is statically indeterminate if the equations of static equilibrium are insufficient in determining support
reactions.

Fixed-Ended Beams Propped Beams Continuous Beams

Stages in Design of a Structure
■ 1. Developing a General Layout
○ Involves the choice of structural type, the selection of
material, and a tentative statement estimation of cost
based on a reasonable analysis of a preliminary design.

■ 2. Investigating the Loads

○ General information about the loads imposed on a
structure is usually given in the specifications and
codes.

○ However, it is part of designer’s responsibility to

specify the load conditions and to take care of
exceptional cases.
Stages in Design of a Structure
■ 3. Structural Analysis
○ Once the basic form of the structure and the external
loads are defined, a structural analysis can be made to
determine the internal forces in various members of
the structure and the displacements at some V
controlling positions. M M
○ When live loads are involved, it is important to
determine the maximum possible stresses in each V
member being considered.

○ The principles governing the phase of design are

usually discussed in the Theory of Structures.
Stages in Design of a Structure
■ 4. Selection of Element
○ The selection of suitable sizes and shapes of members
and their connections depend on the result of
structural analysis and together with the design
provisions of the specifications or codes.

○ A trial and error approach may be used in the research

for the proportioning of elements that will be both
economical and adequate.

○ A sound knowledge of strength of material and

process of fabrication is also essential.
Stages in Design of a Structure
■ 5. Drawing and Detailing
○ The final stage includes the
preparation of contract, drawing,
detailing, job specification and
final cost. This information is
necessary for construction to
proceed.
Common Beam Formulas
𝑷 𝑷 𝑷
𝑷 𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝑷
𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟐

𝑷𝑳 𝑷𝑳
𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝑳/𝟐 𝑳/𝟐 𝟒 𝑳/𝟑 𝑳/𝟑 𝑳/𝟑 𝟑

𝒘 𝑷
𝒘𝑳 𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝑷
𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟐
𝒘𝑳𝟐 𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝑷𝑳
𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟖 𝑳
𝑳
Common Beam Formulas
𝒘
𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝒘𝑳
𝒘𝑳𝟐
𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟐
𝑳
𝒘
𝒘𝑳
𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟐
𝒘𝑳𝟐
𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟏𝟐
𝑳
Problem 1: A simply supported beam carries a uniform load of 10 kN/m throughout its whole length.
The beam has a length of 4 m. Calculate the maximum shear and bending moment in the beam.
Problem 2: A 6-m simple beam resists a concentrated load of 20 kN placed at midspan. Determine the
maximum shear and bending moment in the beam.
Problem 3: A 1m-cantilever beam supports a dead load of 2 kN/m and a live load of 2 kN/m throughout
its whole length. Determine the maximum shear and bending moment in the beam.
Use 𝑤 = 𝑤𝐷𝐿 + 𝑤𝐿𝐿 .
Problem 4: A 5-m beam has fixed supports at both ends and carries a dead load of 2 kN/m and a live
load of 3 kN/m. Calculate the maximum shear and bending moment in the beam.
Use 𝑤𝑢 = 1.2𝑤𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝑤𝐿𝐿 .
Problem 5: A simply supported beam, 6 m long carries a uniform load of 4 kN/m throughout the whole
span and a concentrated load of 16 kN placed at midspan. Draw the shear and bending moment
diagram and state the maximum shear and bending moment that occurs in the given beam.

𝟏𝟔 𝒌𝑵
𝟒 𝒌𝑵/𝒎

𝟑𝒎 𝟑𝒎
Problem 5: A simply supported beam, 6 m long carries a uniform load of 4 kN/m throughout the whole
span and a concentrated load of 16 kN placed at midspan. Draw the shear and bending moment
diagram and state the maximum shear and bending moment that occurs in the given beam.

𝟏𝟔 𝒌𝑵
𝟒 𝒌𝑵/𝒎

𝟑𝒎 𝟑𝒎