BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS

Nomenclature
E = Modulus of Elasticity of steel at 29,000 ksi.
I = Moment of Inertia of beam, in.4.
L = Total length of beam between reaction points ft.
M,, = Maximum moment, kip in.
M1
= Maximum moment in left section of beam, kip-in.
M2
= Maximum moment in right section of beam, kip-in.
M3
= Maximum positive moment in beam with combined end moment condi-
tions, kip-in.
M,
= Moment at distance x from end of beam, kip-in.
P = Concentrated load, kips
PI
= Concentrated load nearest left reaction, kips.
P,
= Concentrated load nearest right reaction, and of different magnitude than
PI, kips.
R = End beam reaction for any condition of symmetrical loading, kips.
R1
= Left end beam reaction, kips.
R2
= Right end or intermediate beam reaction, kips.
R3
= Right end beam reaction, kips.
V = Maximum vertical shear for any condition of symmetrical loading, kips.
V,
= Maximum vertical shear in left section of beam, kips.
V2
= Vertical shear at right reaction point, or to left of intermediate reaction
point of beam, kips.
V3
= Vertical shear at right reaction point, or to right of intermediate reaction
point of beam, kips.
V,
= Vertical shear at distance x from end of beam, kips.
W = Total load on beam, kips.
a = Measured distance along beam, in.
b = Measured distance along beam which may be greater or less than a, in.
I = Total length of beam between reaction points, in.
w = Uniformly distributed load per unit of length, kipstin.
wl
= Uniformly distributed load per unit of length nearest left reaction, kipslin.
w,
= Uniformly distributed load per unit of length nearest right reaction and of
different magnitude than wI, kipslin.
x = Any distance measured along beam from left reaction, in.
xl
= Any distance measured along overhang section of beam from nearest reac-
tion point, in.
A, , = Maximum deflection, in.
A
= Deflection at point of load, in.
A,
= Deflection at any point x distance from left reaction, in.
AXI
= Deflection of overhang section of beam at any distance from nearest reac-
tion point, in.
BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS
Frequently used formulas
The formulas given below are frequently required in structural designing. They
are included herein for the convenience of those engineers who have infrequent use for
such formulas and hence may find reference necessary. Vanation from the standard
nomenclature on page 2 - 293 1s noted.
Flexural stress at extreme fiber:
f = Mc/I = MIS
Flexural stress at any fiber:
y = distance from neutral axis to fiber.
Average vertical shear (for maximum see below) :
v = V/A = V/dt (for beams and girders)
Horizontal shearing stress at any section A-A:
v = VQ/I b Q = statical moment about the neutral axis of the entire
section of that portion of the cross-section lying out-
side of section A-A,
b = width at section A-A
(Intensity of vertical shear is equal to that of horizontal shear acting normal to i t
at the same point and both are usually a maximum at mid-height of beam.)
Slope and deflection at any point:
(First integration gives slopes; second integration gives deflections. Constants
of integration must be determined.)
CONTINUOUS BEAMS (THE THEOREM OF THREE MOMENTS)
Considering any two consecutive spans in any continuous structure:
Ma, Mb, MC = moments at left, center, and right supports respectively, of any
pair of adjacent spans.
& and k
= length of left and right spans respectively, of the pair.
11 and 12 = moment of inertia of left and right spans respectively.
wl and wz = load per unit of length on left and right spans respectively.
PI and Pz = concentrated loads on left and right spans respectively.
al and a2 = distance of concentrated loads from left support in left and right
spans respectively.
bl and bz = distance of concentrated loads from right support in left and right
spans respectively.
The above equations are for beams with moment of inertia constant in each span
but differing in different spans, continuous over three or more supports. By writing
such an equation for each successive pair of spans and introducing the known values
(usually zero) of end moments, all other moments can be found.
Table of Concentrated Load Equivalents
P P P P
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
1. SIMPLE BEAM-UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD
. . . Total Equiw. Uniform Load - wl
vx . . . . . . . . . .
M inax. ( at center ) . . . .
2. SIMPLE BEAM-LOAD INCREASING UNIFORMLY TO ONE END
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . .
Ra = Vs . . . . . . . . .
vx
W wxa
=---
. . . . . . . . . .
3 1'
Mx . . . . . . . . . .
3. SIMPLE BEAM-LOAD INCREASING UNIFORMLY TO CENTER
W = V . . . . . . . . .
For various static loading conditions
4. SIMPLE BEAM-UNIFORM LOAD PARTIALLY DISTRIBUTED
Mr nax. ( at x=a+$) . . . . =Ra ( a +$ )
. . . . . Mx (when x < a) = Rxx
MX
(when x > a and < (a + b)) . ;- R ~ X - - + (x-a)a
5. SIMPLE BEAM-UNIFORM LOAD PARTIALLY DISTRIBUTED AT ONE END
. . . . . R2 V, ( whsnx<a) =RI - wx
MX ( whenx< a) . . . . .
Mx (when x > a) . . . . . = Rs (1-x)
ax (when x < a) . . . .
X' (4x1-Zx2 - a2)
ax ( whenx>a) . . . . . =-
6. SIMPLE BEAM-UNIFORM LOAD PARTIALLY DISTRIBUTED AT EACH END
R I = V ~ . -
wla(2l-a) + w~c2
. . . . . . . . .
R z = V a . . . . . . . . a - =
. . . . vx (when x < a) . - R I - WI ~
RP VX ( whenx>aand<( a+b) ) . = R %- wl s
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
7. SIMPLE BEAM-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . . . = 2P
8. SIMPLE BEAM-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT
9. SIMPLE BEAM-TWO EQUAL CONCENTRATED LOADS
SYMMETRICALLY PLACED
R - V . . . . . . . . . . . = P
BEAM DIAGRAMS AND FORMULAS
For various static loading conditions
For meaning ofsymbol s, see page 2 - 293
10. Sl MPEE BEAM-TWO EQUAL CONCENTRATED LOADS
UNSYMMETRICALLY PLACED
. . . . .
(
P
RZ = Vt max. when a < b) - I (1-a+b)
. . . .
)
= I ( [ - b + a ) 1
Vx ( wh e n x > a a n d < ( l - b ) ) , . =;(b-a)
. . . .
MI
(max. when a > b
)
= Rl a
. . . . . M a x . w e a < b) Rab
Mx (whenx <a) . . . . . . = Rl x
Mx ( wh e n x > a a n d < ( l - b ) ) . . =Rt x- P( x- a)
1 1 . SIMPLE BEAM-TWO UNEQUAL CONCENTRATED LOADS
UNSYMMETRICALLY PLACED
-
Ra=Vz -
Pi (I-a) + Pzb
. . . . . . . . . . .
1
-
R==V= -
Pl a + Pa ( 1 - b)
. . . . . . . . . . .
1
Vx
(when x > a and < (1- b)) . . = RI - P i
MI (max. when RI < PI ) . . . = Ri a
. . . [V1. (max. when R2 < Pa) = Rab
. . . . . . Mx (when x < a) = Ri x
Moment Mx ( wh e n x > a a n d < ( l - b ) ) . . =RIx-PI(x-a)
12. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, SUPPORTED AT OTHER-
UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD
. . . . .
Total Equiv. Uni form Load
= wl
3wl
. . . . . . . . .
R I = V I . . =- 8
5wl
. . . . . . . . .
R, Rt = Vz max.
= -
8
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Vx = RI-wx
w1=
Wl max.
=-
. . . . . . . . . . .
8
3
MI ( h t ~ = ~ l )
9
= wla
. . . . . . .
wxz
Mx . . . . . . . . . . . . = R I X - ~
A ( a
(1 + =. 415) . = 185EI
WX
Ax . . . . . . . . . . . . .
= --- (13-31x.f 2x3)
48EI
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
13. BEAM FlXED AT O N E END, SUPPORTED AT OTHER-
CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER
14. BEAM FBXED AT ONE END, SUPPORTED AT OTHER-
CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT
MI (at point of load) . . . . = Rza
Mx
(when x <a) . . . . . = Rgx
Ux
( w h e n x > a ) . . . . . =Rax- P( x- a)
I2fa2 Pa (12-az)l
amax. (when a < .4141atx= 1 -) =
(31a-ar)P
Amax. (whena >.414latx=1=) = %1/&
For various stati c loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
15. BEAM FIXED AT BOTH ENDS-UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . =
CENTER
Total Equiw. Uniform Load . . . . = P
17. BEAM FIXED AT BOTH ENDS-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT
ANY POINT
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
18. CANTILEVER BEAM-LOAD INCREASING UNIFORMLY
TO FIXED END
. . . . Total Equiv. Uniform Load
R = V . . . . . . . . . . = W
19. CANTILEVER BEAM-UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD
. . . . Total Equiv. Uniform Load = 4wl
R = V . . . . . . . . . . = w I
vx . . . . . . . . . . . = wx
Amax. (at free end) . . . . .
20. BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, FREE TO DEFLECT VERTICALLY BUT NOT
ROTATE AT OTHER-UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . R = V = w l
. . . . . . . . . . .
Vx = wx
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
21.
CANTILEVER BEAM-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT ANY POINT
R = V . . . . . . . . . . = P
R
M rnax.(atfixed end) . . . . . = pb
Mx ( w h e n x > a ) . . . . . = P ( x - a )
22. CANTILEVER BEAM-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT FREE END
. . . . Total Equiv. Uniform Load = 8P
R = V . . . . . . . . . . = P
M rnax. (atf~xedend) . . . . . = P I
. . . . . . . . . . . Mx = Px
BEAM FIXED AT ONE END, FREE TO DEFLECT VERTICALLY BUT
NOT ROTATE AT OTHER-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT DEFLECTED END
. . . . Total Equiv. Uniform Load = 4P
. . . . . . . . . a R = V = P
. . . . . . . . . . .
MX = P( i - x )
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
24. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT-UNIFORMLY
DlSTRlBUTED LOAD
Rz = Vz . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .
va = wa
va . . . . . . . . . . .
Vx (between supports) . . = RI -wx
. . . . Vxl (for overhang) = w (a-XI)
. . . .
Ax, (for overhang) = 2 ~ ( 4 a ~ ~ - l ~ + 6 a ~ x r 4 a x r ~ + x ~ ~ )
25. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT-UNIFORMLY
DISTRIBUTED LOAD ON OVERHANG
. . . . . . . . . . . va = wa
. . . .
Vx, (for overhang) = w (a-xr)
M max.(at Ra) . . . . . .
. . . .
Mxl (tor overhang) = $ ( a- xd"
Amax. (for overhang at xa = a) . = (41 + 3a)
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
26. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE S U PPORT-CONCENTRATED
LOAD AT END OF OVERHANG
27. BEAM OVERHANGING ONE SUPPORT-UNIFORMLY
DISTRIBUTED LOAD BETWEEN SUPPORTS
Total Equiv. Uniform Load . . . = wl
Vx . . . . . . . . . . . = w( f - x)
28. BEAM OVERHANGlNG ONE SUPPORT-CONCENTRATED
LOAD AT ANY POINT BETWEEN SUPPORTS
(21x - xz - a2)
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
29. CONTINUOUS BEAM-TWO EQUAL SPANS-UNIFORM LOAD
ON ONE SPAN
Ma (at support Ft r) . = & w P
30. CONTINUOUS BEAM-TWO EQUAL SPANS-CONCENTRATED
LOAD AT CENTER OF ONE SPAN
Ro=Vs . . . . . . .
M rnax. (at point of load) . =
$ PI
Mi (atsupport R* ) . = & P I
A Max. (0.480 1 from R1) = 0.015 PPI EI
31. CONTINUOUS BEAM-TWO EQUAL SPANS-CONCENTRATED
LOAD AT ANY POINT
Ra=Vz+Va . . . . .
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
32. BEAM-UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD AND VARIABLE END MOMENTS
1 MI - M*
A ~ l ( e t X = ~ + ~ )
33.
BEAM-CONCENTRATED LOAD AT CENTER AND VARIABLE END MOMENTS
MI - Mt
m, (whsnx<f) = ( : +--)x-MI
For various static loading conditions
For meanlng of symbols, see page 2 - 293
34.
CONTINUOUS BEAM-THREE EQUAL SPANS-ONE END SPAN UNLOADED
35. CONTINUOUS BEAM-THREE EQUAL SPANS-END SPANS LOADED
A Max. (0.479 1 from A or 5) = 0.0099 wl4/El
36. CONTINUOUS BEAM-THREE EQUAL SPANS-ALL SPANS LOADED
For various static loading conditions
For meaning of symbols, see page 2 - 293
37. CONTINUOUS BEAM-FOUR EQUAL SPANS-THIRD SPAN UNLOADED
A Max. (0.475 1 from E) = 0.0094 wl4/EI
38. CONTINUOUS BEAM-FOUR EQUAL SPANS-LOAD FIRST AND THIRD SPANS
RE = -0.054 wl.
A Max. (0.477 1 from A) = 0.0097 wl'/El
For various concentrated moving loads
The values glven ~n these formulas do not Include Impact whfch vanes accord~ng to the requfrements of each case For meanlng
of symbols, see page 2 - 293
40. SIMPLE BEAM--ONE CONCENTRATED MOVING LOAD
RZ max. = vz max. ( at x = o) . . . . = B
41. SIMPLE BEAM-TWO EQUAL CONCENTRATED MOVl NG
LOADS
R~ ma x . = V~ ma x . ( a t x = o ) . . . . = P( 2 - P)
42. SIMPLE BEAM-TWO UNEQUAL CONCENTRATED MOVING
LOADS
GENERAL RULES FOR SIMPLE BEAMS CARRYING MOVING
CONCENTRATED LOADS
The maxi mum shear due t o moving concentrated loads
occurs at onesupport when one of t he loads i s at t hat support.
Wi t h several moving loads, t he location t hat wi l l produce maxi-
mum shear must be determined by trl al .
The maxi mum bending moment produced by moving con-
''
centrated loads occurs under one of t he loads when t hat load
i s as f ar f rom one support as t he center of gravlty of al l t he
moving loads on t he beam is f rom t he other support.
I n t he accompanying diagram, t he maxi mum bending
momant occurs under load PI when x = b. It should also be
not ed t hat t hi s condi ti on occurs when t he center l i ne of t he
span 1s mldway between t he center of gravlty of loads and t he
nearest concentrated load.
CONTINUOUS BEAMS
MOMENT AND SHEAR CO-EFFICIENTS
EQUAL SPANS, EQUALLY LOADED
CAMBER AND DEFLECTION
Coefficients
For beams and girders with constant cross section
For the unit stress values not tabulated, the deflection can be found by
the equation 0.00103448 ( ~ ~ f ~ l d ) where L is the span in ft, fb is the fiber
stress in kips per sq. in. and d is the depth in inches.
The maximum fiber stresses listed in this table correspond to the allow-
able unit stresses as provided in Sects. F1.l and F1.3 of the AISC ASD
Specification for steels having yield points ranging between 36 ksi and 65
ksi when Fb = 0.664; and between 36 ksi and 100 ksi when Fb = 0.604.
The table values, as given, assume a uniformly distributed load. For a
single load at center span, multiply these factors by 0.80; for two equal con-
centrated loads at third points, multiply by 1.02. Likewise, for three equal
concentrated loads at quarter points multiply by 0.95.