93

Chapter 6
Basic mechanics

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STATICS All objects on earth tend to accelerate toward the
Statics is the branch of mechanics that deals with the centre of the earth due to gravitational attraction; hence
equilibrium of stationary bodies under the action of the force of gravitation acting on a body with the mass
forces. The other main branch – dynamics – deals with (m) is the product of the mass and the acceleration due
moving bodies, such as parts of machines. to gravity (g), which has a magnitude of 9.81 m/s2:

Static equilibrium F = mg = vρg

A planar structural system is in a state of static
equilibrium when the resultant of all forces and all where:
moments is equal to zero, i.e. F = force (N)
m = mass (kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s2)
y
∑Fx = 0 ∑Fx = 0 ∑Fy = 0 ∑Ma = 0 v = volume (m3)
∑Fy = 0 or ∑Ma = 0 or ∑Ma = 0 or ∑Mb = 0 ρ = density (kg/m3)
x ∑Ma = 0 ∑Mb = 0 ∑Mb = 0 ∑Mc = 0
Vector
where F refers to forces and M refers to moments of Most forces have magnitude and direction and can be
forces. shown as a vector. The point of application must also be
specified. A vector is illustrated by a line, the length of
Static determinacy which is proportional to the magnitude on a given scale,
If a body is in equilibrium under the action of coplanar and an arrow that shows the direction of the force.
forces, the statics equations above must apply. In general,
three independent unknowns can be determined from Vector addition
the three equations. Note that if applied and reaction The sum of two or more vectors is called the resultant.
forces are parallel (i.e. in one direction only), then only The resultant of two concurrent vectors is obtained by
two separate equations can be obtained and thus only constructing a vector diagram of the two vectors.
two unknowns can be determined. Such systems of The vectors to be added are arranged in tip-to-tail
forces are said to be statically determinate. fashion. Where three or more vectors are to be added,
they can be arranged in the same manner, and this is
Force called a polygon. A line drawn to close the triangle
A force is defined as any cause that tends to alter the or polygon (from start to finishing point) forms the
state of rest of a body or its state of uniform motion resultant vector.
in a straight line. A force can be defined quantitatively The subtraction of a vector is defined as the addition
as the product of the mass of the body that the force is of the corresponding negative vector.
acting on and the acceleration of the force.

P = ma P

where
P = applied force
m = mass of the body (kg)
a = acceleration caused by the force (m/s2)

The Système Internationale (SI) units for force are Q

therefore kg m/s2, which is designated a Newton (N).
The following multiples are often used:
A
1 kN = 1 000 N, 1 MN = 1 000 000 N
94 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

Q Concurrent coplanar forces

P Forces whose lines of action meet at one point are
said to be concurrent. Coplanar forces lie in the same
plane, whereas non-coplanar forces have to be related
to a three-dimensional space and require two items
Q of directional data together with the magnitude. Two
+
P coplanar non-parallel forces will always be concurrent.
=
R
Equilibrium of a particle
When the resultant of all forces acting on a particle is
A
zero, the particle is in equilibrium, i.e. it is not disturbed
P from its existing state of rest (or uniform movement).
The closed triangle or polygon is a graphical
expression of the equilibrium of a particle.
Q The equilibrium of a particle to which a single force
+
P is applied may be maintained by the application of a
=
R second force that is equal in magnitude and direction, but
opposite in sense, to the first force. This second force,
which restores equilibrium, is called the equilibrant.
Q When a particle is acted upon by two or more forces, the
A equilibrant has to be equal and opposite to the resultant
of the system. Thus the equilibrant is the vector drawn
closing the vector diagram and connecting the finishing
Q point to the starting point.
P

P
S

S
Q+
P+
R=
A

Resolution of a force A
In analysis and calculation, it is often convenient to
consider the effects of a force in directions other than Q
P
that of the force itself, especially along the Cartesian
(xx-yy) axes. The force effects along these axes are
called vector components and are obtained by reversing
the vector addition method. T
T AN
S UL
RE
y

A
Q
F
P
Fy

NT
θ B RA
x LI
0 Fx UI
EQ

Fy is the component of F in the y direction Fy = F sinθ

Fx is the component of F in the x direction Fx = F cosθ A
 A

Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 95

980 N
Free body diagram
for point A

Free-body diagram of a particle

A sketch showing the physical conditions of a problem
is known as a space diagram. When solving a problem it TAB
is essential to consider all forces acting on the body and
980 N
to exclude any force that is not directly applied to the
body. The first step in the solution of a problem should
therefore be to draw a free-body diagram. TAC
A free-body diagram of a body is a diagrammatic
representation or a sketch of a body in which the body
is shown completely separated from all surrounding
bodies, including supports, by an imaginary cut, and
the action of each body removed on the body being Example 6.2
considered is shown as a force on the body when A rigid rod is hinged to a vertical support and held
drawing the diagram. at 50° to the horizontal by means of a cable when a
To draw a free-body diagram: weight of 250  N is suspended as shown in the figure.
1. Choose the free body to be used, isolate it from Determine the tension in the cable and the compression
any other body and sketch its outline. in the rod, ignoring the weight of the rod.
2. Locate all external forces on the free body and
clearly mark their magnitude and direction. This
should include the weight of the free body, which A
75°
is applied at the centre of gravity.
3. Locate and mark unknown external forces and
250 N
reactions in the free-body diagram.
4. Include all dimensions that indicate the location
50°
and direction of forces.
Space diagram
The free-body diagram of a rigid body can be
reduced to that of a particle. The free-body of a particle
is used to represent a point and all forces working on it.

Example 6.1 65°

Determine the tension in each of the ropes AB and AC 40°

B C Free-body diagram for point A

A
Tension 180 N
75° 65°

Compression
Space diagram 265 N
40°
250 N

TAB Force triangle

TAC

The forces may also be calculated using the law of sines:

A

Compression in rod Tension in cable 250 N

= =
sin 75° sin 40° sin 65°
980 N
Free body diagram Point of concurrency
for point A Three coplanar forces that are in equilibrium must all
pass through the same point. This does not necessarily
apply for more than three forces.

TAB

980 N
96 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

If two forces (which are not parallel) do not meet at supports will react against the tendency of the applied
their points of contact with a body, such as a structural forces (loads) to cause the member to move. The forces
member, their lines of action can be extended until they generated in the supports are called reactions.
meet. In general, a structural member has to be held or
supported at a minimum of two points (an exception to
Collinear forces this is the cantilever). Anyone who has tried ‘balancing’
Collinear forces are parallel and concurrent. The sum of a long pole or a similar object will realize that, although
the forces must be zero for the system to be in equilibrium. only one support is theoretically necessary, two are
needed to give satisfactory stability.
Coplanar, non-concurrent, parallel forces
Three or more parallel forces are required. They will be Resultant of gravitational forces
in equilibrium if the sum of the forces equals zero and The whole weight of a body can be assumed to act at
the sum of the moments around a point in the plane the centre of gravity of the body for the purpose of
equals zero. Equilibrium is also indicated by two sums determining supporting reactions of a system of forces
of moments equal to zero. that are in equilibrium. Note that, for other purposes, the
gravitational forces cannot always be treated in this way.
Reactions
Structural components are usually held in equilibrium Example 6.3
by being secured to rigid fixing points; these are often A ladder rests against a smooth wall and a person
other parts of the same structure. The fixing points or weighing 900 N stands on it at the middle. The weight

TABLE 6.1
Actions and reactions
Flexible cable or rope Force exerted by the cable or rope is always tension
away from the fixing, in the direction of the tangent to
the cable curve.

Q Q

Smooth surfaces Reaction is normal to the surface, i.e., at right angles to

the tangent.

Rough surfaces Rough surface is capable of supporting a tangental

F force as well as a normal reaction. Resultant reaction
is vectorial sum of these two.

Roller support Reaction is normal to the supporting surface only.

Pin support A freely hinged support is fixed in position, hence the

two reaction forces, but is not restrained in direction - it
is free to rotate.
Rx

Ry

Built-in support The support is capable of providing a longitudinal

reaction (H), a lateral or transverse reaction (V), and a
y y y
moment (M). The body is fixed in position and fixed in
direction.
H

M V
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 97

of the ladder is 100 N. Determine the support reactions (A) can then be found, giving the direction of the
at the wall (RW) and at the ground (RG). ground reaction force. This in turn enables the force
vector diagram to be drawn, and hence the wall and
ground reactions determined.

Example 6.4
A pin-jointed framework (truss) carries two loads,
as shown. The end A is pinned to a rigid support,
W = (900 + 100) N
while the end B has a roller support. Determine the
6m

supporting reactions graphically:

12 kN

3m

Space diagram

A B
15 kN
Rw A

1. Combine the two applied forces into one and

find the line of action.
2. Owing to the roller support reaction RB will be
vertical. Therefore the resultant line (RL) must
RGx be extended to intersect the vertical reaction of
1 000 N
support B. This point is the point of concurrency
for the resultant load, the reaction at B and the
R Gy reaction at A.

Free-body diagram of ladder

12

A
RL 15

RL RB

C
RG = 1 030.8
1 000 N

3. From this point of concurrency, draw a line

through the support pin at A. This gives the line
Rw = 250 N of action of the reaction at A.
Force diagram

RA

As the wall is smooth, the reaction RW must be at RL RB

right angles to the surface of the wall and is therefore
RA RB
horizontal. A vertical component would have indicated RL
a friction force between the ladder and the wall. At the C
bottom, the ladder is resting on the ground, which is
not smooth, and therefore the reaction RG must have
both a vertical and a horizontal component. 4. Use these three force directions and the magnitude
As the two weight forces in this example have the of RL to draw the force diagram, from which RA
same line of action, they can be combined into a single and RB can be found.
force, reducing the problem from one with four forces Answer: RA = 12.2 kN at 21° to horizontal.
to one with only three forces. The point of concurrency RB = 12.7 kN vertical.
98 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

The link polygon (see an engineering handbook) Using the first condition of equilibrium it can be seen
may also be used to determine the reactions to a beam that the horizontal component of RG must be equal but
or a truss, though it is usually quicker and easier to opposite in direction to RW, i.e.
obtain the reactions by calculation, the method shown in
Example 6.4, or a combination of calculation and drawing. RGX = 250 N
However, the following conditions must be satisfied.
1. All forces (apart from the two reactions) must be Because RG is the third side of a force triangle, where
known completely, i.e. magnitude, line of action the other two sides are the horizontal and vertical
and direction. components, the magnitude of RG can be calculated as:
2. The line of action of one of the reactions must
be known. (1 0002 + 2502)½ = 1 030.8 N
3. At least one point on the line of action for the
other reaction must be known (2 and 3 reduce the Resultant of parallel forces
number of unknowns related to the equations of If two or more parallel forces are applied to a
equilibrium to an acceptable level). horizontal beam, then theoretically the beam can be
held in equilibrium by the application of a single force
Moments of forces (reaction) that is equal and opposite to the resultant R.
The effect of a force on a rigid body depends on its point The equilibrant of the downward forces must be equal
of application, as well as its magnitude and direction. It and opposite to their resultant. This provides a method
is common knowledge that a small force can have a for calculating the resultant of a system of parallel
large turning effect or leverage. In mechanics, the term forces. However, two reactions are required to ensure
‘moment’ is used instead of ‘turning effect’. the necessary stability, and a more likely arrangement
The moment of force with a magnitude (F) about will have two or more supports.
a turning point (O) is defined as: M = F × d, where The reactions RA and RB must both be vertical because
d is the perpendicular distance from O to the line of there is no horizontal force component. Furthermore,
action of force F. The distance d is often called lever the sum of the reaction forces RA and RB must be equal
arm. A moment has dimensions of force times length to the sum of the downward-acting forces.
(Nm). The direction of a moment about a point or
axis is defined by the direction of the rotation that the Beam reactions
force tends to give to the body. A clockwise moment
is usually considered as having a positive sign and an
anticlockwise moment a negative sign. 80 kN 70 kN 100 kN 30 kN
The determination of the moment of a force in a
coplanar system will be simplified if the force and its
point of application are resolved into its horizontal and
vertical components.
2m 2m 3m 3m 2m
Example 6.5
As the ladder in Example 6.3 is at rest, the conditions RA RB
of equilibrium for a rigid body can be used to calculate
the reactions. By taking moments around the point
where the ladder rests on the ground, the moment of The magnitude of the reactions may be found by the
the reaction RG can be ignored as it has no lever arm application of the third condition for equilibrium, i.e.
(moment is zero). According to the third condition the algebraic sum of the moments of the forces about
for equilibrium, the sum of moments must equal zero, any point must be zero.
therefore: Take the moments around point A, then:

(6 × RW) - (900 N × 1.5 m) - (100 N × 1.5 m) = 0 (80 × 2) + (70 × 4) + (100 × 7) + (30 × 10) - (RB × 12) = 0;
RW = 250 N
Giving RB = 120 kN
The vertical component of RG must, according to the
second condition, be equal but opposite to the sum of RA is now easily found with the application of the
the weight of the ladder and the weight of the person second condition for equilibrium.
on the ladder, because these two forces are the only
vertical forces and the sum of the vertical forces must RA - 80 - 70 - 100 - 30 + RB=0; with RB = 120 kN gives:
equal zero, i.e.
RA=160 kN.
RGy = 1 000 N
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 99

Couples This technique must not be used for calculation of

Two equal, parallel and opposite but non-collinear shear force, bending moment or deflection.
forces are said to be a couple.
A couple acting on a body produces rotation. Note Example 6.6
that the couple cannot be balanced by a single force. Consider a suspended floor where the loads are supported
To produce equilibrium, another couple of equal and by a set of irregularly placed beams. Let the load arising
opposite moment is required. from the weight of the floor itself and the weight of any
material placed on top of it (e.g. stored grain) be 10 kPa.
Determine the UDL acting on beam A and beam C.

FLOOR SECTION

BEAM
A B C D

150 mm FLOOR PLAN

4·0 m
150 mm F=20N

2·0 m 3·0 m 2·0 m

F=20N
It can be seen from the figure below that beam A carries
the floor loads contributed by half the area between the
Loading systems beams A and B, i.e. the shaded area L. Beam C carries
Before any of the various load effects (tension, the loads contributed by the shaded area M.
compression, bending, etc.) can be considered, the
applied loads must be rationalized into a number of
2·5 m
ordered systems. Irregular loading is difficult to deal
with exactly, but even the most irregular loads may 1·0 m 1·0 m

be reduced and approximated to a number of regular

systems. These can then be dealt with in mathematical
terms using the principle of superposition to estimate
the overall combined effect.
Concentrated loads are those that can be assumed to L M
4·0 m

act at a single point, e.g. a weight hanging from a ceiling,

or a person pushing against a box.
Concentrated loads are represented by a single arrow
drawn in the direction, and through the point of action, of
the force. The magnitude of the force is always indicated. 2·0 m 3·0 m 2·0 m
Uniformly distributed loads, written as UDL, are
those that can be assumed to act uniformly over an area
or along the length of a structural member, e.g. roof
loads, wind loads, or the effect of the weight of water Therefore beam A carries a total load of:
on a horizontal surface. For the purpose of calculation,
a UDL is normally considered in a plane. 1 m × 4 m × 10 kPa = 40 kN, or 40 kN / 4 = 10 kN / m.
In calculating reactions, uniformly distributed loads can
in most, but not all, cases be represented by a concentrated In the same way, the loading of beam C can be
load equal to the total distributed load passing through the calculated to 25 kN / m. The loading per metre run can
centre of gravity of the distributed load. then be used to calculate the required size of the beams.
100 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

10kN/m
taken about an axis passing through the centroid of the
cross-section, of all the forces applied to the beam on
either side of the chosen cross-section.
Consider the cantilever AB shown in (A). For
equilibrium, the reaction force at A must be vertical and
4·0 m equal to the load W.
The cantilever must therefore transmit the effect of
load W to the support at A by developing resistance
Loading of beam A (on vertical cross-section planes between the load and
the support) to the load effect called shearing force.
25 kN/m Failure to transmit the shearing force at any given
section, e.g. section x-x, will cause the beam to fracture
as in (B).

(A) W

4·0 m X
A B
Loading of beam C
C
X

Distributed load with linear variation is another

common load situation. The loading shape is triangular
and is the result of such actions as the pressure of water R=W
on retaining walls and dams.

(B)

W
X
A

C
X

Distributed loads with linear variation The bending effect of the load will cause the beam
to deform as in (C). To prevent rotation of the beam at
the support A, there must be a reaction moment at A,
shown as MA, which is equal to the product of load W
Shear force and bending moment of beams and the distance from W to point A.
A beam is a structural member subject to lateral loading The shearing force and the bending moment
in which the developed resistance to deformation is of a transmitted across the section x-x may be considered as
flexural character. The primary load effect that a beam the force and moment respectively that are necessary to
is designed to resist is that of bending moments but, in maintain equilibrium if a cut is made severing the beam
addition, the effects of transverse or vertical shearing at x-x. The free-body diagrams of the two portions of
forces must be considered. the beam are shown in (D).
Shear force (V) is the algebraic sum of all the Then the shearing force between A and C = Qx =
transverse forces acting to the left or to the right of the W and the bending moment between A and C = Mx =
chosen section. W × AC.
Bending moment (M) at any transverse cross-section Note: Both the shearing force and the bending
of a straight beam is the algebraic sum of the moments, moment will be zero between C and B.
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 101

(C) force remains constant in between. When the load is

W
uniformly distributed, however, the shear force will
X vary at a uniform rate. Thus it will be seen that uniform
A
MA B loads cause gradual and uniform change of shear, while
concentrated loads bring a sudden change in the value
X C
of the shear force.

Bending moment variation

(D)
Concentrated loads will cause a uniform change of the
bending moment between the points of action of the
QX
W loads. In the case of uniformly distributed loads, the
MX
rate of change of the bending moment will be parabolic.
MA
QX Maximum bending moment values will occur where the
MX shear force is zero or where it changes sign.

X Shear-force (SF) and bending-moment (BM)

diagrams
R Representative diagrams of the distribution of shearing
forces and bending moments are often required at
several stages in the design process. These diagrams
Definitions are obtained by plotting graphs with the beams as the
Shear force (Q) is the algebraic sum of all the transverse base and the values of the particular effect as ordinates.
forces acting to the left or to the right of the chosen It is usual to construct these diagrams in sets of three,
section. representing the distribution of loads, shearing forces
Bending moment (M) at any transverse cross section and bending moments respectively. These graphical
of a straight beam is the algebraic sum of the moments, representations provide useful information regarding:
taken about an axis passing through the centroid of the 1. The most likely section where a beam may fail in
cross section, of all the forces applied to the beam on shear or in bending.
either side of the chosen cross section. 2. Where reinforcement may be required in certain
Table 6.2 shows the sign convention for shear types of beam, e.g. concrete beams.
force (Q) and bending moment (M) used in this book. 3. The shear-force diagram will provide useful
Shearing forces, which tend to make the part of the information about the bending moment at any
beam to the left move up and the right part move point.
down, are considered positive. The bending moment is 4. The bending-moment diagram gives useful
considered positive if the resultant moment is clockwise information on the deflected shape of the beam.
on the left and anticlockwise on the right. These tend to
make the beam concave upwards and are called sagging Some rules for drawing shear-force and bending-
bending moments. If the moment is anticlockwise on moment diagrams are:
the left and clockwise on the right, the beam will tend 1. In the absence of distributed loads, the shear-
to become convex upwards – an effect called hogging. force diagram consists of horizontal steps and the
bending-moment diagram is a series of straight
lines.
TABLE 6.2 2. For a beam (or part of a beam) carrying a UDL
Shearing and bending forces only, the shear-force diagram is a sloping straight
Sign convention line and the bending diagram is a parabola.
Load
effect Symbol Positive (+) Negative (–) Units 3. At the point where the shear-force diagram
passes through zero (i.e. where the SF changes
Shearing N sign), the BM has a maximum or minimum value.
Q
force kN 4. Over a part of the span for which SF is zero, the
Up on the left Down on the left
bending moment has a constant value.
5. At a point where the bending-moment diagram
Nm
Bending
M kNm passes through zero, the curvature changes from
moment Sagging Hogging
(top fibre in compression) (top fibre in tension) Nmm concave upwards to concave downwards or vice
versa. This point is referred to as point of inflexion.
6. If a beam is subjected to two or more different
Shear-force variation systems of loading, the resulting shear and
Concentrated loads will change the value of the shear bending moment at a given section is the algebraic
force only at points where they occur, i.e. the shear sum of the values at the section. This is referred to
102 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

as the principle of superposition and applies also 1. Consider a section through the beam just to
to bending stresses, reactions and deflections. the left of D, and find the algebraic sum of all
vertical forces to the left of this section. ∑Fy = 0,
The following example demonstrates the construction therefore, shear force to the left of D is zero.
of diagrams representing shearing forces and bending 2. Consider a section just to the right of D, algebraic
moments. sum of forces to the left of this section is 10 kN
down to the left. Hence, shear force to the right
Example 6.7 of D is 10 kN (negative).
The distribution of loads in a simply supported beam is 3. The same result as in point 2 above will be found
as given in the diagram below. Determine the reactions for any such section between D and E. The
at the supports and draw the shear-force and bending- shear-force diagram between D and E is thus a
moment diagram. horizontal line at -10 kN.
4. Consider a section just to the right of E; the
algebraic sum of forces to the left of this section
a = 10 m b = 10 m c = 10 m is made up of P and RE given that the shear force
W2 = 4 kN/m equals (-10 + 40)  kN = + 30  kN, i.e. up to the
W1 = 2 kN/m left of section. Thus at E the shear-force diagram
P = 10 kN
changes from -10 kN to + 30 kN.
D F
5. As we approach the right-hand end of the beam
E G we find the mathematics easier to consider on
the right-hand side of any section. Section just
Solution: to the left of F. Shear force = (4 kN / m × 10 m)
- (30 kN) using the sign convention to determine
(a) Draw the free-body diagram of the beam. positive or negative. Shear force here equals +
40 - 30 = + 10 kN.
a = 10 m b = 10 m c = 10 m
6. Section just to the right of F. Shear force = + 40 -
30 = + 10 kN (i.e. no sudden change at F).
4 kN/m
7. Section just to the left of G. Shear force = -30 kN
2 kN/m
P = 10 kN 8. Variation of shear under a distributed load must
be linear.
D E F G

RE = 40 kN R G = 30 kN
a = 10 m b = 10 m c = 10 m
4 kN/m
(b) Determine the reactions at the supports. First use 2 kN/m
P = 10 kN
the condition for equilibrium of moments about
D E F G
a point:
RE = 40 kN
R G = 30 kN

∑ ME = 0 + 30 kN
kN
ME = (P × a) + (w1 × b × b / 2 ) + w2 × c(b+c / 2) 30
- RG (b + c) = 0 20
ME = -(10 × 10) + (2 × 10 × 5) + 4 × 10 × (15) + 10 kN
S.F.D. 10
- RG (20) = 0 0
H
m
0 10 20 30
RG = 30 kN -10 -10 kN
∑Fy = 0 hence -20
∑Fy = RE + RG - P-(w1 × b) - ( w2 × c) = 0 -30 kN
-30
∑ Fy = RE + 30 -10 - (2 × 10) - (4 × 10) = 0
RE = 40 kN

(c) Draw the shear-force diagram (SFD) directly Note the following from the shear-force diagram:
below the loading diagram and choose a r
Maximum shear force occurs at E and G where
convenient scale to represent the shear force. the values are + 30 kN and - 30 kN respectively.
These two transverse sections are the two most
Calculate the values of the shear force to the left and likely points for failure in shear.
to the right of all critical points. Critical points are: r
The maximum bending moment will occur where
r
at concentrated loads; the shear force is zero or where the shear force
r
at reactions; changes sign. However, note that cantilevered
r
at points where the magnitude of a distributed beams will always have maximum bending at the
load changes. fixed end.
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 103

a = 10 m b = 10 m c = 10 m
The shear-force diagram in the example has two
4 kN/m
points where the shear force is zero. One is at E and 2 kN/m
P = 10 kN
the other is between H and G. The position of H can
D E F G
be calculated from the fact that at F the shear force
RE = 40 kN
is 10  kN and, under the action of UDL to the right R G = 30 kN

of F, it reduces at the rate of 4 kN / m. It will read a kN + 30 kN

30
value of zero after 2.5 m, i.e. the point H is 2.5 m to
the right of F. 20
+ + 10 kN
S.F.D. 10
(d) Draw the bending-moment diagram directly 0
0 - 10 20 - 30
m

under the shear-force diagram and choose -10 2∙5 m

a convenient scale to represent the bending -20

moment. Calculate values of the bending moment -30
at all critical points. Critical points for bending
moment are:
+112.5 kNm
r
ends of the beam; 100
r
where the shear force is zero or changes sign; 50
r
other points that experience has shown to be B.M.D.
+

critical. 0 m
30
-
Values of bending moment are calculated using the -50

definition and sign convention, and considering each -100 -100 kNm
load (to one side of the point) separately. It is the effect
that one load would have on the bent shape at the
chosen point that determines the sign.

1. For the bending moment at D consider the left Note the following from the bending-moment
side of this point MD = 0 diagram:
r
The maximum negative bending-moment hogging
2. For the bending moment at E consider the left (100 kNm) occurs at E and the maximum positive
side of this point ME = P × a and the beam would bending moment sagging (112.5 kNm) occurs at a
assume a hogging shape: point between F and G. When designing beams in
materials such as concrete, the steel reinforcement
ME = -(10 × 10) = -100 kNm would have to be placed according to these
moments.
3. For the bending moment at F consider the loads r
The bending-moment diagram will also give
to the right of this point, a sagging beam results an indication as to how the loaded beam will
and: deflect. Positive bending moments (sagging) cause
compression in the top fibres of the beam, hence
MF = -(4 × 10 × 10 / 2) + (30 × 10) = 100 kNm they tend to bend the beam with the concave side
downwards.
4. The bending moment at G is obviously zero r
At the supported ends of a simple beam and at the
free end of a cantilevered beam, where there can
5. At point H we have the maximum bending be no resistance to bending, the bending moment
moment: considering the forces to the right of is always zero.
this point gives
Forces in pin-jointed frames
MH = -(4 × 7 512 × 7 5) + (30 × 7 5) Designing a framework necessitates finding the forces
= 112.5 (sagging) in the members. For the calculation of primary stresses,
each member is considered to be pin-jointed at each
6. The variation of the bending moment under a end so that it can transmit an axial force only in the
UDL is parabolic direction of the line connecting the pin joints at each
end. The force can be a pure tension (conventionally
7. If the inclusion of other points would be helpful designated positive), in which case the member is called
in drawing the curve, they should also be plotted. a tie, or a pure compression (conventionally designated
negative), when the member is called a strut.
These are internal forces that must be in equilibrium
with the external applied forces.
104 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

TIE
INTERNAL FORCE
EXTERNAL FORCE
∑Mc = 0 (FHG × CG) + (9 × CD) - (RE × 20) = 0

STRUT
CG = FX = 10 tan 30° = 5.774

CD = DE = FE / cos 30°

A number of different techniques can be used to
determine the forces in the members. FE = EX / cos 30° = 11.547 m
Joint analysis: This is based on considering the
equilibrium of each joint in turn and using the free- CD = 11 547 / cos 30° = 13.333 m
body diagram for each joint.
Method of sections: The free-body diagram RE = (9 + 12 + 12 ) / 2 = 15 kN
considered is for a portion of the framework to one side
or the other of a cut section. The forces in the members Hence (FHG × 5.774) + (9 × 13.333) - (15 × 20) = 0
cut by the section are included in the free-body FHG = 31.17
diagram. Application of the equations of equilibrium
will solve the unknown forces in the cut section. This
provides an analytical solution and is most useful when 12 kN 9 kN
2
requiring the answers for one or two members only.
C D
Example 6.8
H G F
9 kN 12 kN 9 kN 2 E

B C D
RE

H G F
A 30° E Take section 2-2.

10 m 10 m 10 m 10 m HC = FE = 11.547 (FBH × 11.547) + (9 × 13.333)

- (15 × 20) = 0 FBH = 15.59 kN
( all 30°, 60°, 90° triangle)

It can therefore be seen that FGH and FBH must be

clockwise to have equilibrium about point C. The
Find the forces and their direction in the members BH members GH and HB are therefore in tension.
and HG by using the method of sections.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Direct stress
12 kN 9 kN When a force is transmitted through a body, the body
1
tends to change its shape. Although these deformations
C D are seldom visible to the naked eye, the many fibres
or particles that make up the body transmit the force
throughout the length and section of the body, and the
G F fibres doing this work are said to be in a state of stress.
E Thus, a stress may be described as a mobilized internal
1 reaction that resists any tendency towards deformation.
RE
As the effect of the force is distributed over the cross-
section area of the body, stress is defined as force
transmitted or resisted per unit area.

FHG is found by taking a moment about point C,

Force
considering the right hand section (RHS) of the cut Thus Stress =
1-1 is in equilibrium. The forces FHC and FBC have no Area
moment about point CBL because they intersect at and
pass through the point. The SI unit for stress is Newtons per square metre
(N / m2). This is also called a Pascal (Pa). However, it
is often more convenient to use the multiple N / mm2.
 Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 105

490 kN
Note that 1 N / mm2 = 1 MN / m2 = 1 MPa

Tensile and compressive stress, which result from forces

acting perpendicular to the plane of cross-section in
question, are known as normal stress and are usually
symbolized with σ (the Greek letter sigma), sometimes
given a suffix t for tension (σt) or c for compression
(σc). Shear stress is produced by forces acting parallel
or tangential to the plane of cross-section and is
symbolized with τ (Greek letter tau).

3m
Tensile stress

Example 6.9 0∙7 m

m 0∙7

kN
45

12 45 kN
mm Solution a σt = = 150 MPa
300
Cross-section area mm
2
24 = 0.49 m2
mm
25 mm

490 kN
Stress= σc = = 1 000 kPa or 1 MPa
0.49 m2
150 mm

kN
45
Solution b
Weight of pier = 0.7 m × 0.7 m × 3.0 m × 19 kN / m3
= 28 kN

Consider a steel bar that is thinner at the middle of its Total load = 490 + 28 = 518 kN and
length than elsewhere, and that is subject to an axial
pull of 45 kN.
518 kN
If the bar were to fail in tension, it would be as a Stress = σc = = 1 057 kPa
result of breaking where the amount of material is at a 0.49 m2
minimum. The total force tending to cause the bar to
fracture is 45 kN at all cross-sections but, whereas the
effect of the force is distributed over a cross-sectional Shear stress
6 kN
area of 1 200 mm2 for part of the length of the bar, it is Shear stress = T = = 76 MPa
Example 6.11 78.5 mm
2
distributed over only 300 mm2 at the middle position.
Thus, the tensile stress is greatest in the middle and is: A rivet is used to connect two pieces of flat steel. If the
loads are large enough, the rivet could fail in shear, i.e.
not breaking but sliding of its fibres. Calculate the shear
45 kN
σt = = 150 MPa stress of theChange
rivet when the steel bars
in length $Lare subject to an
300 mm2 Direct strain
axial pull =
of 6 kN. =E=
original length L

Compressive stress
490 kN
Stress= σc = = 1 000 kPa or 1 MPa
0.49 m2 6.10
Example 6 kN
6 kN
A brick pier is 0.7 metres square and 3 metres high and
weighs 19 kN / m3. It is supporting an axial load from
a column of 490 kN. The load is spread uniformly over
the top of the pier, so the arrow shown in the diagram
6 kN
merely represents the resultant of the load. Calculate 6 kN 10 mm
(a)  the stress in the brickwork immediately under the
column, and (b) the stress at the bottom of the pier.
 106 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

Note that although the rivets do, in fact, strengthen elasticity (E), or Young’s modulus and should be
the connection by pressing the two steel bars together, considered as a measure of the stiffness of a material.
this strength cannot be calculated easily owing to
friction and is therefore neglected,  i.e. the rivet is
518 kN Stress FL
Stress =
assumed = all the2 =
toσgive
c
1 057 kPa
strength to the connection. Modulus of elasticity = E = =
0.49 m Strain A∆L
Cross-section area of rivet = 1/4 × π × 102 = 78.5 mm2
The modulus of elasticity will have the same units as
stress (Pa). This is because strain has no units.
6 kN
Shear stress = T = = 76 MPa A convenient way of demonstrating elastic behaviour
78.5 mm2 is to plot a graph of the results of a simple tensile test
carried out on a thin mild steel rod. The rod is hung
vertically and a series of forces are applied at the lower
Strain end. Two gauge points are marked on the rod and the
When loads ofChange
any typein are applied to $L
length a body, the body distance between them is measured after each force
Direct strain =
will always undergo dimension E=
=changes; increment has been added. The test is continued until
original length L this is called
deformation. 518 kN
Tensile and compressive stresses cause the rod breaks.
Stress = σc = = 1 057 kPa
changes in length, 0.49torsional-shearing
m2 stresses cause
twisting, and bearing stresses cause indentation in the
bearing surface.
Ultimate or maximum stress
In farm structures, where a uniaxial state of stress
Upper yield tic Stress at
is Shear
the usual stress 6 kN Plas
stress = T =considered, =the
76major
MPa deformation is point
Lower yield point
failure
78.5
in the axial direction. mm2
Although there are always small
Elastic limit
deformations present in the other two dimensions, they
are seldom significant. Stress (σ)
Limit of proportionality
ic
Elast

Change in length $L
Direct strain = =E=
original length L
Srain (ε)

Elongation ∆L Figure 6.1 Behaviour of a mild steel rod under tension

Original length L

Strained length Example 6.12

L + ∆L Two timber posts, measuring 150  millimetres square
and 4  metres high, are subjected to an axial load of
108  kN each. One post is made of pine timber (E =
By definition strain is a ratio of change and thus it is a 7  800  MPa) and the other is Australian blackwood (E
dimensionless quantity. = 15  300  MPa). How much will they shorten because
of the load?
Elasticity FL 108 000 × 4 000
All solid materials deform when they are stressed and, ∆L = = length L = 4 000 mm
Cross-section area A = 22 500 mm2; = 2.5 mm
AE 22 500 × 7 800
as the stress increases, the deformation also increases.
In many cases, when the load causing the deformation
FL 108 000 × 4 000
is removed, the material returns to its original size and Pine: ∆L = = = 2.5 mm
AE 22 500 × 7 800
shape and is said to be elastic. If the stress is steadily
increased, a point is reached when, after the removal of
FL 108 000 × 4 000
the load, not all of the induced strain is recovered. This Australian blackwood: ∆L = = = 1.3 mm
AE 22 500 ×15 300
limiting value of stress is called the elastic limit.
Within the elastic range, strain is proportional to the
stress causing it. This is called the modulus of elasticity. FL 108 000 × 4 000
Factor of safety
∆L = = = 1.3 mm
The greatest stress for which strain is still proportional The permissible
AE stresses must,
22 500 ×15 300 of course, be less than
is called the limit of proportionality (Hooke’s law). the stresses that would cause failure of the members of
Thus, if a graph is drawn of stress against strain as the structure – in other words there must be an ample
the load is gradually applied, the first portion of the safety margin. (In 2  000  BC, a building code declared
graph will be a straight line. The slope of this straight the life of the builder to be forfeit should the house
line is the constant of proportionality, modulus of collapse and kill the owner).
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 107

Also, deformations must be limited because excessive STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS AND LOADING
deflection may give rise to problems such as cracking of
ceilings, partitions and finishes, as well as adversely Applied loads
affecting the functional needs. Applied loads fall into three main categories: dead
Structural design is not an exact science and, while loads, wind loads and other imposed loads.
calculated values of reactions, stresses, etc. may be Dead loads are loads resulting from the self-
mathematically correct for the theoretical structure (i.e. weight of all permanent construction, including roof,
the model), they may be only approximate as far as the walls, floor, etc. The self-weight of some parts of a
actual behaviour of the structure is concerned. structure, e.g. roof cladding, can be calculated from the
For these and other reasons, it is necessary to ensure manufacturer’s data sheets, but the self-weight of the
that the design stress, working stress, allowable stress structural elements cannot be accurately determined
and permissible stress are less than the ultimate stress until the design is completed. Hence estimates of
or the yield stress. This margin is called the factor of self-weight of some members must be made before
safety. commencing a design analysis and the values checked
upon completion of the design.
Wind loads are imposed loads, but are usually treated
Ultimate (or yield) stress
Design stress = as a separate category owing to their transitory nature
factor of safety and their complexity. Very often wind loading proves
to be the most critical load imposed on agricultural
In the case of a material such as concrete, which does buildings. Wind loads are naturally dependent on wind
not have a well defined yield point, or brittle materials speed, but also on location, size, shape, height and
that behave in a linear manner up to failure, the factor construction of a building.
of safety is related to the ultimate stress (maximum Specific information concerning various load types
stress before breakage). Other materials, such as steel, is presented in Chapter 8.
have a yield point where a sudden increase in strain When designing a structure, it is necessary to
occurs, and at which point the stress is lower than consider which combination of dead and imposed loads
the ultimate stress. In this case, the factor of safety is could give rise to the most critical loading condition.
related to the yield stress in order to avoid unacceptable Not all the imposed loads will necessarily reach their
deformations. maximum values at the same time. In some cases (for
The value of the factor of safety has to be chosen example, light open sheds), wind loads may tend to
with a variety of conditions in mind, such as the: cause the roof structure to lift, producing an effect
r
accuracy in the loading assumptions; opposite in direction to that of the dead load.
r
permanency of the loads; Imposed loads are loads related to the use of the
r
probability of casualties or big economic losses in structure and to the environmental conditions,  e.g.
case of failure; weight of stored products, equipment, livestock, vehicles,
r
purpose of the building; furniture and people who use the building. Imposed
r
uniformity of the building material; loads include earthquake loads, wind loads and snow
r
workmanship expected from the builder; loads where applicable, and are sometimes referred to as
r
strength properties of the materials; superimposed loads because they are in addition to the
r
level of quality control ensuring that the materials dead loads.
are in accordance with their specifications; Dynamic loading results from a change of loading,
r
type of stresses developed; resulting directly from the movement of loads. For
r
cost of building materials. example, a grain bin may be affected by dynamic
loading if filled suddenly from a suspended hopper; it
Values of 3 to 5 are normally chosen when the factor of is not sufficient to consider the load solely when the bin
safety is related to ultimate stress, and values of 1.4 to is either empty or full.
2.4 are chosen when related to yield-point stress.
In the case of building materials such as steel Principle of superposition
and timber, different factors of safety are sometimes This principle states that the effect of a number of loads
considered for common loading systems and for applied at the same time is the algebraic sum of the
exceptional loading systems, in order to save materials. effects of the loads applied singly.
Common loadings are those that occur frequently,
whereas a smaller safety margin may be considered
4 kN 2 kN 6 kN 2 kN 4 kN 6 kN
for exceptional loadings, which occur less frequently
+ =
and seldom at full intensity, e.g. wind pressure,
3 kN 1 kN 4 kN 4 kN 7 kN 5 kN
earthquakes, etc.
108 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

Using standard load cases and applying the principle Structural elements
of superposition, complex loading patterns can be
solved. Standard case values of shear force, bending Cable
moment or deflection at particular positions along a Cables, cords, strings, ropes and wires are flexible
member can be evaluated, after which the total value because of their small lateral dimensions in relation to
of such parameters for the actual loading system can be their length, and therefore have very limited resistance
found by algebraic summation. to bending. Cables are the most efficient structural
elements because they allow every fibre of the cross-
Effects of loading section to resist the applied loads up to any allowable
After the loads have been transformed into definable stress. However, their application is limited by the fact
load systems, the designer must consider how the loads that they can be used only in tension.
will be transmitted through the structure. Loads are not
transmitted as such, but as load effects.
It is usual practice to orientate the Cartesian z-z axis
along the length of the member and the x-x and y-y axes
along the horizontal and vertical cross-sectional axes
respectively, when considering a structural member that
occupies a certain space (see the figure below).

Rod
Z
Rods, bars and poles are used to resist tensile or
Y compressive loads. In a rod or a bar under axial tension,
the full cross section can be considered and the full
allowable stress for the material can be used in design
calculations.
X

Column
Rods or bars under compression are the basis for vertical
structural elements such as columns, stanchions, piers
Z
X and pillars. They are often used to transfer load effects
Y from beams, slabs and roof trusses to the foundations.
They may be loaded axially or they may have to be
designed to resist bending when the load is eccentric.
Primary load effects
A primary load effect is defined as being the direct
result of a force or a moment, which has a specific
orientation with respect to the three axes. Any single
load or combination of loads can give rise to one or
more of these primary load effects. In most cases, a
member will be designed basically to sustain one load
effect, usually the one producing the greatest effect.
In more complex situations, the forces and moments
are resolved into their components along the axes, after
which the load effects are first studied separately for
one axis at a time, and subsequently their combined
effects are considered when giving the member its size
and shape.
The choice of material for a member may be
influenced to some extent by the type of loading. For
instance, concrete has little or no strength in tension Ties and struts
and is therefore unsuitable for use alone as a tie. When bars are connected with pin joints and the
Tension, compression, shear, bending and torsion resulting structure loaded at the joints, a structural
are all primary load effects. Secondary load effects, framework called a pin-jointed truss or lattice frame
such as deflection, are derived from the primary load is obtained. The members are subjected only to axial
effects. loads and members in tension are called ties, while
members in compression are called struts.
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 109

The load on a beam causes longitudinal tension

and compression stresses, and shear stresses. Their
S S
magnitudes will vary along, and within, the beam.
S
T T
S
The span that a beam can usefully cover is limited by
S S the self-weight of the beam, i.e. it will eventually reach a
T T T
length when it is capable of supporting only itself. To a
degree, this problem is overcome with the hollow web
beam and the lattice girder or frame. The safe span for
long, lightly loaded beams can be increased somewhat
S S S S S S by removing material from the web, even though the
shear capacity will be reduced.
T T T T T
S S S S S S S

T T T T T T

Web
Flanges
Hallow web beam
Beam
A beam is a member used to resist a load acting across
its longitudinal axis by transferring the effect over a
distance between supports – referred to as the span. Arch
The arch can be shaped such that, for a particular loading,
all sections of the arch are under simple compression with
no bending. Arches exert vertical and horizontal thrusts
on their supports, which can prove troublesome in the
design of supporting walls. This problem of horizontal
thrust can be eliminated by connecting a tension member
between the support points.

an
Sp

Simple arch

Built - in ends

TIE

Deflection shape
BOW STRING ARCH
Simply supported

Frames
Plane frames are also made up of beams and columns,
the only difference being that they are rigidly connected
at the joints. Internal forces at any cross-section of the
plane frame member are: bending moment, shear force
Cantilever
and axial force.
110 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

C
x x

Moment of inertia
The area moment of inertia (I), or to use the more
PROPERTIES OF STRUCTURAL SECTIONS correct term, second moment of area, is a property that
When designing beams in bending, columns in measures the distribution of area around a particular
buckling, etc., it is necessary to refer to a number of axis of a cross-section, and is an important factor in its
basic geometrical properties of the cross-sections of resistance to bending. Other factors, such as the strength
structural members. of the material from which a beam is made, are also
important for resistance to bending, and are allowed for
Area in other ways. The moment of inertia measures only
Cross-section areas (A) are generally calculated in how the geometric properties or shape of a section affect
square millimetres, because the dimensions of most its value as a beam or slender column. The best shape
structural members are given in millimetres, and values for a section is one that has the greater part of its area as
for design stresses found in tables are usually given in distant as possible from its centroidal, neutral axis.
Newtons per millimetre square (N / mm2). For design purposes, it is necessary to use the
moment of inertia of a section about the relevant axis
Centre of gravity or centroid or axes.
This is a point about which the area of the section is
evenly distributed. Note that the centroid is sometimes Calculation of moment of inertia
outside the actual cross-section of the structural element. Consider a rectangle that consists of an infinite number
of strips. The moment of inertia about the x-x axis of
Reference axes such a strip is the area of the strip multiplied by the
It is usual to consider the reference axes of structural square of the perpendicular distance from its centroid
sections as those passing through the centroid. In general, to the x-x axis, i.e. b × ∆y × y2
the x-x axis is drawn perpendicular to the greatest lateral
dimension of the section, and the y-y axis is drawn
b
perpendicular to the x-x axis, intersecting it at the centroid.
∆y
y

d/2
y

C
x x x x

d/2

y
The sum of all such products is the moment of
inertia about the x-x axis for the whole cross-section.
By applying calculus and integrating as follows, the
exact value for the moment of inertia can be obtained.
C
x x

+d 2
bd3
Ixx = ∫
−d 2
by2 dy =
12
y
 +d 2
bd3
Ixx = ∫ by dy6 =– Basic
Chapter
−d 2
2
12 mechanics 111

For a circular cross-section: and from the principle of parallel axes, the Ixx of one
flange equals:
PD4
Ixx = (7.2 × 106) + (86 × 100 × 2002) = 351.2 × 106 mm4
64
Thus the total Ixx of the web plus two flanges equals:
Moments of inertia for other cross-sections are given later
and in Table 4.3. For structural rolled-steel sections, the Ixx = (22.5 × 106) + (351.2 × 106) + (351.2 × 106)
moment of inertia can be found tabulated in handbooks. = 725 × 106 mm4
Some examples are given in Appendix V.3.
The Iyy of the above beam section is most easily found
Principle of parallel axes by adding the Iyy of the three rectangles of which
According to the principle of parallel axes, if the it consists, because the y-y axis is their common
moment of inertia of any area (e.g. top flange of the neutral axis, and moments of inertia may be added or
beam shown below) about any axis is parallel to its subtracted if they are related to the same axis.
centroidal axis, then the product of the area of the shape
and the square of the perpendicular distance between
100 300 100
the axes must be added to the moment of inertia about
the centroidal axis of that shape.

10
y
Example 6.13

86
Determine the moment of inertia about the x-x axis and
the y-y axis for the I-beam shown in the figure. The
beam has a web of 10 mm plywood and the flanges are
made of 38 mm by 100 mm timber, which are nailed and
glued to the plywood web. 100 × 863 300 ×103
Iyy = 2 × +
12 12
86
= 2 × 5.3 ×10 + 0.025 ×106
6
Timber 38x100
= 10.6 ×106 mm4
F F
100

Section modulus
In problems involving bending stresses in beams, a
200

property called section modulus (Z) is useful. It is the

Plywood
x x ratio of the moment of inertia (I) about the neutral axis
500
300

10
of the section to the distance (C) from the neutral axis
to the edge of the section.

Unsymmetrical cross-sections
Sections for which a centroidal reference axis is not an
axis of symmetry will have two section moduli for that
axis.
Solution:
Ixx I
The entire cross-section of both the beam and the Zxx1 = ; Zxx2 = xx
y1 y2
cross-section of the web have their centroids on the x-x
axis, which is therefore their centroidal axis. Similarly,
the F-F axis is the centroidal axis for the top flange.
y

bd bd103 × 300
3 3
= = 10 × 300
3
Ixx of the web using = 22.5
=× 106×mm
22.5
4
106 mm4 y1
12 12 12 12

x x
The moment of inertia of one flange about its own y2
centroidal axis (F-F):

y
86 × 1003
86 × 100 3
IFF of one flange = = 7.2=×7.2
106×mm 4
106 mm4
12 12
112 Rural structures in the tropics: design and development

TABLE 6.3
Properties of structural sections
Section Area Moment Section Radius Distance from
(mm2) of inertia modulus of gyration extreme fibre
or (m2) (mm4) or (m4) (mm3) or (m3) (mm) or (m) to centroid
(mm) or (m)
A Ixx Iyy Zxx Zyy rxx ryy y x
Rectangle bd bd 3
db 3
bd 2
db d b d
b
y=
12 12 6 6 12 12 2

d b d
y=
G
d 12 12 2
y

a Square a2 a4 a4 a3 a3 a a a
y=x=
12 12 6 6 12 12 2
y
y
G
a x x

Square a2 a4 a4 a3 a3 a a a
y y=x=
with 12 12 6 2 6 2 12 12 2
a
y diagonal
G axes
x x

y x

y Circle D2 D4 D4 D3 D3 D D D
x y=
4 64 64 32 32 4 4 2

D
x=
x
G
x 2
y

y Annulus (D2 − d2) (D4 − d4) (D4 − d4) (D3 − d3) (D3 − d3) D
x 4 (D2 d2) 4 (D2 d2) y=
4 64 32 32 32 2

y D
x=
d x
G
x 2

y
D

Radius of gyration
I I I I
Radius of gyration (r) is the property of a cross-section rxx r=xx = xx xx and ryy r=yy = yy yy
Therefore,
A A A A
that measures the distribution of the area of the cross-
section in relation to the axis. In structural design,
it is used in relation to the length of compression (general relationship I = Ar2)
members, such as columns and struts, to estimate their
slenderness ratio and hence their tendency to buckle.
Slender compression members tend to buckle about
the axis for which the radius of gyration is a minimum
value. From the equations, it will be seen that the least
radius of gyration is related to the axis about which the
least moment of inertia occurs.
Chapter 6 – Basic mechanics 113

REVIEW QUESTIONS FURTHER READING

1. Sketch the shear and bending moment diagrams Al Nageim, H., Durka, F., Morgan, W. & Williams
for the beams below, indicating values of shear D.T. 2010. Structural mechanics: loads, analysis,
force and bending moment at the key points. materials and design of structural elements. 7th
edition. London, Pearson Education.
a) Nelson, G.L., Manbeck, H.B. & Meador, N.F. 1988.
Light agricultural and industrial structures: analysis
and design. AVI Book Co.
Prasad, I.B. 2000. A text book of strength of materials.
20th edition. 2B, Nath Market, Nai Sarak, Delhi,
Khanna Publishers.
Roy, S.K & Chakrabarty, S. 2009. Fundamentals
of structural analysis with computer analysis and
b) W N/m
applications. Ram Nagar, New Delhi, S. Chand and
Company Ltd.
Salvadori, M. & Heller, R. 1986. Structure in
architecture: the building of buildings. 3rd edition.
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall.
2
L
1
L
Whitlow, R. 1973. Materials and structures. New York,
3 3
Longman.

2. Find the reactions on beam BC.

2 3
60˚ 60˚

1
B C
4 5
P

L/2 L/2

3. Two concentrated loads of 100  kN and 200  kN

advance along a girder with a 20-metre span, the
distance between the loads being 8 metres. Find
the position of the section that has to support the
greatest bending moment, and calculate the value
of the bending moment.

4. A load of 100  kN, followed by another load

of 50  kN, at a distance of 10  metres, advances
across a girder with a 100-metre span. Obtain an
expression for the maximum bending moment at
a section of the girder at a distance of z metres
from an abutment.