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CCz05 -Mechanics of Structures

PRACTICAL 2

EXPERIMENT

3a : Simply Supported Beam with a point Load

OBJECTIVE : To compare the value of deflection and gradient (slope) from the test and theory for the simply supported beam THEORY
:

Macaulay's methods

The application of a double integration method to a beam subjected to a discontinuous load leads to a number of bending equations and their constants. The derivation of the deflection curve by this method is tedious to say the least. We therefore use a 'step function'which is more commonly known as Macauly's method. The method of solution requires only one equation for the entire beam and thus only two constants of integration' The step function is a function of x of the form f(x)=[x-a]n such that for x < a, f(x)=g and for X )d, f(x)=(x-a)n. The important feature to note is that if the quantity inside the square brackets becomes negative we omit it from any subsequent analysis. Care must be taken

to

mathematical continuity where we have a distributed load we continue it to x=1 and superimpose additional loadings which cancel out the extra load we added to the problem in order to obtain a solution. Three common step functions for Bending Moment are shown
below;

retain the identity of the square bracket term under integration.

For

x=a , M=Mo[x-a]o
W

J
W

x=a l,
I

w =w [x-a]l

rrI-rTlTTlTn
x=a

x=a

, M=i[*_"),

Prepared By Norbaini Mohamed

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