
140 CHAPTER 4INTERNAL LOADINGS DEVELOPED IN S TRUCTURAL MEMBERS
4
Procedure for Analysis
The following procedure provides a method for determining the
variation of shear and moment in a beam as a function of position x.
Support Reactions
• Determine the support reactions on the beam and resolve all the
external forces into components acting perpendicular and parallel
to the beam’s axis.
Shear and Moment Functions
• Specify separate coordinates x and associated origins, extending into
regions of the beam between concentrated forces and/or couple
moments, or where there is a discontinuity of distributed loading.
• Section the beam perpendicular to its axis at each distance x, and
from the free-body diagram of one of the segments determine the
unknowns V and M at the cut section as functions of x. On the free-
body diagram, V and M should be shown acting in their positive
directions, in accordance with the sign convention given in Fig. 4–1.
• V is obtained from and M is obtained by summing
moments about the point S located at the cut section,
• The results can be checked by noting that and
where w is positive when it acts upward, away from
the beam. These relationships are developed in Sec. 4–3.
dV>dx = w,
dM>dx = V
©M
S
= 0.
©F
y
= 0
The joists, beams, and girders used to support this floor can be
designed once the internal shear and moment are known
throughout their lengths.